December 3, 2023 • 38 mins
As we see an end to 2023, we also say goodbye to a few of our favorite players who have announced their retirements – Megan Rapinoe, Ali Krieger, Christine Sinclair, and Julie Ertz. In this episode, we hear from these iconic players as they look back on their careers and the legacies they leave.
We also hear from Lauren Barnes as she shares her thoughts on longtime friend and teammate Megan Rapinoe – Get out the tissues!!
Time Stamps:
Megan Rapinoe - 6’
Lauren Barnes - 12’
Ali Krieger - 16'
Christine Sinclair - 26’
Julie Ertz - 32'
Soundbites courtesy of US Soccer, Canada Football Association, and the NWSL.
Episode Links:
Ali Krieger on Episode 38 of WWFShow – https://wwfshow.com/2015/02/16/kriegs/
Christine Sinclair on Episode 42 of WWFShow – https://wwfshow.com/2015/04/27/sincy/
More WWFShow Links:
Follow Women’s World Football Show on Facebook, Instagram, and our blog at wwfshowblog.com.
Listen to Women’s World Football Show on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Spreaker, TuneIn Radio, Google Play, Castbox, Stitcher, Soundcloud, and directly from our website at www.WWFShow.com.
Original Broadcast Date: December 3, 2023
Women’s World Football Show is hosted, written, edited, and produced by Patty La Bella.
Additional assistance for this episode by US Soccer, Canada Soccer Association, and National Women's Soccer League.
Women’s World Football Show website design and theme music by Patricia La Bella
Women’s World Football Show® is a registered trademark and its audio and logo cannot be used without expressed written authorization.
We also hear from Lauren Barnes as she shares her thoughts on longtime friend and teammate Megan Rapinoe – Get out the tissues!!
Time Stamps:
Megan Rapinoe - 6’
Lauren Barnes - 12’
Ali Krieger - 16'
Christine Sinclair - 26’
Julie Ertz - 32'
Soundbites courtesy of US Soccer, Canada Football Association, and the NWSL.
Episode Links:
Ali Krieger on Episode 38 of WWFShow – https://wwfshow.com/2015/02/16/kriegs/
Christine Sinclair on Episode 42 of WWFShow – https://wwfshow.com/2015/04/27/sincy/
More WWFShow Links:
Follow Women’s World Football Show on Facebook, Instagram, and our blog at wwfshowblog.com.
Listen to Women’s World Football Show on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Spreaker, TuneIn Radio, Google Play, Castbox, Stitcher, Soundcloud, and directly from our website at www.WWFShow.com.
Original Broadcast Date: December 3, 2023
Women’s World Football Show is hosted, written, edited, and produced by Patty La Bella.
Additional assistance for this episode by US Soccer, Canada Soccer Association, and National Women's Soccer League.
Women’s World Football Show website design and theme music by Patricia La Bella
Women’s World Football Show® is a registered trademark and its audio and logo cannot be used without expressed written authorization.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:03):
So just to show the kind ofme. Hey, everybody, welcome to
another episode of Women's World Football Show. I'm your host, Patty Labella.
How are you. I hope you'reenjoying the holidays, getting ready for the
new year and all those great things. I wanted to pop in before the
end of the year and just tosay hello and tell you I'm still here,
(00:27):
still working on the show and tryingto change up the format a little
bit. Haven't changed the format inlike five years, so I was thinking
about it, and I think we'regonna do away with the dry open like
we've been doing and just do somethingdifferent. And so this is a work
in progress. Of course, we'vejust celebrated ten years of doing this podcast.
(00:48):
Lots changed in the past ten years, and I feel like the show
should change along with the times.And you know, we're seeing a lot
of different podcasts come up, anda lot of great podcast too, I
have to say, a lot ofYouTube shows and things like that, and
I just celebrate them. I mean, I'm just so happy and proud to
see like all of these creators,you know, putting their talents to use
(01:12):
and celebrating the women's game and helpingto grow the women's game, and that's
something that I've been very passionate aboutfor the past ten years, and I
just want to thank you all forcontinuing to tune in and send me messages
and send me your interview requests.I mean, I'm telling you the format
might change a bit, but onething that will stay the same is that
(01:34):
we'll always be celebrating these players,lifting these players up and through their own
words, and spotlighting them and givingthem a platform. Of course, they
have many avenues of platforms nowadays,but Women's World Football Show is still here
for them, and we'll still bereaching out to women players and coaches and
influencers all over the world and justreally happy that you're joining me still on
(01:59):
this journey. It's been a quitea ride. And this year, and
especially on this show episode two twentytwo, we're going to be hearing from
a few of our favorite players whohave announced their retirements this year, I
mean twenty twenty three. If welook back on twenty twenty three, and
I know you know everyone's doing thatright now, it's at the time of
the year we just can see thegame changing and the new generation coming up
(02:22):
and the old generation kind of turningthe page, not walking away from the
game, maybe finding different different waysto still be of value in the game
or in society or just in culture. And so I thought we'd hear from
some of them, and let's I'vegot. I've been able to sit in
(02:42):
on a few press conferences. Idon't know if you saw the NWSL championship
match between the Rain and in Gothamand of course New York, New Jersey
Gotham FC walked away with the title. I was at that match. It
was so cool, so fun towatch, and the thing that I really
enjoyed about that match and something thatwill always go down in history, and
(03:04):
not just to see Gotham go fromlast place last year to first place and
win the whole you know, thewhole kitten kaboodle of twenty twenty three.
I mean, what an awesome thingfor that, but to also see two
great players go out at the sametime, and that was the you know,
the end of an era, really, Megan Repino retiring from the national
team and from professional football on theclub level, and then also Ali Krieger
(03:31):
walking away with the championship trophy.I mean, that's just so awesome.
So I get a chance to sitin on a couple of press conferences with
Megan Rapino and Ali Krieger, andI wanted to share those with you.
Also have a snippet from a pressconference by Christine Sinclair. The Goat also
retiring this year from international place.We back with Portland next season, but
(03:54):
then that'll be it. And thenalso I have a snippet from Julie Ertz
too, another great player we sawretire this year from international and club play.
Let's hear from Megan Rapino. Yeah, Megan Rapino of course finishes her
career with two hundred and three capson the international level, sixty three goals,
(04:16):
and with the Rain for her wholeNWSL career. I mean, I
just encourage you to go in andyou know, check out her Wikipedia page
or something. You know, itjust goes on and on. But yeah,
she played with Seattle Rain from twentythirteen to twenty twenty three and just
had just a storied career I think, on all levels. And Megan Rapino
definitely a big voice in this gameand lent so much to this game and
(04:42):
means so much to this game,and not just to the game, but
to the world. Right lover orhater. I know, if you're a
non soccer fan. I've run intopeople who are like, why does she
have to be so political? Well, she used her platform to lend a
voice to people who don't always havea voice, and I think that that
should be celebrated. And that's thething that I say to people when they
(05:03):
say that to me. You know, why does she have to be so
political? She had a platform andshe used it. There's nothing wrong with
that. And in fact, ifanything, I tip my hat to her
and I celebrate her, and Ihope that there are more young players who
look up to her to say wecan do the same thing. We can.
We have a flagged awave. Let'slet's waive it. You know,
(05:23):
we have a stance to take,let's take it. And we have this
huge platform to kind of to shareour voice with the world and to lift
up people who maybe don't have thatplatform. So let's hear from Megan Rapino.
This is a pre match press conference. It's not an exclusive interview.
It's in a press conference setting.I like to say this. You know,
(05:46):
reporters are asking questions, Megan Rapino'sanswering them. I cut out the
questions just for ease of listening.And then also you know, as you
know, Megan Arpino played in thatmatch, in that end abuse of self
final match for three minutes and shewent down injured. So that was kind
of a drag, you know.But of course we'll we won't look back
on Megan Rapino's career and say,yeah, but remember that d BUS finals.
(06:10):
We won't. We will, wewill forget about it. Believe me,
we'll forget about that. And herbody of work just stands on its
own. So let's hear from MeganRapino in her last pregame press conference as
a professional women's soccer player. Obviously, you know this would be my last
game, stepping away, like Icouldn't feel like the league is in a
(06:30):
better place and couldn't be proud ofwhere it is. You know, I
always tried to play the game theright way, always tried to you know,
enjoy it. At the end ofthe day, I feel like we
are in the entertainment business, andyou know, especially in a growing sport,
in a growing league, I feellike that's really important. I always
tried to make things better and Ithink for me, I just walk away,
(06:53):
you know, So proud and sohappy of not only my contribution to
the game, but the era thatI've played in and knowing that the game
is in, you know, sucha better place, and that's testament to
you know, all the players thathave played in this generation and played in
this league, and you know,obviously someone us playing with the national team.
(07:14):
You know, a huge media dealjust got announced. This league was
insane this year. It was youknow, so much fun to watch and
be a part of, and allthe storylines. So I feel like I
get to walk away just you know, smiling no matter what, and really
proud of, you know, myentire career. I'm certainly most proud of
the you know, the organization ofthe players and the players collectively using their
(07:41):
voice in the way that we dida few years ago, which I think
spurred, you know, just areckoning, but also gave us a real
guiding light moving forward of what thebusiness of this league really needs to look
like, what needs to be thefocus and and how we're going to sell
this league and make it as successfulas everybody wants it to. I mean,
(08:03):
I think that that first of all, just showed an unbelievable amount of
bravery and collaboration and yeah, justheart from the players, and you know,
I think manuntion Ade specifically being ableto share those stories and you know,
galvanize the rest of the league toalso you know, speak up and
(08:26):
speak our truth. I think thatreally, you know, in so many
ways it had to happen because thatwas a right that needed to be that
was a wrong that needed to bemade right. But I think it also
gave you know, a sort ofguiding light moving forward that we really needed
and we were really kind of searchingfor at that time. So I think,
(08:48):
to me, that's the biggest catalyst. And then I think just in
general, the world obviously around women'ssports at large is changing, you know,
not even every year, it justfeels every quarter. You know,
there's so much more investment. Themedia deal that the NWSL just announced is
huge. You know, wn BAwas amazing this year. Like there's so
(09:09):
many things that are just growing exponentially. And again, I mean, I
just feel so proud to be anNWSL player and to you know, have
played my entire career here with oneclub, and I just feel like,
yeah, the next ten years aregoing to be incredible. I mean,
I think with Ali We've been throughso much together. We've played in you
(09:33):
know, the biggest games together,played in you know, World championship games
together, you know, while thePresident was tweeting at us. So I
feel like this moment, we're justhappy to be in together. You know.
I think we wish both of eachother, wish each other so well.
We're so happy and proud of eachother. You know, this will
(09:54):
be something that we talk about withyou know, our well, her kids
and you know, families for foreverto come. But I think we also
are both really competitive and really wantthis one and obviously want to you know,
end our career in a high SoI feel like that's the focus and
the motivation for both of us.Great to hear from Megan Rapino, and
it's just so weird to think thatwe won't hear from her again in the
(10:16):
press conference. I mean, whoknows, maybe she'll go into coaching or
something like that, but I don'tknow. She's just been around for so
long. I think sometimes we,especially in the media, we take that
for granted, like we're always goingto have Megan Rapino to talk to no
more. It's so strange. Sojust to show the kind of influence that
Megan Rapino had on her teammates.I was able to have a conversation with
(10:39):
Lauren Barnes, her longtime teammate.Of course they are on the rain,
both of them since twenty thirteen.And I asked lou Barnes a question pre
NWSL final match and she got reallyemotional. I mean she's not just losing
a teammate, but also losing afriend and colleague and so really conjured up
(11:01):
a lot of emotions. I alsochatted with Lou Barnes after the nws self
final match and she was, Iwant to say, like inconsolable. I
mean, she was very, veryemotional. I'm not going to play that
interview for you just because she wasreally really emotional, and I don't think
that she was. I mean,it was hard losing that match, but
(11:22):
I think that just the emotions oflosing Megan Rapino just over the top for
her and didn't think it was reallyfair to be in I felt really bad
just interviewing her actually, and itwas just like, you know what,
enough enough, we don't need totalk right now. So hoping to get
Lou Barnes on the show, youknow, in twenty twenty four, so
(11:43):
you know, some time can passand we can talk to her about the
influence that Megan Repino had on her. But pre match did talk to her.
She got really emotional, but it'svery telling and I think that it's
worth a listen to. So let'shear Lauren Barnes talking about the influence of
Megan Rappino on this game and onher life. Yeah. I think we
(12:05):
talked about so much of Pino's careerbeing soccer, but I think for the
Ogs that have played with her foreleven years, one, just being part
of that ride has been so beautifulfor us. But I think it's you
know, the memories, the friendshipand the family that we've created as well
as that It's been most important forme and something I will take away and
cherish for the rest of my life. And I think Jess as well,
(12:26):
and Laura as well, Yeah,honestly, And yeah, anyway, and
we talked about I think for meas well, like just taking a front
seat to all of this. Itwas very emotional for her retirement game in
Chicago game. And I've been feelinglike I've been a little bit more level
and balanced emotionally until sitting here againand talking about this. You know,
I'm like, for Bock's sake,I've made all the way and now I'm
(12:48):
like, okay, let's cry it. And so yeah, I mean this
is what it's about, you know. I think especially for Ali on Gotham
and Pinal to do to get Ithink it's really really special. It's lovely.
I think Rose hit it. It'svery poetic as well. You know,
this is the ending of something incrediblefor both of them, and I
(13:11):
think the legacy that they've left willbe here forever, and I think it's
important for us to like remember themas their beautiful selves and their story that
they've written and will continue to write. And for me to even be a
part of that in any step ofthe way has been truly like a for
my career. Like that's it can'teven put into words what that is and
(13:33):
how special that is. And tobe able to do it for eleven years
with some and it's something that's nevergonna happen in another lifetime, I think.
So I've been savoring it. Ifelt like I was doing pretty well.
So yeah, I just never beencruising right now, and I've just
been like, this is never gonnaend. Like it just feels like we're
(13:54):
in mid November, where like,is this really ever gonna end? Probably
not? So Yeah, just tosavor this and really watch her in all
her glory, truly, and Ithink I've been lucky, truly truly lucky.
And once again I'll try to getLou Barnes on the show in twenty
(14:15):
twenty four. We could talk moreabout that, I mean, talk about
a great career Lou Barnes has hadwith the Seattle Rain, Lowell Rain and
another great influence on the game aswell, also in that last NWSL final.
Of course, Ali Krieger. Whata story career. Talk about story
(14:35):
career. Ali Kreeger has had oneof the more popular players on the US
women's national team. She finishes hercareer internationally with one hundred and eight caps.
She only had one goal in herI mean twenty year career as a
professional on the international level. Ofcourse, she started her career in college
(14:56):
at Penn State, and then fromthere, you know, she played and
all the iterations of all the leaguesin the United States, went over to
Germany to play, played in Sweden, and then of course ended her career
New Jersey, New York. GothamFC has a champion. I mean,
you can't go out any better thanthat. So let's hear from Ali Kreeger
in her pre n w's Cell finalpress conference. Ali Kreeger, So,
(15:22):
yeah, the beginning, it wasdefinitely rough. We all had a goal
in mind that we wanted to seethis out. We wanted to see this
become the best league in the worldand be very successful. And that's why
I think we're on such a greatpath to do. And obviously the job
will never be done. The workwill never be done because it'll be there's
always going to be something too better, and you know, the standard will
(15:43):
always be, you know, pushedto the best of the limits that we
can and what these players desive andhow we can continue to show value and
appreciation for all the work you know, that the players put into this league.
But yeah, it was definitely rough. At the beginning. We didn't
(16:03):
have you know, I was basicallyfighting for socks to wear training, you
know, for some of the players, and at times we had to wash
our own clothes. So we definitelycome a long way, and I think
what I'm most proud of, Idon't know if it necessarily has anything to
do with football, to be honest, I think just over the years,
no matter what team you're on andno matter where you're from in this country
(16:26):
and who you play for, atthe end of the day, we have
each other's backs as a league andplayers in the league, and we have
powering numbers. And I think thatwe've seen that over the years, and
I think that no matter what wecan get out on the field, we
roll our sleeves that we get afterwe can compete because we're winners. But
also at the end of the day, we have each other and we know
how to fight for one another.We know how to fight for what's best
(16:48):
for this league and for these players, and so that's ultimately I think what
I'm most proud of and leaving thisgame better than where we found it,
especially from you know, in twentytwelve when we first started. I'm thirteen,
and to see where it is nowand to see what we have and
to see come here and feel importantand feel like this final is is you
know, what we deserve. Andall the media attention, all the social
(17:11):
media going on, I mean,just the level of professionalism has definitely been
tremendous to see the growth, andso I appreciate everyone's hard work it doesn't
go unnoticed, and must just keepfighting for more and more every single year.
And it's that's really what's been refreshingover my time. Yeah, a
(17:32):
great question. You know, playingthe sport is such a risk, like
like Lynn touched on before, andyou have to fight through adversity. You
have to fight for you know yourown path and what you want to do
with your vision, you know,envision that to be a successful season or
to be in the final. Thenyou fight, like how just to do
that? And you call and scratchand until you get there. And so
I've never been one to shy awayfrom that pressure and winning. I'm addicted
(17:57):
to winning and I think probably oneof the most competitive people in the league.
And I'm sure a lot of playersand opponents can kind of test to
that as well. But I thinkthat's why I respect the game so much.
I'm giving it everything I have andyou don't necessarily get all of it
(18:17):
back in return, and so youhave to have that willingness and drive to
want to do it for yourself becauseyou love it and because you like to
show up every day and compete andto win and to play football. This
game is a silly game at times, and you know, any team can
win on any day, and butthat's what's so enjoyable about it. You
know, it's pretty unpredictable, andI love being a part of a team,
(18:41):
and I think that's why I've showedup, you know, day in
and day out, because I loveto surround myself with players who are also
better than me so that I canget better too, And I just love
to be in an environment and competeand win. And I think that's what
has motivated me all these years.And then ultimately, no matter what's going
(19:02):
on in my life or you know, within the sport, showing up to
training every day and having that freedomand that focus and that fun to not
think of anything else other than toplay football and just feel free. I
think that's why I've lasted this long, and I've played since you know,
I've turned thirty nine, and that'swhat's enjoyable to me. So I think
that's also addicting, just to notthink about anything else that's going on in
(19:25):
life and just going out there,touching the grass and really enjoying myself no
matter what rule you play we havean understanding of the responsibility and the rules
that we have on that day.And so if that's to play at ninety
minutes, great, If that's toplay sixty grade, if that's to play
five and ten, I'm gonna getout there. I'm gonna bust my ass,
and I'm gonna do everything I canin order to make it difficult for
(19:45):
them to ignore me. So Ithink, no matter what, she's right,
like, we we respect each otherin that way because we give everything
and no matter who's gonna who's chosenthat day, because it's not always gonna
be me or Lynn, but whoever'schosen, they're going to be be their
best. Yeah, making sure thecommunication between the players and the club officials
(20:06):
are is you know there at theend of the seasons, you know,
we sit down all together and Ilisten, boom boom boom. This needs
to be better. So then dissectingwhat went wrong and what possibly what right
and kind of in the off seasonreally taken care of, you know,
the ones in need of how wecan get this team back at the top
of the table. I think wasreally crucial and critical for us last year.
(20:27):
I remember sitting down and having lengthyconversations to be like, look,
this isn't good enough, Like ifwe want to be there, if you
want this team to be where youknow you and vision, then we all
have to be one hundred percent.And it can't just be the players.
It has to be the coaches,It has to be the medical team,
it has to be the support staff, it has to be the office front
office staff, like everybody. Ithas to be our photographers, our social
(20:51):
media team, our communications team,like everybody has to give one hundred and
ten percent or this isn't gonna thisisn't going to work, and you don't
want to do that, then there'sthe door, honestly, because like we
we are in this together. We'rea family, and if you know,
one person isn't pulling their weight,then I'm not going to be great on
the field. So I think itjust goes hand in hand. You really
(21:15):
have to have those tough conversations tolisten like this is what needs to improve,
and then they have to be willingto, you know, spend the
money and and the time and theenergy to make it right. So that
also is really important with the playerscommunicating properly and vocally saying Hey, this
is what we need in order tobe successful. And then the leadership coaching
(21:36):
staff, this is what we needbecause it's not always about so I'm like
going on and out, but it'snot always about the players. What we
need are the coaches getting what theyneed to be successful. And that's also
something that's extremely important because if they'renot getting what they need, then we're
not going to be successful on onthe field. So we got the best
coaching staff in the league on ouron our side, and then they able
(22:00):
to form, you know, thepersonnel that they want it and what they
envision. So it goes hand inhand with club, you know, within
the club top to bottom. Ifeel like I'm in a different position than
maybe a Jena Nice longer is,and so I know that I need to
use my voice in the fight morefor players who don't feel like they can,
you know, step up and saythe things that I could probably say.
(22:22):
And I know that there's that differencejust be through my experience and Len
can probably say the same. There'smaybe the respect is maybe shifted there a
little bit. So I feel theresponsibility and that weight to carry using my
voice and making sure that you know, club officials and you know, coaches
(22:44):
understand and can kind of hear usand listen, because a lot of people
can listen, but they don't wantto don't necessarily hear everything, and so
we have to make sure that werepeat ourselves and say, listen, this
is where it needs to be.It's not yet there, but this is
what we need and what we wantin order to perform. Is that that's
kind of just having those conversations.But I understand that my voice might carry
(23:04):
a little bit more than other players, and I know I need to hold
myself accountable in that way and makesure I continuously, you know, step
up and say what needs to besaid. We had Ali Kreeger on the
show many years ago, and itstill ranks as one of our top downloaded
shows of all time. Her popularityjust surpasses soccer, surpasses women's soccer.
(23:30):
She's always been a very popular player. And I think just from all the
years I you know, I've beenwatching her and then of course having the
privilege of having her on the showand then talking to her in the mixed
own and stuff. I think it'sjust her personality. I mean, she
has an intensity about her but alsoa very approachable way about her. That's
(23:52):
that's very warm and inviting, andyou don't see that a lot. It's
very rare. And Ali Kreeger hasthat, I mean, duplicate that,
and boy, she's gonna she's anotherone who's just gonna be missed, you
know. So when we come back, we'll take a short break, and
when we come back, we'll hearfrom Christine Sinclair, the Goat as we
like to call her, and alsoJulie Ertz. More retirements this year,
(24:18):
so I'll be back in a minute. It's bittersweet to hear I think from
these players who are who've been partof like the fabric of this sport that
we love, and I mean,it's just gonna be so strange not to
(24:41):
have them around. But I guess, you know, it's a changing of
the guard, turning of the page. So they say Christine Sinclair, I
call her the goat. Why not, right? One hundred and ninety goals,
more than any other player in theworld, man or woman. She
finishes her international career with three hundredand thirty caps, one hundred and ninety
(25:02):
goals. I mean, just itwon't be passed. I don't think that
record will ever be beat. Shehas a twenty year career. She started,
you know, in two thousand,with the national team in two thousand,
so and you know all the youknow, coming from Portland pilots in
college and of course played in Canadaand then all the iterations of the North
(25:26):
American League and then of course she'sbeen with Portland Thorns since twenty thirteen.
Another another legacy type player. She'sretiring from international soccer, but she will
play next year with Portland Thorns,so she does have one more year of
club soccer to go and so gratefulfor that. Very cool. So let's
(25:48):
hear from Christein Sinclair, she satdown with the media. Again, this
is not an exclusive interview, itactually comes from Canada Soccer. And appreciate
them over there, the fine folksCanada Soccer for letting us use this SoundBite
from Christine Sinclair. She addressed themedia in her last press conference before a
few friendlies in Canada. So let'shear from Christine Sinclair. Still to this
(26:14):
day, I just played because Ilove it. But yeah, I started
playing honestly because my brother did andI wanted to do what he did.
And I mean I was convinced asI like progressed through sports, I was
going to go to the Olympics,but for some reason, I thought myself
as like a speed skater, eventhough I don't skate, but that was
(26:36):
I remember Katrina le May done winninggold, and yeah, I was I
was going to do that. Sono, soccer was just what I did
for fun because I loved it.And then the legacy I've left, I'm
just proud to be to have beena part of just the growth of women's
football around the world and obviously herein Canada. I mean, obviously it's
(26:56):
like mixed emotions for me because yeah, I saw what stuff went through,
you know. Obviously I've seen whatus teammates, you know, like Megan
Rapino went through, and like,yes, that is my worst nightmare.
However, I do realize it's it'sgoing to be a special night and this
is you know a great opportunity toplay four games across Canada and for me
(27:21):
to be able to say thank youto the fans that have supported me throughout
my career. Yeah, just tryingto soak it all in. And players
have asked, like what's it liketo come and like play with no stress?
Because you know, like in away, I'm not trying to make
a team. I'm not trying tomake a roster or a lineup, and
yeah, it's free to just kindof come back to my roots of just
(27:42):
playing for the love of it andjoin the time with my teammates, and
you know, it's a unique opportunityto get to play games at home.
No, I mean, I thinkthe biggest thing was after Tokyo, just
the way we went out one thething I knew I didn't want to play
in Paris. There's no better wayto go out, but I did wanted
(28:06):
to give the World Cup one moreshot. I thought this team had a
unique opportunity to prove to the world. You know that Tokyo wasn't a fluke,
and obviously we haven't had the mostsuccess in World Cup, so I
knew I could play. I wasready to go and wanted to give it
one more shot. And then withthe way the World Cup went, I
(28:27):
didn't want that to be it,and I wanted to be a part of
I talked to BEV and I wantedto be a part of the group to
help the team qualify for Paris.For the team, but for me,
personally it was important and I thoughtthat was gonna be it, and I
was gonna walk off and not saya word and just be done. But
then there were rumors of four gamesbeing played in Canada, and yeah,
(28:52):
my friends and family convinced me toyou can't just leave you to yourself,
fo it to Canada to come outand play these games. Now, I
mean the fight. I've always I'malways up for the fight. And you
know, obviously we've seen what pastteammates have done after they've retired, and
(29:14):
they continue to push for whether it'sa professional league in Canada or they're working
behind the scenes with our lawyers toget things done, so that'll never end.
Mike split on where things are at. I think moving forward, hopefully
there's going to be a professional leaguein the next couple of years in Canada.
I think we need that desperately interms of contracts and things like that.
(29:37):
It's been a harder battle than Ithought it was going to be,
but I think moving forward at thevery least will have the same as the
men, which is a huge stepforward for this program. Is it where
we ideally want it? No,But obviously there's some things going on behind
the scenes that we can't control.But at the very least we'll love equality
(29:59):
with the men within this federation,which, yeah, that is all we
can ask for at this point.I mean, obviously, I'm gonna stay
involved in the game. This gameis in my life since I was four.
But yeah, I plan obviously toplay another year in Portland hopefully,
and we'll go from there. Butwhether it's coaching, whether it's behind the
(30:21):
scenes, yeah, I'm not I'mnot leaving, you know. Sophie Schmidt
is also retiring this year from internationalsoccer. Another big name, right,
someone who has been on our show. Christine Sclaiir was on our show too
many years ago. So just Imean, I don't know. It's,
like I said, it's bittersweet.You celebrate these players, all the things
(30:41):
that they've done. Winning the Olympicgold for Canada. I mean, I'm
sure that's the highlight of her career, but just the influence that she's had
on the next generation and little girlsall over the world, you can't,
I mean, you can't put aprice on that. It's just so remarkable.
Okay, So we'll end this withJulie Ertz. Juliet Ertz of course,
(31:06):
announced her retirement from international and clubplay. I have to say I
was surprised by this. I thoughtJulie Ertz came back after her pregnancy,
she came back to Angel City,she played, you know, lights out.
She came back like like nothing like. She never missed the beat after
you know, giving birth to herbaby and taking some time off. But
Julierts, of course, another popular, popular player and a hundred finishes her
(31:30):
international career with one hundred and twentythree caps and twenty goals. And boy,
you really felt Juliertz's presence out therewhen she got into the game.
Corner kicks, free kicks, butyou know, she was there in the
middle. And I mean as adefender who could score unprecedented I think that
(31:52):
she really made her mark on theUS one's national team, but also on
women's soccer in general, of course, starting out with in Santa Clara twenty
ten, and then and then makingthe US national team and twenty thirteen and
then it's just been staple on theteam since then. So let's hear Julie
(32:13):
Ertz again. This is press conferencesetting and she addressed the media after the
announcement of her retirement so let's hearfrom Julie Ertz. Yeah. I think
this year specifically, it has beenso great, crazy, so eye opening.
I think, especially as the firsttime mom, there's just everything.
For me, was the first timetrying to figure out what life looks like
as as a mom. But thiswas also a very I don't even know
(32:40):
if I have the right word,just because it was such a unique experience
for me, but be able toshare it with my son. But I
didn't really think about like the futurelike at that point. It was just
you know, when I was askedlike, Okay, are you gonna try,
it was like, I'll definitely try. And luckily I've been able to
be around such unbelievable professional players toplay with, you know, veterans before
(33:05):
me that like whatever the expectation isin the level and the standard that was
set, it's like I knew thatthat's where I had to be in order
to compete or be at my best. And I think that comes with experience,
and luckily I've been able to havea long career in that to know
what the level that I needed tobe was. It's I also feel like
(33:28):
this year I aged in dog years, or like I didn't say. It
was just so much going on andyou know, everything and emotions was so
new to me. A definitely memorableexperience for me, like anything that this
sport takes his sacrifice, and Ithink time with my family is just irreplaceable,
(33:49):
especially with just where Madden is inhis age, and I've learned that
after every tournament, obviously very successfulone or not, it's always like what's
next, So what's next? Like, I just feel like this sport is
so incredible because you just can alwaysgrow as a player, and you always
want to get better. There's alwaysthe next opportunity, you know, your
whole career as an authlet Like Ijust I don't want to regret anything,
(34:13):
and I think you just when Iget to a point to be able to
choose myself, when I could stepaway, and I do feel like I
could step away and be like,it's not because Mama can't play. Mom
I can play. She just hasjust adapted my priorities, and I think
that just comes with age. Andjust I feel like I've been such so
(34:36):
blessed to have the career that I'vehad, but two professional athletes living in
a household and incredible memories and yeah, I think it is like emotional.
I think you ye, ask it, but then there's just some part in
your heart that is just like youjust know. And I think that is
closure enough for me. And Ithink that's why I'm just so grateful to
(34:59):
have this last game, to justclose the chapter and say bye. But
I don't know, I feel likeif I retired five years ago, if
I retired in ten years, likethe day that you choose the sport that
you know your whole life is justa sad day. I'm sure we'll see
a lot of other players retire.We're coming to a point right now where
(35:22):
you know, all these great playersare into their thirties, the players that
we've been following that have been onour show. And then of course,
you know, like I said,is turning the page and ushering in a
new era of women's soccer with thenew generation. But you know, change
is good. I always say thatchange is good, and even on this
(35:42):
show, like I said, we'rechanging up the format. We'll come back
in twenty twenty four with some newcontent, new format, and hope that
you join us on this next stageof the journey as we say goodbye to
twenty twenty three and hello to whoknows what in twenty twenty four. I'm
sure a lot of great exciting timesare on the horizon as we see the
growth of the women's game, andI'm excited and I'm excited that you're here
(36:07):
with me. So I really hopeyou enjoyed episode two hundred and twenty two
Women's World Football Show, and Iwould love to hear your thoughts on these
sound bites. Feel free to emailme at Patti at WWF show dot com.
As always, I read all theemails and do my very best reply
in a timely manner. And ifyou did enjoy this episode, subscribe now
on Purple Podcast, Spotify, iHeartRadioapp, Google Play, Tunia, castbox
(36:30):
Breaker, Stitch, your wwfshow dotcom, or wherever you're listening to this
right now. And if you reallyreally enjoy listening to Women's World Football Show,
one of the best ways you canshow your appreciation is to give us
a five star rating and leave areview wherever you listen. I always love
to know your thoughts and reviews ofthe very best ways for others to find
this show. Also another way tohelp grow the show and continue to grow.
(36:50):
This beautiful game that we love isto tell your friends and family about
Women's World Football Show. If you'relistening to a mobile device, swipe over
the cover art and you'll find theepisode notes, including Somebody Tells You to
Him Missed. For relative links fromthis episode, visit our show notes on
wwfshow dot com and also connect withus on Facebook and Instagram at WWF show
and follow me on Instagram at pLavella. Women's World Football Shows hosted,
(37:15):
written, edited and produced by PattiLavella. That's Me. Additional assistance for
this episode, of course, byUS Soccer and Canada Soccer. And thank
you, especially you for joining meon this amazing journey through women's football.
Stay strong, stay mindful, keeplove in your heart, and we'll see
you next time.
So just to show the kind ofme. Hey, everybody, welcome to
another episode of Women's World Football Show. I'm your host, Patty Labella.
How are you. I hope you'reenjoying the holidays, getting ready for the
new year and all those great things. I wanted to pop in before the
end of the year and just tosay hello and tell you I'm still here,
(00:27):
still working on the show and tryingto change up the format a little
bit. Haven't changed the format inlike five years, so I was thinking
about it, and I think we'regonna do away with the dry open like
we've been doing and just do somethingdifferent. And so this is a work
in progress. Of course, we'vejust celebrated ten years of doing this podcast.
(00:48):
Lots changed in the past ten years, and I feel like the show
should change along with the times.And you know, we're seeing a lot
of different podcasts come up, anda lot of great podcast too, I
have to say, a lot ofYouTube shows and things like that, and
I just celebrate them. I mean, I'm just so happy and proud to
see like all of these creators,you know, putting their talents to use
(01:12):
and celebrating the women's game and helpingto grow the women's game, and that's
something that I've been very passionate aboutfor the past ten years, and I
just want to thank you all forcontinuing to tune in and send me messages
and send me your interview requests.I mean, I'm telling you the format
might change a bit, but onething that will stay the same is that
(01:34):
we'll always be celebrating these players,lifting these players up and through their own
words, and spotlighting them and givingthem a platform. Of course, they
have many avenues of platforms nowadays,but Women's World Football Show is still here
for them, and we'll still bereaching out to women players and coaches and
influencers all over the world and justreally happy that you're joining me still on
(01:59):
this journey. It's been a quitea ride. And this year, and
especially on this show episode two twentytwo, we're going to be hearing from
a few of our favorite players whohave announced their retirements this year, I
mean twenty twenty three. If welook back on twenty twenty three, and
I know you know everyone's doing thatright now, it's at the time of
the year we just can see thegame changing and the new generation coming up
(02:22):
and the old generation kind of turningthe page, not walking away from the
game, maybe finding different different waysto still be of value in the game
or in society or just in culture. And so I thought we'd hear from
some of them, and let's I'vegot. I've been able to sit in
(02:42):
on a few press conferences. Idon't know if you saw the NWSL championship
match between the Rain and in Gothamand of course New York, New Jersey
Gotham FC walked away with the title. I was at that match. It
was so cool, so fun towatch, and the thing that I really
enjoyed about that match and something thatwill always go down in history, and
(03:04):
not just to see Gotham go fromlast place last year to first place and
win the whole you know, thewhole kitten kaboodle of twenty twenty three.
I mean, what an awesome thingfor that, but to also see two
great players go out at the sametime, and that was the you know,
the end of an era, really, Megan Repino retiring from the national
team and from professional football on theclub level, and then also Ali Krieger
(03:31):
walking away with the championship trophy.I mean, that's just so awesome.
So I get a chance to sitin on a couple of press conferences with
Megan Rapino and Ali Krieger, andI wanted to share those with you.
Also have a snippet from a pressconference by Christine Sinclair. The Goat also
retiring this year from international place.We back with Portland next season, but
(03:54):
then that'll be it. And thenalso I have a snippet from Julie Ertz
too, another great player we sawretire this year from international and club play.
Let's hear from Megan Rapino. Yeah, Megan Rapino of course finishes her
career with two hundred and three capson the international level, sixty three goals,
(04:16):
and with the Rain for her wholeNWSL career. I mean, I
just encourage you to go in andyou know, check out her Wikipedia page
or something. You know, itjust goes on and on. But yeah,
she played with Seattle Rain from twentythirteen to twenty twenty three and just
had just a storied career I think, on all levels. And Megan Rapino
definitely a big voice in this gameand lent so much to this game and
(04:42):
means so much to this game,and not just to the game, but
to the world. Right lover orhater. I know, if you're a
non soccer fan. I've run intopeople who are like, why does she
have to be so political? Well, she used her platform to lend a
voice to people who don't always havea voice, and I think that that
should be celebrated. And that's thething that I say to people when they
(05:03):
say that to me. You know, why does she have to be so
political? She had a platform andshe used it. There's nothing wrong with
that. And in fact, ifanything, I tip my hat to her
and I celebrate her, and Ihope that there are more young players who
look up to her to say wecan do the same thing. We can.
We have a flagged awave. Let'slet's waive it. You know,
(05:23):
we have a stance to take,let's take it. And we have this
huge platform to kind of to shareour voice with the world and to lift
up people who maybe don't have thatplatform. So let's hear from Megan Rapino.
This is a pre match press conference. It's not an exclusive interview.
It's in a press conference setting.I like to say this. You know,
(05:46):
reporters are asking questions, Megan Rapino'sanswering them. I cut out the
questions just for ease of listening.And then also you know, as you
know, Megan Arpino played in thatmatch, in that end abuse of self
final match for three minutes and shewent down injured. So that was kind
of a drag, you know.But of course we'll we won't look back
on Megan Rapino's career and say,yeah, but remember that d BUS finals.
(06:10):
We won't. We will, wewill forget about it. Believe me,
we'll forget about that. And herbody of work just stands on its
own. So let's hear from MeganRapino in her last pregame press conference as
a professional women's soccer player. Obviously, you know this would be my last
game, stepping away, like Icouldn't feel like the league is in a
(06:30):
better place and couldn't be proud ofwhere it is. You know, I
always tried to play the game theright way, always tried to you know,
enjoy it. At the end ofthe day, I feel like we
are in the entertainment business, andyou know, especially in a growing sport,
in a growing league, I feellike that's really important. I always
tried to make things better and Ithink for me, I just walk away,
(06:53):
you know, So proud and sohappy of not only my contribution to
the game, but the era thatI've played in and knowing that the game
is in, you know, sucha better place, and that's testament to
you know, all the players thathave played in this generation and played in
this league, and you know,obviously someone us playing with the national team.
(07:14):
You know, a huge media dealjust got announced. This league was
insane this year. It was youknow, so much fun to watch and
be a part of, and allthe storylines. So I feel like I
get to walk away just you know, smiling no matter what, and really
proud of, you know, myentire career. I'm certainly most proud of
the you know, the organization ofthe players and the players collectively using their
(07:41):
voice in the way that we dida few years ago, which I think
spurred, you know, just areckoning, but also gave us a real
guiding light moving forward of what thebusiness of this league really needs to look
like, what needs to be thefocus and and how we're going to sell
this league and make it as successfulas everybody wants it to. I mean,
(08:03):
I think that that first of all, just showed an unbelievable amount of
bravery and collaboration and yeah, justheart from the players, and you know,
I think manuntion Ade specifically being ableto share those stories and you know,
galvanize the rest of the league toalso you know, speak up and
(08:26):
speak our truth. I think thatreally, you know, in so many
ways it had to happen because thatwas a right that needed to be that
was a wrong that needed to bemade right. But I think it also
gave you know, a sort ofguiding light moving forward that we really needed
and we were really kind of searchingfor at that time. So I think,
(08:48):
to me, that's the biggest catalyst. And then I think just in
general, the world obviously around women'ssports at large is changing, you know,
not even every year, it justfeels every quarter. You know,
there's so much more investment. Themedia deal that the NWSL just announced is
huge. You know, wn BAwas amazing this year. Like there's so
(09:09):
many things that are just growing exponentially. And again, I mean, I
just feel so proud to be anNWSL player and to you know, have
played my entire career here with oneclub, and I just feel like,
yeah, the next ten years aregoing to be incredible. I mean,
I think with Ali We've been throughso much together. We've played in you
(09:33):
know, the biggest games together,played in you know, World championship games
together, you know, while thePresident was tweeting at us. So I
feel like this moment, we're justhappy to be in together. You know.
I think we wish both of eachother, wish each other so well.
We're so happy and proud of eachother. You know, this will
(09:54):
be something that we talk about withyou know, our well, her kids
and you know, families for foreverto come. But I think we also
are both really competitive and really wantthis one and obviously want to you know,
end our career in a high SoI feel like that's the focus and
the motivation for both of us.Great to hear from Megan Rapino, and
it's just so weird to think thatwe won't hear from her again in the
(10:16):
press conference. I mean, whoknows, maybe she'll go into coaching or
something like that, but I don'tknow. She's just been around for so
long. I think sometimes we,especially in the media, we take that
for granted, like we're always goingto have Megan Rapino to talk to no
more. It's so strange. Sojust to show the kind of influence that
Megan Rapino had on her teammates.I was able to have a conversation with
(10:39):
Lauren Barnes, her longtime teammate.Of course they are on the rain,
both of them since twenty thirteen.And I asked lou Barnes a question pre
NWSL final match and she got reallyemotional. I mean she's not just losing
a teammate, but also losing afriend and colleague and so really conjured up
(11:01):
a lot of emotions. I alsochatted with Lou Barnes after the nws self
final match and she was, Iwant to say, like inconsolable. I
mean, she was very, veryemotional. I'm not going to play that
interview for you just because she wasreally really emotional, and I don't think
that she was. I mean,it was hard losing that match, but
(11:22):
I think that just the emotions oflosing Megan Rapino just over the top for
her and didn't think it was reallyfair to be in I felt really bad
just interviewing her actually, and itwas just like, you know what,
enough enough, we don't need totalk right now. So hoping to get
Lou Barnes on the show, youknow, in twenty twenty four, so
(11:43):
you know, some time can passand we can talk to her about the
influence that Megan Repino had on her. But pre match did talk to her.
She got really emotional, but it'svery telling and I think that it's
worth a listen to. So let'shear Lauren Barnes talking about the influence of
Megan Rappino on this game and onher life. Yeah. I think we
(12:05):
talked about so much of Pino's careerbeing soccer, but I think for the
Ogs that have played with her foreleven years, one, just being part
of that ride has been so beautifulfor us. But I think it's you
know, the memories, the friendshipand the family that we've created as well
as that It's been most important forme and something I will take away and
cherish for the rest of my life. And I think Jess as well,
(12:26):
and Laura as well, Yeah,honestly, And yeah, anyway, and
we talked about I think for meas well, like just taking a front
seat to all of this. Itwas very emotional for her retirement game in
Chicago game. And I've been feelinglike I've been a little bit more level
and balanced emotionally until sitting here againand talking about this. You know,
I'm like, for Bock's sake,I've made all the way and now I'm
(12:48):
like, okay, let's cry it. And so yeah, I mean this
is what it's about, you know. I think especially for Ali on Gotham
and Pinal to do to get Ithink it's really really special. It's lovely.
I think Rose hit it. It'svery poetic as well. You know,
this is the ending of something incrediblefor both of them, and I
(13:11):
think the legacy that they've left willbe here forever, and I think it's
important for us to like remember themas their beautiful selves and their story that
they've written and will continue to write. And for me to even be a
part of that in any step ofthe way has been truly like a for
my career. Like that's it can'teven put into words what that is and
(13:33):
how special that is. And tobe able to do it for eleven years
with some and it's something that's nevergonna happen in another lifetime, I think.
So I've been savoring it. Ifelt like I was doing pretty well.
So yeah, I just never beencruising right now, and I've just
been like, this is never gonnaend. Like it just feels like we're
(13:54):
in mid November, where like,is this really ever gonna end? Probably
not? So Yeah, just tosavor this and really watch her in all
her glory, truly, and Ithink I've been lucky, truly truly lucky.
And once again I'll try to getLou Barnes on the show in twenty
(14:15):
twenty four. We could talk moreabout that, I mean, talk about
a great career Lou Barnes has hadwith the Seattle Rain, Lowell Rain and
another great influence on the game aswell, also in that last NWSL final.
Of course, Ali Krieger. Whata story career. Talk about story
(14:35):
career. Ali Kreeger has had oneof the more popular players on the US
women's national team. She finishes hercareer internationally with one hundred and eight caps.
She only had one goal in herI mean twenty year career as a
professional on the international level. Ofcourse, she started her career in college
(14:56):
at Penn State, and then fromthere, you know, she played and
all the iterations of all the leaguesin the United States, went over to
Germany to play, played in Sweden, and then of course ended her career
New Jersey, New York. GothamFC has a champion. I mean,
you can't go out any better thanthat. So let's hear from Ali Kreeger
in her pre n w's Cell finalpress conference. Ali Kreeger, So,
(15:22):
yeah, the beginning, it wasdefinitely rough. We all had a goal
in mind that we wanted to seethis out. We wanted to see this
become the best league in the worldand be very successful. And that's why
I think we're on such a greatpath to do. And obviously the job
will never be done. The workwill never be done because it'll be there's
always going to be something too better, and you know, the standard will
(15:43):
always be, you know, pushedto the best of the limits that we
can and what these players desive andhow we can continue to show value and
appreciation for all the work you know, that the players put into this league.
But yeah, it was definitely rough. At the beginning. We didn't
(16:03):
have you know, I was basicallyfighting for socks to wear training, you
know, for some of the players, and at times we had to wash
our own clothes. So we definitelycome a long way, and I think
what I'm most proud of, Idon't know if it necessarily has anything to
do with football, to be honest, I think just over the years,
no matter what team you're on andno matter where you're from in this country
(16:26):
and who you play for, atthe end of the day, we have
each other's backs as a league andplayers in the league, and we have
powering numbers. And I think thatwe've seen that over the years, and
I think that no matter what wecan get out on the field, we
roll our sleeves that we get afterwe can compete because we're winners. But
also at the end of the day, we have each other and we know
how to fight for one another.We know how to fight for what's best
(16:48):
for this league and for these players, and so that's ultimately I think what
I'm most proud of and leaving thisgame better than where we found it,
especially from you know, in twentytwelve when we first started. I'm thirteen,
and to see where it is nowand to see what we have and
to see come here and feel importantand feel like this final is is you
know, what we deserve. Andall the media attention, all the social
(17:11):
media going on, I mean,just the level of professionalism has definitely been
tremendous to see the growth, andso I appreciate everyone's hard work it doesn't
go unnoticed, and must just keepfighting for more and more every single year.
And it's that's really what's been refreshingover my time. Yeah, a
(17:32):
great question. You know, playingthe sport is such a risk, like
like Lynn touched on before, andyou have to fight through adversity. You
have to fight for you know yourown path and what you want to do
with your vision, you know,envision that to be a successful season or
to be in the final. Thenyou fight, like how just to do
that? And you call and scratchand until you get there. And so
I've never been one to shy awayfrom that pressure and winning. I'm addicted
(17:57):
to winning and I think probably oneof the most competitive people in the league.
And I'm sure a lot of playersand opponents can kind of test to
that as well. But I thinkthat's why I respect the game so much.
I'm giving it everything I have andyou don't necessarily get all of it
(18:17):
back in return, and so youhave to have that willingness and drive to
want to do it for yourself becauseyou love it and because you like to
show up every day and compete andto win and to play football. This
game is a silly game at times, and you know, any team can
win on any day, and butthat's what's so enjoyable about it. You
know, it's pretty unpredictable, andI love being a part of a team,
(18:41):
and I think that's why I've showedup, you know, day in
and day out, because I loveto surround myself with players who are also
better than me so that I canget better too, And I just love
to be in an environment and competeand win. And I think that's what
has motivated me all these years.And then ultimately, no matter what's going
(19:02):
on in my life or you know, within the sport, showing up to
training every day and having that freedomand that focus and that fun to not
think of anything else other than toplay football and just feel free. I
think that's why I've lasted this long, and I've played since you know,
I've turned thirty nine, and that'swhat's enjoyable to me. So I think
that's also addicting, just to notthink about anything else that's going on in
(19:25):
life and just going out there,touching the grass and really enjoying myself no
matter what rule you play we havean understanding of the responsibility and the rules
that we have on that day.And so if that's to play at ninety
minutes, great, If that's toplay sixty grade, if that's to play
five and ten, I'm gonna getout there. I'm gonna bust my ass,
and I'm gonna do everything I canin order to make it difficult for
(19:45):
them to ignore me. So Ithink, no matter what, she's right,
like, we we respect each otherin that way because we give everything
and no matter who's gonna who's chosenthat day, because it's not always gonna
be me or Lynn, but whoever'schosen, they're going to be be their
best. Yeah, making sure thecommunication between the players and the club officials
(20:06):
are is you know there at theend of the seasons, you know,
we sit down all together and Ilisten, boom boom boom. This needs
to be better. So then dissectingwhat went wrong and what possibly what right
and kind of in the off seasonreally taken care of, you know,
the ones in need of how wecan get this team back at the top
of the table. I think wasreally crucial and critical for us last year.
(20:27):
I remember sitting down and having lengthyconversations to be like, look,
this isn't good enough, Like ifwe want to be there, if you
want this team to be where youknow you and vision, then we all
have to be one hundred percent.And it can't just be the players.
It has to be the coaches,It has to be the medical team,
it has to be the support staff, it has to be the office front
office staff, like everybody. Ithas to be our photographers, our social
(20:51):
media team, our communications team,like everybody has to give one hundred and
ten percent or this isn't gonna thisisn't going to work, and you don't
want to do that, then there'sthe door, honestly, because like we
we are in this together. We'rea family, and if you know,
one person isn't pulling their weight,then I'm not going to be great on
the field. So I think itjust goes hand in hand. You really
(21:15):
have to have those tough conversations tolisten like this is what needs to improve,
and then they have to be willingto, you know, spend the
money and and the time and theenergy to make it right. So that
also is really important with the playerscommunicating properly and vocally saying Hey, this
is what we need in order tobe successful. And then the leadership coaching
(21:36):
staff, this is what we needbecause it's not always about so I'm like
going on and out, but it'snot always about the players. What we
need are the coaches getting what theyneed to be successful. And that's also
something that's extremely important because if they'renot getting what they need, then we're
not going to be successful on onthe field. So we got the best
coaching staff in the league on ouron our side, and then they able
(22:00):
to form, you know, thepersonnel that they want it and what they
envision. So it goes hand inhand with club, you know, within
the club top to bottom. Ifeel like I'm in a different position than
maybe a Jena Nice longer is,and so I know that I need to
use my voice in the fight morefor players who don't feel like they can,
you know, step up and saythe things that I could probably say.
(22:22):
And I know that there's that differencejust be through my experience and Len
can probably say the same. There'smaybe the respect is maybe shifted there a
little bit. So I feel theresponsibility and that weight to carry using my
voice and making sure that you know, club officials and you know, coaches
(22:44):
understand and can kind of hear usand listen, because a lot of people
can listen, but they don't wantto don't necessarily hear everything, and so
we have to make sure that werepeat ourselves and say, listen, this
is where it needs to be.It's not yet there, but this is
what we need and what we wantin order to perform. Is that that's
kind of just having those conversations.But I understand that my voice might carry
(23:04):
a little bit more than other players, and I know I need to hold
myself accountable in that way and makesure I continuously, you know, step
up and say what needs to besaid. We had Ali Kreeger on the
show many years ago, and itstill ranks as one of our top downloaded
shows of all time. Her popularityjust surpasses soccer, surpasses women's soccer.
(23:30):
She's always been a very popular player. And I think just from all the
years I you know, I've beenwatching her and then of course having the
privilege of having her on the showand then talking to her in the mixed
own and stuff. I think it'sjust her personality. I mean, she
has an intensity about her but alsoa very approachable way about her. That's
(23:52):
that's very warm and inviting, andyou don't see that a lot. It's
very rare. And Ali Kreeger hasthat, I mean, duplicate that,
and boy, she's gonna she's anotherone who's just gonna be missed, you
know. So when we come back, we'll take a short break, and
when we come back, we'll hearfrom Christine Sinclair, the Goat as we
like to call her, and alsoJulie Ertz. More retirements this year,
(24:18):
so I'll be back in a minute. It's bittersweet to hear I think from
these players who are who've been partof like the fabric of this sport that
we love, and I mean,it's just gonna be so strange not to
(24:41):
have them around. But I guess, you know, it's a changing of
the guard, turning of the page. So they say Christine Sinclair, I
call her the goat. Why not, right? One hundred and ninety goals,
more than any other player in theworld, man or woman. She
finishes her international career with three hundredand thirty caps, one hundred and ninety
(25:02):
goals. I mean, just itwon't be passed. I don't think that
record will ever be beat. Shehas a twenty year career. She started,
you know, in two thousand,with the national team in two thousand,
so and you know all the youknow, coming from Portland pilots in
college and of course played in Canadaand then all the iterations of the North
(25:26):
American League and then of course she'sbeen with Portland Thorns since twenty thirteen.
Another another legacy type player. She'sretiring from international soccer, but she will
play next year with Portland Thorns,so she does have one more year of
club soccer to go and so gratefulfor that. Very cool. So let's
(25:48):
hear from Christein Sinclair, she satdown with the media. Again, this
is not an exclusive interview, itactually comes from Canada Soccer. And appreciate
them over there, the fine folksCanada Soccer for letting us use this SoundBite
from Christine Sinclair. She addressed themedia in her last press conference before a
few friendlies in Canada. So let'shear from Christine Sinclair. Still to this
(26:14):
day, I just played because Ilove it. But yeah, I started
playing honestly because my brother did andI wanted to do what he did.
And I mean I was convinced asI like progressed through sports, I was
going to go to the Olympics,but for some reason, I thought myself
as like a speed skater, eventhough I don't skate, but that was
(26:36):
I remember Katrina le May done winninggold, and yeah, I was I
was going to do that. Sono, soccer was just what I did
for fun because I loved it.And then the legacy I've left, I'm
just proud to be to have beena part of just the growth of women's
football around the world and obviously herein Canada. I mean, obviously it's
(26:56):
like mixed emotions for me because yeah, I saw what stuff went through,
you know. Obviously I've seen whatus teammates, you know, like Megan
Rapino went through, and like,yes, that is my worst nightmare.
However, I do realize it's it'sgoing to be a special night and this
is you know a great opportunity toplay four games across Canada and for me
(27:21):
to be able to say thank youto the fans that have supported me throughout
my career. Yeah, just tryingto soak it all in. And players
have asked, like what's it liketo come and like play with no stress?
Because you know, like in away, I'm not trying to make
a team. I'm not trying tomake a roster or a lineup, and
yeah, it's free to just kindof come back to my roots of just
(27:42):
playing for the love of it andjoin the time with my teammates, and
you know, it's a unique opportunityto get to play games at home.
No, I mean, I thinkthe biggest thing was after Tokyo, just
the way we went out one thething I knew I didn't want to play
in Paris. There's no better wayto go out, but I did wanted
(28:06):
to give the World Cup one moreshot. I thought this team had a
unique opportunity to prove to the world. You know that Tokyo wasn't a fluke,
and obviously we haven't had the mostsuccess in World Cup, so I
knew I could play. I wasready to go and wanted to give it
one more shot. And then withthe way the World Cup went, I
(28:27):
didn't want that to be it,and I wanted to be a part of
I talked to BEV and I wantedto be a part of the group to
help the team qualify for Paris.For the team, but for me,
personally it was important and I thoughtthat was gonna be it, and I
was gonna walk off and not saya word and just be done. But
then there were rumors of four gamesbeing played in Canada, and yeah,
(28:52):
my friends and family convinced me toyou can't just leave you to yourself,
fo it to Canada to come outand play these games. Now, I
mean the fight. I've always I'malways up for the fight. And you
know, obviously we've seen what pastteammates have done after they've retired, and
(29:14):
they continue to push for whether it'sa professional league in Canada or they're working
behind the scenes with our lawyers toget things done, so that'll never end.
Mike split on where things are at. I think moving forward, hopefully
there's going to be a professional leaguein the next couple of years in Canada.
I think we need that desperately interms of contracts and things like that.
(29:37):
It's been a harder battle than Ithought it was going to be,
but I think moving forward at thevery least will have the same as the
men, which is a huge stepforward for this program. Is it where
we ideally want it? No,But obviously there's some things going on behind
the scenes that we can't control.But at the very least we'll love equality
(29:59):
with the men within this federation,which, yeah, that is all we
can ask for at this point.I mean, obviously, I'm gonna stay
involved in the game. This gameis in my life since I was four.
But yeah, I plan obviously toplay another year in Portland hopefully,
and we'll go from there. Butwhether it's coaching, whether it's behind the
(30:21):
scenes, yeah, I'm not I'mnot leaving, you know. Sophie Schmidt
is also retiring this year from internationalsoccer. Another big name, right,
someone who has been on our show. Christine Sclaiir was on our show too
many years ago. So just Imean, I don't know. It's,
like I said, it's bittersweet.You celebrate these players, all the things
(30:41):
that they've done. Winning the Olympicgold for Canada. I mean, I'm
sure that's the highlight of her career, but just the influence that she's had
on the next generation and little girlsall over the world, you can't,
I mean, you can't put aprice on that. It's just so remarkable.
Okay, So we'll end this withJulie Ertz. Juliet Ertz of course,
(31:06):
announced her retirement from international and clubplay. I have to say I
was surprised by this. I thoughtJulie Ertz came back after her pregnancy,
she came back to Angel City,she played, you know, lights out.
She came back like like nothing like. She never missed the beat after
you know, giving birth to herbaby and taking some time off. But
Julierts, of course, another popular, popular player and a hundred finishes her
(31:30):
international career with one hundred and twentythree caps and twenty goals. And boy,
you really felt Juliertz's presence out therewhen she got into the game.
Corner kicks, free kicks, butyou know, she was there in the
middle. And I mean as adefender who could score unprecedented I think that
(31:52):
she really made her mark on theUS one's national team, but also on
women's soccer in general, of course, starting out with in Santa Clara twenty
ten, and then and then makingthe US national team and twenty thirteen and
then it's just been staple on theteam since then. So let's hear Julie
(32:13):
Ertz again. This is press conferencesetting and she addressed the media after the
announcement of her retirement so let's hearfrom Julie Ertz. Yeah. I think
this year specifically, it has beenso great, crazy, so eye opening.
I think, especially as the firsttime mom, there's just everything.
For me, was the first timetrying to figure out what life looks like
as as a mom. But thiswas also a very I don't even know
(32:40):
if I have the right word,just because it was such a unique experience
for me, but be able toshare it with my son. But I
didn't really think about like the futurelike at that point. It was just
you know, when I was askedlike, Okay, are you gonna try,
it was like, I'll definitely try. And luckily I've been able to
be around such unbelievable professional players toplay with, you know, veterans before
(33:05):
me that like whatever the expectation isin the level and the standard that was
set, it's like I knew thatthat's where I had to be in order
to compete or be at my best. And I think that comes with experience,
and luckily I've been able to havea long career in that to know
what the level that I needed tobe was. It's I also feel like
(33:28):
this year I aged in dog years, or like I didn't say. It
was just so much going on andyou know, everything and emotions was so
new to me. A definitely memorableexperience for me, like anything that this
sport takes his sacrifice, and Ithink time with my family is just irreplaceable,
(33:49):
especially with just where Madden is inhis age, and I've learned that
after every tournament, obviously very successfulone or not, it's always like what's
next, So what's next? Like, I just feel like this sport is
so incredible because you just can alwaysgrow as a player, and you always
want to get better. There's alwaysthe next opportunity, you know, your
whole career as an authlet Like Ijust I don't want to regret anything,
(34:13):
and I think you just when Iget to a point to be able to
choose myself, when I could stepaway, and I do feel like I
could step away and be like,it's not because Mama can't play. Mom
I can play. She just hasjust adapted my priorities, and I think
that just comes with age. Andjust I feel like I've been such so
(34:36):
blessed to have the career that I'vehad, but two professional athletes living in
a household and incredible memories and yeah, I think it is like emotional.
I think you ye, ask it, but then there's just some part in
your heart that is just like youjust know. And I think that is
closure enough for me. And Ithink that's why I'm just so grateful to
(34:59):
have this last game, to justclose the chapter and say bye. But
I don't know, I feel likeif I retired five years ago, if
I retired in ten years, likethe day that you choose the sport that
you know your whole life is justa sad day. I'm sure we'll see
a lot of other players retire.We're coming to a point right now where
(35:22):
you know, all these great playersare into their thirties, the players that
we've been following that have been onour show. And then of course,
you know, like I said,is turning the page and ushering in a
new era of women's soccer with thenew generation. But you know, change
is good. I always say thatchange is good, and even on this
(35:42):
show, like I said, we'rechanging up the format. We'll come back
in twenty twenty four with some newcontent, new format, and hope that
you join us on this next stageof the journey as we say goodbye to
twenty twenty three and hello to whoknows what in twenty twenty four. I'm
sure a lot of great exciting timesare on the horizon as we see the
growth of the women's game, andI'm excited and I'm excited that you're here
(36:07):
with me. So I really hopeyou enjoyed episode two hundred and twenty two
Women's World Football Show, and Iwould love to hear your thoughts on these
sound bites. Feel free to emailme at Patti at WWF show dot com.
As always, I read all theemails and do my very best reply
in a timely manner. And ifyou did enjoy this episode, subscribe now
on Purple Podcast, Spotify, iHeartRadioapp, Google Play, Tunia, castbox
(36:30):
Breaker, Stitch, your wwfshow dotcom, or wherever you're listening to this
right now. And if you reallyreally enjoy listening to Women's World Football Show,
one of the best ways you canshow your appreciation is to give us
a five star rating and leave areview wherever you listen. I always love
to know your thoughts and reviews ofthe very best ways for others to find
this show. Also another way tohelp grow the show and continue to grow.
(36:50):
This beautiful game that we love isto tell your friends and family about
Women's World Football Show. If you'relistening to a mobile device, swipe over
the cover art and you'll find theepisode notes, including Somebody Tells You to
Him Missed. For relative links fromthis episode, visit our show notes on
wwfshow dot com and also connect withus on Facebook and Instagram at WWF show
and follow me on Instagram at pLavella. Women's World Football Shows hosted,
(37:15):
written, edited and produced by PattiLavella. That's Me. Additional assistance for
this episode, of course, byUS Soccer and Canada Soccer. And thank
you, especially you for joining meon this amazing journey through women's football.
Stay strong, stay mindful, keeplove in your heart, and we'll see
you next time.
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