Lynn Biyendolo (née Williams): Hidden Stories and Personal Highlights Inside
From Fresno High School scoring legend to becoming the NWSL’s all‑time leading scorer and an Olympic gold medalist, Lynn Biyendolo’s journey is as inspiring off the pitch as it is on it. But there are many lesser‑known stories behind the stats—about her personal life, her resilience, and her unique identity. Get ready to uncover the untold sides of this outstanding athlete.
Lynn Biyendolo: Key Facts & Little‑Known Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lynn Williams Biyendolo (born Lynn Raenie Williams) |
| Date of Birth | May 21, 1993 (Fresno, California) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1–2 million, from NWSL contracts, endorsements, media appearances |
| Current Club | Seattle Reign FC (joined December 2024) |
| Position | Forward |
| Dominant Foot | Right |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Playing Style | Dynamic poacher and creator—powerful in front of goal with strong aerial ability and link‑up play |
| Trophies & Achievements | 4× NWSL Champion, 3× NWSL Shield, NWSL MVP & Golden Boot 2016, NWSL Best XI (2016, 2023), Second XI (2018), Olympic gold & bronze |
| Match Experience | Over 80 senior USWNT caps, club career spanning 200+ NWSL games, multiple championship matches |
| Goals & Assists | NWSL all‑time leading regular‑season scorer (68+ goals) and 30+ assists; only player with ≥60 goals and ≥30 assists in league history |
| International Caps & Goals | 83 caps, 25 goals for US senior team as of mid‑2025 |
| Injuries | Missed entire 2022 NWSL season with a right leg injury |
| Tattoos | A small symbolic tattoo reflecting her journey and perseverance (not widely publicized) |
| Parents | Christine and David Williams—Father a former athlete/pecan farmer, mother a school PE teacher |
| Siblings | Little public info; known as an only or youngest child from athletic family |
| Girlfriend/Boyfriend / Marriage | Married longtime partner Marley Biyendolo in December 2024; they met at Pepperdine University and were engaged May 2023 |
| Heading Ability | Noted for crucial headed goals, including one that tied the 2016 final in extra time |
| Scoring Ability | Prolific goal-scorer under pressure—set high marks each season and often decisive in final matches |
| Pressure‑Handling Skills | Calmed game-tying OT headers, fast debut goal for USWNT, trademark decisive playoff goals |
Roots of a Goalscoring Phenomenon
Raised in Fresno, Lynn shattered high school scoring records—117 career goals and 47 assists—earning top honors like Player of the Year from the Fresno Bee and ESPN RISE All‑American third‑team in 2011. Her dominance continued at Pepperdine University, where she amassed 39 goals in 78 appearances, earned multiple WCC Player of the Year honors, and emerged as a standout All-American finalist and Hermann Trophy candidate.
Professional Rise: From Western New York to Seattle
Lynn was selected 6th overall by the Western New York Flash in 2015 and quickly made her mark. Just a year later, she topped the NWSL charts with 11 goals and key assists, earning both the Golden Boot and MVP honors. Her standout season culminated in a thrilling championship run, where she delivered a last-minute equalizer and converted her penalty to help the Flash claim the title.
With the Flash rebranded as North Carolina Courage, she helped lead the team to triple Shields and two more championships in 2018 and 2019. After a trade and a season‑ending injury in 2022, she joined Gotham FC, where a goal in the 2023 final made her the NWSL’s first four-time champion. In 2024, her 79th goal set the league scoring record. As of early 2025, she plays for Seattle Reign FC, continuing her legacy.
International Impact and Olympic Glory
Lynn debuted for the U.S. national team in October 2016, scoring within 49 seconds—then the fastest debut goal in team history. She contributed to tournament victories including the 2018 SheBelieves Cup, Olympic bronze in Tokyo 2020, and Olympic gold in Paris 2024. Her international résumé now includes over 80 caps and 25 goals.
Personal Journey: Love, Identity & Media Presence
Lynn’s personal story is as inspiring as her on-field one. She and college sweetheart Marley Biyendolo—a former basketball player turned TV personality from Australia—were engaged in May 2023 and married on December 8, 2024 in Malibu. In early 2025 she officially adopted the Biyendolo name, celebrating her husband’s Congolese heritage as a “gifted name” with familial significance.
Off the field, she co‑hosted the popular women’s soccer podcast Snacks (April 2021 to Nov 2023) and appeared in the Netflix docuseries on the USWNT’s 2023 World Cup journey.
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions About Lynn Biyendolo
Q1: What is Lynn Biyendolo’s NWSL status?
A: She is the NWSL’s all-time regular-season leading scorer, with over 68 goals and 30 assists—a unique record in league history.
Q2: Which championships has she won?
A: Four NWSL titles (2016, 2018, 2019, 2023), three NWSL Shields (2017–19), Olympic bronze (2020), and Olympic gold (2024).
Q3: When did she get married and why did she change her name?
A: Married in December 2024; she adopted the Biyendolo name as a tribute to her husband’s Congolese family’s legacy.
Q4: Has she ever missed a season due to injury?
A: Yes, she missed the entire 2022 NWSL season with a serious right leg injury.
Q5: What podcasts or TV appearances is she known for?
A: She co‑hosted Snacks podcast with Sam Mewis and appeared in the Netflix USWNT docuseries following the 2023 World Cup.
Q6: How many caps and goals for the U.S. does she have?
A: As of mid-2025, she has 83 caps and 25 goals for the senior U.S. women’s national team.
Lynn Biyendolo’s path—from high school scoring icon to record-breaking NWSL forward and Olympic champion—is a story of perseverance, adaptability, and ambition. Her transformation, both on and off the field—including her marriage, name change, media ventures, and leadership in women’s soccer—reveals a multidimensional champion. As she continues to shape her legacy with Seattle Reign and Team USA, Lynn stands as a true role model for athletes and fans worldwide.
