December 07, 2023

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

54 minutes

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

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

OUR LINKS:

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

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

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