Episode 129: Randy Waldrum, Lachy France

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 129: Features an exclusive interview with University of Pittsburgh Women’s Soccer Head Coach Randy Waldrum; CollegeMatildas.com founder and editor Lachy France; and updates on NWSL, FA Women’s League Cup, and more.

A legend among college coaches in the United States, Randy Waldrum’s tenure at Notre Dame lasted 14 season, leading the Fighting Irish to two national championships, capturing the College Cup title in 2004 and 2010. His teams won eight Big East Tournament titles and appeared in eight NCAA Final Four games during that time. After a three-year stint as head coach of the Houston Dash, Waldrum is at the helm as head coach of the the University of Pittsburgh Panthers.

Adam sits down with the legendary coach for one of the more candid conversations ever to air on Women’s World Football Show. Coach Waldrum doesn’t pull any punches when discussing everything from his decision to leave Notre Dame for Houston, his experiences in the pro league, weighing in on youth club culture and the “Pay to Play” path, and more.

How long did it take Waldrum to miss the college game after leaving Notre Dame for Houston Dash? What happened with his Nigeria WNT appointment? What will it take for the NWSL to survive? And what lead the Coach back to the college ranks? It’s all here and its all riveting!

Whether your interest lies in youth, college or pro soccer, this is the interview you want to catch! And it’s guaranteed to have you following PITT this season and for seasons to come! (12′)
Follow Pittsburgh Panthers on Twitter @pitt_wsoc.

College Matildas
Our college soccer conversation continues with founder and editor of CollegeMatildas.com, Lachy France. Learn more about this unique website that covers all the Australians playing NCAA Div 1 women’s soccer. All the way from Sydney, Australia, Lachy walks us through his website, which features complete player profiles, stats, game previews and highlights, recruitment and commitment news, and so much more. If you love college soccer and Aussie football (who doesn’t?), this is the perfect storm of an interview! (01:15′)
Check out the website at CollegeMatildas.com and follow @CollegeMatildas on Twitter and Facebook.

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup
The 2018 U-20 Women’s World Cup is in the books! Patty and Adam recap the Final match between Japan and Spain; the thrilling third-place match between England and France; and the tournament on a whole. Plus, your dutiful hosts delve into the decline that used to be a powerhouse of U.S. Youth Soccer. What’s killing the program and how much is the “Pay to Play” path hurting the future of women’s soccer in the U.S.? We roll up our sleeves and dive in! (2′)

PLUS…
• Focusing in on the 2018 NWSL playoff picture and its question marks.
• FA Women’s League Cup is underway and it’s already turning heads (did you see the crowd for Manchester United vs. Reading?!)
• MAC Hermann Trophy List announcements
• Riding the Orlando Pride nose dive
• AND MORE!!

Photos Courtesy of: PittsburghPanthers.com; CollegeMatildas.com

Original Broadcast Date: August 26, 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 91: Zoe Johnson, Jaclyn Poucel

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 91 features exclusive interviews with Sheffield FC manager Zoe Johnson; Former University of Pittsburgh standout Jaclyn Poucel; and FC Barcelona expert Michelle Taylor.

We’re celebrating some of the world’s most popular sporting cities with special guests who have carved their own paths to their footballing journeys. First up is Sheffield FC Ladies manager Zoe Johnson!

Sheffield made their FAWSL 2 debut in 2016, finishing a very respectable 5th place in the table. Zoe looks back on that season with thoughts on what worked and what needs to be worked on. She also shares her thoughts on the upcoming FA Cup, where Sheffield will meet Charlton in what’s sure to be a thrilling match!

Zoe also gives her thoughts on managing a team balanced with youngsters and veterans, the challenges of the Spring Series, and the upcoming 2017/18 FAWSL 2 season. Sheffield is a team on the rise and Zoe gives us all the insight! (4:00′)

Jaclyn Poucel
Adam catches up with former University of Pittsburgh standout Jaclyn Poucel. After her senior season, Jaclyn found herself on the list for eligible players for the 2015 NWSL college draft. But with a deep crop of draftees, the tall center-back went undrafted. But that didn’t diminish her dreams of playing professional soccer !

In this spirited interview, the 5-foot-9 defender shares with us her journey to Finland and Iceland, as well as her experience playing for the Boston Breakers Reserves. Learning the love of the game from her mom, Jaclyn takes us through her childhood, her experiences as a young recruit, and her thoughts on the differing aspects of the women’s game here and abroad. Plus, Jaclyn gives us the lowdown on some of her favorite places in Pittsburgh! (35:56′)

FC Barcelona Women
Everyone knows FC Barcelona is the most popular football team on the planet. So, it’s only fitting to spotlight the FC Barcelona Women’s team! To help us get to know the team and the women’s Spanish League, we chat with Michelle Taylor. An expert on all things Barca, Michelle runs an English language twitter account covering the women’s side, as well as the Spanish league. Adam sits down with Michelle to learn more about the club, the league and updates on the Spanish National Team. (1:03:30′)
Follow @barcawomen on Twitter

Plus…
We peek in on the FAWSL 2, give updates on NWSL transfers, and a W-League post season mini-preview! Also, what’s going on with Canada? We’ve got the whole world in our hands on this episode – so don’t miss a single minute!

Fade Out Music by Lauren Alaina

Original Broadcast Date: January 29, 2017

Photo credits courtesy of: SheffieldFC.com; Jaclyn Poucel; Michelle Taylor

Episode 60: Sue Smith, Ashlyn Harris, Greg Miller

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 60 features an exclusive interview with former England great Sue Smith; press conference soundbites from Orlando with Ashlyn Harris, Tom Sermanni, and Phil Rawlins; and University of Pittsburgh Head Coach Greg Miller.

Women’s World Football Show welcomes one of England’s most treasured footballers – Sue Smith! Not many female athletes enjoy a career as long or as successful as the dynamic footballer. When the FA WSL begins it’s 2016 season, Sue will be entering her 22nd year as a professional footballer and still delighting fans with her energetic play and electric personality.

The Doncaster Rovers Belles star gives us her own personal view of how the women’s game has changed over the years and where she see’s it going in the future. The 36-year old brings the game to life in this interview as she does in her TV commentary. What were some of her favorite memories? Who does she regard as the best player she’s played with or against? The answers may not surprise you, but her storytelling will capture your imagination and hold your attention like no other.

Never holding back, always honest and genuine, Sue Smith is a voice for women footballers and fans everywhere and over multiple generations. If you weren’t familiar with Sue’s remarkable career before this interview, be prepared to welcome a new footballing hero to your collection.

Take a listen to Adam’s interview with legendary Sue Smith and then let us know what you think on Facebook or Twitter @WWFShow.

NWSL Expansion Draft
It may be the offseason for the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), but that doesn’t mean the league stops moving. We take a look at the Orlando Pride as it takes one step closer to completing it’s roster through the Expansion Draft. We comb through their picks, comment on the players and how they fit into the Florida landscape. Plus, we hear from the Pride’s president Phil Rawlins, Head Coach Tom Sermanni and their (real) No. 1 pick goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris. You do not want to miss what these soccer influencers have to say about their new team and their roles in the league!

USA College Soccer 101
Class is in session! Adam is still on his quest to give understanding and knowledge to the world on America’s college soccer program. To help out, we invite University of Pittsburgh Head Coach Greg Miller to the classroom. After four seasons as Pitt Panthers’ head coach, Miller continues to move the program forward at record pace. And in 2014 guided the team to its first Atlantic Coast Conference wins.

We’re picking the mind of Coach Miller as he gives us a full understanding of the college system in the U.S. from recruiting practices to academic challenges and everything in between. So, get your pencils out, pay close attention and prepare to get educated (and entertained!).

USL W-League
After 21 years, the oldest running women’s league in North America (that’s longer than the WNBA!) has ceased operations. We look at it’s successes, it’s failures and it’s influence on the women’s game. Plus, what caused it’s demise and could the folding actually be a positive thing for women’s soccer? We discuss it all!

Plus…
NCAA college ranking run-down, Adam’s NWSL Power Rankings, Carli Lloyd’s FIFA Puskas nomination, and MORE! #VoteforCarli

Fade Out Music by Drake.

Original Broadcast Date: November 7, 2015