the BIG LIFE

Celebrating Wins and Navigating the Journey that is Women's Soccer; Deep Dive with Chicago Red Star's Assistant Coach Ella Masar

Hey Everyone, or Hej as they say in Sweden. Summer is in session! Jordyn is sun burnt back in the gym already and Sam scored her first goal as a professional! School may be out but soccer never sleeps! The highlight, of Episode 8 is an incredible interview with Ella Masar, assistant coach of the Chicago Red Stars. Ella shares her incredible journey from being a low-profile recruit in Urbana, Illinois to an acclaimed professional soccer player. She discusses the ups and downs of her career, from struggling in college to triumphs in the WPS and NWSL, as well as her experiences playing in Europe. The conversation covers extensive ground on the challenges and rewards of an international soccer career, the impact of women's football in different countries, and the importance of hard work and perseverance. Masar also reflects on her transition to coaching and the remarkable growth of the NWSL, aiming to inspire young female athletes worldwide.

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

 

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.