December 2, 2025 • 36 mins
A moment for the champions.
Gotham FC star Jaedyn Shaw is in the house, and she has stories to share. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, Shaw sits down with The GIST’s Associate Managing Editor Lauren Tuiskula to spill the tea on Gotham’s NWSL Championship celebrations, plus tell us what it’s really like to score a game-winning goal. She shoots, she literally scores.
Thanks to Fan Duel for supporting today’s podcast. From the rink to the court to the pitch, FanDuel is the home for women’s sports betting in Ontario. Download the FanDuel app or click here to get started.
Show notes:
Join The GIST Plus
Jaedyn Shaw’s semi-final winning goal
More on The GIST:
☎️ Leave us a voicemail! Call us at 1-437-564-5579 or hold down on this link
🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod
✉️ Email: pod@thegistsports.com
📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa
🐦 X: @thegistpod
Gotham FC star Jaedyn Shaw is in the house, and she has stories to share. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, Shaw sits down with The GIST’s Associate Managing Editor Lauren Tuiskula to spill the tea on Gotham’s NWSL Championship celebrations, plus tell us what it’s really like to score a game-winning goal. She shoots, she literally scores.
Thanks to Fan Duel for supporting today’s podcast. From the rink to the court to the pitch, FanDuel is the home for women’s sports betting in Ontario. Download the FanDuel app or click here to get started.
Show notes:
Join The GIST Plus
Jaedyn Shaw’s semi-final winning goal
More on The GIST:
☎️ Leave us a voicemail! Call us at 1-437-564-5579 or hold down on this link
🎧 Subscribe: thegistsports.com/subscribepod
✉️ Email: pod@thegistsports.com
📷 Instagram: @thegistca @thegistusa
🐦 X: @thegistpod
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:08):
Happy December.
Speaker 2 (00:09):
Everyone, Welcome or welcome back to another episode of the
Gist of It.
Speaker 1 (00:12):
Today is Tuesday, December second. We're your co hosts.
Speaker 3 (00:15):
I'm Ellen Hisslop and I'm Steph Rots and we.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Hope everyone enjoyed their very very nice, extra long Thanksgiving
weekend and are settling nice back into the work week.
I feel like Monday can come in like a freight train,
especially after for the most part, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday off,
and so I hope everyone is easy back in with
joy now for the holiday season.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
Perfect time to watch You've Got Mail and the perfect
time to watch Love.
Speaker 4 (00:43):
Actually, so many good movies.
Speaker 1 (00:47):
And the perfect time to watch the holiday.
Speaker 4 (00:50):
I'm watching the Holiday tomorrow perfect.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
I feel like British people know how to do a
holiday movie the best well.
Speaker 3 (00:58):
In English cottage in the wintertime.
Speaker 1 (01:01):
Is there anything better?
Speaker 5 (01:02):
Yes?
Speaker 1 (01:03):
Featuring Drew Law.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
Come on, what's the sports holiday movie crossover?
Speaker 4 (01:14):
I'm blanking.
Speaker 2 (01:16):
I feel like I haven't really watched one, at least
of Late or of Resa and Harry Potter and quittit tch.
I feel like doesn't count.
Speaker 3 (01:23):
No, that doesn't count. Although I know that you did
play varsity quiddache. So I will hold space for that.
You dm us let us know. Are we missing something
that would be really great?
Speaker 6 (01:32):
Yeah?
Speaker 1 (01:32):
I feel like we are.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
But I mean what's also cool, though, is that I
feel like the holidays in Christmas, at least lately, it's
been a space where men's sports have really tapped in.
So we have the NBA Christmas Day Games, and traditionally
the NBA was really like, that's what you're watching on
Christmas Day, and then last year the NFL said, hold
my beer, we're actually coming in and we have a
(01:56):
Christmas Day slate and our Christmas Day slate is going
to feature Beyonce, and so they pushed through so many
different records last year because of Queen Bee, and this
year there's also going to be Christmas Day football. I
actually don't know, if the top of my head who's performing.
It wouldn't Beyonce again, but potentially somebody else.
Speaker 3 (02:17):
And I say to the women's leagues, don't make them
play on Christmas until they make more money.
Speaker 2 (02:21):
Nope, exactly that exactly that stuff the PWHL. They're off
their business them, it's none of their business. It really
is none of their business. They deserve to be at
home with their family, their friends, their dogs, their cats,
enjoying life.
Speaker 4 (02:37):
Mm hmmm hm.
Speaker 3 (02:38):
And we are enjoying life today because we have such
a good, such a treat on deck. In this particular
podcast episode, Gotham FC star Jayden Shaw is on the
pod after all the NWSL championship celebrations last week, so
we gave us some time. We gave her a beat,
and then we's like, please come there, We.
Speaker 1 (02:56):
Said, talk to us. You're a championship winner, Jaden, let's
fucking go oh baby. And I with this interview too, Steff.
Speaker 2 (03:03):
I'm like, whether you like the NWSL or not, or
whether you're a soccer girl or not, you're gonna enjoy this.
Speaker 4 (03:08):
Yes, She's so much fun.
Speaker 3 (03:09):
She chatted with our associate managing editor Lauren Tuscala about
game winning goals, who doesn't love that, hoisting that trophy
and Gotham's very surprising team anthem.
Speaker 4 (03:18):
So a lot of good stuff in that interview.
Speaker 6 (03:20):
Mm hmm.
Speaker 1 (03:21):
Here's a lot. We want to leave space, as you said, to.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
Leave that with Jason and with Lauren as well.
Speaker 3 (03:30):
But okay, before we call an audible, I do want
to ask you something really quick. Off the cuff here
because there is a new podcast series, She's Not Next,
She's Now, that the Gist is doing. And this week's
episode is about pro women's indoor volleyball, and I need
to ask you because I'm halfway through the episode.
Speaker 4 (03:46):
I listened to it.
Speaker 3 (03:47):
On my dog walk and you talked about not being
a volleyball player, and I need to ask you.
Speaker 4 (03:52):
Do you not remember playing volleyball with me in grade eight?
Speaker 1 (03:55):
No, and Steph, we did.
Speaker 2 (03:57):
And to be clear, I did play for our school
team from grade six to grade eight, But I mean
our school was not good at volleyball.
Speaker 5 (04:06):
Do we not.
Speaker 3 (04:07):
I remember going to different schools and playing that were far.
I remember having to travel to Hamilton like we thought.
Speaker 1 (04:13):
We might have drivenes.
Speaker 3 (04:17):
I just remember being in a car with all you
ladies thinking this is so much fun.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
We had a blast, and I feel like we had
the best volleyball jerseys ever because they were long sleeve
and we got to choose what our names would be
on the back and it was so much fun.
Speaker 1 (04:33):
But no, Steph, we were bad at volleyball.
Speaker 2 (04:35):
There's a reason why you and I were on our
middle school team. And then the minute we went into
high school. I remember going to the tryout in high
school and going to one tryout and saying.
Speaker 1 (04:46):
Oh, oh this is for me.
Speaker 4 (04:49):
You went to a tryout in high school.
Speaker 1 (04:50):
There is much better players.
Speaker 2 (04:51):
I feel like when you're just you know, an athlete,
you're tried out new things.
Speaker 1 (04:55):
You want to see what sports sticks and you don't.
Speaker 2 (04:57):
Know what other feeder middle school, how good they are,
and everything turns out they were fantastic at volleyball. And
I had absolutely no space or place being there, but
I was. If you remember the Girls Athletics Association co president.
That's all I do is do co founding and co
presidential things with respect to women in sports. That's what
I've done my entire life. And I literally went feral
(05:21):
whenever we were hosting anything volleyball at our school and
watch probably so much women's indoor volleyball as a teen
because I just love the sport is so much fun.
So this was a high school thing organizing it. Yeah
was in high school. Okay, wow, Like I enjoy an intermural,
(05:42):
you know.
Speaker 4 (05:43):
That's so fun.
Speaker 3 (05:44):
I remember what I was going to say. I was blinking,
but it's back. You know what I tried out for
in high school, thinking I'm sporty, this should be easy.
Ultimate frisbee, Oh humbled. I did not go to the
second tryout. I said, thank you so much.
Speaker 4 (05:56):
Not for me.
Speaker 2 (05:56):
Yeah, I feel like that wouldn't be for you, but
ippreciate that you tried that.
Speaker 3 (06:01):
I was silly and thought it's throwing a frisbee. How
intense could this bee? And everyone took it very seriously.
I was just there for the vibes.
Speaker 1 (06:08):
Ultimate's one of those. Also. Badminton was like that.
Speaker 2 (06:11):
There's a lot of people who tried out for badminton
every year, and I said, step off. If you're not
here to take badminton seriously, we do not want you
here right now.
Speaker 1 (06:21):
We are making it all the way to provincials and
I don't want to hear anything else.
Speaker 2 (06:25):
And if you're not going to come at your time,
leave the gym.
Speaker 3 (06:29):
And it's these experiences that we really cherish and hold
dearly to ourselves and for our memories. And I think
that's a really good way to get into the audible
that we're going to call today because it is officially December. Yeah,
we mentioned it, it's December second, and as our listeners know,
we've been using our call an audible section to share
gift ideas that are catching our eye or warming our
(06:51):
hearts this season, and it's time to put the pedals
to the metal because it's December.
Speaker 4 (06:55):
So something that you can.
Speaker 3 (06:57):
Do in crunch time is gift experiences mm hmm. And
I think that that is such a good way, especially
if you're gifting to somebody who lives in a small
place like a small apartment, what have you not the
same city, or someone who has everything.
Speaker 4 (07:11):
You can't go wrong with an experience.
Speaker 1 (07:13):
Yeah, so I have to ask you, Stef. You have
three options.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
You have a passion making class, a DIY pottery sash, or.
Speaker 1 (07:20):
Tickets to Toronto my Police home game. Which one are
you choosing? And choose wisely.
Speaker 3 (07:28):
I'll do it.
Speaker 4 (07:30):
God, I will kill the Toronto Police Home game.
Speaker 1 (07:33):
Oh my god.
Speaker 2 (07:34):
Yeah, sorry, I should have said that. I should have
said kiss Mary kill. And that's so nice of us
to change that to kiss Mary kill. Shout out to
our producers.
Speaker 1 (07:41):
You know what I want to be saying.
Speaker 4 (07:44):
What do you want to say?
Speaker 6 (07:45):
Oh?
Speaker 3 (07:46):
Sorry, sorry, sorry, okay, uh yeah, I know that it's
incredibly expensive.
Speaker 4 (07:51):
One of my coworkers is gifting her.
Speaker 3 (07:53):
Father tickets to Toronto, and I had I was sitting
with her in the lunch room while she was purchasing
the tickets off of some money, and I had no
concept of how expensive they would be. So I know
that that is from a value perspective, probably terrible to say,
but I have my scepters.
Speaker 4 (08:09):
So kill that.
Speaker 3 (08:10):
I will kiss a pasta making class because I'm not
a great cook.
Speaker 4 (08:18):
And then I will marry.
Speaker 3 (08:20):
A Diy pottery sah, because I'm super into crafting right now.
Speaker 1 (08:24):
I knew that that was gonna be the answer. I
literally knew it. What's yours?
Speaker 2 (08:30):
I you know I would kill the DIY pottery class.
I actually bought one of those boxes of Fantazon.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
No way, thank your own pottery.
Speaker 3 (08:42):
I'm ever making a pincher sport for you of ideas
of things you could do with the clay.
Speaker 1 (08:47):
I did like a pool. I didn't say that turned
out like an asterisk.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
So many people come over and be like, Ellen, that's
not a straight line.
Speaker 1 (08:56):
What is this? It's still gray, Like I haven't paid,
I haven't done anything. I literally said one afternoon doing it,
and I went, oh, and that's not for me.
Speaker 3 (09:06):
And that is to take any of my suggestions, I said,
fresh magna.
Speaker 2 (09:10):
I literally did nothing with it, stef, I still have
half of the clay though, like there is a world
of which I kept my hands dirty and do it again.
And it was so cute, Like I was cute for
two hours. And then I said, mmm, not for me,
but your your home is looking so Gorgina perfect for
(09:32):
the Christmas holidays. Can you talk about And this is
something that I think non di I wires like myself
could actually maybe do your felt chain.
Speaker 4 (09:43):
Oh it's mindless, anyone can do it, so you may.
Speaker 1 (09:45):
Okay, lets me say it like that just in case.
Speaker 3 (09:48):
Sorry, sorry, sorry folks.
Speaker 4 (09:51):
For people going off of the paper chain idea.
Speaker 3 (09:54):
I really I have a dog that likes eat paper,
shred paper. I just felt like it wasn't gonna be
a durable option. I say, they were to fall on
the ground while I'm not gone or while I'm gone
or anything like that, and for packaging and repurposing. I
just didn't want to get squished. So instead of doing
a paper chain, I did a felt garland. A felt
chain done it And so I just cut eight by
eight strips and then hot glue gun them together. An
(10:18):
actually amount of hours later, you've got a garland.
Speaker 1 (10:21):
Oh you use hot glue? Could you staple?
Speaker 3 (10:28):
I've seen people sewing on velcrow so that you can
completely dismantle it and start flat. I didn't personally have
that patience.
Speaker 1 (10:35):
Yeah, oh it's sunny.
Speaker 4 (10:38):
Yeah, thanks Sunny. I tried really hard.
Speaker 3 (10:40):
But so that's you're killing the DIY pottery. Who are
you marrying the hockey game?
Speaker 2 (10:45):
Obviously, And I'm kissing the pasta making for sure.
Speaker 4 (10:49):
Well we're both kissing the same class.
Speaker 1 (10:51):
We're both kissing.
Speaker 2 (10:52):
Oh my gosh, we're making it with Pasa.
Speaker 1 (10:56):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (10:56):
The third PWHL season is officially underway and we're only
a few games.
Speaker 1 (11:01):
Into the fun.
Speaker 2 (11:02):
It is never, ever, ever too early to predict who
will host this season's Walter Cup. We have partnered with
our friends at FanDuel for a segment and had the
opportunity to sit down with data analysts and also a
longtime friend of mine, Megan chik Ya, to hear who
she thinks is poised to win it all this year.
Speaker 1 (11:20):
She is one of the top women in the data.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
Side in hockey period, both on the men's side and
the women's side. So whatever Megan says, generally I take,
And so here is Megan's spicy prediction on who she
thinks is going to win this season's Walter Cup.
Speaker 7 (11:38):
Well, the three p possibly from Minnesota. I don't think
it's possible because expansion drap is really top on them
and draft free agency wasn't friendly enough. So the expansion right,
Vancouver Seattle. I think they're front runners for the league
this year, and they have those pieces. Sarah Nurson Vancouver,
Hillary Knight leading Seattle a lot of excitement, greats it
(12:00):
to actually play hockey in and I've attended a lot
because Seattle got an expansion team in the NHL as well,
So two of my favorite road cities now HAVEWHL teams.
Speaker 4 (12:10):
That's awesome.
Speaker 2 (12:11):
And so Steph, I'm wondering because I think you're also
very much on the PWHLB, but probably have less of
that data analyst perspective. Do you agree with the hot
take that Vancouver or Seattle will win this season.
Speaker 3 (12:26):
I think it's a good take. I think it's a
respectable take. I think that I could really envision that
potentially happening. But I'm gonna have to stick to my
guns because we did a Fanuel ad read a couple
weeks ago, and I said, I thought the Montreal Victoire
was going to win the Walter Cup. And that was
truly my opinion that was coming out of my brain
and my mouth, and I'm going to have to stick
by that.
Speaker 4 (12:47):
I think the Wifeline with Refelly Planned and.
Speaker 3 (12:49):
Laura Stacy cannot be understated, and I just have to
say that's who's gonna win.
Speaker 1 (12:55):
You heard it here first, folks.
Speaker 2 (12:56):
You've got Montreal, you have Vancouver, you have Seattle. And
I think the biggest thing after this is whether you
disagree or not. I think it's time to put some
green on your gut feeling and make your PWHL bets
on FanDuel. You can download the FanDuel app and place
your bets there for the PWHL or visit FanDuel online.
(13:25):
All right, without further ado, here is our conversation. When
we mean our conversation, we mean Lauren's conversation with Jade
and Shaw, a star midfielder on GOTHAMFC, who scored in
two of Gotham's three playoff games this season en route
to the franchise's second ever championship. They were famously the
number eight seed heading into that NWSL Championship, and that
(13:47):
NWSL Championship Steff drove over one million viewers, the most
ever for an NWSL championships. And so it's very cool
to be chatting with a player like Jayden after a
moment like that.
Speaker 3 (14:00):
She truly is the moment in a major way. She's
a youngster on the rise, and truly everyone is taking notice.
And if you have not taken notice, taken notice now.
And with that, please enjoy her conversation with Lauren.
Speaker 5 (14:13):
Jade and shall welcome to the gist of it. We
are so pomped to have you on the podcast today.
Speaker 6 (14:18):
Thank you for having me, and we are.
Speaker 5 (14:21):
Extra excited because you are fresh off that end of
YOURSEL championship, just a few days removed. I want to
get into the game and all the playoff run and everything,
but I want to start with the parties and the
post championship celebration. Tell me about the karaoke, the after party, Like,
what are going to your memories from that post championship celebration.
Speaker 6 (14:42):
I mean, it was of course a really fun party.
I think like we made like a playlist for the
after party, like obviously before the game, and what is it.
I think match Jamous one we made it, so it
was like great music. The DJ was really good, all
of our family was there, so it was like really nice.
(15:02):
We were trying to hurry up out of the lock
like out of the locker room so that we could
shower and get to the party. But it was so fun.
I honestly, like I remember like the whole night, Like
I feel like it was just like really fun and
like we were all together on the dance floor. Like
I feel like we have like so many team songs
(15:22):
that are just like so random, like for Lease Navidadd
for example, like I don't I don't understand how that's
like our team song, but somehow it is. And yeah,
and the parade was so fun, Like I had never
done anything like that before, and to do it in
New York City was like so cool. Like the bus
was like really cool, and there was like actually a
pretty decent amount of fans that showed up, even though
(15:45):
it was so like like a quick turnaround, and like
getting keys to New York City was like crazy, Like
if you're gonna get a key to a city, it's
it's gonna be New York City. Like that's pretty cool.
But yeah, I honestly feel like my general favorite part
about just like everything with just being with the girls,
(16:05):
Like it's such a fun group. So I feel like
any any setting where we're together, it's just going to
be like so fun. And especially celebrating a championship was
just like so much fun.
Speaker 5 (16:16):
The clips, like you could feel the fun through the
clips of it. So I'm glad. And the least time
we taught you guys are just start already in the
holiday spirit. That's what a song to have as your
team song.
Speaker 6 (16:24):
It's like been the team song since I've been like
before I've been on the team, Like, y'all are well
before Christmas time. But it's okay.
Speaker 5 (16:33):
Yeah, there are some people that are like, you can't
put the tree up until after Thanksgiving. This team, you're
already on it. Your your company.
Speaker 6 (16:38):
We've had the tree up all year.
Speaker 5 (16:40):
That is so funny. And on the field, you scored
in two of the three playoff games. There was that
late game winner in the semifinal to even send you
guys to the championship game. What is it about that
pressure moment? Like how do you thrive under pressure like that?
Speaker 6 (16:56):
Honestly, I think for me it's just how I prepare
myself for those moments, knowing that I put in the
work all year, all week leading up to those games,
Like making sure that you know, I'm prepared for those
moments to step up for the team and such a
big stage like playoffs. So I think like for me,
making sure that I'm doing my job and that, and
then I feel like also the stuff has helped me
(17:18):
so much, and like with my free kicks and set
pieces and all of those things, and making sure that
I'm confident in that to step up in that moment.
So yeah, I think for me, the biggest thing is
the preparation, knowing that I've put in the work so
that when I get in that moment, it's not going
to be a surprise.
Speaker 5 (17:32):
Definitely take us back to that free kick too. If
folks haven't seen the clip of the semifinal goal, we'll
put a link in the show notes so everyone can
go check it out. But can you just take us
back to your mindset and like a little play by
play of that goal.
Speaker 6 (17:44):
Yeah, I mean, both me and Rose always stand over it,
regardless of where it is. I think for us it's
mostly just like seeing what the picture looks like where
the wall is going to set up, where the goalkeeper
is going to stand, how far out are we and
that kind of determines which one us takes it. So
I think for us, just waiting to see where they
set up, we decided that it would be best for
(18:06):
me to take it going outside the wall or we'll
I guess, inside the wall and putting it back post.
Because also like the girls that set up like on
the line, they helped create chaos and distract the goalkeeper
and maybe like draw fouls and all those things. So
I think there's a lot that goes into it. But
for me, I just knew exactly where I wanted to
(18:27):
put it low bottom corner, make sure it's in the
frame of the goal, just in case, like you know,
anything happens like deflections, goalkeeper you know, gets confused, like
what all of the things that go into it. So
I think, yeah, like for me, I was just like okay,
just whip it back post bottom corner. And then Midge
(18:48):
really helped with running across the goalkeeper, which helped throw
off a little bit. And then also I think Sawn
it was the first player that helped like block their
first player, so I can get it over. So there
was a lot of things that went into it, which
is like awesome that it's I mean, I still think
that that's like a team goal, getting even that free
kick in the beginning. But yeah, I'm really happy that
(19:12):
I was able to help the team in that moment.
Speaker 5 (19:15):
Definitely, and you're calling it a team goal. It was
really such a team effort for this playoff run. You
guys were with the number eight seed, and I know
everyone was like, oh, Gotham's underdog, number eight seed. You
had that famous quote underdog my ass, which is I
love it. It's on a shirt now people can go
grab that shirt. But what was it about this team
that even if you underdog my ass? You guys were
(19:35):
deemed underdogs. But how did you rally from that number
eight seed to get all the way at the championship.
Speaker 6 (19:40):
Yeah, I think we knew that we were eighth seed
because of our own mistakes. It wasn't because of anything else.
It was because we weren't performing. We weren't playing, you know,
the way that we wanted to getting the results that
we needed to be higher up on the standings. So
I think for us just knowing that going into playoffs,
there's no more room for error. It's just like we
have to go. We have to bring what you know,
(20:03):
our style of play is to the game. We have
to perform to get through. And going into Kansas City,
we knew that, like I mean, honestly probably was the
best matchup for us because we knew that, like it
was either you show up one hundred percent on your
a game a game, or we're not gonna win. So
I think going into that game, we and knew that
we were gonna have to step it up, and we
(20:24):
came together as a team talked about it, like we
knew that it wasn't good enough, but the week's prior,
and so yeah, I think for us, just after winning
you know, Kansas City, we kind of built built on
that momentum. We knew that, like we had the team
to win, like there was no reason why we should
be in eighth place, and looking at our roster, we
have some of the best players in the world across
(20:44):
all of our lines. So I think for us, just
playing with that sort of confidence and knowing that we
have every piece of the puzzle to win the whole thing.
So yeah, I think just like continuing to build on
each game was really nice to like for us to
get to the final and to again put on another
performance as well for that one as well.
Speaker 5 (21:05):
Definitely, And we talked about the full shape of the
season for Gotham, Right, it's the full season and you
come in mid season that record transfer from the courage.
What was it like to make that switch in the
middle of the season, Like, how do you acclimate to
this new team? How do you even do that in
the middle of the NWOSL season.
Speaker 6 (21:22):
Yeah, I mean it's definitely not easy it I mean,
I feel like it's a credit a lot to the staff.
I had a lot of like tactical meetings, culture meetings
on the front end of me joining the team, so
like I could get all that stuff out the way,
get adapted really quickly. And I mean it also helps
just like being thrown thrown into games, like there's there's
no time to ponder on things. It's just like you
(21:43):
got to get out there and build chemistry immediately because
there's not that much time to build that. So I
think for me, I think just yeah, the staff did
a really good job like helping me adapt to the
club and feel like at home, feel like a part
of the team and all, like the girls did a
really good job. I mean like I feel like I
messed really well with all the girls and garb really close,
(22:05):
like really quick. So it's yeah, it's been really fun.
I honestly feel like I enjoy everyone's company on and
off the field, and I feel like that helps so much,
especially transferring onto the field and like having those conversations
like what do you see out there? What do you
need from me? Like those kinds of things are something
that's talked about across the board, So it's like really
welcoming for me to come in as a new player
(22:26):
and just like like get all the information I need,
like just help out and like honestly like fight for
the girls. Like we go out there and we go
to war together. So that's always like bonding.
Speaker 5 (22:38):
I feel like definitely when you can do it together
like that. Yeah, yeah, you bring it all Taylor. That's
awesome And this championship it caps off a really historic
season for the league. There was record viewership for the
championship game. We're looking at expansion in the next couple
of years. What's it been like in the NWSL and
just seeing the rise of women's soccer in the league specifically.
Speaker 6 (22:59):
Yeah, I mean this league is growing so much. I
think I haven't I mean I haven't been in the
league that long, but even from my first year till now,
I feel like there's been so much growth. There's I mean,
like facilit new facilities, there's you know, the season is
getting longer, there's more tournaments, You're qualifying for bigger things.
So I think for us, like as players, it's like
(23:20):
a really awesome time to be a part of it
and to help continue to drive that and push it forward.
There's obviously more to do, but I think also for
me as a young player, just like figuring out what
my role looks like in that and how I can
help push forward as long, like as well as you know,
the veterans that have been here for a while. So yeah,
I think just it's it's a really great time to
(23:41):
be a part of women's sports, let alone women's soccer.
I like, it's growing so much. So yeah, this league
is is so fun to be a part of. And yeah,
I think it's only going to continue to get better.
Speaker 5 (23:53):
Definitely, And when we zoom out to women's soccer in general,
you had a quick turnaround, right to US women's national
team camp right after that championship Wain. So this episode,
people will be listening to this after these last two
friendlies that you guys have. But what's kind of the
goal of this last camp as we look ahead to
twenty twenty.
Speaker 6 (24:10):
Six, Uh, like for the team or for me, Like as.
Speaker 5 (24:15):
I would love to hear both team and individually, how
you're feeling.
Speaker 6 (24:19):
Yeah, I mean, I think for me, I think, I mean,
it's obviously been a long season, just trying to make
sure that I'm staying like locked in. Obviously came off
a high winning the championship, but like coming you know,
head out of the clouds, Like we're back, We're still playing.
We still have to be locked and these are two
really important games, So like I have to you know,
come back and yeah, be back in square one and
(24:44):
just continue to perform, and yeah, this is a really
important camp I feel like, because yeah, these are like
I mean, Italy is a great opponent. I think for
us as a team, just continue to build those connections
on the field, continue to evolve our style of play
and everything that goes into it. I don't I'm not
sure like how exactly Italy is gonna play. But I
(25:07):
think for us, just like, yeah, building off of the
last games against Port schal Obviously we didn't start the
camp as well as we wanted to, but making sure
that we bring that here against Italy for both games
and regardless of it was playing, I think it's gonna
get the job done. So I think for us just
staying locked in because it has been a long season,
but knowing that like this is just as important as
(25:28):
you know, camps.
Speaker 5 (25:28):
Before, definitely, and on that long season note, before we
let you go, I'm curious, how are you gonna unwind?
It's been such a crazy year, Like what is the
holiday season to get some time to relax and what
are you gonna do these next few weeks?
Speaker 6 (25:40):
Yeah, I'm like, we don't get that much time because
we have the Champions Cup in January or February, so
we're like back pretty early. But for me, I'm going
to I'm gonna do a girls trip in Italy, which
is funny because we're playing against so I'm gonna be
like so yeah, I mean recommendations or no, okay, but yeah,
(26:01):
I think I'm going to Italy with some of my
best friends and then I'll go home for Christmas, back
to Texas and just hang out for a little bit
before we have to be back.
Speaker 5 (26:11):
Amazing. Well, have the best time and early good luck
this weekend as well, and congratulations on just an incredible year.
We can't wait to watch what comes next for you two.
Speaker 6 (26:20):
Thank you. I appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (26:24):
If you love this podcast, which you're listening so hopefully
you do, you will love what comes with the Just Plus,
our new premium membership community that fuels everything that we create.
When you join, you're not just getting early access to
episodes or exclusive content. You are actively supporting a women
founded and women led media company that is rewriting what
(26:46):
sports coverage can look like. You're backing also a women
only newsroom that brings smarter, more inclusive storytelling to the forefront.
And you're also helping the Gist carve out a different
kind of space on the Internet, one that's actually built
on community, curiosity and vibes that I'll say are good
and are better than the ones that are out there
right now. So if that sounds like your type of fandom,
(27:09):
consider joining us. Consider becoming a member of the Just Plus.
You can do so at the just sports dot com
and you'll see a tab that says the just Plus.
You'll also see an opportunity within the just plus to
actually gift this item. And so Steph, you were talking
about experiences beforehand being a really great gift idea, especially
when it's last minute. The just plus could also be
(27:30):
a really great gift to friends. Do you want to
have join you on discord or friends who are sporty
and fun in your life that you think that would
enjoy the community that we have to offer. So go
visit the just sports dot com learn more about the
just plus, and we'd love to see you over in
our discord.
Speaker 3 (27:55):
It's time for our personal training sesshon. This is the
last segment of the podcast. This is where we would
love to answer any of your questions that you have
about the sports world, or highlight or amplify a hot
take that you have. We want you involved in this
particular segment of the podcast. Today, we're taking a beat
from that particular format to explain the latest update with
(28:16):
the WNBA and it's players unions ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations.
Because I do feel that this is a question in
everyone's mind, So this isn't attributed to one person.
Speaker 2 (28:28):
Yeah, this is attributed I feel like again to the
just plus our discord. The type of conversation that we're
seeing the type of things that we're seeing online very
similar to our Penny Alexiat conversation, which is getting many
a comment and many an engagement over Oh is it
really reels? It is and there's a lot of interesting conversation.
And I love it though, because I feel like it's
(28:49):
the classic case of you see it on social media
and you don't get the full discourse, but then hopefully
people come over and actually listen to the entire podcast.
Speaker 4 (28:58):
Oh is that why you commented?
Speaker 3 (29:00):
I just saw the video and I saw your comment
more in the episode, smiley face.
Speaker 2 (29:05):
Yes, that's exactly why I commented. I said, everybody, go
listen where you jumped out mad and sus throats.
Speaker 4 (29:13):
I'm just hot cluing.
Speaker 2 (29:18):
She's got the hawk lou fumes.
Speaker 1 (29:23):
But anyway, back.
Speaker 2 (29:24):
To the WWBA CBA stuff, exactly what you said, and
I think this is what many of us predicted On
Sunday night, the CBA was extended for a second time,
or the negotiations were extended for a second time, as we.
Speaker 1 (29:38):
Talked about in the last podcast.
Speaker 2 (29:39):
We didn't think that there was a world that this
was going to get done In twenty twenty five, it
seems like the Players Association in the league agreed with us.
They have extended their negotiations through to January ninth, twenty
twenty six, to come up with a new deal.
Speaker 3 (29:55):
That's not that long no of an extension when you
think about today.
Speaker 1 (29:59):
Is literally December second.
Speaker 3 (30:01):
Yeah, yeah, Well, should I be optimistic?
Speaker 1 (30:06):
I don't think so.
Speaker 2 (30:07):
I think that there's some things going on right now
where I'm like, hmm, this is It still feels like
the two sides are very far apart, especially because this
extension includes a clause where either party can terminate the
extension with forty eight hours notice, and so that feels
like there's something going on where there's some conversations between
(30:28):
the league and the players Association that has them both
potentially being like, I'm not enjoying or loving where these
conversations are going. At the same time, though, Steph, there
are two new expansion teams entering the mix six year
for the WNBA, and with the negotiations getting pushed back
to January ninth for now, and who knows after that,
(30:50):
it really is starting to impact or will impact what
the heck is going to go on with WNBA free agency.
Speaker 3 (30:58):
Yes, oh my gosh, nearly eighty five percent of players
are free agents this offseason as well, So in addition
to those two new teams and how that's affecting the
draft and how they're going to build out for Portland
and for Toronto, that's a high percentage of existing players who.
Speaker 4 (31:13):
Are free agents.
Speaker 2 (31:13):
And they did it on purpose, right, These players are
so smart. They knew that the CBA was coming up,
and so they didn't want to necessarily tie themselves down
to the league, to a specific team as they were
going through these Of course, not all players had the
opportunity or the luxury or the privilege to do these
types of things, especially for those who were coming in
on three year rookie contracts.
Speaker 1 (31:35):
And again, I don't see.
Speaker 2 (31:36):
Either side wanting to strike, but I think they're still,
as we talked about in the last episode, just so
much distance in this revenue sharing side of things versus
the profit sharing side of things that I don't know
where we're going to end up.
Speaker 1 (31:52):
Again, the salaries are looking better.
Speaker 2 (31:54):
But it's that revenue sharing that it feels like it's
coming down to the other interesting part in all of
this is of course Unrivaled starting in January, which we're
very excited about. But also Project B, that new league
that is starting up, has some incredible names being signed
and attached to it. Did you see who they signed
or who committed to them over the weekend stuff? No?
Speaker 3 (32:17):
But is that the next episode of She's Not Next,
She's not or She's not.
Speaker 1 (32:20):
It will be a episode, it will be in.
Speaker 4 (32:22):
It's not the next one.
Speaker 1 (32:23):
It's not the next one. It's not the next one.
Speaker 3 (32:25):
Okay, So I did not see that? Was my favorite
player a question?
Speaker 4 (32:29):
Yeah?
Speaker 1 (32:29):
My favorite player John quel Jones? Yes, yes, so John.
Speaker 2 (32:34):
Quell Jones of the New York Liberty, MVP of the Finals,
MVP of the league, one of the star players for
the Liberty, and not not the MVP this year of course,
but prior prior MVPs.
Speaker 1 (32:47):
Yes, has committed to Project B.
Speaker 2 (32:49):
So that's the Kelsey Mitchell Like, that is the type
of caliber that is going to Project B as well.
Speaker 3 (32:57):
So it's not a farm league, Like, it's not a farm.
Speaker 4 (33:00):
No, that's a different le league.
Speaker 1 (33:01):
No, no, no, it's a different, different league. That's a different league.
Speaker 2 (33:04):
This is going on in the off season to the
W and is a different option to something like and Unrivaled.
Speaker 1 (33:12):
Yeah, so I think the yeah.
Speaker 2 (33:14):
And what's interesting with Project B is that when Neco
Gumbaque signed up for Project B, essentially a big part
for her was just the salary that she was going
to be able to get. And so that's what's drawing
all of these other incredible players. So when we're thinking
about the WNBA CBA, these players are again we talked
about getting equity with Unrivaled, it's getting paid so well
(33:36):
with Project B. And this is all in the off
season of their main gigs with the WNBA, and so
you just have to wonder how these players are like, wait,
I'm I'm making potentially more money per minute with these
upstart leagues and that is because their business model is
inherently different in the way that they have been raising
and investing. So what does that mean for the WNBA?
Speaker 1 (33:59):
And maybe I am.
Speaker 2 (34:01):
Getting too excited and sharing a little bit of what
we're going to be talking about it She's not next,
She's now I don't know, we haven't produced that episode yet,
but it's it's fascinating.
Speaker 1 (34:08):
There's a lot going on with the CBA.
Speaker 3 (34:10):
So y'all will hear from us in the new year
after January ninth, because that is just to reiterate when
the extension has come.
Speaker 2 (34:17):
To that's right, put a pin in it, Steph, I
love it. That barks the and today's episode. Thank y'all
so much for tuning in.
Speaker 3 (34:25):
We'll be back in your feed with a new podcast
on Thursday. In the meantime, if you enjoyed today's episode,
we would love if you could rate, review, and subscribe,
And if you want to be featured on a future
episode in the Personal Training SESSH, you can call and
leave us a voicemail at one four three seven five
six four five five seventy nine. That link is in
the show notes. You can just click it and you'll
automatically call us.
Speaker 4 (34:46):
We would love to hear your voice. If you don't
want to do that, you can email.
Speaker 3 (34:49):
Us at pod at the jusports dot com or what
We've been loving is dm us on Instagram. Ellen is
at Ellen at the Gist and I am at Stephanie
Rods not stuff from so that's taking.
Speaker 2 (35:00):
This episode was edited by Savannah Held and produced by
Lisa Manttilo Alexandra Puccio and Lauren Tuscala Again.
Speaker 3 (35:06):
I'm Ellen Hslap and I'm stef Rots and we will
chat with you again on Thursday.
Happy December.
Speaker 2 (00:09):
Everyone, Welcome or welcome back to another episode of the
Gist of It.
Speaker 1 (00:12):
Today is Tuesday, December second. We're your co hosts.
Speaker 3 (00:15):
I'm Ellen Hisslop and I'm Steph Rots and we.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Hope everyone enjoyed their very very nice, extra long Thanksgiving
weekend and are settling nice back into the work week.
I feel like Monday can come in like a freight train,
especially after for the most part, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday off,
and so I hope everyone is easy back in with
joy now for the holiday season.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
Perfect time to watch You've Got Mail and the perfect
time to watch Love.
Speaker 4 (00:43):
Actually, so many good movies.
Speaker 1 (00:47):
And the perfect time to watch the holiday.
Speaker 4 (00:50):
I'm watching the Holiday tomorrow perfect.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
I feel like British people know how to do a
holiday movie the best well.
Speaker 3 (00:58):
In English cottage in the wintertime.
Speaker 1 (01:01):
Is there anything better?
Speaker 5 (01:02):
Yes?
Speaker 1 (01:03):
Featuring Drew Law.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
Come on, what's the sports holiday movie crossover?
Speaker 4 (01:14):
I'm blanking.
Speaker 2 (01:16):
I feel like I haven't really watched one, at least
of Late or of Resa and Harry Potter and quittit tch.
I feel like doesn't count.
Speaker 3 (01:23):
No, that doesn't count. Although I know that you did
play varsity quiddache. So I will hold space for that.
You dm us let us know. Are we missing something
that would be really great?
Speaker 6 (01:32):
Yeah?
Speaker 1 (01:32):
I feel like we are.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
But I mean what's also cool, though, is that I
feel like the holidays in Christmas, at least lately, it's
been a space where men's sports have really tapped in.
So we have the NBA Christmas Day Games, and traditionally
the NBA was really like, that's what you're watching on
Christmas Day, and then last year the NFL said, hold
my beer, we're actually coming in and we have a
(01:56):
Christmas Day slate and our Christmas Day slate is going
to feature Beyonce, and so they pushed through so many
different records last year because of Queen Bee, and this
year there's also going to be Christmas Day football. I
actually don't know, if the top of my head who's performing.
It wouldn't Beyonce again, but potentially somebody else.
Speaker 3 (02:17):
And I say to the women's leagues, don't make them
play on Christmas until they make more money.
Speaker 2 (02:21):
Nope, exactly that exactly that stuff the PWHL. They're off
their business them, it's none of their business. It really
is none of their business. They deserve to be at
home with their family, their friends, their dogs, their cats,
enjoying life.
Speaker 4 (02:37):
Mm hmmm hm.
Speaker 3 (02:38):
And we are enjoying life today because we have such
a good, such a treat on deck. In this particular
podcast episode, Gotham FC star Jayden Shaw is on the
pod after all the NWSL championship celebrations last week, so
we gave us some time. We gave her a beat,
and then we's like, please come there, We.
Speaker 1 (02:56):
Said, talk to us. You're a championship winner, Jaden, let's
fucking go oh baby. And I with this interview too, Steff.
Speaker 2 (03:03):
I'm like, whether you like the NWSL or not, or
whether you're a soccer girl or not, you're gonna enjoy this.
Speaker 4 (03:08):
Yes, She's so much fun.
Speaker 3 (03:09):
She chatted with our associate managing editor Lauren Tuscala about
game winning goals, who doesn't love that, hoisting that trophy
and Gotham's very surprising team anthem.
Speaker 4 (03:18):
So a lot of good stuff in that interview.
Speaker 6 (03:20):
Mm hmm.
Speaker 1 (03:21):
Here's a lot. We want to leave space, as you said, to.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
Leave that with Jason and with Lauren as well.
Speaker 3 (03:30):
But okay, before we call an audible, I do want
to ask you something really quick. Off the cuff here
because there is a new podcast series, She's Not Next,
She's Now, that the Gist is doing. And this week's
episode is about pro women's indoor volleyball, and I need
to ask you because I'm halfway through the episode.
Speaker 4 (03:46):
I listened to it.
Speaker 3 (03:47):
On my dog walk and you talked about not being
a volleyball player, and I need to ask you.
Speaker 4 (03:52):
Do you not remember playing volleyball with me in grade eight?
Speaker 1 (03:55):
No, and Steph, we did.
Speaker 2 (03:57):
And to be clear, I did play for our school
team from grade six to grade eight, But I mean
our school was not good at volleyball.
Speaker 5 (04:06):
Do we not.
Speaker 3 (04:07):
I remember going to different schools and playing that were far.
I remember having to travel to Hamilton like we thought.
Speaker 1 (04:13):
We might have drivenes.
Speaker 3 (04:17):
I just remember being in a car with all you
ladies thinking this is so much fun.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
We had a blast, and I feel like we had
the best volleyball jerseys ever because they were long sleeve
and we got to choose what our names would be
on the back and it was so much fun.
Speaker 1 (04:33):
But no, Steph, we were bad at volleyball.
Speaker 2 (04:35):
There's a reason why you and I were on our
middle school team. And then the minute we went into
high school. I remember going to the tryout in high
school and going to one tryout and saying.
Speaker 1 (04:46):
Oh, oh this is for me.
Speaker 4 (04:49):
You went to a tryout in high school.
Speaker 1 (04:50):
There is much better players.
Speaker 2 (04:51):
I feel like when you're just you know, an athlete,
you're tried out new things.
Speaker 1 (04:55):
You want to see what sports sticks and you don't.
Speaker 2 (04:57):
Know what other feeder middle school, how good they are,
and everything turns out they were fantastic at volleyball. And
I had absolutely no space or place being there, but
I was. If you remember the Girls Athletics Association co president.
That's all I do is do co founding and co
presidential things with respect to women in sports. That's what
I've done my entire life. And I literally went feral
(05:21):
whenever we were hosting anything volleyball at our school and
watch probably so much women's indoor volleyball as a teen
because I just love the sport is so much fun.
So this was a high school thing organizing it. Yeah
was in high school. Okay, wow, Like I enjoy an intermural,
(05:42):
you know.
Speaker 4 (05:43):
That's so fun.
Speaker 3 (05:44):
I remember what I was going to say. I was blinking,
but it's back. You know what I tried out for
in high school, thinking I'm sporty, this should be easy.
Ultimate frisbee, Oh humbled. I did not go to the
second tryout. I said, thank you so much.
Speaker 4 (05:56):
Not for me.
Speaker 2 (05:56):
Yeah, I feel like that wouldn't be for you, but
ippreciate that you tried that.
Speaker 3 (06:01):
I was silly and thought it's throwing a frisbee. How
intense could this bee? And everyone took it very seriously.
I was just there for the vibes.
Speaker 1 (06:08):
Ultimate's one of those. Also. Badminton was like that.
Speaker 2 (06:11):
There's a lot of people who tried out for badminton
every year, and I said, step off. If you're not
here to take badminton seriously, we do not want you
here right now.
Speaker 1 (06:21):
We are making it all the way to provincials and
I don't want to hear anything else.
Speaker 2 (06:25):
And if you're not going to come at your time,
leave the gym.
Speaker 3 (06:29):
And it's these experiences that we really cherish and hold
dearly to ourselves and for our memories. And I think
that's a really good way to get into the audible
that we're going to call today because it is officially December. Yeah,
we mentioned it, it's December second, and as our listeners know,
we've been using our call an audible section to share
gift ideas that are catching our eye or warming our
(06:51):
hearts this season, and it's time to put the pedals
to the metal because it's December.
Speaker 4 (06:55):
So something that you can.
Speaker 3 (06:57):
Do in crunch time is gift experiences mm hmm. And
I think that that is such a good way, especially
if you're gifting to somebody who lives in a small
place like a small apartment, what have you not the
same city, or someone who has everything.
Speaker 4 (07:11):
You can't go wrong with an experience.
Speaker 1 (07:13):
Yeah, so I have to ask you, Stef. You have
three options.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
You have a passion making class, a DIY pottery sash, or.
Speaker 1 (07:20):
Tickets to Toronto my Police home game. Which one are
you choosing? And choose wisely.
Speaker 3 (07:28):
I'll do it.
Speaker 4 (07:30):
God, I will kill the Toronto Police Home game.
Speaker 1 (07:33):
Oh my god.
Speaker 2 (07:34):
Yeah, sorry, I should have said that. I should have
said kiss Mary kill. And that's so nice of us
to change that to kiss Mary kill. Shout out to
our producers.
Speaker 1 (07:41):
You know what I want to be saying.
Speaker 4 (07:44):
What do you want to say?
Speaker 6 (07:45):
Oh?
Speaker 3 (07:46):
Sorry, sorry, sorry, okay, uh yeah, I know that it's
incredibly expensive.
Speaker 4 (07:51):
One of my coworkers is gifting her.
Speaker 3 (07:53):
Father tickets to Toronto, and I had I was sitting
with her in the lunch room while she was purchasing
the tickets off of some money, and I had no
concept of how expensive they would be. So I know
that that is from a value perspective, probably terrible to say,
but I have my scepters.
Speaker 4 (08:09):
So kill that.
Speaker 3 (08:10):
I will kiss a pasta making class because I'm not
a great cook.
Speaker 4 (08:18):
And then I will marry.
Speaker 3 (08:20):
A Diy pottery sah, because I'm super into crafting right now.
Speaker 1 (08:24):
I knew that that was gonna be the answer. I
literally knew it. What's yours?
Speaker 2 (08:30):
I you know I would kill the DIY pottery class.
I actually bought one of those boxes of Fantazon.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
No way, thank your own pottery.
Speaker 3 (08:42):
I'm ever making a pincher sport for you of ideas
of things you could do with the clay.
Speaker 1 (08:47):
I did like a pool. I didn't say that turned
out like an asterisk.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
So many people come over and be like, Ellen, that's
not a straight line.
Speaker 1 (08:56):
What is this? It's still gray, Like I haven't paid,
I haven't done anything. I literally said one afternoon doing it,
and I went, oh, and that's not for me.
Speaker 3 (09:06):
And that is to take any of my suggestions, I said,
fresh magna.
Speaker 2 (09:10):
I literally did nothing with it, stef, I still have
half of the clay though, like there is a world
of which I kept my hands dirty and do it again.
And it was so cute, Like I was cute for
two hours. And then I said, mmm, not for me,
but your your home is looking so Gorgina perfect for
(09:32):
the Christmas holidays. Can you talk about And this is
something that I think non di I wires like myself
could actually maybe do your felt chain.
Speaker 4 (09:43):
Oh it's mindless, anyone can do it, so you may.
Speaker 1 (09:45):
Okay, lets me say it like that just in case.
Speaker 3 (09:48):
Sorry, sorry, sorry folks.
Speaker 4 (09:51):
For people going off of the paper chain idea.
Speaker 3 (09:54):
I really I have a dog that likes eat paper,
shred paper. I just felt like it wasn't gonna be
a durable option. I say, they were to fall on
the ground while I'm not gone or while I'm gone
or anything like that, and for packaging and repurposing. I
just didn't want to get squished. So instead of doing
a paper chain, I did a felt garland. A felt
chain done it And so I just cut eight by
eight strips and then hot glue gun them together. An
(10:18):
actually amount of hours later, you've got a garland.
Speaker 1 (10:21):
Oh you use hot glue? Could you staple?
Speaker 3 (10:28):
I've seen people sewing on velcrow so that you can
completely dismantle it and start flat. I didn't personally have
that patience.
Speaker 1 (10:35):
Yeah, oh it's sunny.
Speaker 4 (10:38):
Yeah, thanks Sunny. I tried really hard.
Speaker 3 (10:40):
But so that's you're killing the DIY pottery. Who are
you marrying the hockey game?
Speaker 2 (10:45):
Obviously, And I'm kissing the pasta making for sure.
Speaker 4 (10:49):
Well we're both kissing the same class.
Speaker 1 (10:51):
We're both kissing.
Speaker 2 (10:52):
Oh my gosh, we're making it with Pasa.
Speaker 1 (10:56):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (10:56):
The third PWHL season is officially underway and we're only
a few games.
Speaker 1 (11:01):
Into the fun.
Speaker 2 (11:02):
It is never, ever, ever too early to predict who
will host this season's Walter Cup. We have partnered with
our friends at FanDuel for a segment and had the
opportunity to sit down with data analysts and also a
longtime friend of mine, Megan chik Ya, to hear who
she thinks is poised to win it all this year.
Speaker 1 (11:20):
She is one of the top women in the data.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
Side in hockey period, both on the men's side and
the women's side. So whatever Megan says, generally I take,
And so here is Megan's spicy prediction on who she
thinks is going to win this season's Walter Cup.
Speaker 7 (11:38):
Well, the three p possibly from Minnesota. I don't think
it's possible because expansion drap is really top on them
and draft free agency wasn't friendly enough. So the expansion right,
Vancouver Seattle. I think they're front runners for the league
this year, and they have those pieces. Sarah Nurson Vancouver,
Hillary Knight leading Seattle a lot of excitement, greats it
(12:00):
to actually play hockey in and I've attended a lot
because Seattle got an expansion team in the NHL as well,
So two of my favorite road cities now HAVEWHL teams.
Speaker 4 (12:10):
That's awesome.
Speaker 2 (12:11):
And so Steph, I'm wondering because I think you're also
very much on the PWHLB, but probably have less of
that data analyst perspective. Do you agree with the hot
take that Vancouver or Seattle will win this season.
Speaker 3 (12:26):
I think it's a good take. I think it's a
respectable take. I think that I could really envision that
potentially happening. But I'm gonna have to stick to my
guns because we did a Fanuel ad read a couple
weeks ago, and I said, I thought the Montreal Victoire
was going to win the Walter Cup. And that was
truly my opinion that was coming out of my brain
and my mouth, and I'm going to have to stick
by that.
Speaker 4 (12:47):
I think the Wifeline with Refelly Planned and.
Speaker 3 (12:49):
Laura Stacy cannot be understated, and I just have to
say that's who's gonna win.
Speaker 1 (12:55):
You heard it here first, folks.
Speaker 2 (12:56):
You've got Montreal, you have Vancouver, you have Seattle. And
I think the biggest thing after this is whether you
disagree or not. I think it's time to put some
green on your gut feeling and make your PWHL bets
on FanDuel. You can download the FanDuel app and place
your bets there for the PWHL or visit FanDuel online.
(13:25):
All right, without further ado, here is our conversation. When
we mean our conversation, we mean Lauren's conversation with Jade
and Shaw, a star midfielder on GOTHAMFC, who scored in
two of Gotham's three playoff games this season en route
to the franchise's second ever championship. They were famously the
number eight seed heading into that NWSL Championship, and that
(13:47):
NWSL Championship Steff drove over one million viewers, the most
ever for an NWSL championships. And so it's very cool
to be chatting with a player like Jayden after a
moment like that.
Speaker 3 (14:00):
She truly is the moment in a major way. She's
a youngster on the rise, and truly everyone is taking notice.
And if you have not taken notice, taken notice now.
And with that, please enjoy her conversation with Lauren.
Speaker 5 (14:13):
Jade and shall welcome to the gist of it. We
are so pomped to have you on the podcast today.
Speaker 6 (14:18):
Thank you for having me, and we are.
Speaker 5 (14:21):
Extra excited because you are fresh off that end of
YOURSEL championship, just a few days removed. I want to
get into the game and all the playoff run and everything,
but I want to start with the parties and the
post championship celebration. Tell me about the karaoke, the after party, Like,
what are going to your memories from that post championship celebration.
Speaker 6 (14:42):
I mean, it was of course a really fun party.
I think like we made like a playlist for the
after party, like obviously before the game, and what is it.
I think match Jamous one we made it, so it
was like great music. The DJ was really good, all
of our family was there, so it was like really nice.
(15:02):
We were trying to hurry up out of the lock
like out of the locker room so that we could
shower and get to the party. But it was so fun.
I honestly, like I remember like the whole night, Like
I feel like it was just like really fun and
like we were all together on the dance floor. Like
I feel like we have like so many team songs
(15:22):
that are just like so random, like for Lease Navidadd
for example, like I don't I don't understand how that's
like our team song, but somehow it is. And yeah,
and the parade was so fun, Like I had never
done anything like that before, and to do it in
New York City was like so cool. Like the bus
was like really cool, and there was like actually a
pretty decent amount of fans that showed up, even though
(15:45):
it was so like like a quick turnaround, and like
getting keys to New York City was like crazy, Like
if you're gonna get a key to a city, it's
it's gonna be New York City. Like that's pretty cool.
But yeah, I honestly feel like my general favorite part
about just like everything with just being with the girls,
(16:05):
Like it's such a fun group. So I feel like
any any setting where we're together, it's just going to
be like so fun. And especially celebrating a championship was
just like so much fun.
Speaker 5 (16:16):
The clips, like you could feel the fun through the
clips of it. So I'm glad. And the least time
we taught you guys are just start already in the
holiday spirit. That's what a song to have as your
team song.
Speaker 6 (16:24):
It's like been the team song since I've been like
before I've been on the team, Like, y'all are well
before Christmas time. But it's okay.
Speaker 5 (16:33):
Yeah, there are some people that are like, you can't
put the tree up until after Thanksgiving. This team, you're
already on it. Your your company.
Speaker 6 (16:38):
We've had the tree up all year.
Speaker 5 (16:40):
That is so funny. And on the field, you scored
in two of the three playoff games. There was that
late game winner in the semifinal to even send you
guys to the championship game. What is it about that
pressure moment? Like how do you thrive under pressure like that?
Speaker 6 (16:56):
Honestly, I think for me it's just how I prepare
myself for those moments, knowing that I put in the
work all year, all week leading up to those games,
Like making sure that you know, I'm prepared for those
moments to step up for the team and such a
big stage like playoffs. So I think like for me,
making sure that I'm doing my job and that, and
then I feel like also the stuff has helped me
(17:18):
so much, and like with my free kicks and set
pieces and all of those things, and making sure that
I'm confident in that to step up in that moment.
So yeah, I think for me, the biggest thing is
the preparation, knowing that I've put in the work so
that when I get in that moment, it's not going
to be a surprise.
Speaker 5 (17:32):
Definitely take us back to that free kick too. If
folks haven't seen the clip of the semifinal goal, we'll
put a link in the show notes so everyone can
go check it out. But can you just take us
back to your mindset and like a little play by
play of that goal.
Speaker 6 (17:44):
Yeah, I mean, both me and Rose always stand over it,
regardless of where it is. I think for us it's
mostly just like seeing what the picture looks like where
the wall is going to set up, where the goalkeeper
is going to stand, how far out are we and
that kind of determines which one us takes it. So
I think for us, just waiting to see where they
set up, we decided that it would be best for
(18:06):
me to take it going outside the wall or we'll
I guess, inside the wall and putting it back post.
Because also like the girls that set up like on
the line, they helped create chaos and distract the goalkeeper
and maybe like draw fouls and all those things. So
I think there's a lot that goes into it. But
for me, I just knew exactly where I wanted to
(18:27):
put it low bottom corner, make sure it's in the
frame of the goal, just in case, like you know,
anything happens like deflections, goalkeeper you know, gets confused, like
what all of the things that go into it. So
I think, yeah, like for me, I was just like okay,
just whip it back post bottom corner. And then Midge
(18:48):
really helped with running across the goalkeeper, which helped throw
off a little bit. And then also I think Sawn
it was the first player that helped like block their
first player, so I can get it over. So there
was a lot of things that went into it, which
is like awesome that it's I mean, I still think
that that's like a team goal, getting even that free
kick in the beginning. But yeah, I'm really happy that
(19:12):
I was able to help the team in that moment.
Speaker 5 (19:15):
Definitely, and you're calling it a team goal. It was
really such a team effort for this playoff run. You
guys were with the number eight seed, and I know
everyone was like, oh, Gotham's underdog, number eight seed. You
had that famous quote underdog my ass, which is I
love it. It's on a shirt now people can go
grab that shirt. But what was it about this team
that even if you underdog my ass? You guys were
(19:35):
deemed underdogs. But how did you rally from that number
eight seed to get all the way at the championship.
Speaker 6 (19:40):
Yeah, I think we knew that we were eighth seed
because of our own mistakes. It wasn't because of anything else.
It was because we weren't performing. We weren't playing, you know,
the way that we wanted to getting the results that
we needed to be higher up on the standings. So
I think for us just knowing that going into playoffs,
there's no more room for error. It's just like we
have to go. We have to bring what you know,
(20:03):
our style of play is to the game. We have
to perform to get through. And going into Kansas City,
we knew that, like I mean, honestly probably was the
best matchup for us because we knew that, like it
was either you show up one hundred percent on your
a game a game, or we're not gonna win. So
I think going into that game, we and knew that
we were gonna have to step it up, and we
(20:24):
came together as a team talked about it, like we
knew that it wasn't good enough, but the week's prior,
and so yeah, I think for us, just after winning
you know, Kansas City, we kind of built built on
that momentum. We knew that, like we had the team
to win, like there was no reason why we should
be in eighth place, and looking at our roster, we
have some of the best players in the world across
(20:44):
all of our lines. So I think for us, just
playing with that sort of confidence and knowing that we
have every piece of the puzzle to win the whole thing.
So yeah, I think just like continuing to build on
each game was really nice to like for us to
get to the final and to again put on another
performance as well for that one as well.
Speaker 5 (21:05):
Definitely, And we talked about the full shape of the
season for Gotham, Right, it's the full season and you
come in mid season that record transfer from the courage.
What was it like to make that switch in the
middle of the season, Like, how do you acclimate to
this new team? How do you even do that in
the middle of the NWOSL season.
Speaker 6 (21:22):
Yeah, I mean it's definitely not easy it I mean,
I feel like it's a credit a lot to the staff.
I had a lot of like tactical meetings, culture meetings
on the front end of me joining the team, so
like I could get all that stuff out the way,
get adapted really quickly. And I mean it also helps
just like being thrown thrown into games, like there's there's
no time to ponder on things. It's just like you
(21:43):
got to get out there and build chemistry immediately because
there's not that much time to build that. So I
think for me, I think just yeah, the staff did
a really good job like helping me adapt to the
club and feel like at home, feel like a part
of the team and all, like the girls did a
really good job. I mean like I feel like I
messed really well with all the girls and garb really close,
(22:05):
like really quick. So it's yeah, it's been really fun.
I honestly feel like I enjoy everyone's company on and
off the field, and I feel like that helps so much,
especially transferring onto the field and like having those conversations
like what do you see out there? What do you
need from me? Like those kinds of things are something
that's talked about across the board, So it's like really
welcoming for me to come in as a new player
(22:26):
and just like like get all the information I need,
like just help out and like honestly like fight for
the girls. Like we go out there and we go
to war together. So that's always like bonding.
Speaker 5 (22:38):
I feel like definitely when you can do it together
like that. Yeah, yeah, you bring it all Taylor. That's
awesome And this championship it caps off a really historic
season for the league. There was record viewership for the
championship game. We're looking at expansion in the next couple
of years. What's it been like in the NWSL and
just seeing the rise of women's soccer in the league specifically.
Speaker 6 (22:59):
Yeah, I mean this league is growing so much. I
think I haven't I mean I haven't been in the
league that long, but even from my first year till now,
I feel like there's been so much growth. There's I mean,
like facilit new facilities, there's you know, the season is
getting longer, there's more tournaments, You're qualifying for bigger things.
So I think for us, like as players, it's like
(23:20):
a really awesome time to be a part of it
and to help continue to drive that and push it forward.
There's obviously more to do, but I think also for
me as a young player, just like figuring out what
my role looks like in that and how I can
help push forward as long, like as well as you know,
the veterans that have been here for a while. So yeah,
I think just it's it's a really great time to
(23:41):
be a part of women's sports, let alone women's soccer.
I like, it's growing so much. So yeah, this league
is is so fun to be a part of. And yeah,
I think it's only going to continue to get better.
Speaker 5 (23:53):
Definitely, And when we zoom out to women's soccer in general,
you had a quick turnaround, right to US women's national
team camp right after that championship Wain. So this episode,
people will be listening to this after these last two
friendlies that you guys have. But what's kind of the
goal of this last camp as we look ahead to
twenty twenty.
Speaker 6 (24:10):
Six, Uh, like for the team or for me, Like as.
Speaker 5 (24:15):
I would love to hear both team and individually, how
you're feeling.
Speaker 6 (24:19):
Yeah, I mean, I think for me, I think, I mean,
it's obviously been a long season, just trying to make
sure that I'm staying like locked in. Obviously came off
a high winning the championship, but like coming you know,
head out of the clouds, Like we're back, We're still playing.
We still have to be locked and these are two
really important games, So like I have to you know,
come back and yeah, be back in square one and
(24:44):
just continue to perform, and yeah, this is a really
important camp I feel like, because yeah, these are like
I mean, Italy is a great opponent. I think for
us as a team, just continue to build those connections
on the field, continue to evolve our style of play
and everything that goes into it. I don't I'm not
sure like how exactly Italy is gonna play. But I
(25:07):
think for us, just like, yeah, building off of the
last games against Port schal Obviously we didn't start the
camp as well as we wanted to, but making sure
that we bring that here against Italy for both games
and regardless of it was playing, I think it's gonna
get the job done. So I think for us just
staying locked in because it has been a long season,
but knowing that like this is just as important as
(25:28):
you know, camps.
Speaker 5 (25:28):
Before, definitely, and on that long season note, before we
let you go, I'm curious, how are you gonna unwind?
It's been such a crazy year, Like what is the
holiday season to get some time to relax and what
are you gonna do these next few weeks?
Speaker 6 (25:40):
Yeah, I'm like, we don't get that much time because
we have the Champions Cup in January or February, so
we're like back pretty early. But for me, I'm going
to I'm gonna do a girls trip in Italy, which
is funny because we're playing against so I'm gonna be
like so yeah, I mean recommendations or no, okay, but yeah,
(26:01):
I think I'm going to Italy with some of my
best friends and then I'll go home for Christmas, back
to Texas and just hang out for a little bit
before we have to be back.
Speaker 5 (26:11):
Amazing. Well, have the best time and early good luck
this weekend as well, and congratulations on just an incredible year.
We can't wait to watch what comes next for you two.
Speaker 6 (26:20):
Thank you. I appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (26:24):
If you love this podcast, which you're listening so hopefully
you do, you will love what comes with the Just Plus,
our new premium membership community that fuels everything that we create.
When you join, you're not just getting early access to
episodes or exclusive content. You are actively supporting a women
founded and women led media company that is rewriting what
(26:46):
sports coverage can look like. You're backing also a women
only newsroom that brings smarter, more inclusive storytelling to the forefront.
And you're also helping the Gist carve out a different
kind of space on the Internet, one that's actually built
on community, curiosity and vibes that I'll say are good
and are better than the ones that are out there
right now. So if that sounds like your type of fandom,
(27:09):
consider joining us. Consider becoming a member of the Just Plus.
You can do so at the just sports dot com
and you'll see a tab that says the just Plus.
You'll also see an opportunity within the just plus to
actually gift this item. And so Steph, you were talking
about experiences beforehand being a really great gift idea, especially
when it's last minute. The just plus could also be
(27:30):
a really great gift to friends. Do you want to
have join you on discord or friends who are sporty
and fun in your life that you think that would
enjoy the community that we have to offer. So go
visit the just sports dot com learn more about the
just plus, and we'd love to see you over in
our discord.
Speaker 3 (27:55):
It's time for our personal training sesshon. This is the
last segment of the podcast. This is where we would
love to answer any of your questions that you have
about the sports world, or highlight or amplify a hot
take that you have. We want you involved in this
particular segment of the podcast. Today, we're taking a beat
from that particular format to explain the latest update with
(28:16):
the WNBA and it's players unions ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations.
Because I do feel that this is a question in
everyone's mind, So this isn't attributed to one person.
Speaker 2 (28:28):
Yeah, this is attributed I feel like again to the
just plus our discord. The type of conversation that we're
seeing the type of things that we're seeing online very
similar to our Penny Alexiat conversation, which is getting many
a comment and many an engagement over Oh is it
really reels? It is and there's a lot of interesting conversation.
And I love it though, because I feel like it's
(28:49):
the classic case of you see it on social media
and you don't get the full discourse, but then hopefully
people come over and actually listen to the entire podcast.
Speaker 4 (28:58):
Oh is that why you commented?
Speaker 3 (29:00):
I just saw the video and I saw your comment
more in the episode, smiley face.
Speaker 2 (29:05):
Yes, that's exactly why I commented. I said, everybody, go
listen where you jumped out mad and sus throats.
Speaker 4 (29:13):
I'm just hot cluing.
Speaker 2 (29:18):
She's got the hawk lou fumes.
Speaker 1 (29:23):
But anyway, back.
Speaker 2 (29:24):
To the WWBA CBA stuff, exactly what you said, and
I think this is what many of us predicted On
Sunday night, the CBA was extended for a second time,
or the negotiations were extended for a second time, as we.
Speaker 1 (29:38):
Talked about in the last podcast.
Speaker 2 (29:39):
We didn't think that there was a world that this
was going to get done In twenty twenty five, it
seems like the Players Association in the league agreed with us.
They have extended their negotiations through to January ninth, twenty
twenty six, to come up with a new deal.
Speaker 3 (29:55):
That's not that long no of an extension when you
think about today.
Speaker 1 (29:59):
Is literally December second.
Speaker 3 (30:01):
Yeah, yeah, Well, should I be optimistic?
Speaker 1 (30:06):
I don't think so.
Speaker 2 (30:07):
I think that there's some things going on right now
where I'm like, hmm, this is It still feels like
the two sides are very far apart, especially because this
extension includes a clause where either party can terminate the
extension with forty eight hours notice, and so that feels
like there's something going on where there's some conversations between
(30:28):
the league and the players Association that has them both
potentially being like, I'm not enjoying or loving where these
conversations are going. At the same time, though, Steph, there
are two new expansion teams entering the mix six year
for the WNBA, and with the negotiations getting pushed back
to January ninth for now, and who knows after that,
(30:50):
it really is starting to impact or will impact what
the heck is going to go on with WNBA free agency.
Speaker 3 (30:58):
Yes, oh my gosh, nearly eighty five percent of players
are free agents this offseason as well, So in addition
to those two new teams and how that's affecting the
draft and how they're going to build out for Portland
and for Toronto, that's a high percentage of existing players who.
Speaker 4 (31:13):
Are free agents.
Speaker 2 (31:13):
And they did it on purpose, right, These players are
so smart. They knew that the CBA was coming up,
and so they didn't want to necessarily tie themselves down
to the league, to a specific team as they were
going through these Of course, not all players had the
opportunity or the luxury or the privilege to do these
types of things, especially for those who were coming in
on three year rookie contracts.
Speaker 1 (31:35):
And again, I don't see.
Speaker 2 (31:36):
Either side wanting to strike, but I think they're still,
as we talked about in the last episode, just so
much distance in this revenue sharing side of things versus
the profit sharing side of things that I don't know
where we're going to end up.
Speaker 1 (31:52):
Again, the salaries are looking better.
Speaker 2 (31:54):
But it's that revenue sharing that it feels like it's
coming down to the other interesting part in all of
this is of course Unrivaled starting in January, which we're
very excited about. But also Project B, that new league
that is starting up, has some incredible names being signed
and attached to it. Did you see who they signed
or who committed to them over the weekend stuff? No?
Speaker 3 (32:17):
But is that the next episode of She's Not Next,
She's not or She's not.
Speaker 1 (32:20):
It will be a episode, it will be in.
Speaker 4 (32:22):
It's not the next one.
Speaker 1 (32:23):
It's not the next one. It's not the next one.
Speaker 3 (32:25):
Okay, So I did not see that? Was my favorite
player a question?
Speaker 4 (32:29):
Yeah?
Speaker 1 (32:29):
My favorite player John quel Jones? Yes, yes, so John.
Speaker 2 (32:34):
Quell Jones of the New York Liberty, MVP of the Finals,
MVP of the league, one of the star players for
the Liberty, and not not the MVP this year of course,
but prior prior MVPs.
Speaker 1 (32:47):
Yes, has committed to Project B.
Speaker 2 (32:49):
So that's the Kelsey Mitchell Like, that is the type
of caliber that is going to Project B as well.
Speaker 3 (32:57):
So it's not a farm league, Like, it's not a farm.
Speaker 4 (33:00):
No, that's a different le league.
Speaker 1 (33:01):
No, no, no, it's a different, different league. That's a different league.
Speaker 2 (33:04):
This is going on in the off season to the
W and is a different option to something like and Unrivaled.
Speaker 1 (33:12):
Yeah, so I think the yeah.
Speaker 2 (33:14):
And what's interesting with Project B is that when Neco
Gumbaque signed up for Project B, essentially a big part
for her was just the salary that she was going
to be able to get. And so that's what's drawing
all of these other incredible players. So when we're thinking
about the WNBA CBA, these players are again we talked
about getting equity with Unrivaled, it's getting paid so well
(33:36):
with Project B. And this is all in the off
season of their main gigs with the WNBA, and so
you just have to wonder how these players are like, wait,
I'm I'm making potentially more money per minute with these
upstart leagues and that is because their business model is
inherently different in the way that they have been raising
and investing. So what does that mean for the WNBA?
Speaker 1 (33:59):
And maybe I am.
Speaker 2 (34:01):
Getting too excited and sharing a little bit of what
we're going to be talking about it She's not next,
She's now I don't know, we haven't produced that episode yet,
but it's it's fascinating.
Speaker 1 (34:08):
There's a lot going on with the CBA.
Speaker 3 (34:10):
So y'all will hear from us in the new year
after January ninth, because that is just to reiterate when
the extension has come.
Speaker 2 (34:17):
To that's right, put a pin in it, Steph, I
love it. That barks the and today's episode. Thank y'all
so much for tuning in.
Speaker 3 (34:25):
We'll be back in your feed with a new podcast
on Thursday. In the meantime, if you enjoyed today's episode,
we would love if you could rate, review, and subscribe,
And if you want to be featured on a future
episode in the Personal Training SESSH, you can call and
leave us a voicemail at one four three seven five
six four five five seventy nine. That link is in
the show notes. You can just click it and you'll
automatically call us.
Speaker 4 (34:46):
We would love to hear your voice. If you don't
want to do that, you can email.
Speaker 3 (34:49):
Us at pod at the jusports dot com or what
We've been loving is dm us on Instagram. Ellen is
at Ellen at the Gist and I am at Stephanie
Rods not stuff from so that's taking.
Speaker 2 (35:00):
This episode was edited by Savannah Held and produced by
Lisa Manttilo Alexandra Puccio and Lauren Tuscala Again.
Speaker 3 (35:06):
I'm Ellen Hslap and I'm stef Rots and we will
chat with you again on Thursday.
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Are You A Charlotte?
In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.