Kristine Marie Lilly Heavey is a retired American soccer player renowned for her remarkable career as a member of the United States women’s national team for 24 years. She holds the record as the most-capped soccer player in history, with an astounding 354 international appearances. Lilly made her debut in 1987 and went on to score 130 goals, ranking her as the fourth-highest goal scorer in U.S. history. Her contributions to the national team include participation in five FIFA Women’s World Cups, where she was instrumental in securing two championships in 1991 and 1999.
Lilly’s collegiate career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was equally impressive, where she played for the Tar Heels from 1989 to 1992. During her tenure, she led the team to four consecutive NCAA Women’s Soccer Championships and earned the prestigious Hermann Trophy in 1991. Her jersey number 15 was retired in 1994, honoring her significant impact on the program.
Professionally, Lilly began her career in Sweden with Tyresö FF before returning to the U.S. to play in the Continental Indoor Soccer League and later the W-League. She became a founding member and captain of the Boston Breakers in the Women’s United Soccer Association, where she consistently excelled, earning First Team All-WUSA honors multiple times.
After the WUSA ceased operations, Lilly continued her career in the newly formed Women’s Professional Soccer, again with the Boston Breakers. Beyond her playing career, she has contributed to the sport as an assistant coach for the Breakers since 2012. Lilly’s legacy is not only defined by her records but also by her dedication to the sport and her role in inspiring future generations of female athletes.