287. Naomi Girma on Confidence, Mental Health & the USWNT

USWNT legend Crystal Dunn joins the Soccer Girl Podcast to talk about her incredible career, the pressure of constantly changing positions, and finally finding peace with her soccer journey. Crystal opens up about playing everywhere from outside back to attacking roles, the mental challenges of adapting year after year, and why she’s proud to have built a career unlike anyone else’s. Plus, we get into locker room cellys, soccer mom snacks, life beyond the game, and plenty of laughs along the way. This is Crystal Dunn like you’ve never heard her before. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mandy Freeman joins the Soccer Girl Podcast to talk all things Gotham FC, life in the NWSL, and the journey that brought her to one of the league’s biggest clubs. From her early soccer days to becoming a key piece of Gotham’s success, Mandy shares stories from her career, what it’s really like inside a professional locker room, the growth of women’s soccer, and how she balances life on and off the field. We also dive into fashion, confidence, team culture, and some fun behind-the-scenes moments that fans don’t usually get to hear. If you’re a Gotham FC fan, NWSL fan, or just love hearing from the personalities shaping the women’s game, this episode is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re joined by Naomi Girma for a thoughtful conversation about the realities of life on and off the field. Naomi opens up about the USWNT, playing under Emma Hayes, confidence, journaling, mental health, and the mindset that’s helped her become one of the best defenders in the world. We also talk about the importance of giving back through the game and highlight World Football Giving Day on May 26. Whether it’s supporting a local club, nonprofit, or organization that means something to you, every contribution makes a difference. Make sure to like, subscribe, and follow along for more conversations with the biggest names in women’s soccer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week USWNT legend and World Cup champion Becky Sauerbrunn joins us! Becky talks leadership, motherhood, team culture, life after soccer, and the lessons she learned throughout her incredible career with the USWNT and NWSL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mak joins the pod to talk about her journey, mindset, and what it really means to carve your own path in the game. From the growing conversation around going pro at a young age to tuning out outside noise, Mak shares how she’s stayed focused on her goals and trusted her process. It’s an honest, thoughtful conversation about confidence, timing, and doing what’s right for you , not everyone else. Get your pair of the new IDA Helia Club Turfs at idasports.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on SoccerGirl, we sit down with David Murray, soccer dad and author, for an honest, insightful conversation about the youth soccer journey from the sidelines. From the pressures parents feel to “get it right,” to the reality that mistakes are part of the process, David shares a perspective every soccer parent (and player) needs to hear. We talk about how to support young athletes without losing sight of the bigger picture, why communication between parents matters more than we think, and what it really means to raise strong, confident players beyond just wins and losses. If you’re navigating the world of youth sports, this episode is a must-listen. Get your copy of David's book, Soccer Dad here! Get your pair of the new IDA Helia Club Turfs at ⁠idasports.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the pod, we’re joined by U.S. Women’s National Team and Seattle Reign goalkeeper Claudia Dickey  Claudia is one of the top young American keepers in the game right now, and we had such a fun, honest conversation with her about life in goal and everything that comes with it. From handling pressure in big moments to competing against your own friends, she gives a real look into the mindset of a goalkeeper at the highest level. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to be a top keeper or just want to hang with one of the most fun personalities in the game this one’s for you. This episode is brought to you by IDA Sports👟 If you’ve played soccer, you know the struggle of wearing cleats that weren’t actually designed for women’s feet. That’s exactly why IDA exists. They make soccer boots specifically built for female athletes, focusing on fit, comfort, and performance. Get yours today at www.idasports.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the SoccerGirl podcast, we're joined by NWSL vet Kayla Sharples to talk her favorite celebrations, making the Best XI roster, and what it takes to become a better centerback. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Soccer Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Eva Gaetino to talk all things USWNT, the excitement around Denver’s newest women’s soccer team, and the realities of life as a pro. Eva shares what it’s been like stepping into USWNT camp, the buzz around Denver Summit FC, and why the anticipation around the club has been building for so long. If you’re excited to see Denver finally take the field and want a behind-the-scenes look at one of the players helping lead the way, this episode is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For so many athletes, the dream is going pro bt for Casey Martinez, the path looked a little different. In this episode of SoccerGirl Pod, we sit down with former D1 standout Casey Martinez to talk about the decision to step away from pursuing a professional soccer career and instead commit to the demanding world of pre-med. We get into: -What it’s really like balancing D1 soccer and pre-med -The mindset shift that comes with transitioning out of sport -Why choosing a different path isn’t “giving up” — it’s growth -How being an athlete translates into medicine (yes, even surgery) -Advice for young players chasing big dreams on and off the field This is a conversation about identity, pressure, and trusting yourself when your future doesn’t look like everyone else’s. Because success doesn’t only live on the pitch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices