Play On!
Episode 234 of the Women’s World Football Show features an exclusive interview with author Heidi Smith.
Just when you think you know everything about women’s soccer, a book comes around to let us know that there is still so much more to learn! Join us as we take a deep dive into Heidi’s new book “Play On: From Adversity to Advantage through 140 Years of Women’s Soccer.” (13”)
We’ll also share soundbites from Angel City FC and New Zealand international defender Ali Riley announcing her retirement from soccer. (55”)
Links:
Get Play On by Heidi Smith on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Play-Adversity-Advantage-Through-Womens/dp/B0FPWZVBFJ/ref=sr_1_1
Connect with Heidi:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577153087145
Instagram: @kawehilani2
LinkedIn: @HeidiSmith
Website: HeidiSmithWriter.com
Learn more about the Diana B. Matheson Cup.
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, Castbox, Stitcher, Soundcloud, and direct from our website at www.WWFShow.com.
Original Broadcast Date: October 12, 2025
Women’s World Football Show is hosted, written, edited, and produced by Patty La Bella.
Additional assistance for this episode by Heidi Smith, Ali Riley, and Lisa Milner-Goldberg at Angel City FC
Women’s World Football Show website design and theme music by Patricia La Bella
Women’s World Football Show® is a registered trademark whose audio and logo cannot be used without written authorization.

We also explore the exceptional play of USA attacking midfielder Megan Rapinoe! Starting with soundbites from Jill Ellis (16:32) and Alex Morgan (17:29′) giving their expert assessment of Pinoe. Finally, we hear from the popular player herself in two interviews (pre-game and post-game)! Listen as Pinoe shares her secrets of success, how she changed her diet and fitness program after her recent ACL injury, and does she think she’s playing the best football of her career? Pinoe gives us the truth and nothing but the truth! Plus… just what does wearing the rainbow numbers on the back of her jersey mean to her? It’s all Pinoe and it’s all here! (18:33)
interview, Adam sits down with Houston Dash striker Veronica Latsko to talk about her soccer journey and the new heights she’s reaching in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The University of Virginia standout had to wait until the third round and the 28th pick of the 2018 NWSL College Draft before she found out she would be playing for Vera Pauw’s Dash.
Alana Gunn