307. What Happens When the Game Ends? | Lauren Sesselman on Identity, Recovery & Reinventi307. on

This week’s episode is presented by e.l.f. Cosmetics! We are joined by Angel City forward and U.S. Women’s National Team player, Ally Sentnor. Since Ally last joined us during her rookie season with the Utah Royals, a lot has changed. We sit down to discuss her transition to the West Coast, finding a sense of stability with Angel City in Los Angeles, and the excitement of playing alongside both familiar faces and world-class international teammates.Ally opens up about the importance of mental fitness, her experience working with sports psychologists, and how her "hands-on, hands-off" parents helped her establish an identity outside of the game. We also discuss her partnership with e.l.f. to keep young girls in sports, and what it truly means to feel like you belong on the pitch. Finally, we play a fun round of "Change the Game" where Ally shares some hot takes on NWSL rules—including why drawing a penalty should count as an assist!Whether you’re an athlete navigating change, a fan of the NWSL, or looking for inspiration on building confidence, this conversation with Ally is packed with invaluable insight. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah reflects on committing to Pitt at 13, helping build a program from the ground up, and making the leap to the pros with Gotham FC. She shares what it was like learning from some of the game’s biggest names, why trust and team culture matter, and how Boston Legacy is creating an environment where players are encouraged to take risks, make mistakes, and grow.Most of all, Sarah shares the perspective she hopes young players take from her game: play with joy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Canadian national team player Lauren Sesselman joins us for an honest conversation about the moments that shape an athlete- on and off the field. Lauren shares her unconventional path from basketball to soccer, the position change that transformed her career, and why versatility, preparation, and believing in yourself can create unexpected opportunities. She also opens up about the difficult transition out of the game, concussion recovery, mental health, and finding the courage to ask for help. Now a broadcaster, entrepreneur, mentor, and advocate for athletes’ well-being, Lauren is building a meaningful next chapter while helping grow the game around the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carli Lloyd is back on SoccerGirl to talk World Cup pressure, the evolution of the USWNT under Emma Hayes, and what it takes to win on football’s biggest stage. She also opens up about covering the World Cup, speaking her mind as a broadcaster, motherhood, and her new podcast, Whatever It Takes. Subscribe for more conversations shaping the future of women’s football. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Merritt Mathias and BJ Beckwith, hosts of Don’t Get Me Started, join SoccerGirl Probs to talk about the NWSL’s growth, its biggest opportunities, and what could make the league even better. They get into scheduling, travel, investment, coaching, championship culture, player personalities, chaotic superlatives, and an NWSL fantasy draft. What is the next big step for the NWSL and who is shaping its future? Watch now and let us know what you want to see from the league next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Soccer performance coach Mallory Henderlong joins us to break down how young female players can build strength, speed, confidence, and durability- without overtraining. We talk injury prevention, recovery, movement, the pressure of playing more, and the tools every athlete needs to thrive on and off the field. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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