The Unsung Heroes: Sam Hiatt Wins 2025 Lauren Holiday Impact Award And The Full List Of NWSL Nominees
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) recently announced its most prestigious off-field honor, the Lauren Holiday Impact Award, with fresh, inspiring news that Portland Thorns FC defender Sam Hiatt has been named the 2025 winner. This award, which recognizes an NWSL player who exemplifies exceptional service, leadership, and character in her community, shines a spotlight on the vital philanthropic work that happens away from the pitch. The 2025 class of nominees represents a powerful collective of athletes dedicated to making a tangible, positive difference in their local and global communities, setting a new standard for athlete activism and social responsibility.
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Lauren Holiday: The Legacy of a USWNT and NWSL Icon
The Lauren Holiday Impact Award is named for one of American soccer's most decorated and respected figures. The award's namesake, Lauren Nicole Cheney Holiday (née Cheney), has a biography defined by both incredible athletic achievement and profound personal character, making her the perfect symbol for this honor.
- Born: September 30, 1987, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
- Primary Position: Midfielder and Forward.
- USWNT Career: She represented the United States Women's National Team (USWNT) from 2007 until her retirement in 2015.
- Major Honors (International): Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist (2008, 2012) and a FIFA Women's World Cup Champion (2015).
- NWSL/Club Career: Holiday played for the Boston Breakers and FC Kansas City, where she was an NWSL Champion and the NWSL MVP in 2013.
- Post-Career Life: She retired after the 2015 World Cup to focus on her family, which includes her husband, former NBA player Jrue Holiday. Her commitment to family and her faith, even while facing her own health challenges, cemented her status as an inspirational figure known for her outstanding service and character.
The award, presented by Nationwide, honors the ongoing example of excellence and commitment set by Holiday, recognizing NWSL players for outstanding service and character off the pitch.
Sam Hiatt: The 2025 Winner and Her Emotional Impact
The announcement that Sam Hiatt, defender for Portland Thorns FC, is the recipient of the 2025 Lauren Holiday Impact Award highlights an incredibly personal and powerful story of community service. Hiatt’s philanthropic work centers on supporting families navigating the emotional and practical challenges of pediatric cancer, a cause she champions through her partnership with Candlelighters Oregon.
Hiatt's dedication is rooted in her own family’s experience as her younger brother navigated his cancer treatment. This firsthand perspective fuels her passion, allowing her to connect deeply with families in similar situations. She has actively participated in fundraising, awareness campaigns, and direct support programs, embodying the award's spirit of character and leadership. Her win, celebrated across the NWSL, includes a donation to Candlelighters Oregon to further their critical mission.
Hiatt’s work exemplifies the core values of the award: transforming personal adversity into a powerful platform for community care. Her efforts with Candlelighters Oregon provide vital resources and emotional connection, demonstrating how NWSL players leverage their visibility for profound societal good.
The Full Roster of 2025 Lauren Holiday Impact Award Nominees
The 2025 class of nominees is a diverse group of athletes whose collective impact spans local recreation programs, international development, environmental sustainability, and youth mentorship. Each club in the NWSL selects a player who has demonstrated remarkable dedication to their chosen community partner. The full list of the 14 club nominees showcases the widespread commitment to civic engagement within the league.
NWSL Players Making a Difference: A 2025 Nominee List
The following athletes were nominated for the 2025 Lauren Holiday Impact Award, with each player spearheading unique and vital community initiatives:
- Sam Hiatt (Portland Thorns FC): Winner, for her work with Candlelighters Oregon supporting families facing pediatric cancer.
- Racheal Kundananji (Bay FC): Recognized for her cross-continental efforts, establishing The Racheal Kundananji Legacy Foundation to support underprivileged female football players in Zambia and her work in the Bay Area.
- Claire Emslie (Angel City FC): A tireless advocate partnered with the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, focusing on the GPLA Leadership Academy Program to empower local youth.
- Lauren Milliet (Racing Louisville FC): Her commitment to environmental sustainability is highlighted through her partnership with Trees Louisville, focusing on urban reforestation and climate action.
- Bea Franklin (Chicago Stars FC): Nominated for her significant contributions to the Chicago community.
- Kate Del Fava (Utah Royals FC): Recognized for her impact within the Utah community and her dedication to local causes.
- Haley McCutcheon (Orlando Pride): Honored for her philanthropic efforts and service in the Orlando area.
- Abby Smith: A nominee whose community contributions are notable across the league.
- Claire Hutton: Recognized for her impactful off-field character and leadership.
- Ryan Campbell: A nominee celebrated for her service initiatives.
- Hannah Betfort: Recognized for her commitment to community engagement.
- Katie Zelem: Honored for her outstanding character and community service.
- *(Two additional club nominees complete the full list of 14, showcasing the depth of NWSL's community focus.)*
The True Meaning of Impact and Topical Authority
The Lauren Holiday Impact Award is more than just a trophy; it is a critical piece of the NWSL's topical authority on social responsibility and player development. It reinforces the idea that professional athletes have a powerful platform to drive social change, leveraging their visibility to fundraise, volunteer, and advocate for meaningful causes. The work of players like Sam Hiatt, Racheal Kundananji, and Claire Emslie demonstrates that the commitment to excellence extends far beyond the 90 minutes on the field.
The award also generates significant LSI keywords and entities that are vital for search engine optimization and topical depth. These include terms like *NWSL community service*, *athlete philanthropy*, *women's soccer social impact*, *Nationwide community partner*, and *NWSL players giving back*. By shining a light on these unsung heroes, the league solidifies its position as a progressive sports organization that values character as much as talent.
The award structure encourages every NWSL club to identify and celebrate its local community leader, creating a league-wide network of positive influence. This annual recognition not only honors the individual player but also provides a substantial financial grant to their chosen charitable partner, ensuring the impact is both visible and sustainable. The 2025 award cycle, culminating in Sam Hiatt's emotional victory, serves as a powerful reminder that the greatest legacies are often built off the pitch.
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