New Names, Same Game: The Recently Married Stars of Women’s Soccer
This offseason included numerous weddings and we love that! Many USWNT and NWSL players tied the knot with their partners over the break.
Throughout women’s soccer, we have seen many professionals carry the last name of their partner. Mallory Swanson, Julie Ertz, and Lauren Holiday are just a few of the legends who decided to change their last name. While the decision may be a conflicting one, Lynn Williams explained beautifully why she chose to carry Biyendolo in her appearance on Sam Mewis’s podcast. Her reasoning may resonate with those who have made the same choice.
Yet, the freedom to change the surname should be just that. Many WoSo legends have also chosen not to carry the surnames of their partner, like Alex Morgan and Sam Mewis. There is power in both options and regardless of which decision professional athletes make, it should be respected by fans and all audiences. Here, we’ll look at those relationships as their new chapter unfolds.
Lindsey Horan & Tyler Heaps
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This power couple has been going strong for years now. Horan and Heaps stepping into marriage comes to no surprise to many soccer followers. The two met during Horan’s tenure with the Portland Thorns. Heaps worked closely with Horan as he helped prepare footage and data for the US squad. Both have shared with the world their commitment to one another, and it is such a beautiful thing to witness.
Tierna Davidson & Alison Jahansouz
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Tierna shared the news on Instagram, admitting she’s “Running into 2025 with her wife.” The two first met while playing for Stanford in 2017. With times feeling grim for the LGBTQ+ community, queer weddings are always uplifting to see and bring joy to many community members. Wishing the two nothing but the best!
Lynn Williams & Marley Biyendolo
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Lynn and Marley have been together since their time at Pepperdine University. The two both have a passion for sports and lively personalities. Marley spent time playing basketball while at Pepperdine but made waves on reality television when he won season 13 of “Big Brother Australia” and appeared on “The Challenge: Australia.”
Sophia Smith & Michael Wilson
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From college sweethearts to husband and wife, Smith and Wilson took their longtime love to the next level. Both continue to grow in their respective fields as Smith has made long strides with the USWNT, and Wilson continues to develop with the Arizona Cardinals. They are still very young and have many years of playing ahead of them. To witness their evolution as a couple and as individual players will be special in the years to come.
Emily Van Egmond & Kat Thompson
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Australian soccer star Van Egmond and San Diego-based photographer Kat Thompson married in December 2024. In 2023 the two met on a dating app while working in San Diego. Ever since then, the two have only grown together and have now begun a new, exciting chapter.
Their wedding was held in a vineyard in the Hunter Valley. Van Egmond is a beloved member of the Australian team, so it came to no surprise that many Matildas joined the celebration. Sam Kerr, with fiance Kristie Mewis, joined the fun along with Arsenal star Katie McCabe and her partner Caitlin Foord.
Image via @lindseyhoran10
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