295. Mimi Van Zanten: From 2x NCAA Champion to NWSL Game-Winner

Former Mexico National Team player, Emmy-winning broadcaster, and CBS Sports analyst Janelly Farías joins the SoccerGirl Pod to share the story behind her new book, Surviving Women’s Soccer. Janelly opens up about representing Mexico, navigating sexism and homophobia in the game, finding the courage to speak up when it cost her, and building a new career in broadcasting after playing. She also shares why self-belief, authenticity, and having the right people in your corner can change everything. We also talk UEFA Women’s Champions League, the future of the women’s game, and the advice she’d give her younger self: the most important yes you need is your own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duda Pavão joins the Soccer Girl Podcast to share her incredible journey from growing up playing futsal with boys in Brazil to working on some of the biggest stages in soccer. She talks about becoming the first girl registered in her local futsal federation after her mom went to court so she could play, moving to the U.S. at 15, learning English through Taylor Swift lyrics, playing college and professional soccer, and eventually building a career in media and broadcasting. We also get into her World Cup experiences, presenting Brazil’s bid for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, what fans should expect in Brazil next summer, and how much women’s soccer coverage has changed over the years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wales international and West Ham player Ffion Morgan joins the Soccer Girl Podcast to talk about her journey from playing on a boys team in Wales to becoming a professional footballer. Ffion opens up about moving away from home at 16, balancing football with a full-time office job, recovering from an ACL injury, representing Wales at their first-ever Euros, and the sacrifices her family made to help her chase the dream. She also shares why she loves showing the real side of professional football on social media, from travel and friendships to loneliness and missed family moments, plus we finish with a very chaotic round of Soccer Girl Fixes the Game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

300 episodes. 15 years of Soccer Girl.  For this milestone episode, Alanna and Shannon look back at how Soccer Girl started during college preseason, their favorite memories, craziest experiences and the podcast moments that have stuck with them most. They also talk about athlete anxiety, dream guests, what they’ve learned from hundreds of interviews and what they hope the next 300 episodes look like. Most importantly, thank you to everyone who has listened, followed and grown with Soccer Girl over the last 15 years.  Enter the big giveaway here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DcjSt0IESfk/?img_index=1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kansas City Current defender Izzy Rodriguez joins the Soccer Girl Podcast after reaching 100 NWSL appearance, all with the same club. Izzy talks about growing with the Current, building confidence, becoming one of the league’s most consistent defenders, and what makes Kansas City’s culture so special. We also get into leadership, national team goals, defending some of the NWSL’s toughest attackers, life as a new homeowner, and her advice for young players. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

San Diego Wave defender Trinity Armstrong joins the Soccer Girl Podcast to talk about her journey from college soccer to the NWSL, navigating a recent ACL and meniscus injury, and the mindset keeping her focused on her comeback. Trinity opens up about returning from injury, setting small rehab goals while holding onto her biggest dreams, and why a setback does not mean the end of the story, it just means the timeline shifts. She also talks about her rookie season, learning from Kailen Sheridan, facing Temwa Chawinga in her first start, her love for Julie Ertz, and what it takes to become a great defender. Plus: Trinity gives her thoughts on VAR challenges, goalkeeper time limits, and why defenders deserve credit for clean sheets. Follow Soccer Girl for more conversations with the players shaping the game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

World Cup champion Sam Mewis returns to the Soccer Girl Podcast to talk about life after retirement, the injury that changed everything, and how she's found a new purpose covering the game. We discuss Emma Hayes' impact on the USWNT, the future of the women's game, the players she's most excited about, and why she still misses competing at the highest level. It's an honest conversation about identity, transition, and staying connected to the sport you love. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does chasing a professional soccer dream really look like? This week, Cynthia Ramirez joins the Soccer Girl Podcast to share the real story behind her viral TikTok videos documenting every step of her soccer journey, from high school and junior college to Division I soccer at CSU Bakersfield and eventually professional trials. Instead of only sharing the highlights, Cynthia opens up about rejection, setbacks, self-doubt, and why she believes every player’s path is different. We also discuss going viral on social media, navigating the recruiting process, what pro trials are actually like, and the mindset that’s helped her continue chasing her dream. Since recording this episode, Cynthia has officially signed her first professional contract, making this conversation an inspiring look at the work that happened before that milestone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

San Diego Wave FC defender Mimi Van Zanten joins us to talk about her rise from two-time NCAA champion at Florida State to NWSL game-winner. Mimi shares what it was like turning pro, making her debut against her sister Kiki, representing Jamaica, and scoring her first professional goal against Angel City FC. We also get real about injuries, failure, life away from soccer, and the advice every young defender needs. Head to Nuuly.com and use code FOOTBALLCO to get $28 off your first month Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cameron Brooks joins the Soccer Girl Podcast for a conversation about confidence, growth, and staying true to yourself. Cameron shares why the key to success is leading with a student mindset, staying open to learning, and trusting that the right people will value you for what you bring. A must-listen for any athlete navigating their journey on and off the field. Head to Nuuly.com and use code FOOTBALLCO to get $28 off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices