The Lauren Holiday Impact Award: How NWSL players give back

In 2021, the NWSL launched the Nationwide Community Impact Award, an annual honor given to a player for their work off the pitch. In 2024, the league announced that the award would be renamed to the Lauren Holiday Impact Award to honor former USWNT and NWSL player Lauren Holiday for her work on and off the pitch. Each year, one player from each club is nominated for their work with a community partner. 

Bay FC’s Jen Beattie won the inaugural edition of the revamped award in 2024 for her work off the pitch with Pink Ribbon Good, an organization dedicated to supporting and providing services to people and families fighting breast and gynecological cancer. Beattie is a breast cancer survivor herself, having been diagnosed at the age of 29. After going into remission, Beattie was committed to using her platform to raise awareness of breast cancer and promote early detection. 

Sam Hiatt from the Portland Thorns won the second edition under the new name in 2025, securing a $50,000 donation for her community partner, Candlelighters Oregon, a non-profit organization supporting families in Oregon and southwest Washington that are affected by childhood cancer. Similarly to Beattie, Hiatt was motivated by personal experience in her advocacy. In 2020, her younger brother was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer. Hiatt and her family felt a lot of support during this time and she was determined to make sure that other families were able to receive the same assistance.

On April 28th, the NWSL announced the 2026 nominees for the Lauren Holiday Impact Award. 

And who are the nominees?

Angel City FC’s Savy King was nominated for her work with Savy King of Hearts, an non-profit promoting CPR education and awareness, preventative screenings, and heart health advocacy. King herself founded this organization following her own experience receiving life-saving medical care on the field.

Bay FC’s nominee is midfielder Hannah Bebar, who is working with the Bay Area Women’s Sport Initiative (BAWSI). This organization aims to help girls from under-resourced neighborhoods to play and stay in sports, as girls who play sports have better health outcomes and graduate at higher rates. 

Boston Legacy FC nominated forward Fauzia Najjemba for her work with Soccer Without Borders Massachusetts. Soccer Without Borders Massachusetts supports newcomer and immigrant youth in participating in sport. This helps these youth overcome barriers and gain a sense of belonging in a new country.

Goalkeeper Katie Atkinson was nominated for Chicago Stars FC, working with Lurie Children’s Hospital’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. This center treats more children with cancer and blood disorders than any other hospital in Illinois. Atkinson had previously worked with pediatric oncology organizations during her time in Louisville, and is now continuing the same work in Chicago. 

Denver Summit’s Carson Pickett was the first professional football player with a limb difference to play in the NWSL, and she is being honored for her work with Hand Camp Colorado. Hand Camp Colorado is an organization that creates a community for children with upper limb differences to connect and build confidence.

Gotham FC nominated its club captain, Tierna Davidson, for her work with Girls Leadership. This community partner works to provide districts, schools, and youth-serving organizations in the US and abroad with resources and training to help girls become leaders. The organization is also a partner of Davidson’s ACL injury prevention program, The Power Lab.

Houston Dash forward Kiki Van Zanten was nominated for her work with Community In Schools Houston. This organization delivers academic support, counseling, and community resources to more than 140 campuses across the Houston area. 

Heroines in every club

The Kansas City Current nominated defender Izzy Rodriguez, who is working with EarlystART, an early learning organization using evidence-based curriculum and art to serve over 100 early education students.

Defender Cameron Brooks was announced as the North Carolina Courage’s nominee for her work with The Bair Foundation, a foster care organization.

The Orlando Pride’s nominee is defender Zara Chavoshi, who is working with Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka. This organization is creating affordable housing and stronger communities in the Orlando area.

Portland Thorns FC goalkeeper Bella Bixby is working with her community partner, Friends of Trees, to expand and care for the urban forest across the Pacific Northwest. The organization also restores neighborhoods, parks, and natural areas, with a focus on underserved communities.

Racing Louisville FC nominated goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer for the Lauren Holiday Impact Award for her partnership with Dare To Care Food Bank. This local non-profit provides food and meals to families, emergency kitchens, shelters, and food pantries across Kentucky and Southern Indiana. 

San Diego Wave FC announced that its nominee was Nya Harrison, who is working with Monarch School to support and empower unhoused youth. This organization provides comprehensive support to students experiencing homelessness to help them thrive in and out of the classroom.

Seattle Reign FC goalkeeper Cassie Miller was nominated for her work with Nick of Time Foundation, a local nonprofit that works to improve youth heart health and raise awareness of sudden cardiac arrest. Miller underwent open-heart surgery at two months old and had an additional procedure during college, so her work with this organization is very personal.

Utah Royals FC nominated midfielder Aria Nagai for her partnership with the Asian Association of Utah. Nagai works with this organization to provide services to victims of human trafficking.

Washington Spirit midfielder Leicy Santos will be representing the club for her work with her own organization, Fundación Leicy Santos, which works to expand accessibility to both football and education in her hometown of Lorica, Colombia. Santos grew up without access to important sporting equipment, and is hoping to make sure no other child from her hometown has to face that same battle.

The winner of the 2026 Lauren Holiday Impact Award will be announced at the 2026 NWSL Awards during Championship week. Until then, all of the nominees will continue to use their platforms as professional athletes to give back to their communities.