Jrue Holiday Uses Soccer Superstar Wife’s Help to Lift Team USA’s Spirits After Heartbreaking Gold Cup Upset

Jrue Holiday and his wife, Lauren Holiday, are the definition of an athletic power couple. A former soccer star, Mrs. Holiday loves the sport with her whole heart to this day. Hence, it wouldn’t be surprising that she would have felt the defeat that the US women’s national soccer team faced at the hands of Mexico.

But her husband is not ready to let it define the mood. Showing up wearing a soccer jersey with his wife’s number on it, the Celtics’ veteran guard is adamant about cheering up Team USA.

The USWNT’s defeat came as a shock to everybody and marks the second time Mexico has beaten the USA. Although it is not ideal, it doesn’t pull them out of the tournament yet. They will still advance to the quarterfinals after finishing second in Group A. It hasn’t been an easy period for a rebuilding American team.

And their last summer’s dismal Women’s World Cup run doesn’t provide much comfort either. But it was a well-fought battle and there is no doubt that the quarterfinals will be even more electric. Pretty sure former USWNT player, Lauren, will be looking forward to it, too.

Lauren and Jrue Holiday are each other’s biggest strengths

From supporting each other in their respective sports to starting a family together, the Holidays have been the epitome of family goals. Their relationship goes back to when they were UCLA student-athletes in 2008. Friends first and a couple later, the pair decided to seal the deal in 2013.

Read More: Jrue Holiday Compares Himself With Soccer Superstar Wife, Revealing 2x Gold Medalist’s Elite Competitiveness

Even though they were married, it wasn’t an end to Lauren’s soccer career. A hardcore soccer lover, the 3x Olympic Gold Medalist continued playing at an elite level, reaching new heights, and getting recognized for her efforts. She also has the honor of being the first player in NSWL history to have her jersey retired. In 2015, Mrs. Holiday finally decided it was time to focus on her family.

Since retirement, the couple welcomed two children, Jrue Tyler and Hendrix. But the couple’s first pregnancy wasn’t without trouble. While six months pregnant, Lauren was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Inducing early labor, Lauren underwent surgery for the same and was successful. Her husband, Jrue Holiday, was always by her side.

In a 2019 interview with Andscape, Holiday’s appreciation for his family was clear. “It’s always been God, family and basketball. To put them before basketball to me is a blessing. And God has blessed me with so much more after that. I don’t know if I could be playing without my family,” he said.

Knowing full well what being an athlete means, Lauren has continued to support her husband in his career. Just as much as she cheers him on, Lauren also offers constructive criticism. It goes both ways. Even though her soccer career is over, her love for the sport is still at large. Jrue makes it a point to support and cheer her whenever and wherever possible. That was evident from his fashion choice tonight.