the BIG LIFE

Navigating NIL: Insights with Darian Harris on the Evolving Landscape of College Athletics

In this super informative Episode 7 of the BIG LIFE, Jordyn and Sam delve into the rapid changes within NCAA athletics, particularly focusing on the evolving NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) policies.

Joined by Darien Harris, Assistant Athletic Director for Business Development and NIL Strategy at Michigan State University, the discussion covers recent NCAA settlements, the intricacies of NIL, and the impact on college athletes. Harris provides valuable insights into building personal brands, the role of social media, and the challenges and opportunities for athletes in both revenue and non-revenue sports, specifically women’s soccer. The conversation aims to educate current and prospective college athletes on leveraging NIL opportunities while maintaining a focus on community and academic priorities.

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Sports Performance and Mental Resilience Coach Nick Holton Shares Game and Life-Changing Tips

Episode 6 of the BIG LIFE goes international, with Jordyn visiting a teammate in Montreal and Sam slaying it in Sweden, partying with Taylor and the Swifties!

But that's not all! We have an amazing guest on this week's podcast: Dr. Nick Holton, an expert in sports performance and mental resilience. Dr. Holton, who works closely with Michigan State,  and, dives deep into the mental aspects of athletic performance. He discusses the importance of understanding the mind-body connection, the concept of anti-fragility, and how to navigate common mental struggles athletes face, such as the negativity bias.

Dr. Holton also shares practical tips for athletes of all ages on how to improve their mental game, get into a flow state, and leverage both positive and negative experiences for growth. Whether you're an athlete, a coach, or someone interested in the science of human flourishing, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

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Subscribe to Girls Soccer Network's GSN Newsletter to stay posted about upcoming episodes. 
Find Jordyn and Sam on their Insta's @sam.cary @jordyn_wickes

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Follow us on Twitter @girlssoccernet

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A Journey from High School to College Soccer: High School Senior Brooke Allen Joins TBL!

Welcome to another episode of The Big Light Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of soccer with our dedicated and ambitious guests. This week, Jordyn chats with Brooke Allen, a high school senior entering the University of Wisconsin next fall. Jordyn and Brooke went to the same high school in Ohio and played one season when Brooke was a freshman.

With the signing day ink just barely dry from Brooke's commitment, we go super granular as they discuss everything from dreams and expectations and recruitment strategies, the anticipation and challenges of joining a new team, and invaluable insights into the impact of social media and recent policies affecting the sporting landscape.

They also discuss real-life challenges, such as sustaining injuries and the subsequent recovery process, and common misconceptions about high school VS club soccer, highlighting the inherent value presented by both platforms.

Episode 5 will give future soccer aspirants priceless advice on joining a club team, practicing resilience and tenacity, and the importance of unwavering belief in your abilities.

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Subscribe to Girls Soccer Network's GSN Newsletter to stay posted about upcoming episodes. 
Find Jordyn and Sam on their Insta's @sam.cary @jordyn_wickes

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Subscribe to our YouTube channel @girlssoccernetwork6137

What Does A Soccer Agent Do? Meet Inspired XI's Gabriel Chapman and Learn About the Art of Agenting.

Join special guest Gabriel Chapman, Executive Director of Inspired XI, in a riveting conversation on international women's soccer and the path to a professional career. In this episode of the Big Life Podcast, hosts Sam and Jordyn explore the multifaceted world of women's football, emphasizing the importance of agents and comprehensive player management. Gain insights into successful transitions from college to professional play, and unlock the surging global opportunities in women's soccer.

Delve into an in-depth understanding of regional playing styles, contracts, social media management, and more! Get an up close and personal glimpse of the intensified field of women's soccer, which has fostered enthusiasm and investment in the sport across nations.

Zooming into the topic of agency representation, the conversation elucidates the potential areas of conflict. Also, learn about the ideal timeline is provided to guide college-going soccer aspirants.

The episode culminates with the hosts sharing their experiences in soccer, highlighting the significance of finding the right agent and introducing the latest NCAA updates.

Tune in to learn how to effectively navigate and thrive in the world of professional women's soccer!

Please subscribe to the BIG LIFE wherever you love to listen!

 

Subscribe to Girls Soccer Network's GSN Newsletter to stay posted about upcoming episodes. 
Find Jordyn and Sam on their Insta's @sam.cary @jordyn_wickes

Follow us on Instagram (@girlssoccernetwork)

Follow us on Twitter @girlssoccernet

Subscribe to our YouTube channel @girlssoccernetwork6137

Question and Answer Time! Navigating Performance, Mental Health, the Recruitment Process and More!

In this episode of The BIG LIFE, Jordyn and Sam answer viewers' questions and share their insights on fitness, and mental health programs for college-athletes. If you're a senior entering college in the fall, you don't want to miss this! Discover summer training and academic tips to prepare new college freshmen for the exciting challenges ahead.

They delve into the merits of sleep scheduling, nutrition, hydration, and mental health assistance programs and understand the essential role these factors play in enhancing the overall performance and mental well-being of athletes.

The episode also highlights the potential of digital platforms and ID camps in providing visibility and recruiting opportunities for aspiring college-level soccer players.

At the end of the day, Episode 3 underscores the joy and fulfillment derived from being part of a team. Tune in for an enlightening conversation brimming with practical tips, personal anecdotes, and an unwavering passion for soccer!

TheBIG LIFE is a Girls Soccer Network podcast.

Please subscribe to the BIG LIFE wherever you love to listen. 

Subscribe to Girls Soccer Network's GSN Newsletter to stay posted about upcoming episodes. 
Find Jordyn and Sam on their Insta's @sam.cary @jordyn_wickes

Follow us on Instagram (@girlssoccernetwork)

Follow us on Twitter @girlssoccernet

Subscribe to our YouTube channel @girlssoccernetwork6137

Insights From the Soccer Journey; The Shifting Landscape of Youth Soccer.; Canadian Maya Antoine Opines About the Differences Between Canadian and U.S. Soccer

Welcome back! In this episode, we delve into the heart of soccer—exploring the unique journey of Maya Antoine, who transitioned from a Canadian youth national player to a college player at Vanderbilt University and is now playing professionally in Sweden with Sam! Learn about the differences between the Canadian and U.S. sports systems and get a closer look at the shifting landscape of youth soccer.

The discussion is a deep dive into the larger aspects of professional sports - the opportunities that international soccer provides, the controversy of high school soccer, and the challenges athletes face, such as recovery from injuries. Both Maya and Jordyn share how painful it is to be an injured player on a team but also the personal growth one can gain by pushing through such a difficult experience. 

We want to thank our sponsor, UNILINK Sports.

UNILINK Sports has soccer opportunities all over the UK & in Europe. They can help you continue your soccer career whilst you study a Master's degree (or Bachelor's). Learn more about their exciting opportunities here: https://www.unilinksports.com/soccer/

 

Donate to the Big Life to help us to produce this kickoff season and receive a brand new Big Life sticker https://donorbox.org/the-big-life

Please subscribe to the BIG LIFE wherever you love to listen. 

TheBIG LIFE is a Girls Soccer Network podcast. 

Subscribe to Girls Soccer Network's GSN Newsletter to stay posted about upcoming episodes. 

Follow us on Instagram (@girlssoccernetwork)

Follow us on Twitter @girlssoccernet

Subscribe to our YouTube channel @girlssoccernetwork6137

Sam and Jordyn are Back! Season Two Premiere Episode

The BIG LIFE is back baby! Sam and Jordyn return for Season 2, and their lives look quite a bit different from when they left off back in November.

In this first episode, Jordyn dives into what spring season looks like at Michigan State. She suffered a knee injury, but things look bright for the rising senior. Sam recounts her whirlwind of a life since the last episode of season 1, including entering the 2024 NWSL draft and moving across the world to Sweden to play professional soccer (yes, you read that right!). 

Through ups and downs, Sam and Jordyn are thrilled to be back for season two! Make sure to listen to Episode 1 and tune in each Thursday for new releases.

Coach Dave Dilanni Talks Iowa Soccer and GIves Sam a Special Sendoff; Sam and Jordyn Look Back on their Incredible (Podcasting) Season. But Will They Return?

You know when you set out to accomplish something but have no idea what you’ve gotten yourself into? That’s a little bit about how the BIG LIFE came to be. Like many of the beautiful things that seem to blossom at Girls Soccer Network, the BIG LIFE started with a DM from Jordyn, who pitched the idea of a podcast focused on college women’s soccer, specifically around the Big Ten. She wanted to talk about things she would have wanted to hear about when she was in high school. Had she ever podcasted? Of course not, but Jen (GSN founder) could sense she was passionate about it. Jen came up with pairing her with Sam because, of course, two people not knowing how to podcast is always better than one! To say it’s been a digital journey feels like an understatement. Having gone through each step–and misstep–both on and off the field with Sam and Jordyn, this season has not just been exciting but has filled a need in the world of content that was just not being addressed: honest, soul-bearing young women competing in the top division of soccer in this country. Each week, they showed up, win, lose, broken nose, on the bench, elated, angry, and even seemingly going bald (yes, this happened). Sam and Jordyn never faltered. While it seems they started to like each other...they always kept the greater purpose of the BIG LIFE in mind: to show the next generation of players what it is REALLY like to play D1 ball.Sam has been trying to get her coach, Dave DiIanni, on the BIG LIFE all season, and he finally acquiesced. It was super interesting to hear about how Dilanni has built this Iowa women’s soccer program into something the school and players can be proud of. Like coach Jeff Hosler of Michigan State (Episode 12), Dilanni came from D2 school Grand Valley and was able to transition and seriously elevate their program’s profile. The relationship Sam and Coach Dilanni have formed throughout Sam’s five-year Iowa career is special, to say the least. It’s a testament to their love for the game and their investment in its future.We at GSN are extremely grateful to be able to end this season and honor both of our incredible hosts with a heartfelt sendoff.

Thank you to our amazing and wonderful sponsor, IDA SPORTS. Not only do they make incredible footwear, they are a company that truly walks the walk (pun intended) in their desire to elevate women's sports. We are honored to be associated with them and grateful for their sponsorship. 

OUR LINKS: 

Follow Sam Cary IG: @samcary Follow Jordyn Wickes IG: @jordyn_wickes

The BIG LIFE is a Girls Soccer Network podcast. Check out our website here.

Subscribe to Girls Soccer Network's Newsletter to stay posted about upcoming episodes. Follow us on Instagram/FB/Threads (@girlssoccernetwork) Follow us on Twitter @girlssoccernet