272. Emma Sears: From Almost Quitting to Making USWNT History

On this episode of the SoccerGirl Podcast, USWNT and Racing Louisville forward Emma Sears joins us to talk trusting the process, her historic USWNT debut, and what it takes to persevere and make it at the highest level. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re joined by Deyna Castellanos, Venezuelan forward and one of the most visible figures in women’s soccer. From her breakout college career at Florida State to pro stints with clubs in Spain, England, and the NWSL, Deyna’s journey has been global and inspiring. We talk about leading Venezuela’s national team, her advice for young players, balancing life on and off the field, and her mission to elevate the women’s game across South America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wonder how the world’s greatest soccer players train? This week, legendary trainer David Copeland-Smith joins the SoccerGirl Podcast to talk coachability, work ethic, and what makes the best the best. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the SoccerGirl Podcast, Manchester United & USWNT goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce joined us to talk the perks of being a keeper, leveling up to play for the USWNT, and summer trip to the amazon where she hung out with venomous caterpillars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gotham FC defender Lily Reale joins the show to talk dealing with adversity at the pro level, what it was like to balance school with high level college sports, and her Aquaphor obsession.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From trialist to NWSL standout, Angel City FC’s Riley Tiernan shares her journey, her biggest ‘Soccer Girl Prob’ and why she’d rather rack up assists than goals. We talk pre-season survival, the winning culture at Angel City, and how she refused to give anyone a reason to doubt her. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we sit down with NWSL defender Nealy Martin for an honest and inspiring convo about the rollercoaster that is professional soccer. From applying to 9–5 jobs while chasing her dream of playing pro, to stepping into goal (twice) during real matches, Nealy’s journey is anything but ordinary. We talk about: The moment she almost gave up on soccer — and why she didn’t How it actually feels to go undrafted and still make it What it’s like to literally pay to attend a pro tryout Playing goalkeeper professionally (yes, really) The mental chaos of getting traded Her advice to anyone unsure if they should keep going Whether you’re a young player figuring out your next step, or just love a good underdog story, this one’s for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the SoccerGrlProbs Podcast, we sit down with Dutch international and current Liga MX Femenil defender Merel van Dongen for a raw and inspiring conversation about what it means to thrive in chaos. From shattering her nose mid-season to becoming a new mom, bouncing between countries, and qualifying for UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 with the Netherlands—Merel has lived five years in one. We talk about her time setting assist records at Alabama, the emotional attachment to winning and losing, and the mindset shift that helped her stop obsessing over outcomes and start focusing on what she can control. “I love not knowing what’s going to happen on Monday,” Merel tells us. “For some people that’s stressful—for me, that’s living.” Whether you’re an athlete, a new parent, or just someone trying to stay grounded in a whirlwind of change, this episode will hit home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s pod, we sat down with Icelandic midfielder Andrea Rán Snæfeld Hauksdóttir — currently playing for Tampa Bay Sun and the Icelandic national team — for a raw, insightful conversation about resilience, reinvention, and rewriting your own playbook. From qualifying for the Euros but not making the final squad, to choosing college soccer at USF over going pro at a time, to embracing every setback as fuel for the next chapter. We also talk about: ⚽ Her journey across Iceland, France, NWSL, Mexico & now Tampa Bay 🧠 Mental toughness and self-accountability 📚 Why college soccer was the right path for her 🚗 And how she’s learned to stay in the driver’s seat of her own career This one’s for anyone who’s felt overlooked, underestimated, or in need of a reminder that setbacks aren’t stop signs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we chat with Kansas City Current forward Alex Pfeiffer about her incredible journey as one of the youngest players ever signed to the NWSL. Alex opens up about how a major injury became a turning point in her life—shaping her mindset, building her resilience, and helping her form deep friendships. We dive into the challenges she’s faced, how she stays positive through rehab, and what she’s learned about growth both on and off the field. Her story is a powerful reminder that setbacks can fuel comebacks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices