Bea Franklin Named Chicago Stars FC Nominee for 2025 Lauren Holiday Impact Award, Presented by Nationwide

Chicago Stars FC announced today Bea Franklin as its nominee for the 2025 Lauren Holiday Impact Award, presented by Nationwide, recognizing an NWSL player for outstanding service and character off the pitch. All 14 nominees were announced by the league today.

The Lauren Holiday Impact Award, presented by Nationwide, was introduced in 2024 to honor the two-time Olympic gold medalist, FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee, and recipient of the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian ESPY Award Lauren Holiday. It spotlights players who exemplify dedication and commitment to giving back in service of their local communities.

After all 14 nominees are celebrated over the course of the season, one winner will be announced during Championship weekend. At that time, Nationwide will make a $50,000 donation to the charitable organization of the winner’s choice.

Since being drafted by the Chicago Stars, Bea Franklin has exhibited a strong dedication to the Chicago community and is one of the most eager players to volunteer for any community opportunities hosted or partnered on by the club. The work of Digs with Dignity represents one of Franklin’s favorite ways to contribute to the city: helping those impacted by homelessness. Transforming houses into homes by providing everything from necessities to everyday comforts that can be financially inaccessible for families transitioning out of homelessness, Digs with Dignity helps break the cycle of housing insecurity and combat furniture waste. Franklin and her teammates previously teamed up with Digs with Dignity for a “DIGS Day,” helping fully furnish, decorate and stock an apartment for a mother and three young children.

Franklin also frequently takes part in other community efforts to help educate young children, combat food insecurity and increase accessibility to soccer. In addition to guest appearances Chicago Stars FC youth camps and clinics, the midfielder has dedicated time to Higher Ground USA’s adaptive sports programs and Girls Inc. of Chicago.

“I am so honored to be the nominee for the Chicago Stars and help bring a spotlight to Digs with Dignity,” said Bea Franklin. “Everyone deserves to have a place that looks, feels and is home to them with the added bonus of giving furniture and house goods a second life.”

"We are thrilled to recognize Bea Franklin as this year's Lauren Holiday Impact Award nominee for the Chicago Stars," said Noelle Schmitt, director of community for Chicago Stars FC. "Bea's giving spirit and desire to serve the community perfectly embodies the ethos of this award. Digs With Dignity is a great organization that empowers women and uplifts individuals. We are very excited to partner with them for this campaign to recognize the wonderful work happening in our community."

The winner will be determined by a panel of judges that will include Lauren Holiday, NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman, and representatives from Nationwide, NWSLPA, and Media Association.

For more information on Bea Franklin and the Lauren Holiday Impact Award, click here.

About Chicago Stars FC
Established in 2007 as the Chicago Red Stars, Chicago Stars FC is the premier women’s soccer franchise in the city of Chicago and one of the original eight clubs to form the National Women’s Soccer League in 2013. The Chicago Stars have made the NWSL playoffs eight times, seven consecutive, for the second highest playoff appearances in the league, and appeared in the NWSL Championship in 2019 and 2021, finishing as the runners-up both times. The club also made it to the inaugural Challenge Cup final in 2020 and currently holds the NWSL single-match attendance record.

About NWSL
The National Women’s Soccer League is the premier women’s professional soccer league in the world featuring national team players from around the globe. The clubs are Angel City FC, Bay FC, Boston Legacy FC, Chicago Stars, Denver FC, Houston Dash, Kansas City Current, NJ/NY Gotham FC, North Carolina Courage, Orlando Pride, Portland Thorns FC, Racing Louisville FC, San Diego Wave FC, Seattle Reign FC, Utah Royals FC, and Washington Spirit.

About Nationwide
Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by Standard & Poor’s. An industry leader in driving customer-focused innovation, Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; and pet, motorcycle and boat insurance. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

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