Jrue and Lauren Holiday are the epitome of a sports power couple. NBA point guard Jrue Holiday first met former U.S. soccer star Lauren when they were both student-athletes at UCLA in 2008. The pair married in 2013 and have since built impressive careers and a beautiful family together, with two children: daughter Jrue Tyler and son Hendrix.
How Did Jrue and Lauren Holiday Meet?
Jrue and Lauren Holiday met at UCLA in 2008. Jrue was playing basketball, and Lauren was playing soccer. Their initial encounter was memorable; Jrue attended a UCLA women’s basketball game, where a young fan mistook him for his teammate Darren Collison and asked for an autograph. Lauren turned to Jrue and assured him he was cuter than Darren. At that time, both were in other relationships, but they became friends and later started dating after Jrue was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers.
When Did Jrue and Lauren Holiday Get Married?
Jrue and Lauren got married in 2013 after a year-long engagement. The wedding took place in Malibu, California, with many of Jrue’s former 76ers teammates in attendance. The seaside nuptials marked the beginning of their life together as husband and wife. Lauren expressed her excitement about their future together in an interview, stating that being engaged to Jrue was an incredible feeling.
How Many Children Do Jrue and Lauren Holiday Have?
The couple has two children. Their first child, daughter Jrue Tyler, was born in September 2016 in North Carolina. This joyous occasion was shortly before Lauren underwent brain surgery to remove a tumor. Their son, Hendrix, was born in 2020. Both Jrue and Lauren frequently share photos of their children on social media, celebrating their family life and expressing their love for each other.
What Health Challenges Has Lauren Holiday Faced?
In 2016, while six months pregnant with their daughter, Lauren was diagnosed with a type of brain tumor known as a meningioma. Jrue announced that he would sit out the beginning of the 2016-2017 NBA season to support his wife during her recovery. Lauren’s labor was induced early so she could undergo necessary brain surgery at Duke University Hospital. The surgery was successful, and Lauren credited her daughter’s smile for helping her through the tough times.
What Are Jrue and Lauren Holiday’s Career Achievements?
Jrue Holiday has had an illustrious NBA career. After playing one season at UCLA, he was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers and later joined the New Orleans Pelicans. Since 2020, he has played for the Milwaukee Bucks, leading them to an NBA championship in 2021 and winning an Olympic gold medal in 2020.
Lauren Holiday, following her time at UCLA, played for various clubs and joined the U.S. women’s national soccer team. She won gold at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, the 2012 London Summer Olympics, and the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada. 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.
What Is the Jrue and Lauren Holiday Social Justice Impact Fund?
In July 2020, Jrue and Lauren launched the Jrue and Lauren Holiday Social Justice Impact Fund. Jrue pledged the remainder of his 2020 NBA salary to this initiative, aimed at combating systemic racism and social and economic inequality. The fund supports Black-led nonprofits, programs, and institutions in Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Indianapolis. Jrue emphasized that this initiative was a way for him and Lauren to contribute positively to their community.
How Do Jrue and Lauren Holiday Support Each Other?
Jrue and Lauren have always been supportive of each other’s careers. Jrue acknowledges Lauren’s constructive criticism and values her perspective. Lauren, despite being retired from soccer, continues to cheer for Jrue and celebrates his achievements. In November 2022, Jrue surprised Lauren with the news that she was selected for the National Soccer Hall of Fame, showcasing their mutual admiration and support.
What Legal Challenges Have Jrue and Lauren Holiday Faced?
In February 2022, Jrue and Lauren, along with other professional athletes, filed claims against Morgan Stanley, alleging that the firm’s fraudulent investments collectively cost them $13 million. In March 2023, four brokers were charged with defrauding professional athletes, including Jrue and Lauren, though their names were not explicitly mentioned.
How Has Lauren Holiday Spoken Out About Racism?
Lauren has been vocal about the racism Jrue has faced. In an essay for The Players’ Tribune, she detailed several instances of racism. One incident involved Jrue being handcuffed by police after bringing Lauren her license during a traffic stop. These experiences motivated Lauren to speak out and advocate for racial justice.
Conclusion
Jrue and Lauren Holiday exemplify a powerful and supportive partnership, both in their personal lives and professional careers. From meeting at UCLA to overcoming significant challenges and launching impactful initiatives, their journey together is a testament to their love, resilience, and dedication. They continue to inspire many with their story and contributions to their respective fields and communities.
