Jrue Holiday wife is Lauren Holiday, the former United States women’s national team soccer star. The couple met as student-athletes at UCLA, married in 2013 and have two children, Jrue Tyler and Hendrix. Lauren won two Olympic gold medals and the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup before retiring from soccer and focusing on family, philanthropy and community work.
Lauren Holiday is much more than the wife of an NBA champion. She built an elite sporting career of her own, became a two-time Olympic champion, won a FIFA Women’s World Cup and was later inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Her relationship with Jrue Holiday has also attracted attention because of how their two sporting careers developed alongside their family life.
The couple’s story includes a UCLA connection, a 2013 wedding, two children and a difficult period when Lauren was diagnosed with a benign brain tumour during pregnancy. Jrue temporarily stepped away from basketball to support his wife and their newborn daughter. In the years since, the Holidays have expanded their work into philanthropy and women’s football.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
| Full name | Lauren Nicole Cheney Holiday |
| Known as | Lauren Holiday |
| Husband | Jrue Holiday |
| Met | UCLA, in 2008 |
| Married | July 2013 |
| Children | Jrue Tyler and Hendrix |
| Profession | Former professional footballer |
| National team | United States |
| Olympic medals | Two gold medals |
| World Cup | 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup champion |
| Hall of Fame | National Soccer Hall of Fame, Class of 2023 |
| Current work | Community leadership, philanthropy and women’s football |
Who Is Jrue Holiday’s Wife, Lauren Holiday?
Jrue Holiday’s wife, Lauren Holiday, is a retired American footballer who enjoyed an outstanding career with the US women’s national team. Before becoming known publicly through her marriage to the NBA guard, Lauren had already established herself as one of the most accomplished players of her generation.
Born Lauren Cheney, she grew up in Indianapolis and attended UCLA, where she became a standout footballer. She represented the United States at youth and senior levels and eventually became a key member of the senior national team.
Lauren finished her international career with 133 appearances for the United States and was part of teams that won Olympic gold in 2008 and 2012. She also helped the US win the 2015 Women’s World Cup. The National Soccer Hall of Fame describes her as a versatile midfielder who could contribute in several positions.
Her achievements extended beyond international football. With FC Kansas City, she won back-to-back NWSL championships and earned major individual honours, including the 2013 NWSL MVP and Golden Boot. She was also the 2014 NWSL Championship MVP.
That résumé makes Lauren one of the rare partners of an NBA star who is herself a major sporting figure.
How Did Jrue Holiday and Lauren Holiday Meet?
Jrue Holiday and Lauren Holiday met at UCLA in 2008 while both were student-athletes. Jrue was playing basketball for the Bruins, while Lauren was making her mark on the UCLA women’s football team.
Their first meeting reportedly happened at a UCLA women’s basketball game. Jrue later recalled that a young fan confused him with teammate Darren Collison and asked him for an autograph. Lauren was nearby and made a playful comment to him, which helped start their friendship.
The relationship did not immediately become romantic. They were both involved with other people at the time, but they became friends. After Jrue entered the NBA, their relationship developed further.
Their UCLA connection became an important part of their story because both were pursuing high-level athletic careers at the same university. Rather than one person simply supporting the other’s career, both understood the demands of professional sport from personal experience.
That shared background has continued to shape their relationship and family life.
When Did Jrue Holiday and Lauren Holiday Get Married?
Jrue Holiday and Lauren Holiday married in July 2013 after dating for several years. Their wedding took place in Malibu, California, and marked the beginning of a marriage between two athletes who were already building impressive professional careers.
The timing was significant for Lauren because 2013 was one of the strongest periods of her football career. She was named NWSL MVP and won the league’s Golden Boot with FC Kansas City. She was also continuing to establish herself as an important member of the United States national team.
Jrue, meanwhile, had already established himself in the NBA after being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2009. His career would later include NBA championships, All-Star selections and multiple All-Defensive Team honours.
Their marriage therefore brought together two athletes who understood professional competition, travel, pressure and the sacrifices involved in reaching the highest level.
How Many Children Do Jrue and Lauren Holiday Have?
Jrue and Lauren Holiday have two children, a daughter named Jrue Tyler and a son named Hendrix. Their daughter was born in September 2016, while their son was born in October 2020.
The birth of their daughter came during one of the most challenging periods of their lives. Lauren was pregnant when doctors discovered a benign brain tumour. She eventually gave birth before undergoing surgery to remove the tumour.
The family later welcomed Hendrix in 2020, expanding their household to four. The Holidays have generally kept their children’s lives relatively private, although they have occasionally shared family moments publicly.
For Jrue and Lauren, parenthood has remained an important part of their public story. Their professional achievements are considerable, but both have repeatedly emphasised the importance of family alongside their sporting careers.
What Happened to Jrue Holiday’s Wife?
Lauren Holiday was diagnosed with a benign brain tumour while she was pregnant with the couple’s first child in 2016. She had experienced persistent headaches, which led doctors to discover the tumour near her eye socket. The condition required careful treatment during her pregnancy.
Doctors ultimately induced labour so that Lauren could give birth to the couple’s daughter before undergoing brain surgery at Duke University Hospital. The surgery successfully removed the tumour.
The situation had a major effect on Jrue’s NBA career that season. He chose to miss training camp and the opening portion of the New Orleans Pelicans’ season so he could remain with Lauren and their newborn daughter during her treatment and recovery. NBA.com reported that he missed the first 12 games of the season.
The episode became one of the most widely discussed examples of Jrue placing his family before professional sport. It also highlighted Lauren’s own resilience as she recovered from major surgery while adjusting to motherhood.
The experience remains an important part of the couple’s story, but it is only one chapter in a much broader life and career.
What Did Lauren Holiday Achieve in Soccer?
Lauren Holiday’s football career included Olympic gold, a World Cup title, NWSL championships and major individual honours. She represented the United States at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games, winning gold on both occasions. She was also part of the US team that won the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Her international career began with the US youth system before she made her senior debut in 2007. She became known for her versatility and technical ability, operating in midfield and attacking positions.
At the 2015 World Cup final against Japan, Holiday scored the United States’ third goal during the team’s 5-2 victory. US Soccer records her as finishing her international career with 133 appearances and 24 goals.
Her club career was similarly successful. She helped FC Kansas City win consecutive NWSL titles and collected individual awards that established her as one of the league’s leading players.
In 2015, she decided to retire from professional football at the age of 27, choosing to begin a new chapter centred on family and causes that mattered to her.
Is Lauren Holiday in the National Soccer Hall of Fame?
Yes, Lauren Holiday is a National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee. She was elected as part of the Class of 2023, recognising a career that included 133 USWNT appearances, two Olympic gold medals and a FIFA Women’s World Cup championship.
Her Hall of Fame recognition reinforces that Lauren’s legacy exists independently of her marriage to Jrue Holiday. She belongs among the most accomplished American footballers of her generation.
The honour also reflects the breadth of her career. She was not simply a successful international player. She achieved major club success, won individual awards and became known for her versatility and leadership.
The National Soccer Hall of Fame has also highlighted her work away from the pitch, including her commitment to family and community causes following retirement.
What Does Lauren Holiday Do Now?
Lauren Holiday remains involved in community work and women’s football after retiring as a player. In 2025, she and Jrue joined the ownership group of the NWSL’s North Carolina Courage through their Holiday Family Trust. Lauren also became an adviser and ambassador for the club.
Her involvement reflects a natural continuation of her football career. Rather than returning as a player, she has used her experience to contribute to the growth and development of women’s football.
Lauren’s name is also attached to the NWSL’s Lauren Holiday Impact Award. Introduced in 2024, the award recognises players who demonstrate outstanding service and character within their communities. The NWSL describes it as an honour reflecting Lauren’s commitment to giving back.
The award continued into 2026, with nominees selected across all NWSL clubs. This gives Lauren’s influence a continuing presence within the league even years after her playing career ended.
How Have Jrue and Lauren Holiday Given Back?
Jrue and Lauren Holiday have used their platforms to support social impact and community initiatives. In 2020, they established the Jrue and Lauren Holiday Social Justice Impact Fund, directing support towards Black-led organisations, educational institutions and community programmes.
Their philanthropic work became particularly prominent during the social justice movement of 2020. The initiative reflected their belief that professional athletes could use their platforms and resources to support communities beyond sport.
Their later involvement with the North Carolina Courage also connects their community work with women’s football. Lauren’s role as an adviser and ambassador allows her to contribute to the sport from a leadership position, while Jrue’s involvement gives the family another connection to professional sport outside basketball.
This combination of sport, family and community impact is central to understanding why the Holidays have remained relevant long after Lauren’s retirement from competitive football.
Why Are Jrue and Lauren Holiday Considered a Sports Power Couple?
Jrue and Lauren Holiday are considered a sports power couple because both built elite careers and international legacies in different sports. Jrue has become an NBA champion, Olympic gold medallist and six-time All-Defensive Team selection, while Lauren won two Olympic gold medals, a World Cup and NWSL titles.
Their relationship is unusual because neither person’s identity depends solely on the other’s success. Lauren was already a highly decorated footballer when she married Jrue, and Jrue continued to build his NBA career while supporting Lauren through her health challenges and retirement.
The couple also demonstrate how professional athletes can transition into family life, philanthropy and sports leadership.
In 2026, Jrue remains an NBA player with the Portland Trail Blazers, while Lauren continues to have an influence on women’s football and community initiatives.
Conclusion
Jrue Holiday’s wife, Lauren Holiday, is an accomplished former US soccer star whose own career includes two Olympic gold medals, a FIFA Women’s World Cup title, NWSL championships and National Soccer Hall of Fame recognition. She and Jrue met at UCLA, married in 2013 and have two children, Jrue Tyler and Hendrix.
Their relationship has also been defined by resilience. When Lauren faced a benign brain tumour during her pregnancy in 2016, Jrue temporarily stepped away from basketball to support her and their newborn daughter. Their later philanthropic work and involvement with women’s football have extended their influence beyond sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jrue Holiday’s wife?
Jrue Holiday’s wife is Lauren Holiday, a retired American soccer star and former USWNT midfielder. She won two Olympic gold medals and the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
When did Jrue Holiday marry Lauren Holiday?
Jrue and Lauren Holiday married in July 2013 after meeting at UCLA and dating for several years.
How did Jrue Holiday meet his wife?
They met in 2008 while both were student-athletes at UCLA. Jrue played basketball and Lauren played soccer.
How many children do Jrue and Lauren Holiday have?
They have two children, a daughter named Jrue Tyler and a son named Hendrix.
What sport did Lauren Holiday play?
Lauren Holiday played professional football and represented the United States internationally. She was a midfielder and also played in attacking roles.
Did Lauren Holiday win an Olympic gold medal?
Yes. Lauren won Olympic gold with the United States at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics.
Did Lauren Holiday win a World Cup?
Yes. Lauren was part of the United States team that won the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.
What happened to Lauren Holiday in 2016?
While pregnant with her first child, Lauren was diagnosed with a benign brain tumour. She gave birth to her daughter and subsequently underwent surgery to remove the tumour.
Is Lauren Holiday in the Soccer Hall of Fame?
Yes. Lauren Holiday was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame as part of its Class of 2023.
What does Lauren Holiday do now?
Lauren remains involved in community work and women’s football. She and Jrue joined the North Carolina Courage ownership group in 2025, with Lauren serving as an adviser and ambassador.
Updated Report: August 2026
celebrityfacts.co.uk
