The NWSL's 2026 season is off to a thrilling start, and the league's recent jersey sales report tells a compelling story of star power and homecoming. While Washington Spirit's Trinity Rodman leads the pack, the #2 spot belongs to a player who hasn't graced an NWSL pitch since 2021: Lindsey Heaps. This impressive ranking underscores the massive anticipation for her return, which is now just around the corner.
Heaps, a native of Golden, Colorado, is set to make her highly-anticipated NWSL comeback this summer with expansion side Denver Summit FC. But first, she'll get a special preview of her future home stadium. This week, Heaps returns to Colorado with the US Women's National Team as they prepare to face Japan at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park—the very ground where she'll soon don the Summit jersey.
"I saw the jersey sales come out, which was really special," Heaps told reporters. "I'm so thankful. I'm not even here yet, and for us to have that as a club is so cool. I hope I get to see some of those out in the crowd tomorrow."
Her journey back to Colorado is a full-circle moment. After five dominant years with French powerhouse OL Lyonnes, where she focused on closing her chapter strongly, Heaps is drawn home by the chance to play in front of her community. She's already distributed over 50 tickets to friends and family for the USWNT match, highlighting the personal significance of this move.
Reflecting on her roots, Heaps shared, "I think back to me when I was that young individual growing up here... I wasn't this talented, super athletic player. I had to work on it, but it was because I loved it so much." This connection to the next generation of Colorado soccer players is a key part of her mission with the Summit.
Beyond the personal narrative, Heaps' signing is a major coup for the league. USWNT head coach Emma Hayes sees it as a statement, signaling the NWSL's growing allure for top global talent. For fans, it means the chance to soon see one of the world's best defenders week in and week out, bringing a new level of excitement and elite play to the Rocky Mountains.