Lori Chalupny Lawson

Lori Chalupny Lawson is a former U.S. Women’s National Team defender and Olympic gold medalist whose career spans collegiate stardom, international success, and professional leadership in the National Women’s Soccer League. Known for her versatility, work rate, and tactical intelligence, Lawson has represented her country on the world’s biggest stages and continues to shape the game as a collegiate head coach.

Lawson earned more than 100 caps with the United States women's national soccer team, contributing both defensively and in the attack from her outside back position. She was a member of the gold medal–winning squad at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and helped the United States capture a bronze medal at the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup. She was also named to the U.S. roster for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, further underscoring her longevity and impact at the highest level of the sport.

Professionally, Lawson was a key figure for the Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL, where her leadership and experience anchored the back line and helped guide the club through critical seasons of growth in the league’s early years.

Following her playing career, Lawson transitioned into coaching and currently serves as the head women’s soccer coach at Maryville University in St. Louis. In this role, she brings elite-level experience and a player-centered philosophy to the next generation, emphasizing discipline, resilience, and competitive excellence.

Across every chapter of her career—from NCAA champion to Olympic gold medalist to collegiate head coach—Lori Lawson has remained a respected and influential figure in American soccer.