Good Game with Sarah Spain

U.S. women’s national team legends Julie Foudy and Abby Wambach sit down with Sarah for a live interview as part of the Women’s Sports Foundation's Athlete Leadership Connection. They discuss how Abby and Julie handled the transition from pro athlete to post-soccer life, why women's sports are inherently political, learning how to enjoy the ordinary and not just the extraordinary, and how Julie and Abby’s new podcast with Billie Jean King, “Welcome to the Party,” adds another layer of radical joy to the women’s sports world. Listen to “Welcome to the Party” here Listen to “We Can Do Hard Things” here  You can find the "We Can Do Hard Things" book here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social Instagram: @AzziArtwork  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Northern Super League co-founder and chief growth officer Diana Matheson and filmmaker and director of “The Pitch” Michèle Hozer join Sarah to discuss the inaugural NSL season, how Michèle’s film documents Diana’s fight to launch the league, and the moments along the way when the duo thought the first-ever women’s pro soccer league in Canada might not happen at all. Plus, new threads just dropped, sharing a bid with friends, and staying neutral all the way. Upcoming screenings of “The Pitch” can be found here  The 2025 World Gymnastics Championships broadcast schedule can be found here  Read Jasmine Mander’s story about dronegate here  Watch producer Alex ask NWSL player Kate Del Fava to fact check her first goal here Read the story in Block Club Chicago about the work being done to help residents amid ICE raids here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social Instagram: @AzziArtwork See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Softball player Erin Coffel joins Sarah to discuss being a part of the inaugural Athletes Unlimited Softball League season, earning the AUSL’s first-ever MVP honors, her transition to the pros, and why she still gets starstruck meeting legends of the game. Plus, killing in the best way, hometown heroes get their due, and there’s no Midwest Nice once you step on the ice. Follow Erin Coffel on Instagram here Follow the AUSL on Instagram here  Watch the hockey brawl between Ohio State and Minnesota here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social Instagram: @azziartwork  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Play-by-play announcer Kate Scott joins Sarah to discuss how she got her start, the nuances and challenges of calling different sports, trying not to screw things up for an entire gender, and what she’s doing to prepare for her new job as the lead voice of the USA Network's WNBA coverage. Plus, making the leak official, birthing berths, and the wrath of the injury gods is fierce.  Follow Kate on Instagram here  Check out Becky Hammon’s dance moves here Read The Athletic’s story about the CLA coaching method here Alex Sarama’s website is here  Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social Instagram: @AzziArwork See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Women’s soccer analyst and former pro player Lori Lindsey joins Sarah to discuss the state of the NWSL, predict which teams will thrive in the playoffs, and play a “Patience or Panic” speed round about several issues currently facing the league. Plus, playoff math, a hooper returns to the green, and praising a rival to close out a career.  SHOW NOTES:  Follow Lori on Instagram here  Check out Jen Cooper’s website “Keeper Notes” here  Check out Alison Gale’s NWSL playoff simulator here  Livestream the Aces victory parade here  Watch Ariarne Titmus’s full retirement video here  Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social Instagram: @AzziArwork See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Drake of the WNBA Players Association, and Meghann Burke and Tori Huster of the NWSL Players Association, join Sarah to discuss what collective bargaining negotiations look like behind the scenes, what the two PAs have learned from each other, and how systems need to change in order for investment in women's sports to make it to the players that built the leagues. Plus leaking on yourself, and another retirement hot off the Press. The latest USWNT roster is here Read the Guardian article about the NWSLPA and WNBPA collab here  Follow the WNBPA here Follow the NWSLPA here  Follow Christen Press on Instagram here Listen to the RE–CAP Show here  Read Meg Linehan’s story on Press' career here Read Press' thank you letter here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social Instagram: @AzziArwork  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author and professor of economics David Berri joins Sarah to discuss pro sports leagues using financial reports to tell a story, the complex ownership structure of the WNBA, the reason revenue share is so important to W players during the ongoing collective bargaining negotiations, and why it’s not worth trying to talk to the trolls. Plus, another NWSL OG hangs ‘em up, swimming fast in short pools, and veebs is forever. Learn more about The Goal Cup here  Check out David’s website here  Follow David on Instagram here Read more about the LPGA catfishing scam here  And watch Minjee Lee’s albatross here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Veteran WNBA player Alysha Clark joined Sarah for a live show at iHeart HQ last week as part of a larger WNBA Finals celebration. Hear them discuss Clark’s midseason trade request to leave the Seattle Storm, how she’s re-setting expectations for her final years in the league, mentoring the youth of the Washington Mystics, and the ongoing WNBA CBA negotiations. Plus, a lesson in sports discourse from a WNBA broadcaster, an NYU professor, and a bouncy castle.  Follow Alysha on Instagram here Listen to the full episode of “Bird’s Eye View” feat. Ryan Ruocco here  Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why must good things come to an end? With the Las Vegas Aces sweeping the WNBA Finals, we’re saying goodbye to the 2025 WNBA season – and to producer Misha, who is departing Good Game and setting sail on their next adventure. We’re sad. You’re sad. Even Misha is sad. But rather than be sad alone, Big Citrus gets sad together… and silly and philosophical, too. Watch the video of Nate Tibbetts' ejection here Watch Cathy Engelbert get booed here  Find out what Native land you reside on here  Send producer Misha good vibes!! And make sure to follow them on social media! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Analyst, host and reporter Terrika Foster-Brasby joins Sarah to talk about the chances the Aces finish off a WNBA Finals sweep tonight, Phoenix Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts’ failure to make adjustments, and the dramatic WNBA offseason that awaits. Plus, the tennis elites are thriving in the Wuhan Open, the LPGA continues to make history, and Angel Reese lives up to her name. Follow Terrika on Instagram here and on X here Listen to Terrika’s podcast “Levels to This” – which she co-hosts with Sheryl Swoopes – here The NWSL schedule can be found here Listen to Sarah’s appearance on Katie Nolan’s podcast “Casuals” here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of World Mental Health Day, former US Olympic swim team captain and 10-time Olympic medalist Allison Schmitt joins Sarah to talk about how her family, friends, and training partner Michael Phelps helped her address her mental health while still pursuing wins in the pool. Plus, the perils of chasing perfection and how she managed a healthy transition out of elite athletics into post-swimming life and work. Follow Allison on Instagram here Check out "To Write Love on her Arms" here Check out the National Alliance on Mental Illness here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LJ Rader, the man behind the uber-popular Art But Make It Sports social media account, joins Sarah to discuss what inspired him to start the account, why it’s so important to him to credit photographers, and his philosophy of covering women’s sports. Plus, the Phoenix Mercury look to make things interesting in game 3 of the WNBA Finals, Napheesa Collier gets back on the mic, and MNBA commissioner Adam Silver enters the chat. Listen to the episode feat. Cindy Brunson here and Sabreena Merchant here Follow LJ’s account Art But Make It Sports on Bluesky here and on Instagram here Check out producer Alex’s powerpoint for her drawing class here   The surfing comparison to “The Garden of Earthly Delights” can be seen here The U.S. soccer comparison to the “Incredulity of Saint Thomas” can be seen here   The hockey comparison to “Untitled” by Joan Mitchell can be seen here The Syd Colson comparison to “Woman on her Deathbed” can be seen here The Paige Bueckers and Haley Jones comparison to “The Mother and Sister of the artist” can be seen here The Trinity Rodman comparison to “Untitled” by Hilma af Klint can be seen here    The Paige Bueckers comparison to “The Irritating Gentleman” can be seen here The Rose Lavelle comparison to “Singer with a Glove” can be seen here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Athletic’s Sabreena Merchant joins Sarah to discuss what she witnessed in games one and two of the WNBA Finals in Las Vegas, whether we should be reading more into Alyssa Thomas’s hand injury based on her handles, the cost-benefit of letting A’ja Wilson eat, and what to expect next in the ongoing WNBA CBA negotiations. Plus, an alliance to align the women’s hockey calendar, plastic confidence, and the boys are fighting.  Watch the post-game incident involving Anders Jacobson and Jimmy Coenraets here  Follow Sabreena on Instagram here and on Bluesky here Check out photos Ilona Maher’s Barbie doll here, her video promoting the collab here, and Mattel’s press release here  Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Women's hoops broadcaster Cindy Brunson joins Sarah to talk about the Las Vegas Aces’ big game 2 win over Phoenix in the WNBA Finals, what the Mercury need to do to get back in the series, and to give her take on the Napheesa Collier/Cathy Engelbert beef. Plus Unrivaled is headed to the City of Brotherly Love, we're flagging a new opportunity, and consider this our signal to you. Vote for us in the Signal Awards’ Best Daily Podcast category here Watch Rosemonde Kouassi's game winner for the Washington Spirit here  Read Lindsay Gibbs’ story for CBS Sports about the WNBA-NBA relationship here Check out Casey Krueger’s son, Caleb, helping out with a baby announcement here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the WNBA Finals tipping off tonight, Big Citrus gets together to preview the best-of-seven(!) Aces-Mercury series and to discuss the continued fallout from Napheesa Collier’s comments, including what Caitlin Clark had to say in her exit interview. Plus, Slices and Swifties unite, dress like the best (of all time) and a whole buncha pucks and gay shit. The NWSL schedule can be found here Read the San Diego Union-Tribune’s report on the lawsuit Jill Ellis is facing here  Pick up tickets to the NSL final here  Celebrate pucks & gay shit! Amanda Boulier’s wedding photo dump is here and Sidney Morin’s is here  Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big Citrus gets together for a “Gimme A Minute” segment on Napheesa Collier’s league-shaking statement on Tuesday, then we’re in the presence of field hockey greatness as legendary player turned Northwestern head coach Tracey Fuchs and Wildcats captain Aerin Krys join Sarah. They talk about how the team is keeping motivation levels high after winning a national title last season, the ways field hockey can still grow as a sport, and how the undefeated Wildcats can still improve. Plus, the WNBA Finals are set, the Final Four is movin’ on up, and parting ways at an opportune time.  Follow Northwestern Field Hockey on Instagram here The WNBA Finals schedule is here The China Open schedule is here, and results are here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a 16-year club and national team career, Angel City FC defender and captain Ali Riley is retiring from soccer. She joins Sarah to discuss finding the balance between “Ali the Player” and “Ali the Person,” fighting to get healthy so she can say goodbye on the field with her teammates, and the injury struggles and personal challenges she’s battled over the last few years, including losing her childhood home to the Palisades Fire just days before her wedding. Follow Ali on Instagram here Listen to BFFR here  Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You missed us, huh? Fret not, Big Citrus is BACK! This time, Sarah, Misha and Alex break down the suspension that caused Cheryl Reeve to miss the decisive game 4 of the Minnesota Lynx’s series with the Phoenix Mercury, Reeve’s criticism of WNBA officiating, and Phoenix’s return to the Finals. Then, the trio predicts the winner of the Las Vegas Aces and Indiana Fever series. Plus, JuJu’s staying sidelined, AU Pro Volleyball is back in action, and the jury’s out on a new Netflix biopic. Watch highlights from the Diana Taurasi bench celebration here The AU Pro Volleyball Championship Schedule is here The China Open schedule is here And results are here Read Kendra Andrews' story for ESPN about the data on WNBA officiating and injuries here Read Emma Baccellieri’s Sports Illustrated story about WNBA officiating here Listen to the "This American Life" segment about the MNBA's replay center here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Las Vegas Aces-Indiana Fever semifinal series heading to a decisive game 5, Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Callie Fin joins Sarah to discuss what didn’t work for the Aces in game 4, why Becky Hammon’s coaching decisions were partly to blame, and how the Tuckman Development Model is applicable everywhere, even the WNBA! Plus, a Sunday Funday for the Mercury, the Red Roses are in full bloom, and the NWSL playoffs have got the Spirit. Follow Callie on Bluesky here and on Instagram here  Watch Flau’jae Johnson’s videos with coach Kim Mulkey here and here  Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North Carolina Courage player Brianna Pinto joins Sarah to discuss the Black Women’s Player Collective’s upcoming high school showcase, what her Courage team is focusing on as the NWSL playoffs approach, and her desire to one day work for FIFA. Plus, survey says the soccer industry has some work to do, the WNBA semifinals continue tonight, and some really cute softball and gay shit. Follow Brianna Pinto on Instagram here Follow the Black Women’s Player Collective here  Pick up some Black Women’s Player Collective merch here Read Meghan L. Hall’s story for USA Today on the Jonas Brothers/Phoenix Mercury fan drama here The NWSL schedule can be found here Read more about the bleak takeaways from Women in Football’s survey results here And find the full WIF survey here  Check out Sierra Romero and Addison Caldwell’s cute proposal here  Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.