5 Shocking Facts About Jrue Holiday's Wife, Lauren Holiday: From Olympic Gold To NWSL Owner
The Complete Biography and Profile of Lauren Holiday
Lauren Nicole Cheney Holiday is one of the most decorated American soccer players of her generation, transitioning her competitive spirit into impactful business and philanthropic roles in her post-playing career. Her life story is one of elite athletic success, personal challenge, and profound social commitment.
- Full Name: Lauren Nicole Cheney Holiday
- Date of Birth: September 30, 1987
- Age (as of December 2025): 38
- Birthplace: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Spouse: Jrue Holiday (Married 2013)
- Children: Two (Daughter, Jrue Tyler, born 2016; Son, born 2020)
- Education: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Primary Sport: Soccer (Midfielder/Forward)
- Professional Career Highlights:
- United States Women's National Team (USWNT) (2007–2015)
- Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist (2008, 2012)
- FIFA Women's World Cup Champion (2015)
- NWSL Championship (2014)
- NWSL MVP (2013)
- Current Roles: Co-founder of the Jrue and Lauren Holiday Social Impact Fund (JLHSIF), Co-Owner of North Carolina Courage (NWSL), Board Member of Estoril Praia (Portugal).
From UCLA Sweethearts to Professional Sports Power Couple
The foundation of Jrue and Lauren Holiday’s relationship was built on a shared experience as elite college athletes. They first met in 2008 while both were attending UCLA—Jrue as a budding basketball star and Lauren as an established soccer prodigy. Their connection was immediate, rooted in a mutual understanding of the dedication required for professional sports.
The couple married in 2013, solidifying a partnership that would soon face immense challenges and celebrate monumental successes. Jrue, a standout NBA point guard, and Lauren, a dominant force for the USWNT, quickly became one of the most respected athletic couples globally. Their combined success—Jrue winning NBA championships and Lauren clinching Olympic Gold and the World Cup—is almost unparalleled in modern sports.
Their family expanded with the birth of their daughter, Jrue Tyler, in 2016, and a son in 2020. It was during the pregnancy with their first child that the couple faced their most significant test, which redefined their priorities and public image.
The Health Scare That Defined Their Partnership
In 2016, a life-altering event brought the Holidays' world to a halt. While pregnant with their first child, Lauren was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor located on the membrane covering her brain, known as a meningioma. The news was devastating, requiring surgery shortly after the birth of their daughter.
In a powerful display of commitment, Jrue Holiday made the decision to step away from the NBA indefinitely to care for his wife and newborn child. This act of prioritizing family over a multi-million-dollar NBA career resonated deeply with fans and the media, cementing their reputation as a couple with unshakeable values. Lauren successfully underwent surgery and made a full recovery, a testament to her strength and the support of her husband.
This experience was a major catalyst for their philanthropic work, fueling their desire to support others facing similar challenges and systemic inequalities.
Latest 2025 Updates: Ownership, Philanthropy, and Global Ventures
The Holidays are not slowing down in their post-playing careers; in fact, they are expanding their influence in the sports and business world, making headlines as recently as April 2025. This focus on impact and investment shows a clear path toward establishing a lasting legacy beyond their playing days.
Recent Business and Sports Investments
In a major development in April 2025, Lauren and Jrue Holiday joined the ownership group of the North Carolina Courage, a prominent team in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). This move is particularly significant for Lauren, who was a former NWSL MVP and champion, allowing her to invest in the league she once dominated.
Furthermore, recent announcements indicate Lauren Holiday is set to join the board of Estoril Praia, a professional football club in Portugal. These investments underscore their commitment to growing the sport of soccer, particularly the women's game, and expanding their business portfolio internationally.
The Jrue and Lauren Holiday Social Impact Fund (JLHSIF)
Perhaps their most enduring legacy is the Jrue and Lauren Holiday Social Impact Fund (JLHSIF). Launched in 2020, the fund was initially financed by Jrue Holiday's remaining NBA salary for the season, a pledge of over $5 million.
The JLHSIF is dedicated to supporting Black-owned businesses and non-profits in underserved communities, particularly in the cities where Jrue has played, such as New Orleans, Milwaukee, and now Boston. The fund focuses on creating generational wealth and addressing systemic inequities through grants and strategic partnerships. Their work highlights their commitment to social justice and economic empowerment, making them powerful role models for athletes worldwide.
The couple's ability to balance a high-profile NBA career with major business investments and significant charitable work shows a maturity and focus rarely seen in professional sports. Lauren Holiday's transition from a USWNT icon to a sports owner and philanthropist is a powerful continuation of her already remarkable life story.
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