PODCAST · sports
Girls Got Goals
by Haley Mallion and Shelby Kean
Girls Got Goals is a podcast pulling back the curtain on the women’s college soccer experience. Through candid conversations with current and former players, we highlight real stories, honest challenges, and the moments that shape life on and off the field. Our goal is to bring more transparency to the sport and give women a platform to share their journeys — from recruitment, training, and fitness to identity, culture, body image, and everything in between. No matter your connection to the sport — player, alum, recruit, parent, or fan — this podcast is for you!
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Episode 21: Transfers, Tough Endings & Life After Soccer with Gabriella & Jaida
In this honest and heartfelt episode, Gabriella and Jaida share their experiences navigating college soccer, facing unexpected career endings, and stepping into life beyond the game. From transferring programs to coping with the emotional reality of closing a chapter they’ve dedicated years to, they open up about the challenges that many athletes face—but rarely talk about.Together, they reflect on the identity shifts that come with leaving the sport, the uncertainty of what’s next, and how they’ve started redefining their goals off the field. They both share incredible advice for your career, as well as transitioning beyond the game! They also dive into the lasting impact of their athletic careers, including lessons in leadership, resilience, and handling adversity—skills that continue to shape their personal and professional lives.This episode is for any athlete grappling with transition, change, or the question of “what’s next?”—offering real conversations, relatable experiences, and reassurance that growth doesn’t stop when the game ends.
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Episode 20: Standing Out, Recruiting 101 with Jaida and Gabriella
This week’s episode is a special one, featuring Haley & Shelby’s childhood friends and former teammates, Jaida Scott and Gabriella Sanon.We take an honest and insightful look at the college recruiting process for female soccer players—what it really takes to stand out and how to approach it with confidence. Through personal stories and practical advice, this conversation offers valuable guidance for athletes and parents navigating the journey.We also go beyond recruiting to discuss how the landscape has evolved over time. Jaida shares her perspective as a college coach and how she now supports players through a process she knows firsthand, while Gabriella reflects on how her college decision helped shape her path and set her up for success today.This is an episode you won’t want to miss!! && it's only part 1!
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Episode 19: Mid-Major vs Power 4 - Key Differences & What Might Be Right for You
In this episode, Haley and Shelby dive into the key differences between Mid-Major and Power 4 college soccer programs, drawing from their own firsthand experiences. From gear and facilities to food, travel, and style of play, they break down what sets these levels apart and what athletes can expect in each environment. Whether you're a prospective student-athlete or just curious about the college soccer landscape, this conversation offers honest insights and practical takeaways to help you better understand the journey.#collegesoccer #power4soccer #mid-major #D1athlete
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Episode 18: The End of an Era & The Transition to Life After Soccer with Andra Mohler
Part 2 of Andra’s episode is all about the end of her college soccer career—and everything that comes with that transition. Every athlete faces that final game, and Andra opens up about how she handled it and how she started preparing for that moment long before the final whistle.She shares what life has looked like after soccer, from adjusting to a new routine to rediscovering fitness on her own terms and figuring out what’s next. It’s an honest look at moving on from something that’s been such a huge part of your identity.Andra also gives incredible advice for athletes going through the same transition—honestly, the kind of advice Shelby and Haley wish they had themselves. She’s a rockstar, and this conversation was such a fun one!
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Episode 17: Ups, Downs, and Personal Growth in College Soccer with Andra Mohler
In this episode, former college soccer player Andra Mohler shares what her journey really looked like—from getting recruited and committing early to figuring things out once she got to campus. She opens up about the challenges of college soccer, dealing with injuries and setbacks, and how those experiences helped her grow over time. She gives great advice to anyone in the same position she was not long ago! It’s a real, honest conversation with plenty of relatable moments and takeaways for athletes at any stage.
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Episode 16: Impact of Coaches on the College Soccer Experience
In this episode, Haley & Shelby talk all about college coaches in women’s soccer and the huge role they play in shaping your experience as a player. From team culture to confidence, the relationship between a player and their coach can have a lasting impact—both on and off the field.We chat about how college coaching is different from youth coaching, especially since for college coaches it’s not just a passion project—it’s their full-time job and livelihood. That dynamic can influence everything from expectations to decision-making.We also share some of our own experiences with the coaches we had throughout our college careers—what they did well, how they impacted us, and the moments that stuck with us the most. Along the way, we talk about what it’s like to have the same coach for your whole career versus going through a coaching change, and how those transitions can shape your journey as an athlete.A big theme in this conversation is confidence—how much it matters when a coach believes in you, and how that belief can completely change the way you play and experience the game.It’s an honest, reflective conversation about the good, the challenging, and everything in between when it comes to college coaching.
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Episode 15: Coach's Impact on Youth Athletes
In this episode, Haley and Shelby discuss the significant role of coaching in soccer, particularly focusing on their personal experiences in youth soccer. They explore the impact of different coaching styles, the importance of finding a supportive coach, and the challenges of coach / player relationships (sometimes). The conversation highlights the need for coaches to understand and empower their players, as well as the importance of creating a positive team culture. They also reflect on their own journeys and the lessons learned along the way, emphasizing the value of advocacy and self-awareness in the athlete-coach relationship.
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Episode 14: Part 2 w/ Chyanne Dennis - Finding Her Coaching Voice & Empowering Women!!
In this episode, Chyanne opens up about her journey to college soccer coach and the experiences that shaped her path. She reflects on the powerful influence of having a female head coach during her playing career and how that mentorship inspired her own mission to lead and empower the next generation of athletes.Chyanne shares what it was really like transitioning from player to coach, the mindset shifts required, and the importance of building authentic relationships with players. She also dives into the evolving college soccer landscape, discussing recruiting strategies, the impact of NIL, and how the transfer portal is changing opportunities for both players and programs.Throughout the conversation, Chyanne emphasizes the importance of confidence, adaptability, and finding a school where you truly feel valued. Her coaching philosophy centers on empowering young women—not just as athletes, but as confident leaders prepared for life beyond the game.
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Episode 13: Part 1 w/ Chyanne Dennis - Confidence is Key!!
In this episode, Chyanne opens up about her full-circle journey through the game—from her early days in club soccer to a standout college career at the University of South Florida, where she committed early and became a consistent contributor on the field. She shares what it was like playing for the Jamaica women’s national team and how that experience has made her a better coach. She dives into competing professionally in Iceland, breaking down the differences in playing styles, culture, and the resilience required to adapt at every level. Throughout the conversation, Chyanne emphasizes confidence and adaptability. She embraces finding the joy in everything she does!!
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Episode 12: Part 2 with Malorie Henderlong - Higher Power Sports Performance
In this week’s episode, Malorie turns last week’s sentiments into action. After recognizing a major gap in sports performance training for youth athletes, Malorie and her family set out to create a solution and Higher Power Sports Performance was born.Higher Power Sports Performance offers a truly holistic approach to athletic development, combining performance training with a faith-based community that builds confidence, resilience, and mental toughness. Athletes aren’t just trained to perform better—they’re supported in becoming the best version of themselves, on and off the field.Shelby and Haley can’t help but wish something like this existed when they were youth athletes! Tune in to hear the heart behind the mission and how Higher Power Sports Performance is changing the game.
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Episode 11: Part 1 with Malorie Henderlong - Train Smarter Not Harder - Strength & Injury Prevention for Youth Soccer Players
In this week's episode, we sit down with Malorie Henderlong - sports performance coach and sports scientist - to break down what youth soccer players really need to develop into stronger, more resilient athletes — and why simply playing more games isn’t the answer. We dive into the critical role of acceleration / deceleration, strength training, and movement quality in long-term athletic development. She explains how building strength and body control not only improves performance on the field, but also significantly reduces injury risk. Whether you’re a player, parent, or coach, this episode offers practical, science-backed advice on how to train beyond just playing — and why movement fundamentals matter more than most people think.& this is only Part 1!!
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Episode 10: Solo Ep - Navigating Working Out After College Soccer
In this episode of Girls Got Goals, Haley and Shelby discuss their personal fitness journeys after transitioning from competitive soccer to working out on their own. They share their experiences with gym anxiety, the importance of finding enjoyable routines, the challenges of redefining workout expectations, and the chase for that college soccer feeling of accomplish even when you hang up the cleats. The conversation highlights the significance of community in fitness, the motivation behind training after competitive sports, and the acceptance of how your body changes once your fitness routine changes. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for trial and error in discovering what works best for everyone in their own fitness journey.#collegesoccer #lifeaftersoccer #fitnessjourney
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Episode 9: Part 2 with Sabrina - Coming Back from Another ACL Injury, Professional Soccer, and Her Mission & Purpose with Intentful
In this episode, Sabrina McNeil opens up about the mental and emotional weight of suffering a second ACL injury after transferring schools. She shares the challenges of returning from injury, navigating her identity as an injured athlete, and finding purpose during setbacks. Sabrina also dives into her professional soccer journey and the opportunities that have allowed her to continue playing the game she loves. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the importance of resilience, while also discussing her passion for building a brand that empowers athletes. This episode offers a powerful look at perseverance, personal growth, and the mindset required to keep moving forward—no matter the obstacle.#aclrecovery #professionalsoccer #perserverance #toughness #intentful #passion #transfer #collegesoccer
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Episode 8: Part 1 of Sabrina's Story - Betting on Yourself, Mentality, & ACL Recovery
This episode of Girls Got Goals features an engaging conversation with Sabrina McNeill - professional soccer player & founder of @intentfulapparel. She shares her journey from playing youth soccer in Canada to becoming a collegiate athlete in the US. Sabrina discusses her experiences with ACL tears and how they shaped her mindset and were the catalyst for turning her pain into purpose. She emphasizes the importance of mental resilience and the role of therapy in overcoming challenges. She is truly inspiring and we hope you enjoy hearing her story as much as we did!
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Episode 7: Part 2 of Milan's Story & Going to the World Cup!!
In part two of Milan’s story, she shares what it was like to achieve every little girl’s dream—competing in the World Cup. Milan takes listeners behind the scenes of her journey, opening up about the sacrifices and the passion required to live out her dream! She reflects on what it meant to represent her country and how important it is to bet on yourself. Milan is a gem of a human and we’re so excited for you to hear the rest of her story.
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Episode 6: Recruiting, Advice, and World Cups with Milan Pierre-Jerome
In this episode of Girls Got Goals, hosts Haley Mallion and Shelby Kean interview Milan Pierre-Jerome. In part 1 with Milan, she shares her journey from growing up in South Florida, the recruiting process that took her to Maryland, and bringing Haiti to their first-ever World Cup!! She discusses the challenges and triumphs of her soccer career, and gives such good advice to anyone going through the recruiting process or wanting to know more about International Soccer. The episode is filled with inspiring stories of perseverance, passion, and personal growth.
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Episode 5: Life After Soccer
Lots of seniors played their last college soccer game over the past few weeks, so what better time for Haley and Shelby to talk about life after soccer! They discuss the challenges of transitioning from athletics to professional careers, the impact of COVID on their final college season, and the importance of personal growth and identity beyond sports. They emphasize the skills learned through athletics and the significance of preparing for life after college as student-athletes.
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Episode 4: Navigating a Career Ending Injury with Ellen Donlin
In this week's episode, we chat with Ellen Donlin — one of Haley’s best friends and former college roommates. Ellen opens up about her unique journey navigating a career-ending injury and the mental and physical toll it took on her. She shares how she found perspective, resilience, and even gratitude through one of the toughest chapters of her life. Ellen’s story is powerful, honest, and inspiring — we hope you enjoy!
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Episode 3: Interview with Julia Grosso
In this week's episode, we chat with Julia Grosso, who shares her journey of turning her professional soccer dreams into reality. Julia is one of the most inspiring people and her mindset is unmatched. She opens up about embracing what makes you unique and keeping your passion for the game alive, no matter what comes your way. Her words are sure to give you a boost of inspiration and confidence. Tune in to hear her story - one that we think everyone can relate to!
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Episode 2: Our Stories
In this episode of "Girls Got Goals," hosts Haley Mallion and Shelby Kean dive into their personal journeys from high school to college, sharing the ups and downs of the recruiting process and the realities of college soccer. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of transitioning to college athletics, the importance of finding a home away from home, and the invaluable friendships formed along the way. Join them as they reflect on their experiences, offering insights and advice for aspiring college athletes. #CollegeAthletics #RecruitingJourney #GirlsGotGoals
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Epsiode 1: What is Girls Got Goals?
Welcome to “Girls Got Goals,” your ultimate destination for all things women's college soccer. Join hosts Haley Mallion and Shelby Kean, lifelong friends and former college soccer players, as they dive into the world of women's college soccer. In this episode they share the vision and goals of the podcast. Whether you're a high school athlete considering college soccer, a current player, or a fan of the sport, this podcast offers insights and stories that resonate with everyone.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Girls Got Goals is a podcast pulling back the curtain on the women’s college soccer experience. Through candid conversations with current and former players, we highlight real stories, honest challenges, and the moments that shape life on and off the field. Our goal is to bring more transparency to the sport and give women a platform to share their journeys — from recruitment, training, and fitness to identity, culture, body image, and everything in between. No matter your connection to the sport — player, alum, recruit, parent, or fan — this podcast is for you!
HOSTED BY
Haley Mallion and Shelby Kean
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