The U.S. women’s national team (USWNT) will feature veterans Lindsey Heaps, formerly known as Horan, and Lynn Biyendolo, who previously went by Williams, showcasing their new married names in the SheBelieves Cup. This marks a significant moment as both players step onto the field under their new identities.

Heaps Uses Both Names

While Heaps takes to the pitch with her married name, her time at Olympique Lyonnais still reflects her birth name, Horan, due to league regulations regarding name changes mid-season.

Biyendolo’s Unique Story

Biyendolo embraced her husband’s surname to honor cultural traditions, sharing that the name “Biyendolo” holds special significance in her family.

USWNT’s History of Name Changes

The trend of players adopting married names continues with several teammates, including Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson. Notable figures like Lauren Holiday and Julie Ertz have also followed this path, integrating their married names after their respective weddings.

No Name Change, No Problem

On the flip side, players like Crystal Dunn and Casey Murphy have chosen to retain their original surnames after marriage, highlighting the diversity of choices among the team.

A list of USWNT players not changing their names includes legends such as Alex Morgan and Carli Lloyd, who maintained their names throughout their careers.