The Unlikely Path to Pro | Side By Side Ep. 2: Claire Monyard

The Unlikely Path to Pro | Side By Side Ep. 2: Claire Monyard

In this episode of Side by Side, professional soccer player Chloe Minas spends time with Montreal Roses teammate Claire Monyard while making Haitian spaghetti and talking about the reality of becoming a professional footballer. Claire shares her journey through college soccer, confidence struggles, injuries, open tryouts, and the difficult road to signing her first professional contract in the Northern Super League. From barely playing NCAA soccer and battling self-doubt to recovering from a broken leg and earning a professional opportunity through open trials, Claire opens up about the setbacks and mindset shifts that changed her career. The two also talk about: * how to build confidence as a soccer player * dealing with pressure and comparison in college soccer * recovering mentally after injury * the truth about going pro in women’s soccer * why every athlete’s journey looks different * training, discipline, and self-belief * life as a professional footballer in Canada Side by Side is a series where Chloe Minas spends time with teammates and inspiring people, walking through their stories, decisions, pressures, and the realities of professional soccer that fans rarely see. This episode is about resilience, confidence, mindset, and what it really takes to chase the dream of becoming a professional athlete. Full YouTube video: The Unlikely Path to Pro | Side By Side Ep. 2: Claire Monyard - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AU0KgrO0JAU]

First Home Game of the Season and How I Reset After Early Mistakes

Professional footballer Chloe Minas reflects on her first home game of the season and the mental reset that helped her stay composed after early mistakes. In this episode of Between the Sessions, Chloe takes you inside a real matchday experience — from the energy of a packed home crowd, to the pressure of starting in front of friends, family, and supporters, to what actually goes through her mind when things don’t start perfectly. She breaks down: • What it feels like playing a first home game of the season in front of a huge crowd • How early mistakes can impact your mindset if you let them • The simple reset process she uses to stay present and composed • Why presence matters more than perfection in performance • How to shift focus back to the next action instead of the last mistake • The difference between reacting emotionally vs performing with clarity This episode is a real behind-the-scenes look at in-game mentality — not just highlights, but the moments nobody sees where you have to reset, refocus, and keep playing. Whether you’re a footballer, athlete, or just someone trying to handle pressure better in your own life, this episode is about learning how to move on quickly and stay in the moment when it matters most. Follow Chloe Minas on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChloeMinasYT

I Stopped Trying to Be Perfect… and Played Better | Matchday +1

Professional footballer Chloe Minas — midfielder for the Montreal Roses in the Northern Super League — reflects on a 2-0 win and the mindset shift that changed everything. In this Matchday +1 episode of Between the Sessions, Chloe opens up about her journey from perfectionism to playing with freedom. She shares how being obsessed with getting everything “perfect” actually held her back — and why letting go of that mindset has elevated her performance on the field. This isn’t just about soccer — it’s about learning how to detach from outcomes, trust the process, and perform at your best without fear. She talks about: • Why perfectionism can hurt your performance more than help it • The mindset shift that helped her play with freedom • How fear of mistakes shows up in sports and everyday life • Why detaching from results can actually make you perform better • The balance between high standards and unhealthy obsession • How to find the root cause of your fear and overcome it Whether you’re an athlete or just someone chasing growth, this episode will challenge the way you think about success, failure, and what it really takes to improve. 🎙️ Between the Sessions — real, unfiltered thoughts from life as a pro athlete. — ⚽ Chloe Minas is a professional soccer player and midfielder for the Montreal Roses in the Northern Super League. 📍 Next HOME game: May 2 at 7PM — come support! — If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow/subscribe and share it with a teammate who needs to hear this.

Everything Is Embarrassing Until It Works

Professional footballer Chloe Minas gets real about fear, failure, and why putting yourself out there is the hardest — and most rewarding — part of life. In this episode, Chloe opens up about her journey with YouTube, podcasting, and content creation — from starting with nothing to embracing the discomfort that comes with being seen. She shares the lessons she’s learned about confidence, creativity, and why taking action matters more than perfection. She talks about: • Why the scariest moments often lead to the biggest growth • How she overcomes fear every time she posts online • Why you don’t need fancy equipment to start creating • How putting yourself out there builds life skills off the field • The mindset shift that turned embarrassment into opportunity • Why doing it for yourself is more important than chasing validation Whether you’re an athlete, aspiring creator, or just scared to start something new, this episode proves one thing: everything feels awkward at first...but that’s exactly when the magic begins.

What I Wish I Knew Before NCAA Soccer… (From a Pro)

Professional footballer Chloe Minas reflects on her college experience and the lessons she wishes she knew before stepping into NCAA soccer. In this episode, Chloe looks back on her 5 years at the University of Pittsburgh — from the pressure of balancing academics and sport, to the mental challenges, habits, and mindset shifts that shaped her journey. She shares what she would tell her 17-year-old self before entering college, and how those lessons still impact her today as a professional. She talks about: • The reality of NCAA soccer and how the game differs across conferences • Why doing “extra” the right way can give you an edge • The importance of time management and building systems • How mental strength and confidence evolve over time • Why recovery, habits, and consistency matter more than you think • Learning to handle setbacks, expectations, and uncertainty • What coaches actually value in players • Why enjoying the journey is just as important as performing Whether you’re preparing for college soccer, currently in it, or reflecting on your own journey, this episode is a reminder that growth isn’t linear — and that the experience is about more than just the game. Full YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99zVoepLp-g