In this episode, Lesa Burgess—former Division I soccer player, mom of five, and wife of BYU men’s basketball coach Chris Burgess—shares the real story behind her new book, Behind the Bench. She opens up about raising her family overseas during her husband’s pro basketball career, navigating the emotional ups and downs of life as a coach’s wife, and what it’s been like to rediscover her identity after stepping away from competitive sports. Lesa discusses the challenges of feeling unseen, the strength it takes to hold a family together amid constant change, and how faith and perspective have helped her find meaning in each chapter of her life.

In this episode of Her Y, we sit down with Anna Metcalf, BYU’s Director of Marketing and Fan Experience! Anna shares how she fell into the world of sports marketing and ended up in her dream job. From planning epic Cosmo stunts to making sure every fan has a memorable game day, she takes us behind the scenes of her work! Anna talks about the chaos, creativity, and all the little details that go into each event. She shares what it’s like to prep for a game week, the joy of seeing fans light up, and why creating those “first game” memories means so much to her. Whether it’s football at LaVell or Fan Fest madness, Anna’s passion for BYU and its fans shines through in everything she does.

We’re back with Part 2 of our Mother’s Day chat with former BYU Cougar soccer star Michele Vasconcelos, picking up right where we left off, talking through all the ups and downs of her pro career! From heartbreaking injuries and unexpected team moves to playing overseas in Spain, Michele shares how she has leaned on her faith and found strength through motherhood. She talks about the perspective her daughter Scarlet has brought into her life, the moments that tested her, and the ones that reminded her why she keeps going. Through it all, Michele has learned to trust God’s timing, stay grounded in her values, and keep chasing her purpose on and off the field!

Michele Vasconcelos was chasing her dream of going pro when everything changed—she found out she was pregnant. In this special Mother’s Day episode, Michele talks about the unexpected timing of becoming a mom and how Lot’s wife’s story helped her stop looking back. Relying on faith to guide her, she kept moving forward. Now she plays professionally in Spain for Levante Badalona while raising her daughter Scarlett! In part one of our two-part series, Michele shares what it has been like balancing soccer, motherhood, and the dreams that don’t always go the way you planned—but turn out better than you imagined.

Lindy Milkowski is making the most of her lone season with the BYU Softball team. The catcher is smashing home runs and throwing out baserunners, stepping up to sing the national anthem on short notice, and showing off her dance moves with her teammates before games. Her passion for life and softball shines through in everything she does for the Cougars. In this podcast episode, discover the roots of her love for the game, why she transferred to BYU, and whether she prefers the thrill of belting homers or the satisfaction of throwing out runners at second base.

Allie Hancock-Schneemann didn’t have the perfect college softball career—and that’s exactly what makes her the coach she is today! In this episode of Her Y, the former BYU player turned assistant coach gets real about what it’s like to struggle, feel like you’re falling short, and still show up. She shares how being recruited late, switching positions, and battling with self-confidence shaped how she now leads with empathy for her players. Allie also talks about balancing motherhood with coaching, long-distance marriage to MLB player Daniel Schneemann, and how her daughter Kendall has become the team’s tiniest MVP! You won't want to miss this episode!

In this episode, BYU swimmer Ellie Boyer shares the deeply personal journey that has shaped who she is today. From becoming a state champion to suffering a traumatic sternum injury, Ellie’s path has been anything but easy. Just two weeks before starting her freshman year at BYU, her world shifted again with the sudden passing of her younger sister, Shaela. Through overwhelming grief, physical recovery, and the pressure of being a Division I athlete, Ellie found strength in her faith, her teammates, and her determination to keep going. Now, she’s preparing to pause her swimming career to serve a full-time mission in Philadelphia for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Ellie opens up about honoring her sister’s legacy, choosing to lead with love, and what it means to find hope—even in the hardest moments.

BYU soccer player Mackenzie Vance shares her journey from a small South Carolina town to D1 soccer. She opens up about battling injuries, mental health, the pressure of national team call-ups, and how transferring from UCLA to BYU gave her a fresh start, a family-like team, and a chance to grow as a leader.

In this episode, we sit down with Cougar Royalty, Tresa Spaulding Hamson—BYU basketball legend, Hall of Famer, and proud mom to three Cougar athletes. Tresa shares her inspiring journey from a late start in basketball to becoming a three-time All-American, playing on the U.S. national team, and having her iconic #54 jersey retired at BYU. She discusses choosing BYU over powerhouse programs, the challenges of being a trailblazer in the basketball world, and the joy of watching her daughters carry on her family legacy. It’s a powerful story of humility, determination, and deep Cougar pride that you won't want to miss!

BYU Soccer’s Avery Frischknecht opens up about overcoming migraines, an ACL tear, a meniscus tear, and bone disintegration. She shares how she’s grown through setbacks, her thoughts on last season and the team now, and her pregame rituals. Avery also reveals Her Y. Tune in for an inspiring story of resilience and passion!