The Lockeroom

Kennedy Wesley: From Stanford Dynasty to San Diego Wave

Kennedy Wesley has been part of winning cultures her whole life. At Stanford, she helped lead the Cardinal to the 2019 national championship and became the program’s all-time leader in matches played—logging an incredible 104 out of a possible 106 games. Drafted by the San Diego Wave in 2024, she wasted no time making her mark, starting 21 games, scoring three goals from center back, and leading the team in passing percentage.  In this episode, Kennedy opens up about her journey—from being a standout gymnast and soccer player as a kid, to overcoming academic challenges at Stanford, to stepping into leadership both on and off the field. She also shares the lessons from her dad that have helped her stay grounded, balanced, and present through it all.

Phallon Tullis-Joyce: Gummy Legs and the Journey to the Reds

From Long Island to Manchester United, Phallon Tullis-Joyce has fought her way to one of the biggest stages in women’s football. Now the starting goalkeeper for United, last season’s Golden Glove winner in the WSL, and a newly capped USWNT player, Phallon reflects on the climb that brought her here. In this conversation, she opens up about the setbacks and mental challenges along the way — from battling "gummy legs" and imposter syndrome to learning how to stay grounded under pressure. We also talk about her gameday routines, the transition from U.S. soccer to Europe, and how her love for marine biology continues to influence her journey on and off the pitch. Phallon’s story is one of persistence, growth, and finding strength in both passion and performance.

Maddie Pogarch: How Mental Health Made Me a Better Pro

In this episode of The Lockeroom, we’re joined by Maddie Pogarch — defender for the Utah Royals, entering her seventh year in the NWSL and stepping into true veteran status. But what makes Po stand out isn’t just her consistency on the field — it’s her voice off of it. She’s the secretary of the NWSL Players Association and the founder of Positive Apparel, a clothing brand rooted in mental health and self-expression.  Po opens up about how, for the first time in her soccer career, turning pro brought pressure, uncertainty, and performance anxiety she had never experienced before. From earning her first contract as a trialist to fighting for every minute on the pitch, nothing was guaranteed — and it took a toll. In this conversation, she shares how therapy, meditation, and learning to name her emotions became essential tools to not just survive but enjoy the game again.  We dive into the reality of low motivation, the myth that you have to be “on” every day, and why learning to disconnect can actually fuel longevity. Po also talks about finding her flow state, the importance of having a life outside of soccer, and how she now approaches conversations with her coaches from a place of grounded confidence.  This episode is a vulnerable, honest look at what it means to be a professional athlete — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Whether you're chasing a dream or simply navigating high-pressure moments in your own life, Po’s story is a powerful reminder that your mindset is your greatest tool.

Coach Rebecca Tillet: Building a Winning Culture

Winning starts within. Coach Rebecca Tillett joins Averie Collins and Dr. Stu Singer to talk about how mindfulness and mental performance fuel success on and off the court. As the head coach who led two programs to their first NCAA tournament appearances, Tillett shares her philosophy on fostering player relationships to creating a culture of joy, intensity, and gratitude, this episode is a must-listen for any coach, athlete, or leader looking to elevate their impact.

Taylor Flint: Embracing Her Height, Her Game, and Her Inner Peace

This week on The Lockeroom, we sit down with Taylor Kornieck Flint—midfielder for Racing Louisville and the tallest player in U.S. women’s soccer history. Taylor made history at the University of Colorado as the program’s all-time leader in points and first-ever All-American, earning a spot on the U.S. Women’s National Team and building a name for herself as one of the most dominant aerial threats in the NWSL.  But Taylor’s journey hasn’t always been smooth. In this episode, she opens up about battling imposter syndrome, feeling the weight of expectations, and how she rediscovered her love for the game through mindfulness and mental health practices. From the pressure to perform to embracing her height as a strength—not a burden—Taylor shares how shifting her mindset helped her find clarity, confidence, and joy again.  We talk meditation, growth over outcomes, and the role relationships play in resilience—on and off the field.