Whiskers: about the Northwestern Women’s Soccer Wildcats

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We are the Northwestern Wildcats Women’s Soccer Team. We’re here to talk about the ’Cats as well as all things Northwestern and living our best Student-Athlete life.

  1. Sep 20

    Meet the New 2026 'Cats - Part 1

    Send us Fan Mail We have an exciting group of new Wildcats this season. Seven talented and bright young ladies that you will love getting to know over the next few years.  And we have three of them right here! Camryn Freeman, Elle Phillips and Amber Weaver are here to tell us about coming to Evanston, their impressions of college soccer, what they love about their new team and so much more. Camryn Freeman is a midfielder from Lancaster, California and L.A. Surf Club. Elle Phillips is a midfielder from Clarkston, Michigan and Michigan Hawks. Amber Weaver is a defender from Ann Arbor, Michigan and Michigan Hawks (yes they were club teammates). 1:00 Introductions and New Things 3:20 - Favorite team moments so far 4:50 - What college soccer has been like so far 6:00 - The first encounters with people on the team 7:00 - First impressions of Coach Rich 8:20 - Things that seemed scary that aren't so bad 9:40 - The 'Cats describe themselves as a player 11:50 - Something their teammates have already learned about them 13:45 - Favorite places in Evanston so far 15:10 - Things to know about Camryn, Elle and Amber 18:30 - Biggest adjustments from club soccer and college soccer 20:00 - Advice from veteran players that has stuck - (Shoutouts to Alex Fallon, Kate Hennen and Kennedy Roesch) 22:00 RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS - So much to enjoy here! 26:10 - Next summer, what do you want to remember about this season? 26:40- What are you most excited about in your first season? Instagram - @NUWSoccer Twitter - @NUWSoccer Web Site - NU Sports Women's Soccer

  2. Sep 8

    Meet the New Residents of the 2nd Floor!

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when six teammates move off campus together?  You are going to find out in this episode filled with new things as a we start a new season of Northwestern Soccer. Co-host Ava Goodin is joined by two of her new housemates:  Kate Hennen and Mary Stroebel.  Like many Northwestern students, these juniors have moved off campus after two years.  And they have moved into the 2nd floor of a house with three of their junior teammates:  Kennedy Roesch, Alex Fallon and Olivia Elliott.   You will learn about the personalities of these teammates, some of their early adventures together and what it's like to live and breathe soccer as the fall season approaches. Here we go! NOTE: This episode was recorded on August 7, prior to the start of the regular season.  Many great and exciting topics were covered that you will enjoy! 1:15 ICEBREAKERS  Highlights of Training CampWhat is it like to be a junior?  Why are you being called "UNC" by a teammate?Advice for the "Younger Crowd"What does Coach Rich think is going on at the house?What part of their games have improved since coming to Northwestern?What are they bringing to the team this year besides quality on the field?11:00 Reactions to the first exhibition game on August 5th 12:00 The mind shift that happens when the regular season starts 14:25 What they want people watching Northwestern for the first time will notice. 16:00 RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS (House mates theme) 22:30 Advice to High School athletes for success at the college level 24:20 Ciao! **Check out the Macchia Taste Test Tik Tok hosted by Mary, Liz Cardwell and Keira Wagner (LMKLMK) Instagram - @NUWSoccer Twitter - @NUWSoccer Web Site - NU Sports Women's Soccer

  3. Jul 31

    Meet the 'Cat Herder! How Jane Wagner Helps Northwestern Athletics Thrive

    Send us Fan Mail It's a new season for the team...and for the pod.   We thought we would start right at the top.  Today, we're joined by Jane Wagner, Northwestern's Associate Athletic Director for Sport Administration—and our women's soccer sport administrator. Jane played softball at Iowa State University.  She brings her love of sports, her experience as a Division 1 athlete AND her commitment to service to our soccer program.  She is a hands on supervisor.  At any point in our soccer season, you will see Jane Checking in with players on meetings, assignments, academics, injuries, soccer and more (AKA getting our stuff done)Directing the bus to the right spot to pick us upHanding out drinks at games or training sessionsHelp us with the bags and equipmentSolving all last-minute emergenciesEncouraging us with her energy and a quick high-fiveOf course, she does a lot more behind the scenes.  She makes sure we are running smoothly with our budget, housing, food, equipment, financial aid, schedule and ALL THE THINGS Northwestern Soccer. Before we jump in, thank you for listening to Whiskers. Wherever you're finding us, please follow, subscribe, and leave us a positive review. It helps us grow the Whiskers community, and we're grateful for your support. Now, let's get to it! Instagram - @NUWSoccer Twitter - @NUWSoccer Web Site - NU Sports Women's Soccer

  4. Jul 13

    REFLECTIONS: What did we learn during the most EXCITING year with Northwestern Women's Soccer?

    Send us Fan Mail As we wrapped up our 2025-26 school year last month, we caught up with some of our most experienced players to explore their biggest takeaways and memories.   You will hear from rising Seniors Megan Norkett and Sarah O'Donnell and graduating players Brooke Miller and Kelsey Kwon as they recall and discuss what an unforgettable experience they had with this year's Northwestern Wildcats. 1:00 - Introduce yourself, right on! 3:00 - One Word to describe this past year 6:00 - What were the funniest team moments behind the scenes?   You will hear about weddings, Northwestern Men's Soccer, the Northwestern Lacrosse NCAA Championship, road trips and bus rides, Coach Michael Moynihan trying to pick up new slang, shaved eyebrows and ankles!!! 9:00 - The ways in which Northwestern Women's Soccer has changed us. 13:00 - Grandma Time - Kelsey and Brooke: What comes next for you right after you graduate?  (soccer, work, living, friends...) 15:15 - What will Megan and Sarah take from our graduates that they can implement this coming year? (Our eyes get a bit misty on this one...) 18:15 - What excites Kelsey and Brooke most about being a fan of the 2026 Wildcats soccer team? 20:30 - RAPID FIRE QUESTION TIME - Teammate Superlatives - Find out who is the best and most... - Either/Or - Summer Questions - Favorite Northwestern Traditions -One thing every Northwestern athlete should experience (Good answer, Brooke) 26:45 - One piece of advice for young athletes looking to play in college. A new season will be upon us soon.  Stay tuned for more episodes with great stories and insights! Meet this Episode's 'Cats Kelsey Kwon - 5th year graduate from Seattle, Washington.  Majored in Econ Business as an undergrad. Master's degree in Data Science. Brooke Miller - graduating Senior from Naperville, Illinois. Graduated with a degree in Journalism. Megan Norkett- rising Senior from Naperville, Illinois.  Majoring in Communications with a minor in Psychology. Sarah O'Donnell - rising Senior from Ashburn, Virginia (family now lives in upstate New York).  Majoring in Psychology with a minor in Global Health.  Host - Ava Goodin - rising Junior from Collierville, Tennessee. Majoring in Journalism. Instagram - @NUWSoccer Twitter - @NUWSoccer Web Site - NU Sports Women's Soccer

  5. Jun 11

    Eating to Win - Secrets for top performance with Sports Dietitian Courtney Chramowicz

    Send us Fan Mail Here at Northwestern, there are many people who work to help us perform at our best.  We love how dedicated they are to their craft.  And they make our experience world-class.  We present another episode of Support Staff Speed Dating. Courtney Chramowicz, Sports Dietitian, helps us fuel for maximum performance. Courtney plans our team meals, organizes fueling on game day,  on road trips and more.  Most importantly, she works with each player individually to give us a road map to be at our best. Courtney tells us about herself and how she became a Sports Dietitian.  Then she gives us her thoughts on the best way to eat and fuel your way to top performance.  You will enjoy hearing about the importance of protein, carbs and gut health.  And you will learn why she says sports nutrition is like keeping your gas tank filled in all the right ways.   3:15 What does a sports dietitian do? 6:40 Courtney's top advice for a soccer player's Winning Diet 8:20 Go-to foods for pre-game fueling (Both day before and day of game) 10:30 Go-to fueling tips during athletic competition (Intra-fueling) 13:30 Go-to Recovery foods and tips 15:45 Most important adjustments to make when transitioning from high school to college 17:30 What makes soccer players unique from a fueling standpoint? 19:00 RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS 24:15 The ONE Nutrition Tip Courtney would tell EVERY athlete to start TODAY! Before you jump in - a reminder to please follow, subscribe and give us a positive review on the platform of your choice.  Help us grow the Whiskers Nation.  We are grateful for your support – Thank you! Instagram - @NUWSoccer Twitter - @NUWSoccer Web Site - NU Sports Women's Soccer

  6. May 12

    Inside the 'Cats Attack: Secrets of Scoring from 3 of the Best

    Send us Fan Mail Today, we explore the fine art of creating and scoring goals with 3 tremendous attacking players who have all had an impact at the college level. And they all bring something different to the table.  So join us for a fun discussion about the most exciting and entertaining part of the Beautiful Game.  We have Senior Megan Norkett from Naperville, Illinois, who is a demon dribbler and creates danger with her magical left foot.  Junior Alex Fallon from Atlanta, Georgia, who is a triple threat with her dribbling, passing and shooting from the midfield.  And Junior Kennedy Roesch, from San Diego, California, a traditional number 9 that possesses a lethal shot with either foot.  We are excited to discuss some attacking soccer.  Join Host Ava Goodin and Coach Rich Manning as we explore some attacking secrets.  You will find out: Attacking players they model their games afterWhat they want opponents to feel when playing against themSkills they've developed that were the hardest to learnTheir favorite training methods and drillsAttacking chemistry between teammatesMindset secretsTheir advice for young attacking playersBefore we jump in - a reminder to please follow, subscribe and give us a positive review on the platform of your choice.  Help us grow the Whiskers Nation.  We are grateful for your support – Thank you! Megan Norkett's Player Profile VIDEO:  Check out Megan's Favorite Goal (vs. USC in the BIG10 Tournament) Alex Fallon's Player Profile VIDEO: Check out Alex's Huge Goal (vs. Iowa) (We don't have video of Alex's favorite goal, but this was a GOOD ONE!) Kennedy Roesch's Player Profile VIDEO:  Check out Kennedy's Favorite Goal (vs. TCU) Ava Goodin's Player Profile Instagram - @NUWSoccer Twitter - @NUWSoccer Web Site - NU Sports Women's Soccer

  7. Apr 13

    The Truth about Recruiting - with Ava and Coach Manning

    Send us Fan Mail Hi everyone! Whiskers is back!  After a short pause for Winter Final Exams and Spring Break, we are locked in and ready to fill your cup with wisdom, fun and ear candy from the 'Cats! Recruiting is the topic of the day.  And you will hear two perspectives.  Sophomore Ava Goodin shares her recruiting story - how she went about finding the right place for her and why it ended up being Northwestern. Then Ava turns the interview around and asks Coach Rich Manning what college coaches are looking for and how recruits can best make themselves known to school they are interested in. So download and tune in.  If you are a youth soccer player looking to go to college, you will learn some valuable insights.  If you are just a fan of college soccer, you will love hearing how we find the next group of 'Cats to root for. TIMELINE 0:30 - Ava's Recruiting Story  - Her mindset -Her advisors  Why Northwestern? 4:30 - Ava's recruiting process  - Her timeline - how making videos helped her process - how she picked schools she was interested in - when she found time to work on communication -ID Clinics -Enjoying and managing her emotions through the process -The highlights of her recruiting process 12:45 - Ava's "Book" on How to Get Recruited to a Great School and Program!! - CH 1: Self-Scout - CH 2: People over Programs - CH 3: Reality Check - CH 4: Your Digital Highlight Reel - CH 5: From Clinic to Commitment BONUS:  Ava's Special Tip for ID Clinics (It is a good one!) 26:00 - Rich Gives a Coach's View on What He is Looking for - What Rich is looking for - What you should know as you start the recruiting process -How to communicate with college coaches Instagram - @NUWSoccer Twitter - @NUWSoccer Web Site - NU Sports Women's Soccer

  8. Mar 10

    Behind the Tape with Stef - Meet our Athletic Trainer

    Send us Fan Mail We want you to meet Stef Zavala.  She is our Athletic Trainer, one of the most critical people within our team.   Her job encompasses so much.  Yes, she tapes ankles and prepares ice and drinks for training. But she also develops programs that both keep us healthy and get us back from injury and illness. She manages our players' return to play.  She coordinates appointments and treatment with doctors and with our High Performance Team (coaches, strength coach, sports psychologists, sports dietitians.  And she is basically available day or night when we need something. Listen up and learn more about a trainer's life.  And, more importantly, how a soccer player can maximize her potential by following some simple advice. 1:50 Stef's Trainer Origin Story and Role Models 4:30 A Typical Training Day 6:00 A Typical Game Day 7:20 Coming to Northwestern 8:30 The 2 Important Things Athletes Don't Know about a trainer's craft 11:00 One new and exciting innovation in her world 13:20 Building Trust with Athletes 16:15 RAPID FIRE with Stef (Including why Northwestern Soccer is special to her, her secret talent, her favorite morning beverage, her favorite Chicago restaurant, unusual injuries and MORE) 22:00 Stef's advice for aspiring athletic trainers 22:45 ONE THING athletes can do to stay healthy and ready to perform Episode Intro by Quinn Erim Whiskers Theme by Gabriel Moynihan Instagram - @NUWSoccer Twitter - @NUWSoccer Web Site - NU Sports Women's Soccer

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We are the Northwestern Wildcats Women’s Soccer Team. We’re here to talk about the ’Cats as well as all things Northwestern and living our best Student-Athlete life.

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