Episode 210: Ruth Harker

Exclusive interview with Ruth Harker, legendary USWNT goalkeeper of the iconic 1985 inaugural national team

It’s the last show the 2022 and we’re dialing it back to 1985 with special guest founding member of the USWNT goalkeeper Ruth Harker. The St. Louis Soccer Hall of Famer stops by to share her experiences as one of the first goalkeepers in USWNT history. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the women’s game here in the US, this episode is for you!

As former guest Julie Foudy says, “it’s important to understand the shoulders in which we stand on.” And Ruth was a big part of the beginnings of this powerhouse program.

Ruth Harker

As a standout goalkeeper at University of Missouri-St. Louis, Ruth Harker was selected to the inaugural US Women’s National Team by then head coach Mike Ryan. The team participated in the Olympic festival before heading to the prestigious Mundialito tournament in Italy. Ruth shares her experiences in this honest and endearing interview.

As a pioneer of the women’s game, Ruth’s story has appeared in many books and articles over the years but still the story of the 85ers remains overshadowed by the more popular 99ers. Join us as we travel back to 1985 to learn about this historic time in women’s soccer history with Ruth Harker! (17’)

Plus…

The thrilling recap of the 2022 NCAA Women’s Soccer Championship final between UCLA vs University of North Carolina

Episode Links

Ruth Harker article – https://stlsoccerhalloffame.com/member/harker-ruth-2019/

Ruth Harker inducted into the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame – https://stlsoccerhalloffame.com/member/harker-ruth-2019/

Listen to Joanna Lohman talk about her book Tomorrow’s Champions – https://wwfshow.com/2021/04/11/episode-189-joanna-lohman/

Listen to STL United FC on 590 The Fan radion show – https://590thefan.com/radio-shows/stl-united-fc/

Listen to Julie Foudy on Episode 209 – https://wwfshow.com/2022/11/28/episode-209-julie-foudy/

Catch Patty’s new YouTube Show Mission California – https://mission-california.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, Castbox, Stitcher, Soundcloud, and direct from our website at www.WWFShow.com.

Photo Courtesy of St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame

Original Broadcast Date: December 27, 2022

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

Additional assistance for this episode by Ruth Harker and Ted Williams.

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

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

Episode 209: Julie Foudy

USWNT legend Julie Foudy is here to help us explore the USWNT’s history and cultural impact on society. It’s a special show looking at the team like we’ve never looked at it before through the pages of the newly released coffee table book Pride of a Nation by Gwendolyn Oxenham.

Julie Foudy

Former USWNT midfielder, 2-time Women’s World Cup Champion and 2-time Olympic gold medal winner, Julie Foudy stops by to give her insights on the team and its impact throughout its four-decade history.

We take experts from the book and dive deeply into them. Julie describes her days with the USWNT and the responsibilities the team takes with them onto the winners podium.

Using the podium as a platform for change is what makes this team one of the most beloved sports teams in the world. With Julie and her 99ers, keeping the current generation on task to know the history and continue the mindset that winning is more about just trophies.

Don’t miss this very special show! (19’)

Plus…

Updates from the Australian A-League Women and a look towards the NCAA Women’s College Cup

Episode Links

Julie Foudy tells her life story on Episode 41 – https://wwfshow.com/2015/04/12/julie-foudy/

Julie Foudy talks about leadership through sports & her book on Episode 95 – https://wwfshow.com/2015/04/12/julie-foudy/

Julie Foudy Sports Leadership Academy – https://www.juliefoudyleadership.com/

Learn more about Pride of a Nation – https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/696610/pride-of-a-nation-by-gwendolyn-oxenham-foreword-by-julie-foudy-edited-by-david-hirshey-rob-fleder-and-roger-director/

Order Pride of a Nation on Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Pride-Nation-Celebration-National-Official-ebook/dp/B09WH71GR8

Order Pride of a Nation on Barnes & Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pride-of-a-nation-gwendolyn-oxenham/1141355112

Listen to Hillary Beall on Episode 206 – https://wwfshow.com/2022/10/10/episode-206-hillary-beall-cheryl-downes/

Read Patty’s article on Hillary Beall at – https://beyond90.com.au/getting-to-know-hillary-beall-american-with-big-dreams/

Catch Patty’s new YouTube Show Mission California – https://mission-california.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, Castbox, Stitcher, Soundcloud, and direct from our website at www.WWFShow.com.

Photo Courtesy of Penguin Random House

Original Broadcast Date: Nov. 28, 2022

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

Additional assistance for this episode by Julie Foudy and Kristin Casemore.

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

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