Episode 175: Denise O’Sullivan

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 175 features an exclusive interview with North Carolina Courage and Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team midfielder Denise O’Sullivan; plus soundbites from North Carolina defender Abby Erceg and head coach Paul Riley.

What happens when the king gets knocked off the throne? In the case of the NWSL champions North Carolina Courage, they get up, brush themselves off, and come back with a vengeance. Their unexpected departure from the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup in the quarterfinals could be a pivotal moment in the history of the game – we’ve seen it before!

Back in 2017, when the Portland Thorns defeated the Courage in the NWSL Championship Final, the Courage vowed to come back and they did – winning the championship in 2018 and 2019. In fact, they only lost 6 games over the course of two seasons. On this episode we take a look at this very special team with the motor of the squad and 2-time team MVP, Irish international Denise O’Sullivan. We also hear from North Carolina captain Abby Erceg and head coach Paul Riley.

Denise O’Sullivan

Republic of Ireland midfielder Denise O’Sullivan is praised by the top head coaches in the game today as one of the best players in women’s soccer. Denise stops by to chat about her thoughts on the NWSL Challenge Cup, playing during a pandemic, her growing up days in Cork, the mentality of the Courage, and more.

We also discuss the upcoming UEFA Women’s EURO qualifiers, the chances of Ireland in the tournament, their new head coach Vera Pauw and much more. It’s an amazing time to be an Ireland fan and Denise is a big part of their success. Do not miss hearing from this exciting young star! (17′)

Follow Denise:

Twitter: @OSullivanDenise

Instagram: @deniseosullivan100

Paul Riley

North Carolina head coach Paul Riley talks about his scrappy midfielder Denise O’Sullivan and in the next segment discusses the game that knocked his team out of the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup. Paul also shares his thoughts on the future of the team. (13′ and 46′)

Abby Erceg

The Kiwi defender and captain of the North Carolina Courage gives us her post-game thoughts on the team’s elimination in the tournament, the possible causes, a look toward the future of the team, and more. (45′)

Episode Links:

Read about the UEFA Women’s EUROS at https://www.uefa.com/womenseuro/

Listen to our exclusive interview with Abby Erceg in 2018 – Episode 125.

More WWFShow Links:
Follow Women’s World Football Show on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and our blog at wwfshowblog.com.

Listen to Women’s World Football Show on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Spreaker, TuneIn Radio, Google Play, Castbox, Stitcher, Soundcloud, and direct from our website at www.WWFShow.com.

Photo Courtesy of: North Carolina Courage

Original Broadcast Date: July 19, 2020

Women’s World Football Show is hosted, written, edited & produced by Patty La Bella.

Additional assistance for this episode by Denise O’Sullivan, Morgan Brown, Megan Rogers, Mark Jones, NWSL

Women’s World Football Show website design and theme music by Patricia La Bella

Women’s World Football Show® is a registered trademark and it’s audio and logo cannot be used without expressed written authorization.

Episode 162: Jessica McDonald, Felicia Pennant

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 162 features an exclusive interview with USWNT forward Jessica McDonald; and SEASON zine founder and editor Felicia Pennant.

Two worlds colliding is the theme of this show as we feature two powerhouse voices in women’s football today!

Jessica McDonald

A lesson in perseverance, Jessica McDonald played for six NWSL teams in under four years. Her heart and hard work paid off as she now is one of the most decorated players in women’s football. The 2019 Women’s World Cup champion is making a name for herself as a solid striker on the USA Women’s National Team, and has most recently named to the Concacaf Women’s Olympic Qualifying roster.

Not only an amazing footballer and athlete, Jessica is also a dedicated mom to young son Jeremiah. On this episode Jess shares how motherhood has shaped her career and her motivation to be the best and to be a positive role model. Jess also tells us about her latest side hustle as a podcaster talking about mom athletes and showing all of us that life is possible even when you’re a parent! (17′)

Follow Jessica on Twitter at @J_Mac1422

Felicia Pennant

Fashion and football come crashing together in SEASON zine, a publication and podcast by founder and editor Felicia Pennant. SEASON zine uses football and fashion as a platform to tackle important topics that effect our everyday lives. (53’)

Follow @season_zine on Twitter

Visit the SEASON zine website

Episode Links:

They Don’t Teach This by Eniola Aluko

WomensSoccerUnited.com

More WWFShow Links:
Follow Women’s World Football Show on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and our blog at wwfshowblog.com.

Listen to Women’s World Football Show on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Spreaker, TuneIn Radio, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, and direct from our website at www.WWFShow.com.

Photo Courtesy of: U.S. Soccer

Original Broadcast Date: January 19, 2020

Women’s World Football Show is hosted, written, edited & produced by Patty La Bella.

Additional assistance for this episode by Jessica McDonald, Jacquelyn Tacke (at Lauderdale Media), Felicia Pennant, Hannah Mendelsohn

Women’s World Football Show website design and theme music by Patricia La Bella

Women’s World Football Show® is a registered trademark and it’s audio and logo cannot be used without expressed written authorization.

Episode 145: Stephanie Labbé

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 145 features an exclusive interview with Canadian Women’s National Team and North Carolina Courage Goalkeeper Stephanie Labbé. Plus, Canadian sports journalist and broadcaster Sandra Prusina.

Stephanie Labbé

Alberta native Stephanie Labbé was an active kid who played hockey in a boys league and grew up to be a world class goalkeeper with the Canadian Women’s National Team. However, as we know, Steph Labbé is more than that. She is a talented writer, businesswoman, and mental health advocate who has opened the doors of conversation on some of the most important topics facing young people today.

As the newest member of the North Carolina Courage, Steph gives us an inside look at her journey back to the NWSL, what its like to be the ‘new kid on the block’ in North Carolina, Canada’s chances at the 2019 Women’s World Cup, and more. (7:35′)
Follow Steph on Twitter @stephlabbe1
Visit Steph’s website at StephLabbe.com
Check out the Project Athlete website
Project Athlete on: Twitter @gearbyproject & on Instagram @gearbyproject
Read Steph’s article on her time with the Calgary Foothills men’s team in the Players Tribune.

Sandra Prusina

Canadian sports journalist, news anchor and broadcaster Sandra Prusina stops by to share her thoughts on the importance of Stephanie Labbé to women’s soccer and sports in general. Plus, a look at Canada’s journey to the 2019 Women’s World Cup, the incoming youngsters, and the final chapter on the veteran players. And in a special discussion, Sandra explains the recent demise of the Canadian Women’s’ Hockey League. Not soccer, but still very relevant to our lives as fans and supporters of women’s sports.
Follow Sandra on Twitter @sprusina
Keep up with Sandra’s articles at SportsNet.ca

More WWFShow Links:
Follow Women’s World Football Show on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and our blog at wwfshowblog.com.

Listen to Women’s World Football Show on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, TuneIn Radio, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, and direct from our website at www.WWFShow.com.

Photos/Logos Courtesy of: Lisa Durel-Wilcox; North Carolina Courage

Original Broadcast Date: May 5, 2019

Women’s World Football Show is hosted, written, edited, sound designed & executive produced by Patty La Bella. Additional assistance for this episode by Sandra Prusina and Morgan Brown at NC Courage.

Women’s World Football Show website design and theme music by Patricia La Bella

Women’s World Football Show® is a registered trademark and it’s audio and logo cannot be used without expressed written authorization.

Episode 125: Abby Erceg, Nando Vila, Dr. Claire-Marie Roberts

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 125: Features an exclusive interview with North Carolina Courage Captain Abby Erceg; journalist/podcast host Nando Vila; and sports psychologist Dr. Claire-Marie Roberts.

Women’s World Football Show is proud to welcome North Carolina Courage defender Abby Erceg. The former captain of the New Zealand Women’s National Team drops by to chat about the winning formula of the Courage, what makes the team so special, why she feels at home in North Carolina, and more!

Earning her first cap with the Football Ferns at the age of 17, Abby finished her international career with 132 caps and was the first player (male or female) from New Zealand to play 100 international matches. The courageous Kiwi retired from the national team in an act of protest in hopes of raising awareness and helping to improve player development for the women players in NZ. What exactly needs to be done to help grow the women’s game in New Zealand? Abby shares her thoughts and insights.

Controversies, difficult decisions, and championship-caliber play have been a big part of Abby’s recent soccer journey and she’s here to share it all with us. If you listen to just one interview this year, make it the Abby Erceg interview. (26:38’)

Nando Vila
Podcast host Nando Vila chats with Adam about the interesting story of the Spanish Women’s National Team in the 2015 Women’s World Cup. Nando tells the unknown story of the ups, downs, and in-betweens of one of the more bazar stories in women’s football history. Find out about the team’s open letter to the Spanish Federation after the World Cup in a mutant against the federation before the World Cup. The grotesque response from the federation and more. (48:48’)
Follow Nando on Twitter @nandovila
Listen to “We Came to Win” podcast.

Dr. Claire Marie Roberts
The Women’s Sports Network have launched a series of manuals to help young female athletes titled MojoManuals. Dr. Claire-Marie Roberts worked on the books and is here to talk about them, in particular FootballMojo. In this important conversation, Patty and Dr. Claire-Marie discuss various issues impacting adolescent female athletes with subjects such as body image, self confidence, stress, menstrual cycles, and how adults comments can inadvertently drive girls to drop out of sports.
To learn more and order your MojoManuals, click here. (01:17:54’)
Follow Dr. Claire-Marie on Twitter @robertscm

Plus…
Updates on the NWSL and FAWSL; News on the folding of Sheffield FC Ladies; and More!

Photos Courtesy of: North Carolina Courage; CamW; WSNET; Claire-Marie Roberts; Gimlet; Andre Ringuette

Original Broadcast Date: July 1, 2018

Women’s World Football Show website design and theme music by Patricia La Bella

Women’s World Football Show® is a registered trademark and it’s audio and logo cannot be used without expressed written authorization.

Episode 83: Crystal Dunn, Jess McDonald, Lynn Williams, Sabrina D’Angelo

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 83 features post-game interviews with USA stars Crystal Dunn, Jess McDonald, and Lynn Williams; Canada stars Sabrina D’Angelo, Stephanie Labbé and Shelina Zadorsky; Former University of Texas goalkeeper Alexa Gaul; USA U-20 head coach Michelle French; and sports agent Lenny Lun.

The 2016 NWSL season is in the books and a new champion is crowned! Western New York Flash met league leaders Washington Spirit in a hard-fought championship final at BBVA Compass stadium in Houston, Texas on October 10, 2016. At the end of the battle, it was WNY Flash hoisting the trophy. Patty and Adam bring you all the news and highlights. Plus we hear from Washington Spirit forward Crystal Dunn, as well as WNY strikers Jessica McDonald and Lynn Williams, and goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo.

Shelina Zadorsky & Stephanie Labbé
While covering the 2016 NWSL Championship Finals, Michelle Stile (aka Old Pipster) caught up with Washington Spirit goalkeeper Stephanie Labbé and defender Shelina Zadorsky. In this “spirited” interview, our favorite Canadians share their thoughts on the NWSL, the Spirit, their teammate Crystal Dunn, and more!

Alexa Gaul
A name known around the world of women’s soccer, Alexa Gaul joins the show to chat about her new role as goalkeeper coach at Columbus State University. Alexa spent a year and a half in Willstätt, Germany playing for SC Sand in the Frauen Bundesliga. During Alexa’s tenure, SC Sand found success which included advancing to the DFB Pokal Finale, the German Championship, as well as defeating the defending European Champion, VFL Wolfsburg, for the first time in club history.

The former University of Texas goalkeeper also discusses her time playing for UMF Selfoss in Iceland and her USA national team experience, as a member of the junior U.S. National Teams. Straight from the professional ranks after wrapping up her playing days in Germany, Alexa gives us insight on what it’s like to transition from player to coach in a very short time and her goals for the future.

Frauen Bundesliga & German National Team report
Women’s World Football Show welcomes back German sportswriter Jana Lange to discuss all things Germany! The Bundesliga is already five rounds in, so Jana and Adam discuss the surprising rise of Turbine Potsdam, the slow start of Bayern München, and everything in between. The pair also take an in-depth look at the progress the German National Team, their recent Olympic Gold Medal victory, Germany’s new head coach Steffi Jones, and more!

Michelle French
As the USA U-20 team prepares for the upcoming 2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, Patty caught up with head coach Michelle French. The affable coach talks about the recent NTC Invitational held at Stub Hub Center in Carson, Calif., where England came away with an impressive win (Brazil and Korea DPR also participated). Coach French discusses the U-20 Women’s World Cup, the progress of Mallory Pugh, and answers the burning questions – Just what is it like to travel around the world with a bunch of teenagers?! All this and more!

Lenny Lun
Movies and TV shows have glamorized the profession of a sports agent. But what is life really like for a top sports agent representing professional athletes? Women’s World Football Show welcomes Leonard “Lenny” Lun, president and CEO of Upper V Athlete Management. Lenny has become the sports agent to many stars in women’s soccer and he’s here to give us a rare inside look into the profession.

Sarah “The Cowgirl” Hallett
If you would like to contribute to help with medical expenses during this challenging time, visit Sarah’s GoFundMe page. Also, send our Cowgirl a message of encouragement through Twitter @hallett_sarah.

Plus…
U-17 Women’s World Cup report; Upcoming international match scheduled dates; Euro qualifiers; And just how many times can we mention Iceland? Apparently a lot!

Fade Out Music by Alicia Keys

Original Broadcast Date: October 16, 2016

Photo credits courtesy of: ussoccer.com; NWSLSoccer.com; Brad Smith/ISIPhotos.com; Columbus State University