Latest news with #LaurenHoliday
The Independent
07-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Celtics' Jrue Holiday wins NBA's social justice award, a week after winning sportsmanship award
Jrue Holiday's commitment to off-court work continues to be noticed and appreciated within the NBA. Holiday, the Boston Celtics ' guard, was revealed Wednesday as the recipient of the league's Social Justice Champion award for this season. The announcement came less than a week after Holiday won the league's sportsmanship award for the second time his career. The NBA will donate $100,000 to the Jrue and Lauren Holiday Social Impact Fund and he will receive the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Trophy. Holiday was selected from a group of finalists that also included Miami's Bam Adebayo, San Antonio's Harrison Barnes, Toronto's Chris Boucher and New Orleans' CJ McCollum. The award, the NBA said, pays tribute to those who are 'pursuing social justice and advancing Abdul-Jabbar's life mission to engage, empower and drive equality for individuals and groups who have been historically disadvantaged.' The fund started by Holiday and his wife Lauren, commonly called the JLH Fund, has distributed over $5.3 million in grants and delivered more than 400 hours of coaching and support to nearly 200 businesses across the U.S. It was founded five years ago after Holiday, when he decided to play in the bubble during the 2019-20 season, pledged the $5 million that remained on his salary that season to help businesses and communities affected by systemic racism and economic injustice. 'Since entering the league, Jrue Holiday has dedicated himself to helping others in their times of greatest need and pursuing a more just society for all,' NBA deputy commissioner and chief operating officer Mark Tatum said. 'The selflessness that defines his game is even more evident in the work he and his wife Lauren do off the floor to create more opportunities for a generation of youth who might have otherwise been overlooked.' The JLH Fund has expanded its scope since, with some of its recent efforts including helping those affected by the wildfires in the Los Angeles area earlier this year, providing grant capital to businesses and helping entrepreneurs and others have access to coaching from schools like MIT, Harvard and Suffolk University. The award is decided upon by a panel that includes Tatum, Abdul-Jabbar, human rights activist Richard Lapchick, National Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial, UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguía, and youth representative JJ Mandaquit from the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA Court of Leaders. ___
Associated Press
07-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Celtics' Jrue Holiday wins NBA's social justice award, a week after winning sportsmanship award
Updated [hour]:[minute] [AMPM] [timezone], [monthFull] [day], [year] Jrue Holiday's commitment to off-court work continues to be noticed and appreciated within the NBA. Holiday, the Boston Celtics' guard, was revealed Wednesday as the recipient of the league's Social Justice Champion award for this season. The announcement came less than a week after Holiday won the league's sportsmanship award for the second time his career. The NBA will donate $100,000 to the Jrue and Lauren Holiday Social Impact Fund and he will receive the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Trophy. Holiday was selected from a group of finalists that also included Miami's Bam Adebayo, San Antonio's Harrison Barnes, Toronto's Chris Boucher and New Orleans' CJ McCollum. The award, the NBA said, pays tribute to those who are 'pursuing social justice and advancing Abdul-Jabbar's life mission to engage, empower and drive equality for individuals and groups who have been historically disadvantaged.' The fund started by Holiday and his wife Lauren, commonly called the JLH Fund, has distributed over $5.3 million in grants and delivered more than 400 hours of coaching and support to nearly 200 businesses across the U.S. It was founded five years ago after Holiday, when he decided to play in the bubble during the 2019-20 season, pledged the $5 million that remained on his salary that season to help businesses and communities affected by systemic racism and economic injustice. 'Since entering the league, Jrue Holiday has dedicated himself to helping others in their times of greatest need and pursuing a more just society for all,' NBA deputy commissioner and chief operating officer Mark Tatum said. 'The selflessness that defines his game is even more evident in the work he and his wife Lauren do off the floor to create more opportunities for a generation of youth who might have otherwise been overlooked.' The JLH Fund has expanded its scope since, with some of its recent efforts including helping those affected by the wildfires in the Los Angeles area earlier this year, providing grant capital to businesses and helping entrepreneurs and others have access to coaching from schools like MIT, Harvard and Suffolk University. The award is decided upon by a panel that includes Tatum, Abdul-Jabbar, human rights activist Richard Lapchick, National Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial, UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguía, and youth representative JJ Mandaquit from the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA Court of Leaders. ___ AP NBA:
Forbes
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Lauren Holiday: Champion Beyond The Field
L auren Holiday stands as one of the most accomplished and resilient figures in American soccer whose impact extends far beyond her remarkable achievements on the pitch. As a two-time Olympic gold medalist and FIFA Women's World Cup champion with the U.S. Women's National Team, Holiday established herself as an elite midfielder known for her extraordinary vision, technical skill and selfless play that elevated everyone around her. What truly distinguishes Holiday is her grace under pressure, both in sports and life. After retiring at the peak of her career in 2015 to start a family, she faced a life-threatening health crisis when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor while pregnant with her first child. Her subsequent recovery and advocacy work, alongside her NBA champion husband Jrue Holiday, has inspired countless people through their social justice initiatives and the JLH Fund, which supports Black-owned businesses and nonprofits. Holiday's journey from soccer prodigy to champion, mother, survivor and changemaker exemplifies how athletic excellence can be a foundation for even greater impact beyond the game. Holiday's path to becoming one of soccer's elite players was never straightforward. Her journey demanded a resilience that would later define her approach to off- and on-field challenges. It started with the highly competitive youth soccer landscape which included injuries and setbacks before and after joining the national team. "There is so much beauty in the trenches," Holiday reflects, looking back on her career. This perspective—finding purpose in difficulty—became her hallmark, particularly evident during the 2015 World Cup when, despite knowing it would be her final tournament, she sublimated personal glory to take on a more defensive role that the team needed. Her persistence reached its most profound test in 2016 when, six months pregnant with her daughter, doctors discovered a benign brain tumor. The timing couldn't have been more challenging, requiring her to delay critical surgery until after giving birth. Through this harrowing period, Holiday applied the same methodical determination that characterized her playing career. "I'd tell my younger self to trust that staying rooted in her values will take her further than chasing validation ever could," Holiday says. "There will be pressure to fit a mold, to measure success by trophies or headlines, but real success is being able to look in the mirror and know you led with integrity." This philosophy guided her through recovery and into her post-playing career, where grit has taken new forms—building businesses, foundations and advocating for causes with the same steady commitment she once brought to the training ground. PURPOSE Holiday's strategic mindset extends far beyond her tactical brilliance on the soccer field. Throughout her career, she approached every challenge with a thoughtful intentionality that balanced immediate goals with long-term vision. This calculated approach became evident in her decision to retire at 27—walking away at her peak to prioritize family and explore broader impact opportunities. With her husband Jrue, Lauren has developed a distinctive approach to business and philanthropy that reflects their shared values. "We approach everything—investments, philanthropy, business—with the mindset that it has to serve a greater purpose," Holiday explains. "We don't want to be transactional. We want to be transformational. We ask: Does it align with our faith, our family mission and our commitment to justice?" This strategic framework led to the creation of the JLH Fund in 2020, which provided over $5 million in grants to Black-owned businesses and nonprofits during the pandemic. Rather than haphazard giving, the Holidays prioritized deep impact through targeted investments in underserved communities. This integrated approach to decision-making has allowed Holiday to build ventures that align with her personal mission while maintaining balance. She strategically leverages her platform not just for personal gain, but to create opportunities for others, particularly women athletes navigating their own career transitions. PASSION What separates Holiday from many elite athletes is how she has channeled her passions beyond sport into every aspect of her life and career. Her faith, commitment to social justice and desire to empower women have been consistent threads throughout her journey, giving deeper meaning to her athletic achievements and guiding her post-playing endeavors. "My passions outside of soccer—whether it's my faith, social justice or empowering women—have always given deeper meaning to why I played," Holiday shares. "They've made me a better teammate and leader, because I saw the game as part of something bigger. Those same passions are now driving me to build platforms that support athletes, not just as performers, but as people with dreams." This holistic view enabled Holiday to maintain perspective during her playing days, preventing the common trap of having one's identity completely consumed by athletic performance. It also prepared her for a smooth transition when she stepped away from competition—she already had well-developed interests and purpose beyond soccer. Her passion for player development and mentorship has found expression through coaching clinics and speaking engagements where she encourages young athletes to cultivate their whole selves. "You are more than your sport and the sooner you embrace that, the more powerful your platform becomes," she advises. "Don't wait for retirement to start building your voice, your brand, your impact. Let what lights you up guide you, whether it's fashion, finance, education or activism." Through her foundation work, business ventures and advocacy, Holiday consistently demonstrates how athletic excellence can serve as a launchpad for deeper passions. "Soccer gave me a stage," she reflects. "Now I'm using it to spotlight others." Explore The Series And Meet More Mould-Breaking Creators CREDIT Photographer: Mary Kouw/CBS via Getty Images
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Celtics' Jrue Holiday wins NBA's sportsmanship award, becomes 5th player to win it more than once
Boston Celtics' Jrue Holiday (4) looses control of the ball against Orlando Magic's Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (3) during the first half in game 1 of a first-round NBA playoff basketball series Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) drives to the basket against Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) during the first half in game 2 of a first-round NBA playoff basketball series, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) FILE - NBA basketball player Jrue Holiday, left, and former professional soccer player Lauren Holiday arrive at the ESPY awards on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File) FILE - NBA basketball player Jrue Holiday, left, and former professional soccer player Lauren Holiday arrive at the ESPY awards on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File) Boston Celtics' Jrue Holiday (4) looses control of the ball against Orlando Magic's Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (3) during the first half in game 1 of a first-round NBA playoff basketball series Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) drives to the basket against Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) during the first half in game 2 of a first-round NBA playoff basketball series, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) FILE - NBA basketball player Jrue Holiday, left, and former professional soccer player Lauren Holiday arrive at the ESPY awards on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File) Jrue Holiday of the Boston Celtics has won the NBA's sportsmanship award for the second time, making him the fifth player in league history to win that trophy in multiple years. Holiday received about 34% of the first-place votes cast by nearly 400 current NBA players to decide the award winner. Advertisement Cleveland's Jarrett Allen finished second, Dallas' Kyrie Irving was third, Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was fourth, the Los Angeles Lakers' Dorian Finney-Smith was fifth and Orlando's Franz Wagner was sixth. 'In my experience, some of the best competitors are those who pair a quiet confidence with humility, show respect for the competition with their own preparation and work, and have the stamina to navigate the ups and downs of a season with grit and perspective,' Celtics President Brad Stevens said. 'There is no better example of this than Jrue. He is the ultimate teammate and sets a great example for those striving to compete with integrity. His game does his talking, and his impact, on and off the court, goes well beyond his game.' Holiday joins four-time winner Mike Conley, three-time winner Grant Hill and two-time winners Jason Kidd and Kemba Walker as people to win the award more than once. Holiday will receive the Joe Dumars Trophy, named for the Basketball Hall of Famer, a two-time champion and the inaugural winner of the sportsmanship award after the 1995-96 season. Dumars recently left his role as an NBA executive to return to his native Louisiana as executive vice president of basketball operations for the New Orleans Pelicans. Advertisement Each of the NBA's 30 teams nominated one player for the sportsmanship award, and league executives narrowed that list down to six finalists — one from each division. Holiday is also a three-time recipient of the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award and is a finalist again this season for the NBA's Social Justice Champion Award. That award has been in existence for five years; Holiday has been a finalist in three of them. He is a two-time All-Star, two-time NBA champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist and six-time All-Defensive team selection. The sportsmanship award is the eighth award to be announced by the NBA since the end of the regular season. Golden State's Stephen Curry won the Twyman-Stokes teammate of the year award and his Warriors teammate Draymond Green won the hustle award; those awards, like the sportsmanship one, are not selected by the panel of 100 global reporters and broadcasters who vote for other top NBA season honors. Advertisement Other award winners so far this season: Atlanta's Dyson Daniels won most improved player, San Antonio's Stephon Castle won rookie of the year, Cleveland's Evan Mobley won defensive player of the year, New York's Jalen Brunson won clutch player of the year and Boston's Payton Pritchard won sixth man of the year. Awards that will be announced later in the playoffs include MVP (either Gilgeous-Alexander, Denver's Nikola Jokic or Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo), coach of the year (either Detroit's J.B. Bickerstaff, Cleveland's Kenny Atkinson or Houston's Ime Udoka), plus the All-NBA, All-Rookie and All-Defensive teams. ___ AP NBA:
Fox Sports
23-04-2025
- Business
- Fox Sports
Lauren and Jrue Holiday join the North Carolina Courage ownership group
Associated Press CARY, N.C. (AP) — Former U.S. women's national team star Lauren Holiday and husband Jrue Holiday of the Boston Celtics have joined the ownership group of the North Carolina Courage in the National Women's Soccer League. Lauren Holiday was on the U.S. teams that won the 2015 Women's World Cup and gold medals in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. Jrue Holiday is a two-time NBA champion and two-time All-Star who has also played for the Philadelphia 76ers, the New Orleans Pelicans and the Milwaukee Bucks. He has a pair of Olympic gold medals as well. The two have invested in the Courage through their Holiday Family Trust, the team announced Wednesday. Lauren Holiday will serve as an advisor and ambassador for the NWSL club. 'This club represents the future of women's soccer — not just in how we play the game, but in how we empower athletes, connect with communities, and build a sustainable future for the sport,' Lauren Holiday said in a statement. 'I believe deeply in the mission and vision of the Courage, and I'm excited to contribute in meaningful ways — especially when it comes to player development and overall culture.' Lauren Holiday retired from soccer in 2016. While pregnant with the couple's first child, she was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor. Shortly after the birth of her daughter, she underwent surgery and Jrue Holiday took a leave of absence to care for her and their child. The NWSL has an annual award, the Lauren Holiday Impact Award, which honors players for contributions to their local communities. ___ AP soccer: recommended
