the BIG LIFE

Welcome back to the Big Life Podcast!

Transitioning from college soccer to the professional level is a dream for many female soccer players, but the journey is filled with challenges, pressures, and unexpected twists. In this week's episode of the Big Life podcast, Sam and Jordyn dive head first into this topic as two athletes who are currently navigating these waters.

Meanwhile, Jordyn gears up for the Big Ten Conference kickoff, discussing her team's preparations and the challenges of their first away trip of the season. The duo also recaps the latest results and highlights key upcoming matches in the Big Ten, including intriguing match-ups involving new West Coast additions UCLA and USC.

The episode also touches on the differences in funding and facilities between college and professional soccer. While college programs in the U.S. often have extensive resources, professional teams, especially in Europe, focus more on the essentials for football. This shift can be jarring for players who are used to the "flashiness" of college sports.

Thank you to our sponsor, IDA Sports. IDA Sports shares GSN's commitment to empowering women in soccer by providing them with the specialized gear they deserve. The company's cleats are designed to address the unique needs and preferences of female athletes, aligning perfectly with the mission of "The BIG LIFE" podcast. 

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In this episode of The Big Life, we are thrilled to welcome Margueritte Aozasa, the head women's soccer coach at UCLA. She shares her insights on joining the Big Ten Conference, the challenges of dealing with injuries, and, of course, adapting to the Midwest's weather!

We also discuss the latest Big Ten soccer updates, including Michigan State's recent performances and the impact of the U-20 World Cup on team rosters. Plus, we highlight Penn State's Kaitlyn MacBean's outstanding weekend performance.

Don't miss Margueritte's thoughts on the future of recruiting with the new roster cap and the end of the NWSL draft. Tune in to hear about UCLA's "revenge tour" and their quest for the treble this season!

As always, follow Girl Soccer Network on Instagram, stay updated with Sam and Jordyn's journeys on social media, and reach out to us with any questions. 

Welcome back to The Big Life! This episode dives into the rollercoaster of emotions experienced on senior night, as Jordyn reflects on the bittersweet moments and unexpected feelings that came with it. Join us as we explore the highs and lows of being a college athlete, the impact of roster decisions, and the changing landscape of college soccer.

We also discuss major news in women's soccer, including the NWSL's groundbreaking decision to eliminate the college draft. What does this mean for future players, and how will it reshape the path to professional soccer? Listen in as we analyze the potential impacts, from college athletes' decisions to turn pro to the future structure of women's soccer leagues.

Plus, get the latest updates on Michigan State's upcoming games and exciting matches in the Swedish Domos Vonsken league. Whether you're a college soccer enthusiast or curious about the evolving world of women's sports, this episode is packed with insights and stories you won't want to miss!

Remember to tune into Big Ten Plus, ESPN Plus, and other streaming networks for live college soccer action. Thanks for listening, and stay tuned for more from The Big Life!

We want to thank IDA Sports for supporting our mission to bring you great women's soccer content! Get 15% off you IDA's right here! https://www.idasports.com/pages/girlssoccernetwork

Welcome back to "The Big Life!" In this episode, Jordyn and Sam celebrate Michigan State's historic win against Notre Dame and look forward to their upcoming match against Arkansas. Jordyn shares the intense emotions of the game and the experience of watching from the sidelines due to injury.

The episode transitions into a comprehensive recap of Big Ten women's soccer, highlighting major moments like Iowa's controversial match against Oregon State and Nebraska's surprising loss to Oklahoma State. Jordan and the host delve into the implications of these games and the different dynamics at play.

In a special segment, the episode features an interview with Mackenzie Jones, who transferred from Grand Valley State University to Purdue University for her fifth year. Mackenzie shares her journey, the challenges of the transfer portal, and the differences between Division II and Big Ten soccer.

Additionally, the episode covers exciting international women's soccer news, including the crossover games between the Women's Super League and the NWSL, as well as the kickoff of the USL Super League.

Tune in for a blend of personal stories, in-depth analysis, and heartfelt moments that capture the essence of living "The Big Life."

Welcome back to The Big Life! In this episode, Sam and Jordyn explore the brand-new USL Super League, a new professional league for women. Join us as we dive into the league's inaugural season, and what this means for players who want to continue their careers. 

We had the privilege of speaking with two talented players from different teams: Sheyenne Allen from Fort Lauderdale and Jenny Vetter from Spokane, Washington. They share their personal journeys, experiences, and what makes the USL Super League special. Learn how this league aims to elevate women's soccer by providing more avenues for players to continue their professional careers on home soil.

Discover the excitement surrounding the league's kickoff, the competitive spirit of the teams, and how you can catch all the action on Peacock. Whether you're a dedicated fan or new to women's soccer, this episode is packed with insights and enthusiasm for the future of the sport.

Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation and get ready to support the USL Super League as it makes its mark in the world of professional women's soccer!

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Welcome back to Big Life, listeners! We're as excited for the upcoming soccer season as you are. Season three kicks off with a fun game of "Two Truths and a Lie" and some exclusive offers from our sponsor, Ida Sports. Make sure to grab your new cleats with our special discount!

In this episode, Jordan and Sam catch up on their summer adventures and dive deep into the current state of college athletics. Jordan shares her rollercoaster experience rehabbing a PCL injury and discusses the emotional and physical challenges of returning for her final season at Michigan State. They also tackle the complexities of new NCAA rules and how they'll affect future seasons.

The conversation shifts to the Olympics, where Sam provides insights into the drama surrounding the Canadian women's soccer team and the performance of Team USA. With exclusive updates from her pro soccer journey in Sweden, Sam reveals her recent travels, fitness regimen, and exciting news about her contract extension.

Join us for an episode packed with updates, insights, and a sneak peek into what’s coming next. Whether you're a college athlete, a pro soccer fan, or just love the game, there's something for everyone in this season opener!

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Hey socceristas and welcome back to The BIG LIFE Podcast! It's the last episode of Season 2 and we feel like we're ending it with a real bang with a very special guest! This season has been a whirlwind for Sam and Jordyn as they adjust to being on different continents while sharing their lives and experiences. They will be back in late July with more exciting content, covering women's college soccer inside and out with a focus, of course, on the Big Ten.

For our finale episode, we're thrilled to bring you an incredible interview with Andrea Brimmer, Chief Marketing and PR Officer at Ally Financial, who is a fellow Spartan, like our Jordyn! This is such a great episode with a super smart and passionate leader in the women's soccer space! Andrea shares her inspiring journey from Michigan State's first women's varsity soccer team to leading the charge in the growth of women's sports. Andrea discusses Ally's 50-50 media equity pledge and the significant strides they've made to support women's sports.

Andrea's story is also motivational in framing the importance of media coverage and investment in women's sports. She offers invaluable advice for athletes transitioning into professional careers. This powerful conversation wraps up Season 2 on a high note!

As always, follow Girl Soccer Network on Instagram, stay updated with Sam and Jordyn's journeys on social media, and reach out to us with any questions. We'll see you in late July to kick off the women's college soccer season! Have a great summer!

In this super informative Episode 7 of the BIG LIFE, Jordyn and Sam delve into the rapid changes within NCAA athletics, particularly focusing on the evolving NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) policies.

Joined by Darien Harris, Assistant Athletic Director for Business Development and NIL Strategy at Michigan State University, the discussion covers recent NCAA settlements, the intricacies of NIL, and the impact on college athletes. Harris provides valuable insights into building personal brands, the role of social media, and the challenges and opportunities for athletes in both revenue and non-revenue sports, specifically women’s soccer. The conversation aims to educate current and prospective college athletes on leveraging NIL opportunities while maintaining a focus on community and academic priorities.

Episode 6 of the BIG LIFE goes international, with Jordyn visiting a teammate in Montreal and Sam slaying it in Sweden, partying with Taylor and the Swifties!

But that's not all! We have an amazing guest on this week's podcast: Dr. Nick Holton, an expert in sports performance and mental resilience. Dr. Holton, who works closely with Michigan State,  and, dives deep into the mental aspects of athletic performance. He discusses the importance of understanding the mind-body connection, the concept of anti-fragility, and how to navigate common mental struggles athletes face, such as the negativity bias.

Dr. Holton also shares practical tips for athletes of all ages on how to improve their mental game, get into a flow state, and leverage both positive and negative experiences for growth. Whether you're an athlete, a coach, or someone interested in the science of human flourishing, this episode is packed with valuable insights.