Mallory Swanson on Her USWNT Return, Olympic Gold Momentum, Fearless Beginnings & Postpartum

This week on Style of Play, Julie Ertz and Kealia Watt are joined by one of the biggest stars in women's soccer, USWNT and Chicago Stars FC forward Mallory Swanson. She's an Olympic gold medalist, FIFA Women's World Cup champion, and one of the most dynamic attackers in the game, Mallory talks about her return to the USWNT, building on Olympic success with Emma Hayes, and navigating the challenge of returning to elite competition after motherhood. She reflects on her fearless beginnings with the national team, life with husband and MLB star Dansby Swanson, and what continues to motivate her as she sets her sights on the next Women's World Cup. Plus, Julie and Kealia share their own experiences balancing pregnancy and professional soccer, discussing everything from training while expecting to returning to play. They dive into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the road to the Final, and why Julie and K believe the USMNT has a real shot at lifting the trophy—starting with a Round of 32 showdown against Bosnia & Herzegovina. Chapters (0:00) - Intro (1:09) - USMNT mindset in the round of 32 (3:57) - Postpartum & the comeback (18:03) - Mallory Swanson joins Style of Play (18:34) - 7 months of Josie James Swanson (20:11) - Mindset for returning to play (22:14) - Returning from injury vs. pregnancy (24:28) - Support from the USWNT & NWSL (27:58) - Balancing motherhood and professional career (34:57) - Meeting Dansby Swanson (37:40) - Raising a future athlete (40:28) - Mal's early rise (44:25) - Forgoing college eligibility at UCLA (46:13) - Keys to USWNT Olympic success (54:40) - USWNT vs Brazil friendlies (56:50) - 1 year out from Women's World Cup (1:05:16) - Can the USMNT win it all?! 🔔 Tune in for new episodes every Tuesday! 🎧 Subscribe on YouTube and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts 📱 Follow @styleofplayshow on all socials Thank you to our sponsors! - More goals, More celebrations. Go to coorslight.com/sop