Femme FC Podcast

In this episode of the Femme FC Podcast, Nicole is joined by Dan Kadlec, researcher and lecturer at Edith Cowan University, to challenge one of the most widely accepted approaches to injury prevention in sport. Dan recently co-authored the paper Warm Up is Not a Workout, which critiques the reliance on structured warm-up programs for reducing ACL injury risk. In this conversation, he explains why these programs may have a role for young or untrained athletes but fall short in preparing elite athletes for the demands of sport. This episode explores the gap between research, messaging, and real-world physical preparation, and why long-term strength and conditioning remains the foundation of athlete health and performance. Topics include: • Why warm-up programs have a ceiling effect for injury prevention • The difference between preparation and adaptation • Why something is better than nothing is not enough • The importance of progressive overload and long-term training • Strength as the foundation of resilience and durability • Why the basics are often overlooked in female athletes • The impact of early athletic development and training history • Misconceptions around training female athletes • Why chasing new trends can distract from effective methods • What a sustainable physical preparation model should look like Dan also discusses how limited access to quality training environments in the women's game contributes to injury risk and why expectations for female athletes need to shift. This episode is essential listening for practitioners in sports medicine, strength and conditioning, sport science, and coaching who want to rethink how they approach injury prevention and physical preparation.   JOIN THE COLLECTIVE: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@femmefootballcollective LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femme-football-collective Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/femmefc Website: https://femmefc.com   Continue your learning at the Soccer Performance Support Summit this June in New Jersey! Learn from and connect with practitioners across the NWSL, MLS, and NCAA! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soccer-performance-support-summit-tickets-1625338644639?aff=oddtdtcreator  

In this episode of the Femme FC Podcast, Nicole is joined by Kat Okholm Kryger, a researcher with UEFA, to break down the current state of research in women's football and what still needs to be done to truly support the women's game with high-quality evidence. Kat shares insights from her work connecting researchers and practitioners, highlighting how research questions should come directly from the needs of the football environment and be translated into practical tools that can be applied on the pitch. This conversation explores where the evidence base is strong, where it is lacking, and how common narratives in women's football are not always supported by the research. Topics include: • The current landscape of research in women's football and key gaps • Why injury research dominates and what is still missing • Why we cannot simply apply research from the men's game • The difference between lack of evidence and evidence that does not support a claim • Menstrual cycle research and common misconceptions in practice • The reality of ACL injury trends and the "epidemic" narrative • Why prevention strategies exist but are not consistently implemented • The importance of translating research into practical application • Barriers between researchers and practitioners • Future priorities for research including global representation and better quality studies Kat also discusses the role of technology in women's football, including equipment design, football boots, and how poor fit can impact both performance and injury risk. This episode is essential listening for practitioners in sports medicine, sport science, strength and conditioning, and coaching who want to better understand how to apply evidence-based practice in women's football.   👉 Subscribe to Femme FC for more conversations connecting research, performance, and women's football. ✨ Femme Football Collective: Elevating the Game, Empowering the Experts.   JOIN THE COLLECTIVE: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@femmefootballcollective LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femme-football-collective Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/femmefc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FemmeFootballCollective Website: https://femmefc.com     Continue your learning at the Soccer Performance Support Summit this June in New Jersey! Learn from and connect with practitioners across the NWSL, MLS, and NCAA! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soccer-performance-support-summit-tickets-1625338644639?aff=oddtdtcreator      

In this episode of the Femme FC Podcast, Nicole is joined by Rachel Woodland, Head of Client Engagement at The Nxt Level Group and Assistant Coach for Fulham Women, to explore leadership in elite sport and what it takes to move from practitioner to effective leader. Rachel brings experience working across sport, business, and leadership development, and shares insights into what separates strong leaders from technical experts. This conversation challenges the common assumption that the best practitioners automatically make the best leaders and instead focuses on the skills, behaviors, and experiences required to lead effectively. The discussion also explores how leadership can be developed over time, the importance of self-awareness and reflective practice, and how organizations can better identify and support future leaders. Topics include: • Key traits of effective leaders including adaptability, communication, and authenticity • Why being a technical expert does not automatically translate to leadership success • Common challenges when transitioning from practitioner to leadership roles • The importance of time management, delegation, and communication as a leader • How to develop leadership skills through experience, reflection, and mentorship • Emotional regulation and its role in decision making and trust • How to build self-awareness and use tools like reflective practice and feedback • Why varied experiences are critical for leadership development • What effective leadership looks like in high-performance environments • How organizations should evaluate and hire leaders in elite sport This episode is essential listening for practitioners in sports medicine, strength and conditioning, sport science, and coaching who are looking to step into leadership roles or improve their impact within a team.   👉 Subscribe to Femme FC for more conversations connecting research, performance, and women's football. ✨ Femme Football Collective: Elevating the Game, Empowering the Experts.   JOIN THE COLLECTIVE: Website: https://femmefc.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@femmefootballcollective LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femme-football-collective Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/femmefc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FemmeFootballCollective     Continue your learning at the Soccer Performance Support Summit this June in New Jersey! Learn from and connect with practitioners across the NWSL, MLS, and NCAA! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soccer-performance-support-summit-tickets-1625338644639?aff=oddtdtcreator  

In this episode of the Femme FC Podcast, Nicole is joined by world-renowned sports scientist Jo Clubb, founder of Global Performance Insights and former performance staff member at Chelsea FC and Brighton & Hove Albion. Jo has worked across multiple professional sports including football, the NFL, and the NHL, and now focuses on helping teams and practitioners translate sports science data into practical decision making. In this conversation, Jo explains why collecting more data isn't always the answer and how practitioners can build smarter monitoring systems that actually improve athlete performance and availability. The discussion walks through a practical framework for sport scientists, performance directors, and medical staff working in women's football who are trying to decide: What should we measure? Why should we measure it? And what will we actually do with the information? Topics covered include: • Why sports science is really about translating data into action • A six-stage framework for managing injury risk in sport • How to decide which metrics are worth collecting • The difference between profiling and monitoring athletes • Using load monitoring to support performance rather than restrict it • Balancing the value of data against the burden placed on athletes and staff • The importance of player buy-in when collecting monitoring data • How benchmarking physical performance in women's football is evolving Jo also discusses the FIFA physical benchmarking dashboard created from research analyzing nearly 300 studies and 19,000 women's football players, highlighting key physical qualities associated with higher levels of play. For practitioners working in sport science, strength and conditioning, sports medicine, or performance leadership roles, this episode provides a clear framework for building effective data systems in women's football environments.   Continue your learning at the Soccer Performance Support Summit this June in New Jersey! Learn from and connect with practitioners across the NWSL, MLS, and NCAA! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soccer-performance-support-summit-tickets-1625338644639?aff=oddtdtcreator     Resources: Fundamentals of Load Monitoring  https://www.sporthorizon.co.uk/fundamentals-of-load-monitoring    Roe et al paper  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40621-017-0123-x    FIFA Benchmark Dashboard  https://fifawomensdevelopmentprogramme.shinyapps.io/FIFA_Womens_Profiling/    FIFA Benchmark Paper  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-025-02251-0     Global Performance Insights  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@globalperformanceinsights  Website: https://www.globalperformanceinsights.com/  Jo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-clubb-89a285210/ 

In this solo episode of the Femme FC Podcast, Nicole breaks down practical strategies for building effective health and performance systems in women's football using stewardship theory. This episode is based on Nicole's dissertation completed as part of her Master's in Sport Directorship at Manchester Metropolitan University, titled What Do Women Need? Developing a Framework for Athlete Health and Performance Structures and Strategies in Elite Women's Football. As the women's game continues to grow, there is a unique opportunity to design systems that prioritize athlete health, long-term performance, and sustainable success rather than simply replicating models from the men's game. Nicole introduces stewardship theory as a guiding framework for how medical and performance teams should operate, emphasizing athlete-centered decision making, collaboration, and long-term thinking. Topics include: • Why the growth of women's football creates an opportunity to design better systems • What stewardship theory is and why it matters in elite sport • Common challenges in women's football including limited resources and rapid professionalization • Why copying systems from the men's game may lead to the same problems • The importance of shared objectives such as availability, readiness, and performance development • How to structure communication within health and performance teams • The role of trust, consistency, and ethical behavior in building athlete buy-in • Using interdisciplinary collaboration and "pod systems" to improve individualized care • Why athlete education is critical for autonomy and decision making • The importance of continuous professional development and reflective practice This episode provides a clear, practical framework for practitioners working in sports medicine, strength and conditioning, sport science, and performance leadership roles in women's football.   👉 Subscribe to Femme FC for more conversations connecting research, performance, and women's football. ✨ Femme Football Collective: Elevating the Game, Empowering the Experts.   JOIN THE COLLECTIVE: Website: https://femmefc.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@femmefootballcollective LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femme-football-collective Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/femmefc     Don't miss the Soccer Performance Support Summit this June! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soccer-performance-support-summit-tickets-1625338644639?aff=oddtdtcreator       Disclaimer: The information presented is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for professional medical care. Please consult an appropriate healthcare provider for individual concerns.  

In this episode of the Femme FC Podcast, Nicole sits down with Krysten McCaughey, Registered Dietitian, Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, and Sports Dietitian for Angel City FC. Krysten shares what the role of a sports dietitian actually looks like inside a professional women's soccer team and how nutrition supports every area of player health and performance. From fueling strategies and recovery nutrition to injury support and supplement safety, Krysten explains how nutrition integrates with medical and performance staff to help athletes train, recover, and compete at the highest level. This episode breaks down the real nutrition priorities for elite women's soccer players and the common mistakes that lead to under-fueling. Topics include: • How nutrition supports performance, recovery, and injury prevention • The biggest barriers to proper fueling in elite athletes • Why carbohydrates are often the most under-fueled macronutrient • Pre-training and pre-match fueling strategies • Recovery nutrition and why carbs matter just as much as protein • How nutrition changes during injury rehabilitation • The most common micronutrient deficiencies in female soccer players • Why supplements should always be third-party tested Krysten also shares practical advice on fueling around training and matches, supporting vegan athletes, and navigating the confusing world of supplements and nutrition trends. If you work in sports medicine, strength and conditioning, sport science, or coaching, this episode provides practical insight into how nutrition supports the entire performance ecosystem. Don't miss the Soccer Performance Support Summit June 20-21, 2026 in New Jersey to learn from and connect with experts working in elite soccer. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soccer-performance-support-summit-tickets-1625338644639?aff=oddtdtcreator   👉 Subscribe to Femme FC for more conversations connecting research, performance, and women's football. ✨ Femme Football Collective: Elevating the Game, Empowering the Experts.     JOIN THE COLLECTIVE: Website: https://femmefc.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@femmefootballcollective LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femme-football-collective Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/femmefc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FemmeFootballCollective  

In this episode of the Femme FC Podcast, Nicole sits down with Catarina Bajanca, Lead Sports Scientist for Benfica Women's Football, to break down how she individualizes weekly training loads inside a team sport environment. Catarina shares her philosophy on using match demands as the anchor point for planning, how she integrates GPS and heart rate data, and how she balances volume and intensity across clean and congested weeks. She explains how Benfica uses Catapult GPS and Firstbeat heart rate monitors, how they apply TRIMP and RPE, and how they adjust when players do not hit target metrics. This conversation is a masterclass in contextualizing data rather than chasing numbers. Topics include: • Using match demands to build weekly training targets • Two to three times match distance and high speed targets across the week • Why sprint exposure above 90 to 95 percent max speed matters • Managing congested microcycles and Champions League weeks • Balancing volume versus intensity across the season • Most demanding periods and worst case scenario windows • When not to force a player to hit 90 percent max velocity • Position based reference values and individualized targets • Internal load monitoring using TRIMP and RPE • Building actionable post match reports for coaching staff If you work in sport science, performance, rehab, or coaching, this episode will challenge you to think beyond raw numbers and plan with context. Do not miss the Soccer Performance Support Summit June 20 to 21, 2026 in New Jersey https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soccer-performance-support-summit-tickets-1625338644639?aff=oddtdtcreator  

In this episode of the Femme FC Podcast, Nicole is joined by Nichola Renwick, Senior Research Associate at the University of Portsmouth, whose work focuses on breast biomechanics and sports bra design. Nichola breaks down what breast biomechanics actually is, how breasts move during sport, and why breast support should be considered a performance, health, and injury risk issue rather than just a comfort concern. She explains how breast movement changes during running, cutting, and jumping, and how inadequate support can alter stride length, running efficiency, breathing, ground reaction forces, and even joint loading. This conversation also explores how breast pain and discomfort influence athlete behavior, confidence, and movement patterns, as well as how cultural norms in women's soccer can shape sports bra choices in ways that do not always align with performance needs. Topics include: What breast biomechanics means and how breast movement is measured How breasts move in three directions during sport Why larger breast mass increases forces and acceleration How poor breast support reduces stride length and running efficiency The link between breast support, ground reaction forces, and joint loading Psychological and cultural factors influencing sports bra choices Compression vs encapsulation vs combination sports bras Key design features of high support sports bras How clubs can better educate players and staff about breast support This episode is essential listening for medical staff, performance practitioners, coaches, and anyone working to improve athlete health and performance in women's soccer.

In this episode of the Femme FC Podcast, Nicole is joined by Jon Drezner, one of the world's leading experts in sports cardiology, to discuss sudden cardiac arrest in athletes and why preparedness is a responsibility shared by every member of the support staff. Dr. Drezner is the Director of the University of Washington Center for Sports Cardiology, Editor in Chief of the British Journal of Sports Medicine, and a team physician in professional sport. In this conversation, he breaks down what sudden cardiac arrest actually is, how often it occurs, and why the idea that it is "rare" is both inaccurate and dangerous. The episode walks through cardiac screening, ECG interpretation in athletes, and what support staff should do in the moment when an athlete collapses. Dr. Drezner also explains why emergency action planning, role clarity, and regular rehearsal are critical for survival. Topics include: What sudden cardiac arrest is and how it differs from a heart attack How common sudden cardiac arrest actually is in athletes The most common causes in youth, collegiate, and professional sport Why ECG screening is essential for identifying at risk athletes How to recognize sudden cardiac arrest on the field Why seizure like activity and abnormal breathing can be misleading What an ideal emergency response looks like on the sideline How teams should practice and rehearse emergency action plans Return to play considerations after sudden cardiac arrest This episode is essential listening for physical therapists, athletic trainers, strength coaches, sport scientists, physicians, and anyone working with athletes at any level.     Disclaimer: The information presented is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for professional medical care. Please consult an appropriate healthcare provider for individual concerns.

In this episode of the Femme FC Podcast, Nicole is joined by Scott Epsley, Director of Player Health and Performance at NJ NY Gotham FC, to explore how medical and performance departments should be structured to support collaboration, staff development, and ultimately player care in women's soccer. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience across professional, collegiate, and international sport, Scott explains why there is no single "right" org chart and why medical and performance teams should be viewed as living, breathing ecosystems that evolve over time. He shares lessons from the NBA, NCAA, and NWSL on how leadership decisions, role clarity, and communication pathways can either strengthen or fracture collaboration. This conversation goes beyond job titles and reporting lines and dives into how leaders can build environments where staff feel empowered, supported, and accountable, even as teams grow and resources change. Topics include: Why organizational structure should evolve with the needs of the team Collaboration versus role clarity and why both matter How leadership maturity shapes medical and performance culture Signs that an org chart is not working and needs to be adjusted Developing staff skills in resource constrained environments Why bigger teams are not always better teams Using women's soccer as a space to innovate rather than copy other sports This episode is essential listening for medical and performance leaders working in women's soccer and for anyone stepping into a leadership role in elite sport.   Learn more from Scott at the Soccer Performance Support Summit this summer in New Jersey! More info and registration can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soccer-performance-support-summit-tickets-1625338644639?aff=oddtdtcreator  

In this episode of the Femme FC Podcast, Nicole is joined by Jasmine Green, Division I Sports Fellowship Director at Body Central and team physical therapist for the University of Arizona women's soccer program. Jasmine shares an inside look at what it actually means to work in Division I women's soccer, where physical therapists, athletic trainers, strength coaches, sport scientists, and coaches must collaborate daily to keep athletes healthy and available across a demanding collegiate schedule. This conversation breaks down how Jasmine helped build a structured return to play process at U of A by leveraging preseason testing, in season monitoring, and simple internal load tools, all while working within the realities of the NCAA environment. She also discusses how roles overlap between PTs and ATs, how trust and communication are built inside a sports medicine team, and what it takes to succeed in a high performance collegiate setting. Topics include: What a PT's role actually looks like inside Division I women's soccer How PTs and athletic trainers collaborate without turf wars Building a return to play system using strength testing, jump data, GPS, and RPE Managing soft tissue injuries in season with limited recovery windows Who owns testing, monitoring, and rehab in a collegiate performance model Why communication and adaptability matter more than technical skills alone Lessons learned from creating and leading a Division I sports fellowship This episode is essential listening for physical therapists, athletic trainers, and performance staff working in or aspiring to work in collegiate women's soccer.   Register for the Soccer Performance Support Summit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soccer-performance-support-summit-tickets-1625338644639?aff=oddtdtcreator     Join the Collective! TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@femmefootballcollective LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femme-football-collective Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/femmefc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FemmeFootballCollective    

In this episode of the Femme FC Podcast, Nicole is joined by Andy McKeown, Lead Performance Coach at San Diego Wave, for a deep dive into one of the most overlooked phases of return to play in elite women's soccer: return to contact. While return to running and on-field rehab are often highly structured, contact exposure is frequently treated like a "switch flip" at the end of the process, despite the fact that football is a chaotic invasion sport where contact is unavoidable. Andy shares how his Return to Contact framework developed through real-world NWSL rehab scenarios (including postpartum return to performance and acute injuries), and how he approaches contact progression using a control to chaos continuum, influenced by match demands, positional requirements, and team playing style. He also breaks down how performance staff can use objective data like GPS while still respecting the reality that contact is difficult to track. This makes athlete feedback, coach's eye, and trust-based communication essential. Topics include: Why return to contact is a critical bridge between rehab and full training How to progress contact from controlled exposures to game-realistic chaos Different contact demands by position, team style, and phase of play Why "contact" includes more than collisions (blocking shots, aerial duels, 1v1s, etc.) How Andy integrates contact exposure while still building toward GPS targets The role of subjective readiness, autonomy, and athlete trust in return to play decision-making Practical drill examples for defending, duels, and contact-specific progressions   For more learning, growth, and connection, be sure to attend the Soccer Performance Support Summit this summer! More info and registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soccer-performance-support-summit-tickets-1625338644639?aff=oddtdtcreator  

In this episode of the Femme FC Podcast, Nicole sits down with legendary coach Laura Harvey to break down the tactical side of football in a way that medical and performance staff can actually use. Laura is the most winningest and longest tenured coach in NWSL history, and in this conversation she explains how phases of play, pressing strategies, transition moments, and team structure directly influence match demands and physical preparation. From high press vs mid block vs low block, to why attacking transition can be so deadly, Laura gives a practical "Tactics 101" framework that helps support staff better understand what players are being asked to do on the pitch. This episode is packed with real-world coaching insight and clear explanations that connect tactics to training load, rehab planning, and weekly periodization. Topics include: What "phases of play" actually mean (structured attack/defense + transition moments) High press vs mid block vs low block and how each changes physical demands What different positions are responsible for during a high press Why the 5–8 second transition window can decide games How coaches manipulate opponents to create space in buildup What happens immediately after losing the ball (and why it matters) Set pieces, throw-ins, and the "decoy" roles that create goals How climate, travel, and league trends influence tactical choices How Laura structures a training week to prepare tactically while managing injury risk     Don't miss the Soccer Performance Support Summit where professionals across the NWSL, MLS, USL, and NCAA will gather to learn, grow, and connect! June 20-21, 2026 in New Jersey https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soccer-performance-support-summit-tickets-1625338644639?aff=oddtdtcreator  

In this episode of the Femme FC Podcast, Nicole is joined by Malorie Henderlong, Assistant Director of Sports Performance at Auburn University, for a practical deep dive into strength and conditioning in Division I women's college soccer. Malorie shares how she approaches athlete development in a population that often arrives with a low training age, why she believes in doing the basics "simple, savagely well," and how she programs an entire roster with wide variation in experience, injury history, and playing time. She also breaks down the realities of modern college soccer, including the impact of the transfer portal, managing roster turnover, and balancing physical development with the academic and life stressors that come with being a student athlete. This conversation highlights what it really takes to keep players healthy, available, and progressing in a demanding NCAA environment where the calendar never truly slows down. Topics include: Simple movement foundations for low training age athletes (squat, hinge, push, pull, core) How Malorie prepares incoming athletes before they arrive on campus Programming around injury history while still driving performance How the transfer portal changes long term development and load management Wellness surveys, RPE, and GPS data in the college setting In season lifting structure vs spring development blocks Fitness testing (Bronco), maximal aerobic speed, and individualized conditioning How to "fill buckets" based on position specific match demands   Register for the Soccer Performance Support Summit! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soccer-performance-support-summit-tickets-1625338644639?aff=oddtdtcreator  

In this episode of the Femme FC Podcast, Nicole is joined by Shawn Hanlon and Sarah Neal for a deep dive into Achilles tendinopathy management in elite soccer, blending cutting edge research with the realities of professional sport. Shawn shares insights from his research on tendon pathology, subgroup classification, and why symptom duration and imaging often fail to predict outcomes. Sarah brings a clinician's perspective from professional women's soccer, discussing how tendinopathy typically presents as an acute on chronic issue, how flare ups are managed in season, and how load monitoring, athlete education, and collaboration across departments can keep players available. This conversation reframes tendinopathy not as a simple overuse injury, but as a complex, system wide challenge requiring thoughtful load management rather than rest. Topics include: What tendinopathy really is and why structure does not equal symptoms Tendon health subgroups and their relevance to elite athletes Acute vs chronic tendinopathy and why duration does not change rehab outcomes Safe loading through pain and the pain monitoring model In season management strategies for long, congested soccer schedules GPS, high speed running, and load metrics that matter most for tendons   Register for the Soccer Performance Support Summit! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soccer-performance-support-summit-tickets-1625338644639?aff=oddtdtcreator  

Enjoy this special episode of the Femme FC Podcast where we revisit every guest's favorite thing about women's soccer. We also hear from host Nicole Surdyka's former college teammates about their college soccer playing experience and how that has shaped who they are today.   JOIN THE COLLECTIVE! TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@femmefootballcollective LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femme-football-collective Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/femmefc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FemmeFootballCollective

In this episode of the Femme FC Podcast, Nicole speaks with Copa, physical therapist for the Houston Dash, about the real-world process of returning elite footballers to performance after pregnancy. Copa shares how she developed a postpartum RTP framework after managing three pro-player cases back-to-back, and what clinicians can do, especially in resource-limited women's sport settings, to support postpartum athletes safely and confidently.   Topics include: Early postpartum priorities and tissue healing considerations Pelvic floor cueing and progression into impact, sprinting, and sport demands Structuring return to run + strength training, and why recovery drives decisions Progressing workload week to week (when to repeat, when to push) Readiness for team training, contact exposure, and match minutes using key metrics The overlooked essentials: fueling demands (including breastfeeding), fatigue, and long-term monitoring   Register for the Soccer Performance Support Summit! Early bird registration ends on December 20th, 2025! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soccer-performance-support-summit-tickets-1625338644639?aff=oddtdtcreator    

In this episode of the Femme FC Podcast, Nicole speaks with Vittoria Marin of Isokinetic Medical Group to unpack what we truly know about ACL injuries in female footballers, and how clinicians can translate that knowledge into smarter, more individualized rehab. Vittoria discusses her recent publication on ACL injuries in women's football and shares insights from her clinical experience across the full rehab spectrum, from early post-op care to advanced neuromuscular and movement-quality training in Isokinetic's "green room." She highlights the anatomical, biomechanical, hormonal, and cultural factors that shape injury risk, and explains how understanding how an athlete tore their ACL should meaningfully influence rehabilitation planning. Topics include: Why non-contact mechanisms are so common in women's football The importance of reverse-engineering the injury mechanism Integrating neuromuscular and neurocognitive training throughout rehab How training age, resource allocation, and cultural norms influence movement quality Seven priority areas for improving ACL outcomes in the women's game This episode provides actionable tools and thoughtful perspectives for any practitioner working in female athlete health, rehab, or performance.   Register for the Soccer Performance Support Summit! Early bird registration ends on December 20th, 2025! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soccer-performance-support-summit-tickets-1625338644639?aff=oddtdtcreator  

Lorena Sumser joins the show to share lessons from a global career across Germany, France, and Scotland. Lorena has worked in the private sector, the Bayern Munich Academy, FFC Wacker München, the German U20 and U23 National Teams, OL Féminin, and now Rangers FC Women, where she serves as the Lead Physical Performance Coach.  We dive into the realities of supporting players in different systems, the importance of collaboration between club and national team staff, and how culture and expectations shape the physical preparation of female footballers. Lorena talks through her experiences at World Cup level, what she learned from OL's Champions League environment, and how she approaches player readiness in the Scottish league. In this episode, we cover: • Early influences that shaped Lorena's coaching path • What national team environments teach you about communication and trust • Navigating the U20 and U23 pathway in Germany • Managing players with different playing minutes and training histories • What separates elite performers at OL and why their standards are so high • The role of culture in gym expectations and strength training • Moving into a lead role at Rangers and guiding a growing performance department • The coaching values and principles that stay consistent across environments This conversation offers practical insight for coaches, physios, strength coaches, and sport scientists working in women's football, or anyone preparing to step into a new environment with different demands and expectations.  

This episode takes a deep look at ACL injury patterns in women's soccer and explains new evidence showing that many ACL injuries occur early in matches rather than later. This challenges the long held idea that cumulative fatigue at the end of a game is the main driver of risk. We discuss how acute, transient fatigue during the early high intensity phases of play may influence injury mechanisms and what this means for both training and rehab. Topics include: • Early match injury patterns and what they reveal • The differences between acute, cumulative, and chronic fatigue • The impact of early match intensity and chaotic play • Tactical and neurocognitive factors that shape risk • Training and warm up strategies that better prepare players • Why rate of force development matters in ACL rehab • Contextual influences such as travel, fixture congestion, and position • Future directions for ACL research in women's football This episode offers practical and evidence informed insight for practitioners supporting players in elite women's soccer.

In this episode of the Femme FC Podcast, Suren Vata joins the show to break down the five pillars of female athlete health in professional women's soccer. Suren is a dual accredited physiotherapist, the Female Athlete Health Lead at Charlton Athletic Women, and a practitioner whose work spans elite football and rugby across Singapore and the United Kingdom. His recent research and his presentation at the Arsenal Sports Medicine Conference have helped shape a modern, practical roadmap for supporting women in the professional game. We walk through each of Suren's five pillars, including: • How to use biomechanics screening and on field movement coaching to reduce injury risk • Why pelvic floor support is essential for performance and long term health • How to track the menstrual cycle in a way that informs care and empowers athletes • How to build safe and supportive pathways for pregnant players • Why bra and breast education affects comfort, confidence, and performance We also discuss the growing collaboration within the Women's Super League, the importance of injury surveillance, and the value of a multidisciplinary approach that keeps players healthy and performing at their best. This episode is full of practical insight for physios, athletic trainers, sport scientists, S&C coaches, and anyone working in women's football. Enjoy the episode? Subscribe so you never miss a new release.

Dr. Margie Davenport joins the show to discuss the modern science of training through pregnancy. Margie is an exercise physiologist, professor at the University of Alberta, Christensen Professor in Active Healthy Living, FIFA Women's Football Consultant, and a leading researcher whose work has shaped international guidelines and supported athlete-moms across recreational and elite sport. We cover the evidence behind training while pregnant, including: Why physical activity during pregnancy is both safe and beneficial What athletes can continue doing — including running, HIIT, and heavy strength training The importance of pelvic floor support The role of clubs and multidisciplinary staff in supporting pregnant players Why removing athletes from their sport too early can create harm The emerging guidance being developed with FIFA This episode is full of practical insight for coaches, physios, sport scientists, S&C coaches, and athletes navigating pregnancy in sport.   Enjoy the episode? Subscribe so you never miss a new release!

In this episode of the Femme FC Podcast, host Nicole Surdyka talks with Christi Edson, Head of Performance for the Orlando Pride, about how she programs gym sessions and uses velocity-based training (VBT) to individualize and optimize strength work throughout the professional season. Christi shares her philosophy of keeping things simple and effective—focusing on movement patterns, player readiness, and sustainable progression across a season. She explains how she integrates gym work with on-field demands, manages volume and intensity for starters and non-starters, and uses VBT to individualize lifting and build confidence in the weight room. They discuss: ⚽ Programming gym sessions across the competitive season 🏋️‍♀️ Using velocity-based training to guide load and intent 📊 Individualizing exercises without overcomplicating the program 💡 "Microdose" strength exposures and managing fatigue in-season Enjoy the episode? Subscribe so you never miss a new release!

In this episode of the Femme FC Podcast, host Nicole Surdyka talks with Dr. Carol Mack, Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics Lab Coordinator at John Carroll University, about why we need to look past biomechanics when training and rehabbing female athletes. Carol shares emerging research showing that biomechanics vary just as much within genders as between them — and how training age may explain many of the differences once attributed to sex. She explains why focusing only on biomechanics as a risk factor for ACL injuries misses the bigger picture, and why strength is the true prerequisite for effective, efficient movement. Carol also unpacks the physiological differences that shape how female athletes respond to training, including: ⚽ A higher ratio of type I to type II muscle fibers 💪 Greater capillary and mitochondrial density 🔁 Faster recovery and fatigue resistance during strength and sprint work She explores how these insights can help coaches, clinicians, and sport scientists better load, recover, and develop female athletes — and what questions still need to be answered through research. Listen in to learn how we can better tailor training and rehab to match the physiology and potential of female athletes. Enjoy the episode? Subscribe so you never miss a new release!  

In this episode of the Femme FC Podcast, host Nicole Surdyka talks with Gaby Smith, Performance Sports Scientist for Bay FC, about how she builds practical, collaborative sport science systems in elite women's soccer. Gaby shares how she bridges data and decision-making, the workflows that keep players and staff aligned, and how to make athlete monitoring meaningful rather than overwhelming. They discuss: ⚽ The core metrics that matter most in women's football 📊 Building simple, effective data workflows within a multidisciplinary team 💪 Translating performance data into daily training decisions 🤝 How communication and collaboration drive better outcomes for players 🔄 Strategies for connecting rehab, return to play, and performance monitoring This conversation offers actionable insights for practitioners who want to simplify their processes, improve staff alignment, and build trust through transparent, evidence-informed support in the women's game. Like the episode? Subscribe so you never miss a new release!

In this episode of the Femme FC Podcast, host Nicole Surdyka talks with Georgia Brown, Sports Scientist for San Diego Wave FC, about her PhD research on menstrual health and performance in elite women's soccer. Georgia shares what she discovered while tracking menstrual cycles and symptoms in professional footballers, why irregularities are more common than most realize, and how practitioners can start applying these insights within their own teams. They discuss: ⚽ The menstrual cycle as the "fifth vital sign" for athlete health 🩸 Why up to half of players may experience subtle menstrual disturbances 🧠 How stress and training load influence hormonal profiles 📈 Practical ways to track cycles and symptoms in a team setting 🤝 How staff can individualize support for each athlete This conversation bridges research and practice, offering practical takeaways for medical, sport science, and performance professionals working in the women's game.

In this episode, Nicole Surdyka is joined by Emma Brockwell, pelvic health physiotherapist for several Women's Super League clubs including Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Aston Villa. Emma also serves as a female health consultant for FIFA, leading pelvic health research and education initiatives that are shaping the future of women's football. Together they dive into what pelvic health looks like in elite sport—how it's assessed, addressed, and integrated across multidisciplinary teams. Emma explains the most common pelvic floor symptoms seen in female footballers, how to identify red flags as a physio or coach, and why urinary incontinence is common but not normal. She also shares practical guidance for practitioners without a pelvic health specialist on staff, along with strategies for pregnant and postpartum athletes navigating return to play. In this episode: • How Emma's work bridges pelvic health and performance in elite soccer • What to look for in athletes who may have pelvic floor dysfunction • Practical screening tools and conversation strategies for staff • How to adapt training and rehab progressions to support pelvic health • Insights from FIFA's upcoming pelvic health research and frameworks Emma also highlights valuable resources for practitioners, including the Active Pregnancy Foundation, Michelle Lyons, Christina Previtt, and Margie Davenport's Exercise & Pregnancy work. 👉 Connect with Emma on Instagram @physiomumuk and find her book Did No One Tell Me? on Amazon. Learn more at femmefc.com and follow @femmefc for future episodes.

Welcome to the Femme Football Collective Podcast — the show where we elevate the conversation around athlete health and performance in elite women's soccer. Hosted by Dr. Nicole Surdyka, a physical therapist, sport scientist, and founder of Femme Football Collective, this podcast was created to empower the experts behind the athletes. Each episode features conversations with leading practitioners, researchers, and innovators working in women's football — exploring real-world strategies, evidence-based practices, and the unique challenges that come with supporting players at the highest level. From return-to-play testing to performance optimization, you'll hear insights designed to help you grow, connect, and make an impact. In this episode: • Nicole introduces the mission and vision behind Femme Football Collective • Who this podcast is for — from physios and S&C coaches to sport scientists and psychologists • What listeners can expect from upcoming episodes • How to connect, learn, and join the Femme FC community 👉 Follow @femmefc on Instagram and TikTok, and visit femmefc.com to access the blog, newsletter, and upcoming courses.

Dr. Mariah Bullock — The Mind Behind Performance In this episode, Dr. Mariah Bullock joins Nicole Surdyka to explore the space where mental health meets mental performance. A former NWSL player turned clinical and sport psychologist for Seattle Reign FC, Dr. Bullock shares how her dual training allows her to support athletes through both the highs of competition and the challenges that come with it. Together they dive into what it means to protect athlete confidentiality while still collaborating with staff, how to build trust across multidisciplinary teams, and the most common mental performance hurdles seen in professional women's soccer — from confidence and communication to role clarity and perfectionism. In this episode: • The intersection of clinical and sport psychology in elite soccer • Navigating confidentiality and ethical communication with staff • Practical tools for managing performance anxiety and pre-game nerves • Helping athletes find purpose when playing time or roles shift • Post-match recovery, breathwork, and sleep strategies for high performers Dr. Bullock also reflects on her journey from Stanford to the pros, and why the relationships in women's soccer remain her favorite part of the game. Connect with Dr. Bullock on Instagram @dr.mariahbullock and drmariahbullock.com. Learn more about Femme Football Collective at femmefc.com and follow @femmefc on Instagram.