June 30th, 2026 Episode SummaryThe episode of “The Forecast,” Seattle’s weekly women’s sports show on KVRU 105.7 FM, opens with host Maggie Mertens announcing a short hiatus during which the program will seek funding, plan deeper future segments, and air a mix of repeat and previously unaired interviews while maintaining its regular broadcast schedule. In a post-show “hot take” segment, Mertens and producer Jeff Scott Shaw critique the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s rapid expansion from eight to twelve teams and the handling of star forward Hilary Knight’s EFO contract, arguing that short-term deals, unclear rules, and single-owner league structures undermine player stability, fan loyalty, and fair roster-building. They compare the situation to minor-league baseball logistics, question housing and compensation standards, and highlight how limited household-name talent is being shuffled among franchises in ways they see as poorly thought out and potentially exploitative. They then pivot to the U.S.–Brazil women’s soccer rivalry, celebrating a dramatic, card-filled match in Brazil that featured physical play, VAR scrutiny, and a late surge of intensity from the U.S. team under coach Emma Hayes. They frame the match as a signal of a new era for the U.S. women’s national team, noting a refreshed, more aggressive core, rising global competition, and the build-up to a Brazil-hosted Women’s World Cup and subsequent Olympics, which they see as a major opportunity to leverage momentum for women’s soccer. The episode’s centerpiece is an introductory press conference with 19-year-old Spanish forward Awa Fam, the Seattle Storm’s number three draft pick and the highest-drafted Spanish player in WNBA history. Fam describes fulfilling a childhood dream by joining the WNBA, emphasizes her professional experience with Valencia and the Spanish national team, and highlights her readiness to contribute immediately despite a packed schedule of international competitions. She expresses excitement about playing alongside fellow young frontcourt talents Dominique Malonga and Ezi Magbegor, citing their energy, experience, and potential synergy, and identifies her passing, court vision, team-first mindset, and competitive “Spanish” mentality as key strengths. Fam also notes her admiration for A’ja Wilson and her eagerness to face her on court, and praises the Storm’s welcoming, supportive locker room culture. Building on the theme of “Rebuilding,” the show debuts a new segment focused on the Seattle Storm’s organizational reset after losing veteran talent, parting ways with coach Noelle Quinn, and hiring new head coach Sonya Raman. Veteran guard Natisha Heidemann, entering her eighth WNBA season and first with Seattle, discusses embracing a leadership role centered on energy, on- and off-court guidance, and culture-building. She frames her move from Minnesota as a calculated risk driven by the desire for growth and by the Storm’s trust in her as a veteran playmaker, noting that the staff encourages her to take chances and values her experience. Heidemann stresses that individual stats matter less than stacking wins, praises teammates’ behind-the-scenes work, and points to the team’s incomplete roster—due to injuries and pending arrivals—as a sign of untapped potential. She also welcomes league expansion and new developmental spots as critical for keeping deserving players like “Baby T” in the WNBA, and reflects on adjusting to Seattle’s big-city environment and the importance of strong relationships with coaches and front office. Guard Zia Cook, in her fourth WNBA season and second stint with the Storm, describes both team and personal growth within the rebuild. She emphasizes building a strong culture on a young roster, refusing to lean on youth as an excuse, and focusing on “being where my feet are” to stay present and productive. Cook interprets her early-season scoring surge as validation of long-term work and credits new coach Sonya Raman for recognizing her value and instilling confidence.Off the court, she highlights mental and spiritual growth through reading, faith, and maintaining a strong mindset as foundations for her on-court performance. Cook also discusses mentoring younger teammates like Flau’jae Johnson, acknowledging that while she is only in year four, she is entering “vet years” and can help franchise-caliber youngsters expand their playmaking and leadership. She describes her return to Seattle as an answered prayer, allowing her to build a legacy in one place consistent with her loyalty, and envisions the Storm’s growth as a process of culture-building, accumulating wins, and earning the community’s support through visible effort. The episode closes with extended postgame audio featuring Cook and Johnson reflecting on a shared career-high performance against the Connecticut Sun. They praise each other’s energy, aggression, confidence, and professionalism, and describe the mutual accountability and trust developing within the team. Johnson details how she responded to a coaching challenge by impacting the game defensively and learning she can contribute even without scoring, while Cook underscores the importance of emotional resilience, short-term memory, and belief—what Johnson calls being “delusional” in a positive way—to bounce back from losses and maintain confidence. They also highlight improvements in pace control, ball movement, and defensive pride, and express excitement about the team’s depth once injured players like Awa Fam, Ezi Magbegor, Dominique Malonga, and Katie Lou Samuelson return. The show concludes with a rundown of upcoming Storm, Reign, and Tempest games and a reminder that “The Forecast” will continue airing weekly during its hiatus, inviting listeners to support the show, share feedback, and stay engaged with Seattle’s women’s sports scene. Episode Notes2:29 - Maggie’s PWHL Roster Chaos Hot Take 13:07 - USWNT in Brazil Hot Take 25:04 - Awa Fam Introductory Press Conference 33:57 - Rebuilding The Storm ____________________________________________________________ The Forecast is a Production of : KVRU (https://www.kvru.org/shows/the-forecast/) & JEFFSCOTTSHAW _____________________________________________________________ Executive Producer + Host // Maggie Mertens // Maggie@KVRU.org Executive Producer // JEFFSCOTTSHAW // Jeff@KVRU.org Additional Production Support Provided By // Crystal Fincher & Shannon Cheng & Maurice Jones Jr.
