In this episode, we talk with special guest Ava Veith, a former teammate on the Virginia Tech Women Soccer team, about her unique journey in football. Ava once dreamed of playing on the pitch at the top level, but over time, her path led her to a different role, taking care of the pitch itself as a turf grass expert. She shares how her love for the game never changed, even as her role did, and how she now works behind the scenes collecting data and keeping the field in top shape. Ava also talks about the importance of being a good teammate and playing your part — no matter what that part is.
After a much-needed break, Emily and Nicole return refreshed and ready to dive back in. They catch up on life post-season—sharing travel stories, time at home, and everything in between. Nicole recaps two successful international windows, while Emily talks about her time up north in Piteå, including a special visit from Nicole to watch her play. Plus, the EUROs are officially underway, and the duo is buzzing to give the tournament the spotlight it deserves. Don’t miss this episode full of updates, laughs, and football talk!
In this episode, Nicole and Emily take a trip down memory lane, sharing the stories of how they first discovered football and the moments that made them fall in love with the game. From early memories on the pitch to the coaches and mentors who shaped their journeys, they reflect on the people and experiences that turned them into the players they are today. It's a powerful reminder of why they started—and why it's so important to never lose sight of that passion.
In this episode, Emily and I dive into the emotional rollercoaster that comes with living and breathing football. From the daily grind to the highs and lows of the game, switching our brains off isn’t always easy—and honestly, we’re still figuring it out. We open up about the tools, mindset shifts, and small wins that help us create space when we need it—because sometimes, the best move is knowing when to take a step back. Whether you’re deep in the season or just deeply obsessed with the game, this one’s for anyone trying to find a bit of balance in football life.
In this episode, we’re joined by the incredible Michele Vasconcelos, whose football journey is nothing short of inspiring. Murph reflects on her standout college career at BYU, where she not only excelled on the field but also met her husband. After being drafted 11th overall into the NWSL, Michele faced an unexpected turn — she found out she was pregnant. She welcomed her daughter, Scarlett, and made a remarkable return to professional football at a time when there was little to no structural support for mothers in the sport, predating the current CBA. Michele’s resilience doesn't stop there — she has battled back from two torn ACLs. Her story is one of perseverance, passion, and breaking barriers for the next generation.
In this episode, Emily and Nicole get real about one of the toughest parts of being an athlete: not getting the playing time you have worked hard for. They open up about moments of frustration and doubt, and how they chose to respond—with patience, resilience, and relentless work.
Their stories are a reminder that football can change fast, and when the opportunity comes, you’ve got to be ready to grab it. They talk about proving themselves right, staying locked in on what they could control, and being good teammates through it all.
Whether you're riding the bench or riding a high, this episode is about staying grounded, trusting the journey, and never letting your circumstances define your mindset.
In this episode, we’re joined by Yuliia Khrystiuk, who shares her incredible journey from Ukraine to playing Division 1 soccer in the U.S. She talks about what it was like to leave her family behind, step into a completely unfamiliar world, and face the pressure of learning English. It was not an easy road and even had a thought of giving up. But she didn't. Now, she’s thriving and grateful she stuck with it. Yuliia opens up about the tough moments, the wins, and what kept her going.
In this episode, Emily and I catch up on our football now that both our seasons are in full swing. We dive into all the excitement in women's football, including some wild UWCL results. Then, we break down our college recruitment experience, sharing tips for anyone looking to play D1 soccer. It’s a scary and overwhelming process with a lot of unknown, but we hope that by sharing our stories, we can offer a helping hand.
Join us on Her Side of the Pitch as we catch up with our former Virginia Tech teammate, Victoria Haugen—better known as Dori. She takes us through her football journey, from college to questioning whether she wanted to go pro, to the setbacks of not being drafted. After spending a year as a practice player, she’s now stepping onto the field for full 90-minute matches and rediscovering her love for the game. Tune in for an inspiring story of resilience, growth, and the unpredictable path of a professional footballer.
Two professional footballers, two unique journeys. In this episode of Her Side of the Pitch, we share our personal experiences of moving overseas, leaving family and friends behind, and navigating the challenges of life far from home. From finding your support system to embracing the evolution of friendships, we dive into the realities of change, growth, and making the most of every moment while chasing our dreams.
In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Cudjoe, also known as "Kaka," as she takes us through her inspiring journey from Ghana to the pros. She opens up about the challenges she faced, the sacrifices she made, and her positive mindset through it all
Beyond her career, Jen shares her passion for giving back to her community, empowering young girls in Ghana to chase their own dreams. Her biggest message? No matter what, enjoy the journey.
In this episode, Nicole shares both her personal journey and the story of her country. Amid Russia's invasion, she returned to Ukraine to play football—enduring hours of travel, sitting in bomb shelters, and competing in the Champions League. Nicole sheds light on the ongoing struggles her country faces, reminding us that the war is far from over.
Join us as Ireland International Kyra Carusa shares her incredible football journey, from the highs to the lows, and the valuable lessons she's learned along the way. In this episode, Kyra opens up about overcoming injuries, contemplating quitting football, the honor of representing her family, playing on the world stage at the World Cup, and much more. Through it all, she reminds us that what’s meant to be will always be.
Welcome to Her Side of the Pitch! In this episode we talk about our why for this podcast, we talk football, we talk about our goals and resolutions for the year, and plenty more!