The "A" Game with Amanda Axelson

Amanda speaks with Heidi Stickler, a Registered Sports Dietitian (RD/RDN), Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD), and Metabolic Efficiency Training Specialist (METS), with a Master’s in Sports Nutrition (MSc) from Liverpool John Moores University in England. They discuss how diet can affect athletic performance, the taboo topic of training around a women's menstrual cycle, and how a women's period is actually a super power.

Alexa Diaz joins Amanda to talk all things youth soccer. From her experience as a youth player to her college recruiting experience as well as her time with the Philippine National Team she shares her experience and advice for young athletes. As the Director of League Development and Player Programs for the Girl's Academy Alexa shares insight as to what coaches are looking for both on and off the field. This is an episode you won't wanna miss!

Today’s guest is a former Gunner who overcame a number of setbacks throughout her youth soccer career and by sheer grit and determination made her dream of playing collegiate soccer come true. She now plays for NCAA Division II Black Hills State University. She was the G02B captain for four years and played High School ball at Mt. Si. Without further ado, we bring you Ms. Haley Steskal.

We're back! After taking a hiatus from the podcast due to a tough pregnancy, Amanda is excited to be back with Season 2 of the A Game!

Amanda & Anna sit down with former Gunners G99A Karlee Stueckle. Karlee is a multi time state champion track & field athlete, she broke the state record in the 300m hurdles her senior year of high school and was ranked 8th nationally. Karlee is also a current starter for the University of Washington Women’s Soccer team who just made it to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA DI Tournament, this season she also scored the game winning goal to bring home the Apple Cup in a 2-1 win over Washington State. Karlee tells a bit about her experience growing up playing soccer, how she navigated the recruited process and, as always, she gives some advice on how to bring your "A" Game.

Siarfo Abekah is a two time state champion with the Issaquah High School Girls Soccer team, she has another two state championships with the Issaquah High School Girls Track 
& Field team, she was a part of the Gunners G99As and currently plays for Loyola Marymount University. Siarfo tells us about her journey through youth soccer, how she was recruited to play at the Division I level, the importance of having a good life balance, overcoming adversity, and as always she gives some advice on how to Bring your "A" Game.

Amanda & Anna sit down with WPSL West Region Commisioner and Gunners Director of Operations Macy Jo Harrison. Macy explains her journey through youth soccer playing for her club, ODP & the US Youth National Teams. She explains how she navigated the recruiting process and ultimately transferred to UNLV. We also discuss the importance of women in the world of sports and give a number of shout outs to the women who have inspired us in our own coaching careers.

Amanda & Anna sit down with ISC Gunners Coach & Select Program Director Giovanni Monroe. Gio is UEFA B Licensed Coach who was selected as part of the United Soccer Coaches "30 Under 30" Class of 2020 and brings one of the most unique backgrounds to the ISC Gunners Staff. From growing up on a horse farm in Washougal, Washington to navigating his way around the world, Gio has traveled far and wide as a player and coach and we could not be more excited to share some of his story. Today Gio gives us some insight on what It’s like to play collegiately overseas and ultimate gives some great advice on how to bring your "A" game.

We sit down with Claudia Longo, a 2x State Champion with the Issaquah Girls Soccer team, the 2019 Wayne Gittinger Inspirational Award Winner, a Gunners G99 Legend and the current University of Washington Women's Soccer Captain. Claudia tells us a bit about her journey through the recruiting process, what motivates her, how she leads on and off the field and a little bit about how to bring your "A" Game.