USWNT was in shock after its senior striker, Alex Morgan wasn’t picked for the 2024 Olympics. While thoughts lingered around if the player didn’t suit the squad, an additional surprise sneaked in with NWSL’s all-time highest scorer Lynn Williams being set aside in the list of alternatives. However, Williams was fortunate to be considered the first-choice replacement at the 2024 Games for midfielder Catarina Macario who is still not 100 percent fit.

While the upset has turned into joy, the 31-year-old will try to prove herself by helping a young attack and trying to bring gold back to the team after 12 years. Amid a tough challenge, she will have the support of her family members who have helped her reach where she is. However, there’s more to know about the amazing dear ones of the star who are also from a sporting background.

Diving deep into the household of Lynn Williams

On May 21, 1993, in Fresno, California, USWNT’s star forward was born to father David and mother Christine Williams. Her father was reportedly once an athlete during his college days and was mainly into track and field. Besides being a sprinter, Mr. Williams also had a knack for football growing up in Fresno. On the other hand, Williams’ mother also had an affinity for the track like her husband and was reportedly a Heptathlete. The power couple is a part of Fresno State University!

However, life in sports did not last long for the pair as they moved into various professions. David later worked in waste management and Gotham FC striker’s mother took up a role as a seventh-grade physical education trainer. But after a family tragedy struck them, they had to move out of the city and choose pecan farming in Clovis. Nonetheless, they both guided her on the right path throughout their journey.

Her parents initially joined her in soccer at elementary school. Later, her father suggested to her, saying, “Go out and see the world. You can always come back home,” which led her to pursue her education and the sport at Pepperdine instead of Fresno State.

Williams also has a sister, Jessica, who ran track and field at Cal Poly, although additional details remain private. Lynn Williams also admires her extended family apart from her parents and sister. Yet, she has had her problems in the past. A tragedy. Difficult to forget.

A sporting tragedy that struck Williams’ family

The family had a tough time while Lynn Williams was 8-years-old. While playing football at the University of Washington, her uncle, Curtis Williams (her father’s brother), suffered a spinal cord injury during a helmet-to-helmet tackle that left him paralyzed from the neck down. He subsequently passed away in 2002, according to reports. But it was during his sickness that Lynn Williams’ father moved to a pecan farm for better land to push him.

Meanwhile, Lynn Williams would write his number 25 on her wrists before matches to honor him. She also has two other uncles, Paul and James Williams, who played football for Fresno State.

With so much sporting passion in the family, the star has already proved to be one of the best in recent years. Can her ability now translate into winning a gold in Paris? Let us know in the comments.