Her Y

Host Lauren McClain is joined by the remarkable Sharlene Wells, former Miss America, award-winning ESPN sportscaster, and a trailblazer in women's sports broadcasting. In this podcast episode, Sharlene shares her journey from the pageant stage to becoming a sports reporter and then telling the stories of military veterans. Sharlene offers insights into being bold, overcoming challenges, pivoting during her career, and finding purpose in every chapter of life.

BYU women’s soccer defender Emma Neff shares the story behind her long-awaited breakthrough, from redshirting and injuries to stepping into a starting role during BYU’s historic postseason run. In this episode, Emma breaks down the unseen work, mindset shifts, and competitive edge that helped her stay ready when opportunities didn’t come right away — and what it meant to finally contribute when the pressure was highest.

BYU sophomore midfielder Lucy Kesler has had a whirlwind year—going from a rocky Big 12 start to helping BYU climb all the way to a conference title and a Sweet 16 run, and earning a call-up to the U-20 US Women’s National Team. In this episode, Lucy opens up about the climb from last place to champions, what it’s like being the midfield playmaker who keeps everything moving, and how her faith and the phrase “doubt not, fear not” grounded her through the chaos. She also shares why she graduated high school early to join BYU and what it means to play alongside her cousin Ellie. She’s also built a vibrant social media community that connects with young players, and she loves giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at her life as a student-athlete.

Step into the world of Amanda Barker — a powerhouse mom of eight, entrepreneur, CEO of the company Halftee, Provo High girls basketball coach, and former BYU basketball player! In this episode, Amanda opens up about her journey from small-town Wyoming to Provo, how she's building a successful business, leading a young team on the court, and raising a big, busy family. She shares her insights on grit, leadership, faith, and what it really takes to juggle it all. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about balancing ambition, family life, and personal growth, and why empowering the next generation of women matters now more than ever.

Kendall Kovick’s story is one of grit, healing, and joy. After helping lead BYU women’s tennis to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 17 years, Kendall has become known not just for her talent, but for her honesty about the mental-health battles that nearly ended her career—and her life. In this episode, she opens up about the life-altering concussion that changed everything and the long climb back to loving tennis again. Now in her senior season, playing with gratitude instead of pressure, Kendall shares how she rebuilt her identity, found real support, and learned to lead with compassion.

How do you build a legacy—and keep it alive? In this episode, former Cougarettes turned co-head coaches Stacy Bills and Morgan St. Pierre talk about what it really takes to lead one of BYU’s most iconic programs. With 26 national titles, endless rehearsals, and viral halftime moments, the Cougarettes are known for perfection, but behind the scenes, it’s about so much more. Stacy and Morgan share how they balance motherhood and coaching, push their dancers to new creative heights, and keep faith and sisterhood at the heart of everything they do. From tough tryouts to testimony meetings, this is a look at the real heart and hustle behind BYU’s powerhouse dance team.

After a season-ending injury, BYU basketball player Marya Hudgins found herself questioning everything—until faith changed her life. In this episode, she opens up about her decision to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, how Coach Lee Cummard and her teammates helped her through recovery, and why joy feels different now that she’s learned to trust in God’s plan for her. From heartbreak and healing to baptism and belief, Marya shares how she found light again—on the court and in her soul.

The Her Y team is bringing back one of our favorite conversations from Season 3 with BYU soccer star Mackenzee Vance. Now entering her senior season, Mackenzee has been named to the NCAA Midfielders to Watch list after starting every game last year and finishing as one of BYU’s top scorers. In this podcast episode, she opens up about her journey from UCLA to BYU, overcoming injuries and mental health challenges, and finding a family-like team culture that helped her grow as a leader on and off the field.

BYU gymnast Kylie Eaquinto isn’t just competing in her senior season, she’s leading it! As the lone senior on a young BYU gymnastics team, Kylie has become the steady force holding things together. In this episode, she opens up about stepping into leadership, chasing her dream of becoming an all-around competitor, and finding joy in every routine—even while managing injuries and an intense accounting major. From growing up with five brothers to representing her faith and family on the mat, Kylie shares what it really means to lead as the lone senior.

They pressed pause on college soccer to serve 18-month missions, and came back stronger than ever! In this episode of Her Y, BYU soccer defenders Izzi Stratton and Camryn “Bachi” Jorgensen share how they supported each other while serving in New Mexico and Iowa, staying connected through workouts, faith, and friendship even from thousands of miles apart. They also talk about the miracle of stepping right back into BYU’s starting lineup after returning home. From a faith-filled service trip to New Zealand to pre-game gratitude rituals and even a shared love of poetry, Izzi and Camryn show how perspective, purpose, and friendship can change the way you play—and live.