The BIG LIFE

This week on The BIG LIFE, Leah and Kate break down all the wild twists from the NCAA Tournament’s Elite 8 — from clutch performances to teams that seriously shocked us. Stanford’s looking sharp, Michigan State’s heating up, and Ohio State? Let’s just say no one saw that coming. But this episode isn’t just about the X’s and O’s — it’s also a family affair. Leah and Kate bring on their parents (yes, the parents) for a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like raising a D1 athlete. From carpool chaos to college commitments, they open up about the highs, the heartbreaks, and the hustle behind the dream. Expect stories, laughter, maybe a few tears, and a whole lot of gratitude. It’s a celebration of the people behind the players — and a reminder that no one gets here alone.   Become a Patron of The BIG LIFECheck out our ⁠⁠⁠new merch! Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ (@girlssoccernetwork)Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ channel

Leah and Kate recap a dramatic ACC tournament week — beating Duke, an overtime final with Stanford decided on penalties, and the build-up to the NCAA tournament. They discuss other conference shootouts, recovery, and tournament strategy. They then welcome Iowa Hawkeye Kenzie Roling to talk about her journey, overcoming injuries, leadership as a grad student, balancing academics and soccer, and her goals for the postseason. The episode emphasizes resilience, identity beyond sport, and team culture. Become a Patron of The BIG LIFECheck out our ⁠⁠⁠new merch! Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ (@girlssoccernetwork)Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ channel

This week on The BIG LIFE, Leah and Kate open up about their first loss of the season — a tough one against Pitt — and how they’re turning that sting into fuel for the ACC tournament. With so much on the line, they reflect on what it means to bounce back, refocus, and play with purpose. They look ahead to a huge semifinal matchup vs. Duke and share what it’s like prepping for big-time games on neutral turf. From mindset shifts to tournament pressure, Leah and Kate keep it real about staying present and trusting the work. They also revisit favorite moments from the season so far — big wins, locker room laughs, and everything in between. It’s a reminder that team culture runs deeper than any scoreboard. Become a Patron of The BIG LIFECheck out our ⁠⁠⁠new merch! Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ (@girlssoccernetwork)Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ channel

Leah and Kate recap the final regular-season games and upcoming conference tournaments, then welcome BYU forward Ellie Walbruch to discuss her path from UCLA to BYU, overcoming an ACL injury, and leading on the field. Ellie also shares her summer MVP season with Utah United, how she balances sports journalism internships with being a student-athlete, and her goals to play professionally and pursue a broadcasting career.

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This week on The BIG LIFE, Leah and Kate sit down with Mizzou senior midfielder Keegan Good, who’s balancing Division I soccer with a pre-med track and plans to become a plastic surgeon. (Yeah, she’s that impressive.) Keegan opens up about her unconventional path to college soccer — skipping the big-name club scene, grinding through ID camps, and carving her own way to Mizzou. She talks leadership, injuries, and how tearing her ACL tested both her identity and mental strength. Now in her senior year, Keegan’s perspective is all about balance — pushing herself on the field while chasing big dreams in the classroom. Her story is equal parts resilience, ambition, and heart — a reminder that your journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Become a Patron of The BIG LIFECheck out our ⁠⁠⁠new merch! Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ (@girlssoccernetwork)Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ channel

Leah and Kate recap another awesome week in women’s college soccer, discussing their own games, senior night emotions, and the challenges of travel and heckling from fans. They break down notable matchups, red-card drama, and the grind toward postseason, including penalty-kick preparations. Tune in for reflections on team routines, travel strategies, and a preview of upcoming big games and a special guest next episode. Become a Patron of The BIG LIFECheck out our ⁠⁠⁠new merch! Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ (@girlssoccernetwork)Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ channel

Sponsored by Soccer.com, this episode of the Big Life Podcast features Notre Dame Women’s Soccer academic advisor Jennifer Pratt and hosts Leah and Kate discussing how student-athletes balance Division I soccer with rigorous academics. Jen explains weekly check-ins, mandatory freshman study hall, tutoring, and strategies for time management and choosing a major. The players share personal tips on planners, professor relationships, and preparing for travel and missed classes. Listeners will learn practical advice on staying organized, using campus resources, building faculty connections, and making the most of college both on and off the field. Become a Patron of The BIG LIFECheck out our ⁠⁠⁠new merch! Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ (@girlssoccernetwork)Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ channel  

This week on The BIG LIFE, Leah’s riding high after back-to-back wins over UNC and Clemson, while Kate keeps it real about a tough loss to Mississippi State. With conference play heating up, they talk mental stamina, staying locked in, and how to bounce back fast. Joining the convo is Austin Parker, Mizzou’s new goalkeeping coach — and he gets the mental grind. From how keepers reset after mistakes to why watching film is just as important as training reps, Austin shares tips every athlete (not just GKs) can use. It’s all about confidence, resilience, and learning to trust yourself — whether you're between the posts or just trying to level up in life. 🎧 Tune in, get inspired, and take notes. Become a Patron of The BIG LIFECheck out our ⁠⁠⁠new merch! Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ (@girlssoccernetwork)Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ channel

This week on The BIG LIFE, Leah and Kate are joined by Notre Dame Head Coach Nate Norman for a candid convo about soccer, leadership, and the mental side of the game. Leah kicks things off fresh off a huge win over Duke, while Kate reflects on the challenges of facing ranked opponents. Then Coach Norman jumps in with insights on building a team culture, the pressure coaches face, and why mental health matters just as much as fitness. From staying grounded to finding joy outside of sport, this episode is full of wisdom for athletes, coaches, and anyone navigating high-performance environments. 🎧 Listen now — and get ready to take notes. Become a Patron of The BIG LIFECheck out our ⁠⁠⁠new merch! Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ (@girlssoccernetwork)Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ channel

This week on The BIG LIFE, Leah and Kate kick off conference play with big wins and even bigger vibes. Kate breaks down her team’s 3–1 dub over Texas, while Leah relives a nail-biter 2–1 win over NC State. With Duke (ranked #2) on deck, they dive into rivalry week prep, mindset shifts, and what makes conference games feel different. It’s a battle every match, and they’re here for it. Off the field? It’s all about balance — pumpkin muffin baking, football games, and trying to stay sane in the chaos of student-athlete life. 🎧 Tune in now and catch the highs, the hustle, and the heart behind NCAA women’s soccer. Become a Patron of The BIG LIFECheck out our ⁠⁠⁠new merch! Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ (@girlssoccernetwork)Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ channel  

This week, Leah and Kate sit down with Notre Dame’s Berkley Mensik — a baller with a bright future and a story that goes way deeper than soccer. From growing up in Chicago to grinding through the ECNL circuit, Berkley seemed destined for the top. But after a brutal ACL tear during practice, everything paused. What followed? A journey of recovery, reflection, and radical resilience — including time at the Grotto on Notre Dame’s campus that changed the way she sees the game…and life. Berkley gets real about the mental side of injury, the small wins that matter most, and the freedom she’s found in embracing her full identity — not just as a player, but as a person. Her message for other athletes? Find joy in who you are off the pitch, too. She’s still got big dreams (think overseas), but this convo is all about mindset, growth, and the stuff you don’t see on the highlight reel. Become a Patron of The BIG LIFECheck out our ⁠⁠⁠new merch! Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ (@girlssoccernetwork)Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ channel

Leah Klenke and Kate Phillips are back with a look at Week 3 of NCAA women’s soccer — the highs, the lows, and everything in between! Leah shares a bounce-back win over Missouri State after a tough loss to Memphis, while Kate celebrates a dominant 8-0 dub over Oakland (yes, eight). The duo also digs into what makes Sunday games so brutal — the fatigue, the travel, the mental battle. They share their own strategies for staying locked in and how quick turnarounds test both body and mind. Plus, we’re talking pregame rituals, power meals, and standout matchups across the country — from Duke to Arkansas to Kansas — as conference play looms large. Become a Patron of The BIG LIFECheck out our ⁠⁠⁠new merch! Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ (@girlssoccernetwork)Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ channel

This week, Leah and Kate break down some serious shakeups in Week 2 of NCAA women’s soccer — including Houston’s huge 4-1 win over Texas and Mississippi State’s upset over Wake Forest. It’s giving underdog energy, and we’re here for it. Special guest Shea O’Rourke from Tennessee joins the pod to talk about bouncing back from injury, transferring programs, and finding her groove as a leader. Her journey from South Carolina to Texas A&M to Tennessee is all about grit, growth, and believing in your squad. The crew also gets real about balancing school, soccer, and life — because being a student-athlete is no joke. Whether you're here for the game recaps or the mindset gems, this one’s packed with perspective. Become a Patron of The BIG LIFECheck out our ⁠⁠⁠new merch! Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ (@girlssoccernetwork)Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ channel  

The season is officially on, and Leah Klenke and Kate Phillips are wasting no time breaking down their opening matches. Leah dishes on a big win over Western Michigan and a gritty tie with powerhouse Arkansas, while Kate shares the highs and learning moments from her matchup against South Dakota State. But this episode isn’t just game talk — it’s gym talk too. The hosts bring in special guest Ana Menendez, Kate’s strength and conditioning coach at Mizzou, to spill the tea on training smart during the season. Spoiler: it’s not about lifting the heaviest weights — it’s about staying strong, mobile, and injury-free. Ana breaks down how workouts change by position, why form > ego, and how recovery and nutrition are just as clutch as any drill on the field. Whether you’re a rising athlete or just trying to stay in the game, her tips are gold. From game-day grind to gym-day gains, this episode has it all. Tune in, get inspired, and let’s keep the momentum rolling. Become a Patron of The BIG LIFECheck out our ⁠⁠⁠new merch! Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ (@girlssoccernetwork)Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ channel

We’re officially in preseason mode, and Leah Klenke and Kate Phillips are bringing the heat. In this episode, the duo breaks down what those early matchups actually teach a team — from tough lessons vs. Kansas State and Indiana to figuring out how to get the freshmen locked in and game-ready. They get into the nitty gritty of film review (spoiler: it’s not always pretty) and talk about how seeing the big picture helps shape team identity before the real grind begins. Plus, they unpack what rankings really mean — or don’t. Leah’s team sits at #2, but she’s keeping it real: "Preseason polls really don’t mean anything." It’s all about showing up and proving it on the field. With big games ahead against Western Michigan and Arkansas, the energy is high and we wish both our fantastic new hosts a great season to boot!! Become a Patron of The BIG LIFECheck out our ⁠⁠⁠new merch! Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ (@girlssoccernetwork)Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ channel  

College soccer preseason is HERE and it’s a whole vibe. Kate and Leah spill the tea on double sessions, heat waves, new coaches, and team reunions. From late-night laughs to sports psych sessions, they share how their squads are building chemistry and bracing for the season ahead. They also get real about the mental side of the game — how teams are leaning into sports psych, handling the pressure, and finding small wins along the way. Plus, a few chaotic off-field moments you won’t want to miss. Whether you're a soccer junkie or just love a good story about grit, growth, and team chaos — this one’s for you. Become a Patron of The BIG LIFE Check out our ⁠⁠⁠new merch!  Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ (@girlssoccernetwork) Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ channel

Join hosts Kate Phillips and Leah Klenke as they welcome special guests Izzy Engle and Grace Restovich, standout sophomores from the Notre Dame women's soccer team. Dive into their exciting journey from high school to collegiate athletics and explore their experiences with Team USA, including their summer tournament in Costa Rica and the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. In this episode, the duo shares the joys of their freshman year, their preparations for the new season, and how they've evolved both on and off the field. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of balancing academics and sports, embracing social media with authenticity, and the importance of faith and friendship in their daily lives. Featuring fun "Would You Rather" questions and insider insights into the Notre Dame team dynamics, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring D1'ers! Tune in to discover how Izzy and Grace plan to leave their mark on the field this season and their thoughts on transitioning from youth to college soccer. Become a Friend of The BIG LIFE Check out our ⁠⁠⁠new merch!  Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ (@girlssoccernetwork) Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ channel.

Join the new hosts, Kate Phillips and Leah Klenky, as they embark on their first season of "The Big Life Podcast." With the mic on and vibes up, they dive into the world of collegiate soccer, sharing experiences from pre-season preparations to academic challenges, personal anecdotes, and loads more. Get to know Kate and Leah through fun quick-fire questions where they discuss favorite snacks, sports, and the essential role of coffee in their lives. As the duo navigates their junior and senior years at the University of Missouri and Notre Dame, respectively, they take you on a journey through women's college soccer's unique environment. Whether it's adjusting to the insane grind of juggling academics with travel, secret pre-game rituals, or handling the pressure of big matches, there's plenty to explore! Mark your calendars as Leah and Kate set the stage for exciting matchups, thrilling rivalries and passionate team bonding activities. This episode is just the beginning. Follow along as they kick off Season 4 with vigor and a fresh perspective! Become a Friend of the BIG LIFE Check out our ⁠⁠⁠new merch!  Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ (@girlssoccernetwork) Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ channel.

In our season-ending finale, Sam and Jordyn embark on an emotional and insightful journey through the world of college soccer. As the NCAA soccer championship unfolds, our hosts take us through the excitement of an all-ACC Final Four, sharing their predictions and insights into the teams vying for the title. With Duke University emerging as the favorite, they discuss the incredible talent and storylines that have defined this season. But this episode goes beyond the field, delving into the profound impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) on college sports. Our hosts explore how this new era is reshaping the landscape, affecting not only the powerhouse programs but also the smaller, non-NIL-driven teams. It's a fascinating discussion that highlights the evolving nature of college athletics and the challenges and opportunities it presents. The heart of this episode lies in the personal reflections of one of our hosts as they come to terms with the end of their college soccer career. It's a poignant narrative of transition, identity, and growth, offering listeners a raw and honest look at the emotional journey of leaving behind something that has been a central part of life for so long. The host shares the highs and lows, the lessons learned, and the connections made along the way, painting a vivid picture of the college athlete experience. Through this episode, we are reminded of the power of sports to shape and define us, teach us resilience, and connect us with others in meaningful ways. The Big Life community has been an integral part of this journey, and the gratitude expressed toward the listeners is palpable. As the season approaches, we are left with a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead, both for the hosts and the ever-evolving world of college sports. Thank you all for being a part of this college soccer journey with us! We want to thank our new BIG LIFE sponsor, Plushibles! It's time to get post-game cozy! Their line of Snugibles are beyond cute and comfy, they provide the versatility of a hoodie, blanket AND plushie! Use code:THEBIGLIFE for 15% off! Check out our newsletter to stay posted about upcoming episodes.  Follow us on Instagram @girlssoccernetwork Follow us on Twitter @girlssoccernet Subscribe to our YouTube channel @girlssoccernetwork6137

As the NCAA women's soccer tournament kicks into high gear, the excitement is palpable. Let's face it, this is one of the most fun tournaments of the year whatever level you play! This is a time of thrilling matches, unexpected upsets, and intense competition. Sam and Jordyn dive into the heart of the tournament, offering insights and predictions that you won't want to miss. Guess who is back on home soil?! After an incredible, Iron Woman season with the Swedish Damallsvensken League, Sam returns to the States and the joy of revisiting familiar comforts like Target and, of course, pumpkin spice lattes! Jordyn, meanwhile is in lockdown mode as Michigan State #5 take on Texas #4 at 4:00ET this Friday! Let's go Spartans! The episode also touches on the opening of the transfer portal, exploring the implications of new regulations and the decisions players face. As the landscape of college athletics evolves, the hosts offer advice for navigating these changes and making informed choices. Have a listen, and please let us know what you think at scary@girlssoccernetwork.com We want to thank our new BIG LIFE sponsor, Plushibles! It's time to get post-game cozy! Their line of Snugibles are beyond cute and comfy, they provide the versatility of a hoodie, blanket AND plushie! Use code:THEBIGLIFE for 15% off! Subscribe to the BIG LIFE wherever you love to listen.  Check out our newsletter to stay posted about upcoming episodes.  Follow us on Instagram @girlssoccernetwork Follow us on Twitter @girlssoccernet Subscribe to our YouTube channel @girlssoccernetwork6137