
Newlywed USWNT Stars Lindsey Heaps and Lynn Biyendolo Debut Their Married Names in SheBelieves Cup
Lindsey Heaps and Lynn Biyendolo take the field under new names as the USWNT kicks off the SheBelieves Cup.
The U.S. women’s national team roster for the SheBelieves Cup might have some new names, but not all are new to the fold.
Two USWNT veterans will now use their married names after their winter nuptials, participating in their first matches with new identities. Lindsey Heaps, previously known as Horan, and Lynn Biyendolo, who was once Williams, are ready to make their debuts at the SheBelieves Cup.
Heaps will be sporting her new last name on the back of her jersey for the first time, although this comes with the quirk of still being listed as Horan while playing for Olympique Lyonnais.
Conversely, Biyendolo embraced the uniqueness of her husband’s surname, which she feels connects deeply to her family lineage and culture, particularly honoring her father-in-law, Clotaire Biyendolo.
Quoting Biyendolo: “In the Congo, in African culture, sometimes you are gifted a name, you’re gifted the last name… This tradition is special to me and I am proud to have it represent my family.”
Other players on the USWNT have also made name changes after marriage, including notable names like Mallory Swanson, formerly known as Pugh, and Julie Ertz, who was once Johnston. Meanwhile, some players, such as Crystal Dunn, opted to retain their original surnames.