Two-time Olympic champion, 2015 World Cup winner and two-time National Women’s Soccer League champion Lauren Holiday has joined the ownership group of the North Carolina Courage alongside her husband, Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday.
The two have invested in the Courage through their Holiday Family Trust, the team announced Wednesday. Lauren Holiday will serve as an advisor and ambassador for the NWSL club.
“This club represents the future of women’s soccer — not just in how we play the game, but in how we empower athletes, connect with communities, and build a sustainable future for the sport,” Lauren Holiday said in a statement. “I believe deeply in the mission and vision of the Courage, and I’m excited to contribute in meaningful ways — especially when it comes to player development and overall culture.”
Lauren Holiday will be an advisor and ambassador and will join fellow investors Naomi Osaka, Jim and Sue Datin, Ons Jabeur, Sara Toussaint, Milan and Stephanie DiGiulio, Tory Holt, Michael and Ashlie Bucy and Jay Hartington.
The NWSL legend enjoyed a successful soccer career. Lauren Holiday helped the U.S. women’s team to gold medals during the 2008 and 2012 Olympics before playing a key role in the 2015 FIFA World Cup title.
After she retired from professional soccer in 2016, Lauren Holiday was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor while pregnant with her and Jrue Holiday’s first child. After she gave birth to their daughter, Jrue Holiday took a leave of absence from the NBA after his wife underwent surgery.
The tumor was successfully removed and the couple now have two children together.
The NWSL has an annual award, the Lauren Holiday Impact Award, which honors players for contributions to their local communities.
The Associated Press contributed to this article