Ashley Hatch is one of the best soccer players in the United States, but she was deeply disappointed when she didn't make the USWNT's World Cup roster in 2023. In this episode, the former Cougar soccer superstar talks about how she maintained her love of soccer disappointment, and public rejections. Lauren also talks to her about maintaining a long-distance marriage, sticking to personal values, and how she gives back to her community through her "Boots from Pros" organization, which donates cleats to young aspiring players.

This week on Her Y, we share an episode from another member of our BYUradio family—Top of Mind—about the impact of sports. Most Americans identify as sports fans – more than identify as church-goers. Is it good for sports fandom to play such a prominent role in society? After all, we know how tribal, obsessive, and competitive we can get about our favorite sports teams. But there’s evidence that sports fandom benefits American society as a whole. For example, it fuels networks of relationships and can help reduce political polarization. In this podcast episode, we’ll hear why sports fans often have more friends and are more satisfied with other aspects of their lives. And we’ll cast a critical eye on the influence sports has on the way we think about gender, patriotism, and the American Dream. How can we maximize the positive impact of sports fandom in society?

In this episode, we hear from Violet Zavodnik, the BYU Softball Team's senior outfielder, who shares her journey of overcoming recent injuries and making strides in softball. From a young age, competing against older players and even on a boys' high school baseball team, Violet has developed both her physical and mental strength. She discusses how she has grown and gained confidence from playing with the USA Team, shares her excitement for the upcoming season, and laughs about her unique path to BYU, diving into the role of faith and community in her life and softball career.

This week Carlie Ellett, the wife of Kansas City Chiefs assistant Running Backs coach, Porter Ellett, shares the untold stories behind the glamour of NFL football. Beyond the Super Bowl wins and other victories with the Chiefs, she opens up about the sacrifices and challenges of solo parenting during the season while her husband is away with the team. She shares ways that she tries to keep her family connected during the season, and how she has turned to other women navigating the same football lifestyle, for strength.

This week, we're sharing a very special episode from Deep Blue—another show in our BYUradio family. Host Jason Shepherd sits down with BYU Swimmer Jordan Tiffany to talk about his road to competing for the Cougars, including falling out of love with the sport, prioritizing his mental health, and ultimately how God guided him back to the sport.

Senior Associate Athletic Director Liz Darger joins us this week to share her journey from a coaching role to an administrative role. She touches on the importance of differing perspectives in athletics as well as highlighting the positive trajectory for the women involved in BYU sports no matter the capacity. You won't want to miss this very special episode of Her Y in honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day!

María José Barragán grew up playing golf on the courses in her home country of Mexico. So, why did she leave her home country for college golf in the United States? Find out why she eventually continued her education and links career at BYU. Plus, the international golfer recounts her experience at the ANNIKA Latin American Invitational in Argentina and her adjustment to a different country.

Sisters and BYU soccer goalkeepers Savanna Mason and Haven Empey join us for this week's episode. Both have competed against each other for years for time in goal, and they recount the joy they feel from seeing one another succeed, as well as the growth opportunities from serving church missions to overcoming injuries.

In this podcast episode, we talk with BYU's Director of Sports Medicine, Carolyn Billings. Carolyn has battled back from cancer several times and lived through several harrowing experiences. She talks about how God and others have helped her through the ups and downs of her life.

Annie Robinson, daughter of BYU Men's Basketball Assistant Coach Nick Robinson, sits down with us to talk all things swimming and basketball. As a former member of the BYU Swim Team, Annie opens up about what it was like being cut after her freshman season and offers us a glimpse into her resilient spirit and how she has navigated through difficulties in her life. A true nomad at heart, having moved nine times during her upbringing, Annie discusses the pros and cons of being a collegiate coach's daughter and shares more of her story!