Episode 185: Lucy Parker, Sophie Schmidt, Megan Oyster

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 185 features an exclusive interview with UCLA defender Lucy Parker; with soundbites from Canada Women’s National Team midfielder Sophie Schmidt and Houston Dash defender Megan Oyster

There’s something about starting anew! Whether its a new year, a new season, a new semester, or a new job, it’s always a time to hit the refresh button and restart. And new adventures in life also allows us a time to reflect a little and learn.

On this episode we do all that and more as we welcome one of the brightest young players in the game to day, UCLA defender Lucy Parker! We’ll also hear from a couple veterans in the NWSL who have some sage advice for the young players coming into the league.

Lucy Parker

One of the most exciting collegiate players in the game today, UCLA’s Lucy Parker joins us at a very pivotal moment in her career. Entering her final season with UCLA, Lucy is gearing up for her entry into the pro ranks when she joins Kansas City in the summer. Selected 16th overall in the draft by KC, Lucy takes us through her journey from growing up in Cambridge, England to finding herself on the West Coast in California.

The 3-time Arsenal Player of the year and 2-time FA Youth Cup Winner, Lucy has 22 international caps under her belt w/ the England Youth National Team from U15 to U21. What made her decide to give it all up to play college soccer in the States? And what did she learn from the experience. Lucy share it all with us and more. Do not miss this opportunity to get to know the young star as she stands on the edge of what’s sure to be a long and successful career! (12′)

Megan Oyster and Sophie Schmidt

Former UCLA defender and NCAA National Champion Megan Oyster and former University of Portland standout Sophie Schmidt bring us back to their college days and the experiences that shaped them on and off the pitch. The Houston Dash stars also give their advice for the young players transitioning into the professional leagues. (40′ & 43′)

Episode Links:

Celebrate Black History Month by listening and supporting these great podcasts on iHeartRadio:

Catch all the W-League match highlights on W-League.com.au/videos

For all the news on the NCAA D1 Women’s Soccer, Visit NCAA.com

Check out the 2021 NWSL Draft results

Don’t miss Patty’s YouTube Show Mission California (and watch her melt into a puddle of sweat!!)

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: UCLA

Original Broadcast Date: February 14, 2021

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

Additional assistance for this episode by Lucy Parker, Liza David, and Palamo Alatorre

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 164: Karina LeBlanc

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 164 features an exclusive interview with Concacaf Head of Women’s Football Operations and Canada Soccer Hall of Fame Member Karina LeBlanc; with soundbites from Canada WNT players Christine Sinclair, Stephanie Labbé, Sabrina D’Angelo, Sophie Schmidt, and head coach Kenneth Heiner-Møller.

“Be your own hero. Be the woman you want to see. Be the woman you want to be. Then, you can influence others.” ~ Karina LeBlanc

Karina LeBlanc

As an Olympic medalist, Canada soccer hall of fame member, and head of women’s football operations at Concacaf, Karina LeBlanc has changed the game of women’s soccer by changing the conversation from “What can I do after I retire?” to “What can’t I do and how can I influence the sport?”

Karina takes us on her journey from having a stellar footballing career, accumulating over 18 years of awards and accolades to holding one of the most important positions in women’s football. She also shares her strategies and plans for the future of women’s football in the Concacaf regions, and how she’s impacting the lives of young girls and women all over the world.

This is a smart, insightful, and of course entertaining (It’s KK afterall!) interview that you want to catch and share with your friends! (21’)

Follow Karina on Twitter @karinaleblanc

Visit KarinaLeBlanc.com

Canada Women’s National Team

Throughout this episode, we hear from Canada’s best players talking about the influence of their former teammate, friend and mentor Karina LeBlanc. Soundbites include:

Christine Sinclair (1’)
Stephanie Labbé (15’)
Sophie Schmidt (46’)
Sabrina D’Angelo and Kenneth Heiner-Moller (1:05’)

Episode Links:

Listen to past shows and hear Karina’s influence:

Karina LeBlanc on Episode 86 (Aired: November 20, 2016)

Rhian Wilkinson on Episode 92 (Aired: February 11, 2017)

Sophie Schmidt on Episode 100 (Aired June 10, 2017)

Kadeisha Buchanan on Episode 101 (June 26, 2017)

Desiree Scott on Episode 123 (Aired: June 3, 2018)

Stephanie Labbé on Episode 145 (Aired: May 5, 2019)

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.

Photos Courtesy of: KarinaLeBlanc.com

Original Broadcast Date: February 16, 2020

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

Additional assistance for this episode by Karina LeBlanc, Melissa Rincon at Concacaf, Vanessa Racine at Canadian Soccer Association

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 133: Yujie Zhao, Krystyna Freda, Sandra Prusina

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 133, features a special 2018 CONCACAF report with sports Canadian broadcaster Sandra Prusina; Interviews with Florida State University midfielder Yujie Zhao; and Barcelona FA striker Krystyna Freda.

The 2018 Concacaf Women’s Championship has finished up and the tournament was just as predictable as it was surprising. As expected, both USA and Canada punched their ticket to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, placing first and second respectively in the tournament. The surprises were the early elimination of Mexico and Costa Rica. The other surprise was the third place final, which was a battle to the end between Jamaica and Panama. The match ended in Penalty Kicks, resulting in the Reggae Girlz of Jamaica qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in their history.

In this special Concacaf report, Patty and Adam break down group play, dissect the failures of Mexico and Costa Rica, and discuss the parity of the Concacaf nations. Then in a special report with Canadian sports broadcaster and journalist Sandra Prusina comes in to chat about the Concacaf Final. What did the USA do right, what did Canada do wrong, and what can be done about the shoddy refereeing? Plus, Sandra takes a deep dive into the Canada Women’s National Team. What do they need to do to be real contenders in France? How is the team doing with Kenneth Heiner-Møller at the helm? Who are some of the standout players, and more! Ready for a heaping serving of Concacaf with extra Canada on the side? You do not want to miss this special report!
Learn more about the Calgary Inferno broadcast and Sandra Prusina’s new show “Inside the Inferno” on Sportsnet 960!

Krystyna Freda
Cypriot First Division is the top women’s football league in Cyprus and one of the longest-running leagues in women’s football (established in 1998). On this episode, Adam sits down with Golden Boot winner Krystyna Freda of 2018 league winners Barcelona FA, who play out of Germasogeia. As the top scorer in the league, Krystyna is making her mark in Cyprus and gearing up for a new season.

The New Jersey native shares her journey from being a Top Drawer collegiate player at Winthrop University in South Carolina to training in the NWSL, playing in Finland, and now a star in the Cypriot League. If you want to know more about the league in Cyprus, other avenues to play professional soccer, or just catch up with Krystyna, this is the interview you want to hear! (46’)
Connect with Krystyna on Facebook!

Yujie Zhao
While China failed to make it out of the group stage in the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, their standout midfielder Yujie Zhao learned a valuable lesson and made a name for herself on the national level. The exciting young star is now studying and playing soccer at Florida State University and is continuing her rise to the top in women’s football.

Yujie sits down with Patty to give us her thoughts on playing in the NCAA, how the experience is helping her get stronger, and how she’s been able to assimilate so quickly into the unique experience of American collegiate soccer. Plus, we delve into her background, find out what motivated her to play soccer at such a high level, what the future holds, and more. This interview has a surprise ending (never before has this been done on Women’s World Football Show!), so get ready for a Chinese treat!! This is one of our highlight interviews, so pull up a chair and get to know the China star Yujie Zhao! (01:14’)

PLUS…
College Rankings with the Englishman; Upcoming Women’s World Cup qualifiers; England vs. Australia, and MORE!

Photos/Logos Courtesy of: Concacaf, Seminoles.com, Krystyna Freda, Perrons Ford, FSU Athletics

Original Broadcast Date: October 21, 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 132: Amy Sayer, Amber Stobbs, Phil Neville

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 132: Features interviews with Australia Women’s National Team striker Amy Sayer, Charlton W.F.C. midfielder Amber Stobbs, and soundbites from England Women’s National Team Manager Phil Neville.

There are tons of rising stars in women’s soccer today, but none as young and exciting as Australia Women’s National Team striker Amy Sayer. Adam sits down with the 16-year old to learn about what it takes to play at the highest level while still in high school.

Making her debut for the senior squad at 2018 Tournament of Nations, Sayer is realizing her dream of playing for the senior squad and preparing for her new team Sydney FC in the Westfield W-League. What are the challenges of a teenager playing among her heroes? What does it feel like to get that initial call up? and what does the future hold for the young star? Amy is here to share all this and more! (25:38′)

Amber Stobbs
Charlton Athletic W.F.C. is getting great results in the FA Women’s Championship this season and one big reason is the addition of midfielder Amber Stobbs. The former Washington Spirit Reserves player visits with Patty to talk about her career, her college days at Hofstra University and her new project – Equal Focus Football.

The 25-year old shares her passion for helping to give young girls an equal opportunity to play football. Amber takes us through her journey as a collegiate player, pro player and female football advocate. It’s an awesome story and one you’ll want to share with everyone you know! (57′)
Learn more about Equal Focus Football online and follow them on Twitter @EQFootball
Get in touch with Amber on Twitter @akstobbs

England vs. Brazil
Adam was on hand to cover England’s 1-0 defeat of Brazil at Meadow Lane in Nottinghamshire. Listen to the full report on the match, Fran Kirby’s winning goal, the impressive play of Nikita Parris, and more! Plus we hear from the Gaffer himself – Phil Neville! (7′)

PLUS…
All the latest from 2018 CONCACAF Women’s Championship; World Cup Qualifiers; the problem with Marta and MORE!

Photos Courtesy of: CAFC.co.uk; CanberraUnited.com; Matildas.FootballAustralia.com.au

Original Broadcast Date: October 7, 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 100: Sophie Schmidt, Kate Gill

Episode 100 of Women’s World Football Show features exclusive interviews with Canada WNT midfielder Sophie Schmidt; Former Australia Women’s National Team striker Kate Gill; and sports journalists Jana Lange (Germany) and Sandra Prusina (Canada).

This milestone episode features interviews with a few of women’s soccer’s most influential people. First up is 2-time Olympic bronze medalist Sophie Schmidt. For the past two years, Sophie has been playing football for German club FFC Frankfurt in the Frauen-Bundesliga. The affable Winnipeg native took time to chat with Adam before traveling from Germany to Canada for upcoming friendlies for the national team.

As a longtime supporter of Women’s World Football Show, Sophie has the distinction of being the only 3-time guest on the show (and she still likes us!!). Sophie chats about her time in Germany, some of the challenges she’s faced and then overcame. She also shares some of her favorite memories, the importance of Coach John Herdman, and her future in the game. If you missed any of Sophie’s WWFShow interviews in the past, you’re in luck, because this is the best one yet! (4:00′)

Kate Gill
Of course we couldn’t celebrate our 100th episode without Matilda icon Kate Gill (her second appearance on the show!) Always the player’s advocate, Kate is still making an impact as a Player Relations Executive for the PFA, Australia’s football player’s union. The W-League 2-time Golden Boot winner (remember all those great Perth Glory days?!!), took time out of her busy traveling schedule to talk about her work in the PFA and what it means for women footballers throughout the world.

Still holding the record for all-time leading goal scorer for the Australian team, the former captain reveals what drives her to fight for player’s rights, why she will always be a Proud Matilda, and what she’s learned about herself since 2015. For Kate Gill supporters, this is a gem interview, and for those who don’t know her – now you know! (33:45′)

Jana Lange
How much more do you know about the German national team and Frauen-Bundesliga now then you did three-and-half years ago? So much more!! Thanks to German sports journalist Jana Lange! We’ve had the pleasure of welcoming Jana on the show throughout the years to educate and entertain us on all things German football! She’s back for this special episode to recap the growth of the women’s game in Germany over the past years, the changes we’ve seen, the ups-and-downs of the teams and more! (55:00′)

Sandra Prusina
It was January, 2014 (Episode 8 if you’re counting), when we first welcomed Canadian sports journalist and radio personality Sandra Prusina to the show (and she still keeps coming back!!). So, it’s only fitting that we bring the Calgary girl back on to chat about the past, present and future of the Canada Women’s National Team, it’s extraordinary players, and it’s intense coach. Are we seeing a changing of the guard? How is the soccer landscape changing in Canada? Just how do you pronounce Labbé? And just who is this kid named Jordyn Huitema? Sandra (aka “The Canadian Nostradamus”) answers these questions & MORE! (1:12:55′)

PLUS…
We’re looking back on the past 99 episodes with clips, outtakes and a few unforgettable memories. We’re also taking time to thank everyone (including YOU!!) for coming along on this journey with us to help grow the women’s game throughout the world!

Original Broadcast Date: June 10, 2017

Photo credits courtesy of: CanadaSoccer.com; SBS.com; FootballAustralia.com; PerthGlory.com; Zimbio.com

WWFShow theme music by Patricia La Bella

Episode 30: Sophie Schmidt, John Herdman, Mark Sampson

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 30 features an exclusive interview with Canada Women’s National Team midfielder Sophie Schmidt and head coach John Herdman; sound bites from England Lionesses manager Mark Sampson; W-League update by Aussie sports journalist Cheryl Downes; Alana “AJ” Johnson interviews Boston University captain Jamie Turchi.

After a very special intro by a certain co-host’s favorite player, Adam breaks down the recent Germany vs. England friendly at Wembley… and also just breaks down. Our hosts go over the good, the meh and the hopeful of this historic event. Plus we hear from England’s head-coach Mark Sampson.

Women’s World Football Show invades the space of Canada vs. Sweden at a recent closed-door match. Patty chats with Canadian midfielder Sophie Schmidt about her recent successes, life on the road, social media and also about Adam Barlow. Coach John Herdman shares an update on Diana Matheson, his thoughts on Tom Sermanni and tells us what he thinks about Sophie Schmidt. Plus a recap of the two friendlies and more Sophie!

Sweden & Canada sing their national anthems at a recent closed-door match in California.

As Australia’s Westfield W-League is heading into playoff-mode, Cheryl Downes from The Women’s Game stops by to give us the low-down from Down-Under (that’s a lot of downs!). If you want to get up to speed on the league before the regular season ends, then you don’t want to miss this!

Alana “AJ” Johnson reports from Beantown, where Boston University took on Northeastern and a great interview with the Terrier’s Jamie Turchi.

More updates and news from women’s football throughout the world, as well as a report on the folding of the LA Blues SC.

Music by Men at Work and Pilot.

Original Broadcast Date: November 30, 2014

Episode 12: Sophie Schmidt, Jill Scott, Desiree Scott

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 12 features exclusive interviews with: Canada Women’s National Team midfielder Sophie Schmidt and defender Desiree Scott; and England manager Mark Sampson and striker Jill Scott.

Patty and Adam mark the official opening of women’s football season with recaps of the 2014 edition of Algarve and Cyprus Cups.

We take a deep dive into USA, Japan, Sweden and the newly crowned Algarve Cup champs, Germany.

If you think it’s surprising that Cyprus actually let Adam onto their beautiful island, it should really amaze you that England and Canada allowed him to interview their players and coaches.

Giving us the Sounds of Cyprus, Adam brings us exclusives with England midfielder, Jill Scott and head coach Mark Sampson. Plus Adam asks Desiree Scott about her move to Notts County Ladies. And, in an interview you don’t want to miss, our roving reporter chats with Sophie Schmidt. You can actually hear him gush!

It’s only fitting that our Canadian Player Profile falls on “The Destroyer” Des Scott!

Original Broadcast Date: March 15, 2014

Episode 7: Ingrid Green

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 7 features an exclusive interview with women’s soccer influencer Ingrid Green; NWSL updates; Concacaf U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.

Women’s Soccer influencer Ingrid Green shares her thoughts on the game and the future of the women’s game.

NWSL updates with transfer news, recent allocations and Houston Dash’s new head coach.

A preview of the 2014 Concacaf U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.

Canada Women’s National Team player profile: Sophie Schmidt.

Original Broadcast Date: January 5, 2014