NBA point guard Jrue Holiday and former U.S. soccer star Lauren Holiday met in 2008 as student-athletes at UCLA. Jrue played basketball, and Lauren played soccer for the Bruins. Their first encounter was at a UCLA women’s basketball game, where a young fan mistook Jrue for his teammate, Darren Collison, and asked for an autograph. Lauren playfully reassured Jrue, saying, “Don’t worry, you’re cuter than Darren is.” This meeting sparked a friendship that eventually blossomed into a romantic relationship.
When Did They Get Married?
Jrue and Lauren Holiday got married in Malibu, California, in 2013 after a year-long engagement. Their wedding was attended by many of Jrue’s former 76ers teammates, including Andre Iguodala, Evan Turner, Spencer Hawes, Royal Ivey, Jason Richardson, and his wife Jackie. The seaside nuptials marked the beginning of their life together as a married couple.
How Have Jrue and Lauren Built Their Careers?
Jrue Holiday played one season of college basketball at UCLA before being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2009. He later joined the New Orleans Pelicans and, since 2020, has played for the Milwaukee Bucks. Jrue’s standout moment came in 2021 when he led the Bucks to an NBA championship and won an Olympic gold medal in 2020.
Lauren Holiday’s soccer career is equally impressive. After her time at UCLA, she played for the Pali Blues, Boston Breakers, and FC Kansas City before joining the U.S. women’s national soccer team. Lauren won gold medals at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics and the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. In 2014, she was named U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year. Lauren retired from professional soccer in 2015 to focus on her family.
How Have They Balanced Family and Careers?
Jrue and Lauren Holiday have two children: daughter Jrue Tyler, born in September 2016, and son Hendrix, born in 2020. Their journey has not been without challenges. When Lauren was six months pregnant with their daughter, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor known as a meningioma. Jrue took time off from the NBA to support her through surgery and recovery. The couple’s dedication to each other and their family is evident in their willingness to prioritize each other’s well-being over their professional careers.
What is Their Social Justice Initiative?
In July 2020, Jrue and Lauren Holiday launched the Jrue and Lauren Holiday Social Justice Impact Fund. Jrue pledged the remainder of his 2020 NBA salary to this initiative, which supports Black-led nonprofits, programs, and institutions of higher learning in Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Indianapolis. The fund aims to combat systemic racism and promote social and economic equality. This initiative underscores their commitment to making a positive impact beyond their sports careers.
How Do They Support Each Other Publicly?
Jrue and Lauren Holiday are known for their unwavering support for each other. Jrue often praises Lauren for her achievements and values her feedback on his performance. In a 2021 New York Times profile, Jrue mentioned that Lauren, a former athlete and winner, provides him with constructive criticism, which he greatly appreciates. Lauren, despite being retired from soccer, continues to support Jrue’s career and accomplishments. Jrue surprised Lauren with the news of her selection for the National Soccer Hall of Fame in November 2022, highlighting his admiration for her contributions to soccer.
How Have They Dealt with Racism?
Lauren Holiday has been vocal about the racism Jrue has faced. In a heartfelt essay for The Players’ Tribune, she detailed several incidents, including a particularly distressing one where Jrue was handcuffed by police while bringing her driving license after she was pulled over. Lauren’s essay shed light on the everyday challenges and injustices faced by Black individuals, highlighting the couple’s personal experiences with racism.
What Legal Challenges Have They Faced?
In February 2022, Jrue and Lauren Holiday, along with other pro athletes, filed claims against Morgan Stanley, alleging fraudulent investments that cost them $13 million. By March 2023, four brokers were charged with defrauding professional athletes. While the prosecution did not name Jrue and Lauren directly, the details of the case matched their claims, as reported by The New York Times.
What is Their Outlook for the Future?
Jrue and Lauren Holiday continue to inspire many with their dedication to each other, their family, and their community. They balance their successful sports careers with their roles as parents and social justice advocates. Their story is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and commitment. As they move forward, they remain focused on supporting each other and making a positive impact in the world.
Conclusion
Jrue and Lauren Holiday exemplify what it means to be a sports power couple. Their journey, marked by mutual support, professional achievements, and a strong commitment to social justice, continues to inspire many. Their love story, from college athletes to a married couple with two children, is a powerful reminder of the importance of family, resilience, and dedication.
