Episode 225: 2024 NWSL College Draft

Show Highlights:

Exclusive soundbites from the top NWSL college draft, providing a sneak peek into the future stars of women’s soccer.
Extended interview with Washington Spirit draft pick Croix Bethune
In-depth interview with Ju’Riese Colon, CEO of the US Center for SafeSport, shedding light on the importance of safety and inclusivity in the world of sports.
A conversation with Michelle Huitinik, co-host of the Simply Soccer podcast, offering unique insights into the diverse aspects of the beautiful game.
Recorded live at the United Soccer Coaches Convention in Anaheim, providing a front-row seat to the latest developments and discussions in the world of women’s football.

Time Stamps:

Michelle Huitick – 8’

Ally Sentnor – 24’

Savvy King – 28’

Brecken Mozingo – 30

Reilyn Turner 31

Aly Lemos – 33’

Payton Linnehan – 34’

Kennedy Wesley – 37’

Croix Bethune – 41’

Ju’Reise Colon – 48’

Episode Links

Listen to Simply Soccer on Apple Podcast – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-soccer/id1463908359

Follwo Simply Soccer on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/simplysoccer__pod/

Visit U.S. Center for SafeSport – https://uscenterforsafesport.org/

Complete list of 2024 NWSL College Draft – https://www.nwslsoccer.com/nwsldraft

Visit United Soccer Coaches Convention at https://unitedsoccercoachesconvention.org/

Join United Soccer Coaches – https://form.jotform.com/80245641719155

More WWFShow Links:

Follow Women’s World Football Show on 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.

Featured Graphic by Patty La Bella

Original Broadcast Date: January 21, 2024

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

Additional assistance for this episode by United Soccer Coaches, NWSL, and Sam Pittman at Washington Spirit.

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 199: Ashlyn Harris, Ali Krieger, Erin McLeod, Laura Harvey, College Draft Picks

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 199 – Ashlyn Harris, Ali Krieger, Erin McLeod, Laura Harvey, College Draft Picks

After a season of turmoil and controversy, the NWSL is looking forward and so are we! The future of women’s football depends on it.

On this episode, we look at the many changes in the league with soundbites from many of its biggest stars and future stars.

We also take a look at the 2021 Expansion and College Drafts, the 2022 NWSL preliminary format, and an update on all the coaching changes (get your pencils out!)

Soundbites in this order:

Ashlyn Harris & Ali Krieger – 8’

Erin McLeod – 22’

Kim Björkegren – 34’

Naomi Girma & Marleen Schimmer – 46’

Jaelin Howell & Savannah DeMelo – 51’

Zsannett Kajan & Tinaya Alexander – 54’

Amanda Cromwell & Sean Nahas – 1:00’

Kris Ward & Laura Harvey – 1:08’

Episode Links:

https://www.nwslsoccer.com/nwsldraft

Don’t miss Patty’s new YouTube Show Mission California

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.

Image Graphic by: Patricia La Bella

Original Broadcast Date: December 28, 2021

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

Additional assistance for this episode by Angel City FC PR manager Amy Chastain and ACFC VP of Player Development & operations Angela Hucles Mangano.

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 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 139: James Clarkson, Marc Skinner, Craig Hadley

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 139 features exclusive interviews with Houston Dash newly-appointed Head Coach James Clarkson; Birmingham City Women FC Sportswriter and Podcast Host Craig Hadley; and soundbites from Orlando Pride new Head Coach Marc Skinner.

Also on the show, a discussion and update on the firing of Australia Women’s National Team Head Coach Alen Stajcic; NWSL College Draft report, news, and signings; W-League update; and more!

James Clarkson – A Women’s World Football Show exclusive interview with newly-appointed Head Coach for the Houston Dash James Clarkson. (22′)
Follow Coach Clarkson on Twitter @jaclarkson
Follow Houston Dash on Twitter @HoustonDash

Craig Hadley – Women’s football writer and host of Birmingham City Women FC fan podcast, Great Since 68. (51′)
Follow Craig on Twitter @craighadlee
Follow the podcast Great Since 68 on Twitter @GreatSince68
Listen to the Birmingham City Women FC fan podcast at Great Since 68 on iTunes.

Marc Skinner – Soundbites from Orlando Pride Head Coach Marc Skinner supplied by Orlando Pride.

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: HoustonDynamo.com; Marc Skinner photos on our social feed by Mark Thor/Orlando Pride.

Original Broadcast Date: January 20, 2019

Women’s World Football Show website design, artwork, 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 114: Sullivan, Sonnett, Davidson, Butler, Nadim

Episode 114: Women’s World Football Show features interviews with USWNT players Andi Sullivan, Emily Sonnett, Tierna Davidson and Head Coach Jill Ellis; One-on-one with Millwall Lionesses LFC defender Jordan Butler; and an exclusive with Denmark and Manchester City striker Nadia Nadim.

Boston Breakers
It’s a sad day for the NWSL and women’s football as the longest running professional women’s soccer team in the USA has folded after a deal for potential new ownership fell apart. The Breakers were founded in 2000 and were part of NWSL predecessor leagues the WUSA and WPS, and is the first NWSL team to fold since the league was established in 2013. So how did the demise of one of the more storied franchises in women’s soccer history come about? Patty and Adam dissect the situation and share details of the dispersion draft, season ticket refunds and other information.

2018 NWSL College Draft
A few draft day mega-trades overshadowed the 2018 NWSL College Draft. Adam and Patty take a close look at the trades, the high selections and some of the surprises. Plus, Patty chats with the No. 1 draft pick and newest member of the Washington Spirit Andi Sullivan! We find out how the Stanford standout dealt with the crazy course of events that lead up to her 11th hour declaration into the draft, her thoughts on playing for her hometown team, her incredible 2017 college season and more!
(Andi Sullivan 24:35’)

Jordan Butler
Adam sits down with Millwall Lionesses LFC defender Jordan Butler. Joining the Millwall system at only 8 years old, Jordan shares what it’s like to grow up in a Millwall kit. Backed by the love and support of her family, and especially her dad, Jordan takes us through her journey to play professional football, how she overcame serious injury and more. This is a spirited interview with an inspirational player and proud to have Jordan on the show!
(Jordan Butler 33:00’)

USA vs Denmark
The U.S. Women’s National Team kicked off its 2018 campaign with a somewhat come-from-behind 5-1 win against EURO Women’s runner-up Denmark in front of 17,526 fans at SDCCU Stadium January 21, 2018. We hear from USWNT Head Coach Jill Ellis as she assesses a few of the youngsters on the team and reflects on some of her lessons learned while being at the helm of the national team.

Defender Tierna Davidson earned her first cap for the USA, becoming the 21st player to make a WNT debut under Jill Ellis. We hear from the 19-year old college sophomore after her first cap. Patty couldn’t let Denmark leave town without talking to fan-favorite Nadia Nadim. The former NWSL star and now striker with Manchester City discusses her transition to the English league, her time in the NWSL, the Denmark WNT and more!
(Tierna Davidson 55:55’; Jill Ellis 58:00’; Nadia Nadim 1:08:00’)

Emily Sonnet

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – DECEMBER 06: Emily Sonnett of Sydney FC poses during a joint Sydney FC. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

As the 2017/18 W-League season comes to an end, we catch up with Sydney FC (and USWNT and Portland Thorns FC) centerback Emily Sonnett! The energetic USA star talks about her journey to Australia – what brought her there, what is she learning and what does she hope to gain? We hear it all. Plus, how does playing for Sydney kept her fit and ready to take on her role with the USWNT? Emily is rapid fire with her responses and ready to hoist another league trophy… this time with Sydney FC!
(Emily Sonnet 1:26:00’)

Sarah “The Cowgirl” Hallett
Our hearts were broken earlier this month at the passing of our friend and colleague Sarah Hallett. In this show, we share stories on how Sarah touched all of our lives on the show and off. Plus, we have a special clip of some of Sarah’s greatest hits (and a few misses). A true inspiration to all who knew her, Sarah’s kind spirit will live on in all of us.
Read Sarah’s past blogs.
Listen to Episode 57 “2015 NWSL Review” when Sarah stepped in a co-hosted with Patty
Other shows Sarah was featured on:
Episode 26A “2014 NWSL Post-Season Special”
Episode 47 “World Cup Groups”
Episode 68 “The Good Fight”

In lieu of flowers and gifts, Sarah’s wife and family have asked for donations to the San Diego Junior Golf Association. Click here for details.

Listen to Sarah’s “Greatest Hits” clip at the end of the show, around the 1-hour, 31-minute mark.

Original Broadcast Date: January 28, 2018

Photos courtesy of: ussoccer.com; SydneyFC.com; ManCity.com; Henning Bagger/Scanpix2016; Jordan Butler; Millwall Lionesses

Episode 90: 2017 NWSL Draft Special

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 90 features draft-day interviews with Rose Lavelle, Morgan Andrews, Sammy Jo Prudhomme, Kayla Mills, Maddie Bauer, Laura Harvey, Tom Sermanni, and Randy Waldrum. Plus, an exclusive interview with Scotland National Team striker Fiona Brown.

The NWSL College Draft recently took place in Los Angeles, California and Women’s World Football Show was there to get perspectives from the players and coaches. From a list of over 200 of the world’s top collegiate players, only 40 were selected, so the competition was fierce but spirits were high!

The Boston Breakers had a big day at the 2017 NWSL College Draft, landing four of the first nine picks, including the No. 1 overall selection, midfielder Rose Lavelle. We hear from Rose, plus her new teammates USC’s Morgan Andrews and Sammy Jo Prudhomme.

Coach Christy Holly and Sky Blue FC came up big as well picking up a pair of defenders from the 2016 NCAA College Cup champions USC, Kayla Mills and Mandy Freeman. Listen in as Kayla chats about how she prepped for this big moment.

Another team that came up big in the draft was Laura Harvey and Seattle Reign FC. We hear from the English gaffer herself who shares her strategy in picking all west-coast natives, why this year’s draft was different for her than previous years, and her thoughts on Kelly Smith’s recent retirement. We also hear from her newest defender Stanford’s Maddie Bauer.

Two teams looking for answers in 2017 are the Houston Dash and Orlando Pride. We hear from coaches Randy Waldrum and Tom Sermanni discuss their draft picks and the upcoming season. Plus, a few highlights from NWSL Commissioner Jeff Plush.

Fiona Brown
It’s not all about the draft! In this episode we spotlight one of the game’s up-and-coming stars – Scottish National Team striker Fiona Brown. Over the recent Christmas break, Fiona announced that after winning everything there is to win in Scotland with Glasgow City, she was heading to play football in Sweden with Eskilstuna United. In this exclusive interview Fiona chats with Adam about the move and her times at Glasgow. We also look at the national team as Scotland head to Euro 2017 and the “small” matter of a match with England!

Plus…
A look at the Kelly Smith “Send-Off” match between Arsenal vs. All-Stars; Goodbye WNY Flash, Hello NC Courage; Crystal Dunn’s Big Move and MORE!
Fade Out Music by Kim Wilde

Original Broadcast Date: January 16, 2017

Photo credits courtesy of: Patricia La Bella; ISI Photos; nwslsoccer.com; scottishfa.co.uk

Episode 8: Sandra Prusina

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 8 features an exclusive interview Canada sports journalist Sandra Prusina; plus updates on NWSL and FAWSL; and Concacaf U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.

Canada sports journalist and broadcaster Sandra Prusina stops by to give us an in-depth look at the Canada Women’s National Team.

Women’s World Football Show is On the Clock with updates from the NWSL college draft and updates on the FAWSL.

A report on the 2014 CONCACAF U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.

Canadian player profile: Erin McLeod

Original Broadcast Date: January 18, 2014