The Lockeroom

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Joins Averie Collins and Dr. Stu Singer in the studio. From breaking records on the track at age 12 to becoming a Heisman finalist at Stanford, Bryce Love seemed destined for NFL greatness. But when a devastating injury shattered his NFL dreams, he was forced to confront the one opponent he never saw coming — the loss of his identity as an athlete. In this episode, Bryce opens up about the pressure of early success, the mental discipline that carried him to the top, and how he rebuilt his purpose after football. It’s a raw, inspiring conversation about resilience, reinvention, and what happens when the game ends — but life keeps going.

Joins Averie Collins and Dr. Stu Singer in the studio, New York Liberty’s Director of Player Development Andrew Wade shares his personal journey toward mindfulness—and how it’s transformed the way he coaches at the highest level. From struggling to stay present early in his career to becoming an advocate for mental training in the WNBA, Andrew opens up about how self-awareness and empathy have become central to his coaching philosophy.The conversation dives into the evolving world of player development in women’s sports—highlighting the role of visualization, feedback styles, and the need for balanced routines that support both mind and body.Andrew offers a rare inside look at what it takes to support elite athletes beyond just physical performance—and why the best coaching starts with understanding the person, not just the player.This episode is a must-listen for anyone rethinking what real development looks like, on and off the court.

Joins Averie Collins and Dr. Stu Singer in the studio, Racing Louisville defender Ellie Jean gets real about the mental toll of pro sports. She opens up about experiencing panic attacks for the first time at Penn State, the pressure to always appear “tough,” and the power of realizing she wasn’t alone. The conversation dives into how mindfulness, self-awareness, and building identity beyond the game can help athletes not just perform—but actually feel okay. Ellie brings a wealth of experience: NCAA Champion and 100-game starter at Penn State, UEFA Women’s Champions League player, NWSL Champion with Gotham FC, and U.S. youth national team captain. The episode wraps with a guided mindfulness exercise from Dr. Singer you won’t want to miss.

Joins Averie Collins and Dr. Stu Singer in the studio, longtime NWSL veteran Tori Huster opens up about the mental game behind a decade-long pro career. She shares how mindfulness, gratitude, and self-awareness became cornerstones of her leadership—on the field and beyond it. The conversation explores how daily habits, like starting the morning with intention, can shape resilience, identity, and performance at the highest level. Tori reflects on the ups and downs of her journey, what it really means to lead through adversity, and how to prepare mentally for what’s next. With over 150 professional appearances and a career rooted in service and consistency, Tori brings grounded wisdom and real-life tools that every athlete, coach, or fan can learn from.

Joins Averie Collins and Dr. Stu Singer in the studio, Washington Spirit midfielder and U.S. Women’s National Team player Andy Sullivan opens up about the emotional weight of chasing rosters, recovering from injuries, and navigating pregnancy—all while staying in the game. In this honest conversation, Andy shares how she’s reshaping her mindset with mindfulness, affirmations, and new routines to rebuild confidence and reconnect with herself beyond the sport. They unpack the identity trap so many athletes face, the pressure to please, and why vulnerability and balance might be the most powerful tools in a high-performance life. The episode closes with a grounding mindfulness practice from Dr. Singer you can try wherever you are. 

Mindfulness for Athletes – What It Is, What It’s Not, and Why It Works The difference between good and great isn’t just talent—it’s mindset. In the first episode of The Inner Playbook, former pro athlete Averie Collins and leading sport psychologist Stu Singer break down what mindfulness really means in the world of elite sports. Is it just meditation? A way to stay calm? Or is it a trainable skill that gives athletes a competitive edge? We’ll dive into the Why? What? How? of mindfulness—why it matters, what it actually looks like in practice, and how you can start integrating it into your game. Whether you're dealing with self-doubt, pressure, or the mental grind of high performance, this episode sets the foundation for building a stronger, more resilient mind.

In this episode of The Lockeroom, NWSL star and standout goalkeeper Jane Campbell shares her journey from Stanford to professional soccer. She opens up about the highs and lows of her career, including winning the Goalkeeper of the Year award, navigating the challenges of her rookie season, and growing up in a military family that instilled discipline and drive. Jane discusses mental resilience, self-advocacy, and leadership—highlighting the importance of building confidence, fostering a strong locker room culture, and finding balance beyond the game.