Steel Sports Podcast Steel Sports

Only four teams remain at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the Steel Sports Podcast is here to recap the knockout rounds and look ahead to the two semifinal matchups. Steel United Texas coach Jaylin Finney and Steel United Massachusetts coach Mike Ciccolella join the show to preview the semis, discuss their tournament highlights to this point, explain their penalty kick strategy and more including an evaluation of the U.S. Men's National Team.

With group stage wrapping up at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Steel Sports Podcast breaks down the action and looks ahead to the round of 16. Steel United PA Girls Director Mike Welsh and Steel United NJ Senior Regional Coach Developer Stuart Sharples, both unabashed England supporters, join the show to discuss the World Cup's first two weeks. Hear their picks for what teams have surprised and disappointed, why there's reason for optimism for the USA, previews of upcoming knockout round games and much more.

Before the 2022 FIFA World Cup kicks off on November 20 in Qatar, the Steel Sports Podcast previews soccer's biggest event. Our resident soccer expert Ian Hughes, a UEFA Pro License coach with over a decade of experience with the Football Association of Wales, breaks it all down for the listeners. Hear about the teams and matchups to watch, breakout stars, who has the most pressure, what to expect in the USA vs. Wales matchup and more. We also give our predictions for a few teams who could surprise and who will ultimately be raising the trophy as World Cup Champions.

Tripp Gibson wrapped up his 10th year as a Major League Baseball umpire by serving on the crew for the 2022 World Series between the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies. Tripp talks about his start and journey in umpiring, being named to umpire his first World Series and being behind the plate for Game 4 when the Astros completed a combined no-hitter. He also discusses the state of officiating in the youth game and what can be done to better educate everyone involved and build future generations of officials.

National Basketball Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman spent an evening with the Steel Sports Athlete Leadership Council to discuss the 50th anniversary of Title IX and the impact the historic legislation continues to have on sports.

USA Baseball is leading the way when it comes to the development and education for the national pastime's coaches, parents and umpires as they help grow the game at the youth level. Andrew Bartman, Director of Coaching Development at USA Baseball, is at the forefront of many of the organization's initiatives as he joins the Steel Sports Podcast. Andrew dives into the USA Baseball Community Clinics held around the country and the Coach Certification Courses, all free to the public. He talks about the state of the game, challenges faced during the pandemic and the importance of getting PitchSmart integrated into more youth organizations to help reduce arm injuries.