UCLA’s Cori Close stops by the party for a powerful conversation on coaching hearts, building culture, finding “the edge,” and why mindset and connection matter more than ever. She opens up about the Texas loss, the response her team showed in Vegas, and the lessons she still carries from her years with Coach John Wooden — plus we’re hitting all the biggest stories in women’s sports this week, from the PWHL’s record-breaking Seattle debut to the NCAA Women’s Soccer Final Four being set, dominant NCAA XC championship performances, a historic NWSL Final, and more party buzz from across the sports world. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com   Keep the Party Going: John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success: https://www.thewoodeneffect.com/pyramid-of-success/ UCLA’s Megan Grant’s celebration:https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/46960510   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Find a host or co-host at https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes -Athletic Greens has their best offer ever. For $126 in free gifts. Head to: https://drinkag1.com/partner/general-partnerships?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=partnerships&utm_campaign=welcometotheparty_d35ct__a10727__o27&utm_term=cac__a10727__o27&utm_content=__a10727__o27

Julie and Abby kick off a Thanksgiving-day party with turkey-trot confessions, family rituals, ridiculous food stats, and plenty of laughs. Then they dive into the first-ever Thanksgiving Table Draft, each building a five-seat table featuring a current athlete, a legend, a coach, an owner/executive, and a wild card from the women’s sports universe. Think Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, Billie Jean King, Emma Hayes, Michelle Kang, Rachel Maddow, Ted Lasso—yep, it gets lively. Happy Thanksgiving, party people!   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com   Keep the Party Going: Thanksgiving Food Stats: https://www.driveresearch.com/market-research-company-blog/40plus-thanksgiving-statistics-to-gobble-up-2023/   Thank you to our sponsors: Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com  https://www.onepeloton.com/ Shop tons of deals, including member-exclusive savings, all season long during the Season of Savings at https://www.shipt.com/ Shop the Black Friday sale at ThirdLove where you can shop their entire collection for up to 60% off. Visit: https://www.thirdlove.com/

Julie and Abby relive an epic NWSL championship weekend full of laughs, late nights, and Gotham getting its swagger back against the Spirit. It’s pure fun and big energy as they roll through the weekend’s best moments—from the NWSL final to the buzz around NCAA women’s basketball, the wild finishes in NCAA women’s soccer, and the Players Era tournament dropping a mini–Final Four into November.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com   Keep the Party Going: Ben Shelton comforting Trinity Rodman: https://people.com/ben-shelton-comforts-trinity-rodman-after-she-suffers-injury-nwsl-championship-loss-11855895 The Ohio State’s Banger by Jadin Bonham with :35 left in double OT: https://youtu.be/Io_D-rWB1S4?si=ensONcAHe0byq4Rc Minute to Win It Games That Made Abby Sweat! Time Code: 56:03: https://youtu.be/xYHPC0EaRnU?si=7hib-M--5O7IIFIO Notre Dame stuns USC in Women’s Hoops: https://youtu.be/GClFHRwK934?si=0Q8LaXfMRr42AXYh Learn More About The Players ERA NCAA Basketball Tournament: https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/big-tournament-bigger-money-how-the-players-era-event-is-changing-college-basketball-in-just-its-second-year/ American Mikaela Shiffrin wins AGAIN, cruises to second World Cup victory in seven days: https://youtu.be/gvQcauiGG7Q?si=iC05gP7L7NmN0ndn   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com  https://www.onepeloton.com/ -Find a host or co-host at https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes partnerships&utm_campaign=welcometotheparty_d35ct__a10727__o27&utm_term=cac__a10727__o27&utm_content=__a10727__o27 -Getting contacts doesn't need to be a hassle. Order online today at: https://www.1800contacts.com/ -Save 60% sitewide on ThirdLove's Black Friday sale. Plus, $25 off when you spend $135. Visit: https://www.thirdlove.com

Description: Gotham FC and the Spirit may be the main event this NWSL Championship weekend, but this was its own kind of show — a wild, joyful mix of women’s sports celebration, real talk, empowerment, and pure party energy. Our first LIVE pod at the Ally House in San Jose brought Julie and Abby together with Ally CMO Andrea Brimmer, Brandi Chastain, and Danielle Slaton, and once the competitive fire kicked in, the whole thing turned into hilarious, iconic chaos. It was everything we love about women’s sports in one room and one pod. Reserve a Spot at the Ally House for all of Saturday’s happenings in San Jose: https://www.ally.com/ally-house-2025/   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com   Keep the Party Going: NWSL Awards and Best XI: https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/players-step-out-and-celebrate-2025-season-at-nwsl-awards-presented-by-at-t Learn more about Andrea Brimmer and how Ally is changing the game: https://www.powerplays.news/p/how-ally-broke-the-vicious-cycle NWSL Championship Game: https://www.nwslsoccer.com/championship?utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Known_Playoffs/Championship&utm_term=nwsl%20championship&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23211050588&gbraid=0AAAAAp8vocIJFf8g2xzLVGXxmuP137HvW&gclid=CjwKCAiAuIDJBhBoEiwAxhgyFmHpp8cko8Tfn3et2yfDbVZu03NbLkNADa0mpsKFmtQk-57IVgUeohoCwqEQAvD_BwE   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com  https://www.onepeloton.com/

Description: Nobody has changed women’s sports — or the world — more than Billie Jean King. So for her 82nd birthday, we threw her the ultimate surprise party on Welcome to the Party…  Billie had no clue what was coming: celebrity drop-ins, messages from icons, a look-alike contest from her hometown of Long Beach, and a birthday cake delivered on set by the one and only Ilana Kloss. Robin Roberts, Jamie Lee Curtis, Holly Hunter, Rosie Casals, Lindsay Davenport, Kendall Coyne Schofield, Mary Carillo, Alex Rodriguez, Christiane Amanpour — they all popped in to celebrate the Kinger. Plus, Julie and Abby break down the 10 ways Billie Jean King changed the world, changed women’s sports, and quite literally changed people’s lives. (Trust us — every athlete playing today is living in the world she built.) RSVP to attend the Ally House in San Jose for NWSL Championship week Nov. 21-22 at https://www.ally.com/ally-house-2025   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com   Keep the Party Going: Billie Jean King Foundation: https://billiejeankingfoundation.org/ Women’s Sports Foundation: https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/who-we-are/ The Ten Ways Billie Jean Has Changed The World: (Watch the episode to learn more!) She showed us the power of a UNIFIED women’s sports movement.  She taught us to never settle for the crumbs. She showed millions of girls and women what they were capable of achieving. She showed the world what Women’s sports could be. She taught us that Girls who Play, become Girls who Lead:  She shows us daily that Athlete activism is part of our very fiber. She made sure Title IX was fully realized. She made it known that Women not only had a seat at the table, but also owned a piece of that table. She preached from the very beginning that Women’s sports investments should not be based on sympathy, but strategy. She made sure Generation after generation could see what they could be.     Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Shop tons of deals, including member-exclusive savings, all season long during the Season of Savings at https://www.shipt.com/

After years of different women’s hockey leagues trying to find their footing, the PWHL burst onto the scene with sold-out crowds, real momentum, and a model that’s actually working. We sit down with Jayna Hefford — a five-time Olympian, four-time gold medalist, Hockey Hall of Famer, and the PWHL’s Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations. Alongside hosts Billie Jean King, Abby Wambach, and Julie Foudy, we dig into why this league is taking off, what finally clicked behind the scenes, and where the PWHL is headed next. RSVP to attend the Ally House in San Jose for NWSL Championship week Nov. 21-22 at https://www.ally.com/ally-house-2025   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com   Keep the Party Going: More on Jayna Hefford: https://jaynahefford.com/ PWHL Schedule: https://www.thepwhl.com/en/schedule PWHL Takeover Tour: https://www.thepwhl.com/en/takeover-tour-2026   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com  https://www.onepeloton.com/ -Visit https://www.wayfair.com/ to get your go to items for game day.  Find a host or co-host at https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes -Go to https://im8health.com/WTTP for a free welcome kit, five free travel sachets, and 10% off your order. -Shop tons of deals, including member-exclusive savings, all season long during the Season of Savings at https://www.shipt.com/

Before there was Welcome to the Party, there was a chance meeting at an Angel City game. Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy, and Billie Jean King revisit the moment that changed everything, the history between them, the unexpected timing, and the shift that followed. And Abby reveals why stepping into this show has brought her back to life. RSVP to attend the Ally House in San Jose for NWSL Championship week Nov. 21-22 at https://www.ally.com/ally-house-2025 Join the Party: Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Keep the Party Going: Brandi Carlisle - Returning to myself: https://youtu.be/UTgD4AYJlJw?si=ikLc7i46wRzAUhpV  The original nine: https://youtu.be/WCj8VJ-SXJ8?si=pTcfp7Gd_bfGp3jj Thank you to our sponsors: Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC Midlife is a Journey. Midi Is your Map: https://www.joinmidi.com CHAPTERS: 00:00 – The Party Begins 00:12 – “The Universe Brought Us Together” 04:05 – Why We’re Finally Telling Our Origin Story 05:09 – Abby’s Return to Women’s Sports 08:12 – The Angel City Moment That Sparked the Podcast 11:03 – Billie’s $1 Contract + The Original Nine 13:19 – The Advice That Changed Everything 16:17 – Passing the Fight Through Generations 24:42 – Why This Podcast Brought Us Back to Life 32:10 – What WTTP Is Really About: Community, Light & Women’s Sports

Nebraska is 24–0, the #1 team in the country, and Dani Busboom Kelly is the woman leading the charge. The former Husker star and John Cook protégé joins Julie Foudy and Abby Wambach to talk about building culture, mom life, cowboy hats, and what it’s like to coach a team that never loses. Oh—and Billie Jean King crashes the interview with a surprise call you don't want to miss! RSVP to attend the Ally House in San Jose for NWSL Championship week Nov. 21-22 at https://www.ally.com/ally-house-2025 Join the Party: Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Keep the Party Going: Marta and Luana, an incredible act of sportsmanship: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQx-cbWEe_g/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Keep up on the NWSL Playoff Race: https://www.nwslsoccer.com/ Kansas City, December — the 2025 NCAA Women’s Volleyball Final Four: https://www.ncaa.com/sports/volleyball-women/d1 Washington celebrates their Big Ten Championship in honor of Mia: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQ2mrFVEnXm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Emily Thames, Angelo State CRAZY goal: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQah07lABCQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link 92,003 fans at Memorial Stadium on August 30, 2023, part of an event called "Volleyball Day in Nebraska: https://huskers.com/volleyballday Bergen Reilly warms up hands of Cambell Flynn as she enters the game: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DQRg0yqjIeP/ Roots of the Fight - Dani’s Billie Jean King Gear: https://www.rootsoffight.com/pages/search-results?q=billie+jean+king No place like Nebraska - ESPN Documentary: https://www.espn.com/watch/film/5c88f17e-df1c-41fd-9c73-ac0ccf3835de/no-place-like-nebraska Thank you to our sponsors: * Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC * RSVP to attend the Ally House in San Jose for NWSL Championship week Nov. 21-22 at https://www.ally.com/ally-house-2025 * Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com  https://www.onepeloton.com/ * Get 25% off your first month at Ritual.com: https://www.ritual.com/welcometotheparty * Start your career coaching today at https://www.strawberry.me/welcometotheparty 

At just 25, Ali Truwit has lived a story few could imagine — and even fewer could survive. Ali’s life forever changed when her left foot was bitten off by a shark off the coast of Atlantic waters while in Turks and Caicos with a friend and teammate from Yale - just days after her college graduation. Ali returned to the pool just six weeks later. And within a year, represented Team USA at the Paralympics - taking home two silver medals. Next, she set her sights on the New York City Marathon. In this powerful conversation, Billie Jean King, Abby Wambach, and Julie Foudy dive into Ali’s remarkable journey of resilience, purpose, and strength — from dumping tears out of her goggles to creating Stronger Than You Think, her foundation helping others heal through sport. Join the Party: Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Keep the Party Going: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. honored Canadian hockey legend Marie-Philip Poulin by wearing her Team Canada jersey into Game 7 of the World Series: https://www.mlb.com/news/vladimir-guerrero-jr-wears-marie-philip-poulin-team-canada-jersey-to-world-series-game-7 Ali’s Foundation, Stronger Than You Think: https://strongerthanyouthink.org/ Ali’s book that helped her, When Bad Things Happen to Good People: https://www.amazon.com/When-Things-Happen-Good-People/dp/1400034728 Thank you to our sponsors: * Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC * Start your career coaching today at Strawberry.me: https://strawberry.me/?promotionCode=WELCOMETOTHEPARTY&utm_campaign=Natively&utm_source=youtube_and_podcast&utm_term=welcometotheparty Chapters: 00:00:00 Party Starts 00:00:22 Billie Jean King on the Dodgers’ Epic World Series 00:05:25 Meet Ali Truwit: Shark Attack Survivor Turned Paralympian 00:10:08 Running for a Cause – $220K for Prosthetic Blades 00:12:56 The Full-Circle NYC Marathon Moment 00:16:05 The Shark Attack Story 00:18:58 Turning Trauma into Purpose 00:20:41 From Survivor to Paralympian 00:24:46 Reliving the Trauma in Paris 00:26:57 “Stronger Than You Think” Documentary 00:27:53 Grief and the Athlete Mindset 00:29:22 The Power of Vulnerability 00:30:51 “Why Me?” and Gratitude 00:33:43 Marathon Finish with Her Mom 00:35:54 What’s Next For Ali – L.A. 2028

UConn women’s basketball head coach Geno Auriemma does a drive by the pod — he’s got the rings in the trunk, stories in the glovebox — and nothing’s off limits. Geno talks about the next chapter of UConn basketball led by Azzi Fudd and rising star Sarah Strong, what it’s like coaching in a world of transfer portal chaos, and how the program keeps evolving through generations of stars like Taurasi, Bird, and Bueckers. Plus, he dishes out a few senior superlatives to some of his all-time greats.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com   Keep the Party Going: -TCS NYC Marathon winner Hellen Obiri embraces her family after the win: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQkHQcsCcWQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== -Geno shows off his 12 rings: https://www.tiktok.com/@brwsports/video/7496649276672544031 -NWSL Playoff Picture: https://www.nwslsoccer.com/playoffs -Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. arriving to the World Series Game 7 in a game-worn Marie-Philip Poulin Team Canada jersey: https://www.mlb.com/news/vladimir-guerrero-jr-wears-marie-philip-poulin-team-canada-jersey-to-world-series-game-7 -Cricket World Cup Final Highlights - India vs South Africa: https://youtu.be/frf8Drafn5A?si=gQSHPeAIg_Idr0_N   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com  https://www.onepeloton.com/ -Find a host or co-host at https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes

In this special Halloween edition Orlando Pride VP of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter join the crew to dig into what’s haunting women’s soccer — from questions around the salary cap to how the league can keep its biggest stars playing at home. No jump scares — just a really good conversation you don’t want to miss. It’s a thoughtful look at how the NWSL is evolving, even as the ghosts of past challenges linger. ?? Zero tricks, all treats. Join the Party:Follow @welcometothepartyshow on:YouTube — @welcometothepartyshowInstagram — @welcometothepartyshowTikTok — @welcometothepartyshowEmail — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Keep the Party Going: - NWSL Collective Bargaining Agreement – https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/41400681/nwsl-2024-cba-draft-free-agency-charter-flights-health-coverage-revenue-sharing - The Guardian: “The Women Who Saved the Afghan National Soccer Team” – https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/aug/29/afghanistan-special-report-athletes-escape-kabul - USWNT players going to Europe isn’t an exodus. It’s an evolution - https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6742302/2025/10/23/women-soccer-uswnt-european-league-players/ Thank You to our Sponsors:* Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC* Head to https://www.quince.com/Welcometotheparty for free shipping and 365-day returns.

Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon joins Abby and Julie fresh off another WNBA championship run — and she’s got stories. She shares the best advice she ever got from Greg Popovich, the one thing she values more than any ring, and the real story behind her now-famous hooded blazer look. Plus, let us not forget the “Tootsie Roll” - Becky shares the history behind her famous dance moves. Join the Party: Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Keep the Party Going: -America’s 25 most powerful women in sports: https://www.forbes.com/sites/maggiemcgrath/2025/10/22/americas-most-powerful-women-in-sports-2025/ -Kate Douglass sets NEW WORLD RECORD with sub-50-second 100m free at Toronto World Cup: https://youtu.be/uaoi_Kqu9fs?si=3XHgzfkizit12qw0- - Becky doing the “Tootsie Roll”: https://x.com/WNBA/status/1979374839883534478 -Aj’a and Becky’s relationship: https://x.com/YahooSports/status/1974316954925380037-A New Documentary in the works about Becky: https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/10/17/smac-2463-plan-documentary-on-aces-becky-hammon/?issueId=MFJ2T5F7BJC4DBVMOGF3TMQC4U  Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com  https://www.onepeloton.com/ -Visit https://www.wayfair.com/ to get your go to items for game day. -Find a host or co-host at https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes

The party people asked—and Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy answered. From whether parents should coach their own kids, to how early specialization is hurting youth sports, to what they regret (and don’t) in life, this Q&A Power to the Party People episode has it all. Plus, Abby uses a Sharpie and lip gloss to teach Julie the real meaning of “offside.”   Keep the Party Going: Linda Flanagan - Take Back The Game - https://lindaflanaganauthor.com Join the Party: Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC-Start your therapy journey today by visiting  https://growtherapy.com/start/welcometotheparty/ -Start your career coaching today at https://www.strawberry.me/welcometotheparty

We’re throwing Alex Morgan a Welcome to the Party retirement party — and it’s exactly the kind of sendoff she deserves. The two-time World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist joins Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy to talk about what comes after greatness: motherhood, learning to slow down after years of rushing, and building what’s next through her venture fund, foundation, and TOGETHXR (because, let’s be honest, everybody watches women’s sports).  Join the Party: Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Keep the Party Going: -Alex’s first goal in Philly — Abby’s assist, Julie’s call, Alex’s finish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= -All the moments that made her a legend, from World Cups to tea time:  https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/41161833/ranking-greatest-moments-uswnt-star-alex-morgan-career -TogetherX, because everybody really does watch women’s sports: https://www.togethxr.com/ -The Alex Morgan Foundation — changing the game for girls everywhere: https://www.alexmorganfoundation.org/ -The Camino de Santiago, what finally made her slow down: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camino_de_Santiago -Unrivaled, the women’s league built by Stewie and Phee — and backed by Alex: https://www.unrivaled.basketball/ Thank You to our Sponsors: * Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC * Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com  https://www.onepeloton.com/ * Visit https://www.wayfair.com/ to get your go to items for game day.  * Find a host or co-host at https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes

From high school fields to World Cups and the Olympics, Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy talk about what makes a great teammate — the ones who push you, support you, and change how you play the game. They share stories about Mia Hamm, Michelle Akers, Carla Overbeck, Brandi Chastain, and Christine Lilly  as they dig into the balance between competition. Join the Party: Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Go Deeper Dr. Colleen Hacker | Pacific Lutheran University — bio, career highlights, and her work with Olympic and World Cup teams. Books & Publications by Dr. Colleen Hacker — including Catch Them Being Good (with Tony DiCicco). Achieving Excellence: Mastering Mindset for Peak Performance in Sport and Life — Dr. Hackers latest book on mindset and performance. Wolfpack by Abby Wambach — Abby’s New York Times bestselling book on leadership and teamwork. Abby Header goal from Megan Rapinoe 2011 World Cup Quarterfinal - One of the best goals EVER. Thank you to our sponsors: *Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC *Start your career coaching today at https://www.strawberry.me/welcometotheparty  *https://www.joinmidi.com/

The Las Vegas Aces went from chaos to champs — and it all started with leadership, trust, and a text message from A’ja Wilson that set the tone for one of the most remarkable comebacks in WNBA history. ESPN analyst LaChina Robinson joins Julie Foudy and Abby Wambach to break down how the Aces turned a midseason collapse into a championship sweep, what makes Becky Hammon’s connection with her players so unique, and why the upcoming WNBA CBA negotiations could reshape the entire league. Join the Party: Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Go Deeper: Aces Press Conference after sweeping in the finals 10/10/2025: https://youtu.be/iMS2ApUbRsA?si=b0EEAIqJxe6ekXMS Natalie Grabow became the first ever female finisher in iconic IRONMAN World Championship: https://www.tri247.com/triathlon-news/age-group/natalie-grabow-world-record-ironman-world-championship-kona Napheesa Collier goes OFF on WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert:https://youtu.be/KF4SMnP5-rU?si=nNT2GieEiVdhUWsN Thank you to our sponsors: Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at https://www.onepeloton.com/ Head to https://www.quince.com/Welcometotheparty for free shipping and 365-day returns. Get 25% off your first month at Ritual.com https://www.ritual.com/welcometotheparty Find a host or co-host at http://airbnb.com/host

Everyone remembers the coach who changed everything. Abby and Julie swap stories about the ones who shaped their journeys — from youth soccer to the US Women’s National Team and the Olympic stage — with legends like Tony DiCicco, Emma Hayes, and Pia Sundhage. And Abby turns Welcome to the Party into a surprise party with one spontaneous call to her old high school coach. Join the Party: Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Thank you to our sponsors: Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC Start your therapy journey today by visiting : https://growtherapy.com/start/welcometotheparty

Gabby Thomas doesn’t just run fast — she does everything at full speed. Three Olympic golds in Paris, degrees from Harvard and Texas, groundbreaking public health research, Athlos League owner, and oh yeah… Vogue and SI Swimsuit covers. We slowed her down long enough to stop by the Party. Join the Party: Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Go Deeper: Learn more about Athlos League: https://www.athlos.com The Impossible Mile: https://youtu.be/-NLda6xHUpQ?si=r9Vg9ejlRcFEQldS Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone record 400 meters: https://youtu.be/EDvEZ2_ZcA4?si=-2ZGToWYqlAkE4qP Gabby 200M Gold Medal Run - Paris: https://youtu.be/qTl5OJ2Qmjo?si=STAXNxtAR5wWRBhw Gabby 200M Bronze Medal Run - Tokyo: https://youtu.be/UI17_3ciVeM?si=r-IMtbDD80FLv7uF Christine Sinclair becomes the first Portland Thorns player to have a jersey retired. Here are 12 of her best all-time goals with the Thorns in case you want to know why: https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/12-of-christine-sinclair-s-best-thorns-goals-in-honor-of-no-12-jersey-retirement  PWHL Drops 2025/2026 Schedule: https://www.thepwhl.com/en/news/2025/october/1/pwhl-unveils-2025-26-regular-season-schedule Thank you to our sponsors: Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC Start your therapy journey today by visiting  https://growtherapy.com/start/welcometotheparty Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at https://www.onepeloton.com

The WNBA Finals are about to begin, but at Welcome to the Party we’re running our own 2025 WNBA Dream Team Mock Finals. Abby and Julie go head-to-head by picking their best 8 players from the 2025 season (assuming all players are healthy. ??) Hall of Famer and WNBA Legend Sue Bird stops by the Party to judge who wins in a best of ONE series, Team Julie or Team Abby. Let’s just say the loser has to wear a special hat ??. Join the Party: Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Go Deeper: Listen to Sue Bird: * A Touch More Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-touch-more-with-sue-bird-megan-rapinoe/id1510142364 * A Bird’s Eye View Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SueBird  * Sue Statue Reveal: https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Living/retired-wnba-star-sue-bird-makes-history-1st/story?id=124741140  Thank you to our sponsors: * Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC Head to https://moshlife.com/welcometotheparty to save 20% off plus free shipping.  Start your therapy journey today by visiting:  https://growtherapy.com/start/welcometotheparty Visit https://www.wayfair.com to get your go to items for game day.  #WNBA #WNBAPlayoffs #WNBAFinals #WNBADraft #WNBABasketball #WomenInSports 

Call it planned, call it necessary, call it a meltdown — Cheryl Reeve gave us an all-time WNBA moment. Three f-bombs, a suspension, and the internet divided. Was she making a calculated stand for her team, or did she just lose it in the moment? Julie Foudy, Abby Wambach, and Billie Jean King dive into the chaos — and can you guess which one of us secretly kind of loved it? We debate it all in this episode of Welcome to the Party. Join the Party: Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Go Deeper  Cheryl Reeve Debate Video of Cheryl Reeve storming the court (Game 3 vs. Mercury): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMzcrp8tieA Cheryl Reeve’s full post-game presser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMsIHSUsZNM WNBA’s official statement on her suspension:https://www.wnba.com/news/minnesota-lyx-head-coach-cheryl-reeve-suspended WNBA Playoffs Game 5 timing: Tuesday at 9:30 PM ET on ESPN2. Where to watch: ESPN2 (linear), ESPN app/ESPN+ (stream). Finals start: Friday, October 3. Other Sports   Cricket: link to information about the Women’s Cricket World Cup: https://www.icc-cricket.com/index Rugby World Cup / World Championships extended highlights: https://youtu.be/uh4k1KBR1KE?si=ihTiQ4m-3yWS4m2v BJK Cup Results (China): https://www.billiejeankingcup.com/en/news/bjk-cup-finals-attendance-up-15-year-on-year Athletes Unlimited Volleyball: link to schedule, how/where to watch - https://auprosports.com/volleyball/ Thank you to our sponsors: *Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC * Find a host or co-host at https://www.airbnb.com/host/ * Head to https://www.quince.com/Welcometotheparty for free shipping and 365-day returns. #WNBA #WNBAPlayoffs #WNBAFinals #MinnesotaLynx #PhoenixMercury #CherylReeve