Lynn Biyendolo talks Gotham Championship, Winning 4 NWSL Titles, Pregnancy & Changing Her Last Name

Summary

Podcast Summary

Podcast: BFFR with Sydney Leroux & Ali Riley

Episode: Lynn Biyendolo talks Gotham Championship, Winning 4 NWSL Titles, Pregnancy & Changing Her Last Name
Date: December 1, 2025
Hosts: Sydney Leroux ("A") & Ali Riley ("B")
Guest: Lynn Williams Biyendolo

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Episode Overview

This lively episode brings soccer legend Lynn Williams Biyendolo onto the couch to chat with Sydney and Ali about the whirlwind of Gotham FC’s recent championship win, what it’s like to experience NWSL victory celebrations now versus back in the day, Lynn’s pregnancy journey, the evolving culture for mothers in women’s soccer, her thoughts on changing her last name, and heartfelt personal stories—from wild afterparties to her hand-crafted wedding dress. The conversation offers plenty of laughs, unfiltered opinions, and honest reflections, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at women’s soccer and life off the pitch.

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Major Topics & Key Discussion Points

1. NWSL Championship Weekend: Then vs. Now

• Championship Celebrations & Growth

  • Lynn and Ali reminisce about past NWSL championship wins, noting the stark contrast in atmosphere and recognition between earlier years and the present.
  • Past wins (“my first championship, there was like a hundred people in the stands… Went back to Western New York and nobody even knew we existed.” – Lynn, [07:07]) contrasted with this year’s Gotham celebration, which included big afterparties and even a city parade.
  • "To see them be able to rectify the situation and really celebrate the moment because winning a championship is hard. So yeah, did the whole weekend, plus the added bonus, knowing that what I experienced versus what they're experiencing in the increase in that was... It's just so exciting. I'm like, go soccer.” – Lynn, [00:05] & [08:29]

• Party Stories

  • Both recount tales from various post-championship parties, with hilarious asides about their partners (Marley and Lucas) wanting to keep the night going (“He was drinking. And then I was like, all right, finish that and we'll go home… That one really fast drink took an hour…” – Lynn, [03:59]).
  • Scene-setting of epic Gotham afterparties, including chaos, tequila, and players letting loose (“Lucas is drinking a shot… there's limes and beer and tequila just everywhere. Lily Real… comes down, like, dripping sweat with the goggles…” – Ali, [04:39])
  • “I miss winning.” – Ali, [06:29]

2. The Culture of Women’s Soccer

• Community & Support

  • “Right now, in this time in women’s sports, we are all celebrating each other and ourselves for being part of this growth.” – Ali, [06:31]
  • There’s a palpable sense of pride in how far women’s soccer has come, both in terms of fanbases and institutional support.

• Funny Party Moments

  • Kesha made a surprise appearance at a small party, which created major FOMO for anyone who left early (“If you're a millennial, you won't want to leave before 11pm... Sure enough, Duda made her way to the front just in case. And she and Kesha were singing, duetting into the microphone.” – Ali, [09:42])

3. Lynn's Pregnancy & Maternity in Soccer

• Pregnancy Style & Experiences

  • Lynn talks candidly about letting comfort and practicality guide her maternity fashion (“My style was, like, comfy casual, but also, like, if my bump is showing a little bit, nothing fits. Like, I'm pregnant. What do you guys want me to do?” – Lynn, [12:15])
  • Ali compliments her for her “Rihanna” bump style ([12:11]).

• NWSL Moms Community

  • Admission to the tight-knit NWSL mom’s group upon her pregnancy announcement.
  • “It is nice to have, like, a community... it's nice to just, like, feel like I have a community to talk about the craziness of like pregnancy and motherhood.” – Lynn, [24:18]

• Changing Environment for Mothers in NWSL

  • Lynn reflects on the dramatic shift from seeing motherhood as the “end of a career” to something supported, protected, and even celebrated.
  • “If you would have asked me five years ago, do you want to have kids and continue to play afterwards, I would have said absolutely not... at the time, I wasn’t ready to like sacrifice my career for kids. And I think that now you don’t have to make that sacrifice.” – Lynn, [25:57]
  • Both agree there is still further to go, especially regarding the league salary cap and dedicated club resources for parents.

4. Lynn’s NWSL Career & Reflections

• Championships & Memories

  • Lynn details her journey to four NWSL championships, describing each one as special and unique, with their own narrative (“Each one, I feel like, is so unique in its own way... It's like your children. It's like, I love you all equally, but, like, different.” – Lynn, [19:14])

• Firsts Segment (“BFFR NWSL Awards”)

  • Nickname: “Burger” (a family thing… “because I was a colicky baby, and they said, like, when burger cheese is like a stinky cheese, so now they call me Burger.” – Lynn, [14:01])
  • First Jersey: Mia Hamm
  • First Intimidation Moment: Entering the national team meal room with legends (“Press, Tobin, Carly, Pino… aura around them...” – Lynn, [15:08])
  • First Food to Remove from Earth: The squash family
  • First Big Purchase: “2017 Camry... I still have it today.” – Lynn, [16:58]

• Admiring the Next Generation

  • Expresses admiration for young star Temwa Chawinga (“She’s so humble… just has a knack or an eye for goal… she’s incredible.” – Lynn, [21:57])
  • Celebrates the way young players are raising the bar.

5. Personal Journeys: Family, Names, and Weddings

• On Changing Her Last Name to Biandolo

  • Lynn shares the emotional process of making her married name part of her public identity, and the significance of the Biandolo name (“…such a gifted name on the back of my jersey, I was like, obviously, I’m gonna do this… And then when my dad was like, you definitely need to do this, I was like, bawling, obviously.” – Lynn, [41:21])
  • Importance of claiming family roots and history (“putting Africans on the map or kind of taking back things…” – Lynn, [42:46])

• Wedding Dress Stories

  • Both Ali and Lynn recount the deeply personal stories of having their wedding dresses made by loved ones—Ali's by her friend Maggie; Lynn’s by her father-in-law, a tailor. Each describes the experience as transformative and more meaningful than they could have imagined ([30:12–37:41]).
  • "I was willing to sacrifice something for the sentiment of him making it. But then I saw it, and I was like, oh, yeah, this is literally exactly what I wanted." – Lynn, [32:22]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Progress of Women's Soccer:
  “Right now, in this time in women's sports, we are all celebrating each other and like ourselves for being part of this growth.” – Ali, [06:31]

• Reflections on Championships:
  “It's so unique in its own way… It's like your children… I love you all equally, but, like, different.” – Lynn, [19:14]

• On Motherhood in the League:
  “If you would have asked me five years ago, do you want to have kids and continue to play afterwards, I would have said absolutely not... at the time, I wasn’t ready to like sacrifice my career for kids. And I think that now you don’t have to make that sacrifice.” – Lynn, [25:57]

• Changing Her Last Name:
  “Such a gifted name on the back of my jersey, I was like, obviously, I’m gonna do this.” – Lynn, [41:21]

  “Every time somebody, like, I scored a goal and somebody had to announce my name, I was like, yeah, we are… putting Africans on the map.” – Lynn, [42:46]

• Championship Party FOMO:
  “I miss winning.” – Ali, [06:29]

  “If you’re a millennial, you won’t want to leave before 11pm...” – Ali (re: Kesha surprise appearance), [09:42]

• On Style and Comfort During Pregnancy:
  “My style was like comfy casual, but also like, if my bump is showing a little bit, nothing fits. Like, I'm pregnant. What do you guys want me to do?” – Lynn, [12:15]

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Important Timestamps

• Opening: Discussing 2023 champ, lack of celebration, and how it’s changed [00:00–00:39]
• Introducing Lynn & Championship Weekend Recap [01:52–03:09]
• Afterparty Shenanigans [03:09–06:31]
• Growth of the NWSL & Reflection on League Progress [06:31–09:12]
• Kesha Party Story & Millennial FOMO [09:12–11:21]
• Pregnancy Style, Pelvic Floor Training [11:35–13:16]
• "Firsts" Segment (Nicknames, Jerseys, Intimidations, etc.) [13:32–18:36]
• Lynn on Four NWSL Championships [18:44–21:02]
• Admiration for Temwa Chawinga [21:57–23:14]
• Motherhood in the League & NWSL Moms Group [23:14–25:57]
• Policy, Support & Challenges for Moms [25:57–29:36]
• Wedding Stories: Family, Names, and Dress [29:36–37:41]
• Wedding Season & Soccer Schedules [37:41–40:21]
• On Changing Her Last Name [41:21–45:51]
• Signature Change & Jersey Stories [45:51–46:57]
• Best Gift Ever Segment [46:03–46:57]
• Outro and Farewell [47:23–47:46]

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Tone & Style

• Conversational, candid, and full of warmth—reflects the authentic camaraderie between Sydney, Ali, and Lynn
• Unfiltered, humorous, with genuine emotional moments
• Balances both lighthearted banter and discussions on important challenges and progress in women’s sports

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Quick Takeaways

• NWSL celebrations and recognition have grown tremendously; today’s players are experiencing a new level of support and visibility.
• The league’s attitude toward motherhood has made giant strides, but plenty of work remains to ensure true equity and support for athlete-parents.
• Personal connections—family, marriage, and even the symbolism of a last name—carry deep meaning for athletes with public-facing careers.
• Lynn’s humility, resilience, and pride in her journey is as palpable as ever, inspiring players and fans alike.

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This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the real-life highs, lows, and evolving landscape of women’s sports, combining laughs, heartfelt stories, and some much-needed honesty about what it means to “have it all” as a pro athlete.

Transcript

[A]

Rewind to 2023. Like, we won and there was no party.

[B]

Yeah, I was just gonna ask what that was like.

[A]

Well, there was like a party after, but then we got back to New York and there was nothing. Like no parade, no anything. Oh, it felt like a big letdown. And so to see them like be able to rectify the situation and, and really celebrate the moment because winning a championship is hard. So yeah, did the whole weekend, plus the added bonus, knowing that what I experienced versus what they're experiencing in the. The increase in that was. It's just so exciting. I'm like, go soccer. Yeah.

[B]

Go soccer. Go women's soccer.

[A]

Hello.

[B]

What? What's up everyone? Welcome back to another episode of bffr. I am here in my living room as we prepare to move apartments. But I'm also repping Gotham and Jaden Shaw. Underdog my ass. I had predicted Washington spirit to win the game. Obviously regrets, but I'm so happy for everyone at Gotham, especially my dear friend Carrie. Make sure you're following ffr show on all socials and hit that subscribe button on YouTube, Spotify, Apple or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Joining us today is a very special guest. I just saw her over this very long weekend. She's an Olympic gold medalist, four time NWSL champion. Four time. And the league's all time leading goal scorer. You know her, you love her. She is Lynn Williams Biandolo. Hey, Lynn.

[A]

Hey. How are you?

[B]

Recovered from the.

[A]

No, not even in the slightest. I'm so tired. Really so tired.

[B]

Where are you right now?

[A]

I am like 40 minutes north of Sacramento at my sister's house. So with her and her five kids and so I went from like tired to like fun but more tired.

[B]

Well, if you can't tell, we are just a couple days out from the NWSL championship weekend and I have a good feeling that neither of us drank on this weekend. But it was just still outrageous and there was so much action. The game, the parties, all the friends, all the people. What was your highlight of the weekend?

[A]

Wait, did you not drink?

[B]

No.

[A]

Oh my God.

[B]

I had a few sips of a cocktail but I was working and I wanted to be focused and I didn't want to be tired and alcohol does really bad things to my body. So I was, was trying to be like. And I was, I was jet lagged from coming from CBS studios, so I was. I could barely keep my eyes open, but I was determined to power through.

[A]

I know it was such a fun weekend but I. The whole time was like, I Am exhausted. The. My favorite part. Oh, I have a couple. One would just be seeing everybody. I feel like, especially since, like, been pregnant and haven't been traveling. I just obviously haven't seen anybody in a really long time. Um, so seeing everybody was really fun. And then the afterparty after the championship, it was just. I'll tell a quick story. It was so funny. I was exhausted, right? And I'm like, okay, we'll go for a little bit. And then I need to go rest, cuz again, I'm tired. Marley. Somebody was. Went up to him and was like, oh, are we on tonight? Are we drinking? He was like, I'm drinking as long as my wife says I can. And so he's like, I'm on a time crunch.

[B]

Sounds like Lucas.

[A]

Exactly, exactly. And so then he. He was drinking. And then I was like, all right, finish that and we'll go home. I'll start saying my goodbyes. And then he comes up to me and he goes, can I have one more? I'll drink it really fast. That one really fast drink took an hour, which took us to Us then saying, okay, let's go across the street. We'll say hi to Rose and Sonnet, congratulate them. We get into their after party and I lose him immediately. He's bopping around to people just like, having the time of his life. That took another hour. So we went to bed at like 1am and I was like, get here. Come here right now. But I had so much fun watching him be like a little jumping shrimp.

[B]

So we. I think we were kind of parallel in this because I remember seeing you at the A Touch More party. And Marley and Lucas give off very, very similar energy. We have our, like, international men here, and they're super supportive and super smiley. I think Lucas is a little more shy than Marley, but is very, like, the same. Like, I'm supporting you. Can I stay a little bit? Like, this is fun. This looks fun. Like, let's go to the Gotham party. Like, they invited us. Let's go. And I'm like, I don't know. I think it's gonna be crazy. It's getting late. He's like, please, please, please, please. Of course. Carrie is like, you gotta come. And like, you gotta see Tom and like, come see, blah, blah. So we're exactly the same. I don't know if we were right after you, right before you. So when you go in there, it's just mayhem. And I don't know too many of the girls. I know Lily. I know. Sonnet wrote like, the old characters, but then, like, we're new friends with Carolyn and everyone. And like, the coach, he just sees us and is like, come up into, like, the little. Not like, vip, but, you know, they were up on that little step ledge and they had their. The table, the couches, grab Lucas. And so next thing I know, Lucas is drinking a shot. It's filled up. The entire glass is filled up. There's limes and beer and tequila just everywhere. Lily Real is just had been up with the dj booth comes down, like, dripping sweat with the goggles, and we're like, don't stop, Lily. Like, it was insane. I'd been standing up since we. We reported for the broadcast. I got picked up at 11:30am finished at 9:30pm and so now this is 11:45pm and I just look around and I. I was like, man, I. I miss winning.

[A]

Like, yeah, yeah. Dang. So fun.

[B]

Dang. But it was. It was outrageous. And I'm so happy for them now. Of course, I've been seeing all the. The parade and just the celebrations. And I know that things will probably change. Maybe they won't. But I feel like right now, in this time in women's sports, we are all celebrating each other and like ourselves for being part of this growth. And when you see a team and a championship weekend like this, you just. You can't help but just be so happy and so proud.

[A]

I know. Well, I was. I've been talking about that all weekend. How when I first. So when we first started and like, my first championship, there was like a hundred people on the stands, and then we. We ended up winning and it was like, figure out your after party and then you just go back. Went back to Western New York and nobody even knew we existed. Right? So it was just like this super high to let's, like, make our own fun. But now, like, all of the activations around the weekend and even, you know, I said this on. On my podcast with Sam, but obviously, like, I left Gotham, right? And it's not that we left on, like, bad terms, but I did, like, have a little bit of criticism for them. And to see that, like, the way that they have changed things around, it's so positive. Because that's all you want, right? You just want, besides your, like, if your personal success, you want, like, the league to continue to grow, you want everybody to be really happy within their team. And then rewind to 2023. Like, we won and there was no party. Like, there was no.

[B]

Yeah. There was just a part Ask what that was like.

[A]

Well, there was, like, a party after, but then we got back to New York and there was nothing. Like, no parade, no anything. And it felt like. It felt like a big letdown. And so to see them, like, be able to rectify the situation and really celebrate the moment, because winning a championship is hard.

[B]

Like, yes, it's really in this league.

[A]

Especially in this league. And so I was just really happy for them. I felt excited to be able to go into the Gotham party. I don't know how they felt, but.

[B]

I think to be very welcome.

[A]

No, but to be able to go and, like, really genuinely be happy and say congratulations, I think it was really nice. And I was able to, like, obviously see people again that I haven't seen in a while because I haven't been playing. Um, so, yeah, did the whole weekend. Plus the added bonus, knowing that what I experienced versus what they're experiencing and the. The increase in that was. It's just so exciting. I'm like, go soccer.

[B]

Yeah. Go soccer. Go women's soccer.

[A]

Go women's soccer.

[B]

Women's sports. Even having the stud buds when they came onto the broadcast, I was like, I don't. They said, maybe. Maybe Pino will come. I didn't realize Pino was doing that whole thing. And I was like, I don't know where this is going to go. It was so funny. And we really. Yeah. I mean, Kesha, were you still at Dress Women Sports when Kesha came?

[A]

No, I didn't make it to that party. But I remember waking up. I woke up and I was like, what is happening?

[B]

So Duda was. Was my last guest, and I had filmed this with her. It might have been the night before the party. And I. People were. Were tired, and we all had these activations, and we were all working. So I knew people were thinking, like, oh, I maybe will leave, like, around 10:30, 10:45. And here I am, not wanting to ruin the surprise, but wanting to kind of say, enough so that people, these women wouldn't go home and be like, shoot, I missed my chance to see Ke$ perform live in this tiny venue. So I was going around to Duda, Alyssa Nair. I have no idea who else I was saying. And I was like, if you're a millennial, you won't want to leave before 11pm and they're like, okay, Ali, like, what are you talking about? Like, wait, there's a special guest. I'm like, a performer, an artist. And then, sure enough, Duda made her way to the front just in case. And she and Kesha were singing, duetting into the microphone. And I. The next morning I was jet lagged. I wake up at 6am and it said Duda had posted her video of her and Kesha two hours earlier. So Duda had been up until 4am watching and rewatching the videos of her. That is so funny.

[A]

I know. Alyssa Nair said she made her way to the front and like, took out her phone. And I was like, I didn't take you to be a Kesha fan, but.

[B]

Oh, insert incredible videos of Alyssa Nair here because I was right next to her.

[A]

It was so funny.

[B]

Funny. Uncle. Uncle. First row at the Kesha concert. Oh my gosh.

[A]

I was sad. I. I was sad I missed that. But I also feel like that I made a good decision for myself to go to bed.

[B]

Well, you were able to stay up until 1am the on Saturday night, so.

[A]

Exactly. And I'm, I'm still paying for it three days later, but it's fine.

[B]

Um, I have to address your baby bump because obviously I haven't seen it. And you were so cute and you're very stylie. You and Marley, you. Do you have kind of a, A vision or did you have a plan for how you were going to style the baby bump this weekend?

[A]

Oh, no, I feel like this week or last week, it was the first time I really am like, oh, I have a bump. Like, I not only feel pregnant, but I'm like, I look pregnant. And so my style was like, anything that fits me. Okay.

[B]

It was giving Rihanna, I'm not gonna lie. But.

[A]

Oh, thank you.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Well, like my. I. We had like a, A Seattle end of year party and I like went to go put on my like, jeans and they don't fit. And literally none of my jeans fit. And the girls were like, oh, have you tried like the hair tie method where you just like loop it around? And I'm like, no, no, no. Guys, they like don't fit on or I would do that. So my, my style was like comfy casual, but also like, if my bump is showing a little bit, nothing fits. Like, I'm pregnant. What do you guys want me to do?

[B]

Well, you looked great. And when, when I saw you the first time was at. Was backstage before the sports are Fun live show. And you were in this like really deep, comfy couch. And you were like, I have to go to the bathroom. And they were kind of explaining where it was and you like kind of started to like, rock to get up. And then you were like, I'm Going to hold it. You just sat back. And I was like, what time is she going on? She's just going to hold it. You're like, I don't know. I don't have to go that bad.

[A]

I'm working on my pelvic floor. Okay. Literally, they said, all right, you're going to be on in five minutes. The bathroom so far away, and it's, like, through with the public. And I was like, not that I don't love interacting with people, but, like, I rushing. And I can't rush right now because I'm slow moving.

[B]

I came up with a little segment here in honor of the first ever NWSL award show, which I thought was fabulous.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And Rose Lavelle finally winning her first championship. So we're gonna do a little bit of. A little bit of firsts here to get to know you.

[A]

Okay. Okay. This is fun.

[B]

So what was your first nickname? Have you had any?

[A]

Burger. Burger. My family calls me that. Why? Lynn? Burger.

[B]

Oh, duh. Okay. I was like, hamburger. Do you love hamburger?

[A]

No. No, I guess. You guys, this is so embarrassing. I was like a colicky baby, and they said, like, when burger cheese is like a stinky cheese, so now they call me Burger. It's embarrassing. But I answer, yeah. And I can't believe I just admitted that.

[B]

Okay, I'm gonna try not to call you that.

[A]

Yeah, please don't.

[B]

What was the first jersey you ever owned?

[A]

Oh, I think I had a MIA ham jersey. Would been my first jersey. Yeah.

[B]

Do you still have it?

[A]

That's collector's item right there. Honestly, I have no idea because my stuff is scattered between Australia, my mom's house, and my sister's house. So who knows where any of my stuff is if they haven't thrown it away.

[B]

Okay, yeah, let us know. Let us know.

[A]

Yeah, exactly.

[B]

Ooh. When you first got called up to the National Team, who is the first player who intimidated you?

[A]

Ooh. Okay. I remember going into the meal room, and it was like, Press Tobin, Carly, and, like, Pino were all walking in together. And I just remember, like. I don't know if I would call it, like, intimidation, but it was like this, like, aura around them that I was like, holy. Yeah. Like, I'm in the same room with them, and I probably still feel that way. Yeah. Hey, girls. And so I feel like I was like, okay. Like, I have watched these women play on tv. They've been on my screens. They've been in my home for so long, and now I get the chance to practice with them. Wow.

[B]

Wow, this one's kind of quirky. What is the first food you'd eliminate from Earth if you had the power?

[A]

Oh, my gosh.

[B]

Do you hate a food?

[A]

The first food I would eliminate, I.

[B]

Would like venchi, burger, cheese.

[A]

Oh. All vegetables be gone. Okay. Yep. You and my husband, like. Okay, okay. Specifically, like, the squash family.

[B]

Oh, rude.

[A]

Yeah, I hate them. I hate when you go to, like, a hotel or some kind of, like, buffet dinner. And, like, the vegetables are, like, yellow squash, green squash, all the squashes. I'm like, ew, no, thank you.

[B]

And they're mushy, so even zucchini.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Get that pumpkin out of here.

[A]

Unless it's in soup form.

[B]

Pie.

[A]

No.

[B]

Okay, okay.

[A]

Squash it out. Just squash it away. Squash it away.

[B]

What is. What was the first thing you bought with your own real big girl soccer money?

[A]

This is, like, so practical. But I did buy myself a 2017 Camry, and I still have it today.

[B]

Oh, my gosh.

[A]

Wow. Yeah, I. I know. Reliable. I didn't even go, like, crazy. I was like, I'm getting myself a nice car that's gonna last me forever. And yet here we are in 2025, and I still have it. So she.

[B]

And she's still moving. She's still.

[A]

She's. She's still moving. Shockingly, I only have, like, 40, 000 miles on her, so she'll be moving for a long wait.

[B]

What, do you walk everywhere?

[A]

What are you. Okay, well, in. In North Carolina, I lived literally five minutes from the stadium. So I would drive there, drive home, drive there, drive home. And then every. Every off season, I go to Australia, so then. Okay, sits there. I think the most miles I put on it was on her when I was. When I was in New York because I lived, like, an hour away from training, and, like, I don't know what I'm doing. Clearly not enough. Wow.

[B]

Yeah. You definitely haven't lived in la. My goodness.

[A]

No. I like to walk like. No, thank you.

[B]

What's the. What's the term? So, like, Australia, Us. You can't say bi. Coastal. Like, what. Like, how do you say that? You live in bi.

[A]

Continental.

[B]

Wow, Lynn.

[A]

I know. The longest flight ever. The longest flight.

[B]

Truly. Truly. That's. You have flight miles. You don't have gas miles going on here.

[A]

Exactly, exactly. I got a lot of those. Sorry. For my carbon footprint.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. Well, yeah, maybe. Maybe we won't focus on that too much. Yeah. Yeah.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

You have won four championships. Four Western year clash. We share that one. Yeah. Didn't have a Big party either. Back in 2011North Carolina Courage, Gotham. Do you have a favorite of.

[A]

I know everybody always asks me that, and I. I don't. Favorite? Least memorable?

[B]

Most memorable?

[A]

No. Each one, I feel like, is so unique in its own way that it's not like the first one. It's your first one. Right. Like, and I feel like in. In 2016, we had literally no business being at that final, let alone the playoffs. So we just kind of like, squeaked in. And then we're like, the Bad News Bears beat Portland, which was like the top of the top, and then made it. And it was like, in extra time, overtime of extra time ended up, like, tying the game and winning npk. So it was like miracle team. Then the next year, the next one we had, it was like a revenge year because the year before Portland beat us. So then we ended up being beating Portland, which was incredible. And then the year after the next year, I think we might have played Portland again. Oh, no, no, sorry. We played Chicago, and that was in our home stadium, and it was. Chicago had our number all year and. But that year was like, we felt. I, like, went into that final being like, oh, yeah, we're gonna win. Like, we just had, like, a confidence about us. And then the last one I've won was with Gotham and kind of the same thing. We, like, squeaked into the playoffs. Yeah, Like Cinderella run. So I feel like everyone. It's like, it's so unique in its own way. And also, like, you. You're never guaranteed to make a final. So I. I try to really, like, soak up everyone and recognize, like, yeah, it's. I've really proud of myself and incredible that I've won four, but they were never guaranteed. And I. We as a team had to work really, really hard to get them. So I feel like every one of those seasons so unique that I'm like, I love them all. I love them all the same. Oh, I love them all. Like, it's like your children. It's like, I love you all equally, but, like, different.

[B]

Yes, yes, yes, yes. Well, in 2016, not only did you win the championship, but you're also the mvp and you also have the most insane. I remember when you broke the record and I was like, ah, you've just scored 85 more goals than me. Like, it's. It is so impressive. And we're seeing now players are starting so much younger and they're going to play so long and just these prolific goal scorers coming into league, which leads me to TEMUA and what she's been able to do as two time mvp. I finally had a chance to actually talk to her a little bit at the awards. Interviewed her before and after the game and she was on the live show as well. But as a fellow forward, what impresses you about her and why do you think she's been able to be so successful and just take this league by storm?

[A]

Yeah, well, I have never talked to her, but I've seen interviews and one, I think that first foremost she's like so humble and it seems like she's willing. Yeah, she's willing to just like learn. And I think that that goes a long way. That doesn't mean you don't have to have like a confidence or like a swagger about you. Right. But when you are open to learning and playing in different systems and just growing your game, that really impresses me. Especially as somebody who is so dominant already. And then another thing, I just think that she's so like quick, right? She, she has a jump on everybody. But that doesn't always come with like soccer finishing ability.

[B]

Right.

[A]

And she, and she has that too. She just like has a knack or an eye for goal. And I think that in the combination of the two, she's just unstoppable. So like, she's definitely gonna beat my record. Records are meant to be broken. Like she, I, I love watching her. She's incredible. And that's what. I'm so impressed. But I'm so impressed by like her, her humility too. I'm like, all right, Tamil, you can like, you can, you literally can do whatever you want out there. Nobody can stop you. Anyways.

[B]

She was like, I can't believe it. I can't believe it. I'm so surprised. And I was like, you're the only one, babe.

[A]

Yeah, I know. I'm like, start believing.

[B]

She's so sweet. Oh my gosh. She's so, so, so sweet. I did have a question about. So we had Claire on. Obviously Sid has spoken about her experience. Sarah Gordon. Being moms in this league, when you do announce your pregnancy, is there like a little. I know there's an nws, NWSLPA Moms chat group. Like do you suddenly get the invite to join the chat? Like, how does, is everyone like, come on in. How does it kind of go from yeah, I'm having a baby to like being part of the, of the crew?

[A]

Well, I did once it was announced Megan and Tori Huster, who work for the pa they reached out and were like, would you like, to be a part of this group. And I was like, yeah, sure. And then when I was added, I didn't think. I don't think I realized, like, how many moms there are. There's like 30 moms in there. And I was like, whoa. So I know the. The chat really isn't, like, popping off or anything, but it does. It is.

[B]

Come on.

[A]

I. Well, I feel too new. Like, I'm like, a veteran mom needs to, like, start writing things in. But it. It is nice to have, like, a community that. Yeah. Of people. People that either have already experienced being, like, more of a veteran mom or like somebody who is recently had a baby or is, like, a few months or a few weeks ahead of me. It's nice to just, like, feel like I have a community to talk about. The craziness of, like, pregnancy and motherhood is because they don't.

[B]

They don't tell you things.

[A]

Let me tell you.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. I mean, I didn't even.

[A]

I'm.

[B]

I didn't even have a baby, but just even doing family planning and, like, thinking about having a baby later, like, there's just so much that we. So much don't know, and we're not. Yeah. There's enough awareness. And that's why I think it is so cool now you moms are so celebrated. And it's not just about that. It's also recognizing where other moms in the league, where it was when they were there, and it's like learning these lessons and continuing to push. And even where the league is now, like, there are still opportunities to make sure there can be even more resources. And obviously there's been discussions around the salary cap, and there have been changes, but I think we would all love to see additional growth in terms of how each club can support their moms and it not be taking away from the salary cap or any other. Like, for me, it should be limitless, like, whatever you need. It's not. That's not an advantage, an unfair advantage, in my opinion. It is.

[A]

Yeah. I think I. I think that it's. We have so far to go still. But if you would have asked me five years ago, do you want to have kids and continue to play afterwards, I would have said absolutely not. And part of that reason is not because I don't want kids. Like, I've always wanted to be a mom. It's just that you had to choose, right? And there. There was no support around moms in the league. And unfortunately, I have watched people have kids and then try to come back. And it's like a career. It's like a career ruiner. Yeah. And unfortunately, fortunately, however you wanna look at it, at the time, I wasn't ready to like, sacrifice my career for kids. And I think that now you don't have to make that sacrifice. And it's so unfortunate that women before have had to. And so now it's like the first time we have a CBA where there's actual protection. There's like your contractors can't just be taken away from you. You can't be discriminated against. There's supposed to be support. The league obviously recognizes that. But there still does need to be more support going into it. And I know Angel City obviously had got fined for supporting moms. And I just think that the thing about women's sports that is different about men's sports, we have to talk about it, we're not the same, is that we have children and, and, and just saying like, oh, yeah, like your contract won't be taken away or sure, we'll like put a lactation pod in the facility. Like that's, sure, that's great. But like being able to like take your kids on the road and be there and like, there's things that we as women have to go through or choose to go through to, to have families that I feel teams and the league need to support. And one of that is like not being a tick to the salary cap as we as we also continue to talk about retaining high end players.

[B]

Like, yes, yes.

[A]

If, if it's like a direct reflection or direct, like impact of that. It's like if you have a monument on your team. Oh, their, their baby's taking a part of the salary cap, so now we can't pay xyz and it's like, that doesn't make sense.

[B]

Yeah, it really doesn't. So when was the moment that you suddenly thought, I can do this? If five years ago you didn't think.

[A]

I think that I got to last year and I, in my career, I like, wanted to make a World cup team. Obviously it didn't end exactly how we wanted to, but I was able to do that. I've been to the Olympics, one gold there. I felt like in the nwl, I had like done all the things that I had like, wanted to ticked off all the boxes. And with the national, like, I still want to play, I'm very competitive. But it wasn't a moment where I felt like I was sacrificing my dreams to have a, have a kid. And I Was one, like I said, the CBA was like, okay, we have protections in place. But it was also just like, a feeling of, like, okay, I'm so ready to be a mom. To feel like this next. I know it's gonna be hard, but, like, this next chapter of my life of I can do both now, I don't need to sacrifice one or the other. I can just be a mom and be a competitor. And I would love to show my baby that, like, I was able to do both and my future children be like, that was your mom. And I came back and I was able to play, and you were there, and you were in this dance.

[B]

That's amazing. And it is going to be so, so, so special if we go a little bit before the pregnancy to your wedding. We had a couple things in common. We worked with the same person for parts of our wedding, and you were. We both got married here in la, similar time of the year. But one of the most unique things we have in common is that we had someone close to us make our wedding dresses. Tell me about your father in law making your wedding dress.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. Well, first of all, when I saw that you had your address made, I was like, I know exactly how she's feeling. Like, it was so special.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Okay, so me and Marley have been together since college, so 11 years now. 10. 11 years. We took the scenic route to the wedding.

[B]

Same, same.

[A]

Yeah, whatever. Don't rush us. Not that I didn't try to rush him, but. Okay, getting to the point. To the point when we were, like, pretty serious, I. His. So his family, his mom and his dad. Unfortunately, his mom has passed away now, but his dad, they owned a dress shop, and he was, like, the tailor for all these dresses. And so I. I was like, can you please make my wedding dress? And kind of said it, like, joking, but, like, not joking. And then, so fast forward five or six years, we're engaged. And he was like, do you still want me to make it? And I was like, oh, My gosh, absolutely. 100%, yes. And so then we, like, went through this whole process of, like, finding the fabric, getting inspiration, pictures. I have, like, his sketches still out, and I want to, like, put them in a frame. And. And so he made my dress. He made Marley's suit. And then we had another wedding in Australia, and he made those. My other dress and Marley's other suit. And so both of them are, like, just so near and dear to us that I. Not that it wasn't exactly what I wanted, because it Was. But I was willing to sacrifice something for the sentiment of him making it. And, like, for sure. But then I saw it, and I was like, oh, yeah, this is literally exactly what I wanted. So, Yeah, I just. I feel like that's so special. And for me, like, our whole family was kind of like a family project, like a community project. And that, to me, is, like, what a wedding is. It's, like, blending two families. So to have him do that was, like, really, really incredible. Oh, my gosh.

[B]

I had no idea. He did Marley suit and obviously your other wedding. I've seen those photos. And, oh, my. The design and the pattern and. Oh, wow.

[A]

Yeah, he. It. It was. It was so incredible, too, because, like, at one point, we were, like, running out of fabric, and he figured out a way to, like, continue to make the train. And then the other one, he was like. He incorporated. So it's like Marley's fabric was in my dress, and my fabric was in his suit, and. Yeah, but how was you? Like, did you feel the same?

[B]

Yeah. So I. I asked Maggie because she. We were teammates in Orlando, and she made all these cute little dresses and stuff that she would wear in, like, the arrival fits. And I found out that she could sew, and she had only just learned during COVID And she started out making, like, fabric masks and stuff. And then we had two Halloweens where I could not believe the costume she made. This Ariana Grande little cutesy baby doll, that little pink dress. And then she was. I can't remember what the name in the Jetsons with this kind of big hoop thing, this. So I knew she could sew, but I was like, would you want to make the dress for, like, the reception? Like, a little cutesy? Because I had seen her basically make a little cute dress.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And then somehow when we were talking it. I don't know if I. If I ever asked that or when it came out of my mouth, it was like, would you want to make my wedding dress? I'll have to ask her, because all of a sudden, it turned into, like, would you want to take on this project? And she, of course, was like, if at any point you don't like it, like. And I was the same as you.

[A]

I.

[B]

Like, in the beginning, I was like, of course I will. But it got to a point where, like, the time we spent together and just I was going through my injury and being able to. She lived in the same apartment building and being able to just pop downstairs when I was going through, like, the worst time of my life and spend Those afternoons with her when just talk, and she'd be measuring and we'd look at designs and all these things. I was like, I don't care at all how this dress comes out. Like, our friendship and this experience means so much to me. And then she made the most beautiful dress. Like, that was so perfect. And it was exactly what I wanted. It was better than what I thought I wanted. And she. I didn't even know she could do all these things with lace. And then she made. She was like, did you want to a veil? And I was like, but you, like, you can't make those things. And she was like, yeah, I'll make it. Like, she made a bow for the reception. Like, it was just. Yeah, it.

[A]

It.

[B]

Like she blew me away. And obviously it was funny at the end because I was doing. We were freezing embryos, and so. And I also was really stressed, like, right before because of the house burning down. And so I was, like, really, really bloated. And so the. I was so worried. Like, she had so spent months and months on this dress, and I didn't know if I'd be able to, like, fit my belly into it. And so I had, like, Sid. Sid bought, like, all these skims and, like, every type of, like, squeezing underwear you can imagine. Like, five pairs. And of course, my bridesmaids, everyone was like, well, I'll wear those. Like, we're all, like, trying these, like, skims on. And it just like, oh, it. It totally worked out. And I. I just can't. It's hanging in the closet. Like, I. It was so, so special. Like, I bawled crying when I, like, gave her a toast and just thanked her, and, like, no one could believe it. And, yeah, I just. When I saw your pictures, I was like, oh, my gosh, someone else knows how this feels.

[A]

It's. Well, just like, it. First of all, your dress was gorgeous. Like, it was incredible. When I found out that she made it, I was like, whoa. That's how. How I. One Being able to sew is so underrated. Like, I need to learn. I want to learn so bad.

[B]

Same.

[A]

But I just watching how your whole wedding went down, and, like, I. So we got married on December 8th, and the fire started the morning of the 10th, I believe. And so we. We had left to go to Australia, and we woke up and then all the fires had started. Obviously, like, I don't live there, but I went to school there. And, like, the community that I. Yeah.

[B]

Went to school with, Pepperdine, was, like, really. It was really close.

[A]

Yeah. And so knowing how affected your guys's family was was like so heart wrenching for me. But then knowing at the same time that your like family and your community came together for you and then you have like a dress on top of that, that it like is so special. I can only imagine like this like mix of emotion of like this devastating thing is happening. But at the same time, like, I'm so grateful for all these people in my life that like come come to support me. And I think that that was like the one beautiful thing that I saw come out of that. That whole situation was like the community that just truly showed up for one another. So anyways, for long winded, I'm just really. I was really happy to be able to see you like celebrate and have your moment. And then, then finding out that somebody major dress, I was like, double, double whoa.

[B]

It was funny that like in the off seasons how I guess we'll see it again soon. Everyone has to get married, like all the players. So you see like engagements and weddings. Like you see some engagements in the mid season break because people can go on vacation and like see their partners. And then you see all the weddings happen in the off season. And that one, I think Kelly o' Hara was like, had like five, was like on the circuit and it was just. Oh my gosh, it's so funny.

[A]

I know.

[B]

Kind of asking around when people have theirs because you don't want your friends to have to choose you.

[A]

How do you. Are you going to any weddings this summer?

[B]

Not that I know of. No. Not yet. Not yet.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Because I know Alyssa, Alyssa Nair last year was like. I was like, are you going to be functioning by the end of the summer? She like went to Carrie's. Then she came to like. She flew straight from hers to mine. And then she drove up and went to Tierna's. And then she flew across the country, I think, to her sisters. And then she went to. And I was like, every weekend you have a wedding. Holy shit. I'm like, thank God you're a good friend coming to everybody's wedding. But also like, are you okay? Is your liver okay? When are you gonna rest? I'm nervous for you. Oh.

[B]

So my friends, ours are going to be.

[A]

So.

[B]

A lot of my generation of players are retired. So different. Not the same issue. But they. Of course I played. I have my New Zealand teammates and so we. There's a wedding next year. One in New Zealand, one in France and one in Ireland. So I'm like, this is great that now I Can start going, but I'm like, man, I gotta start, like, gotta start saving. And I. We're gonna be traveling, and I'm. I have to get a job now. Like, Lynn, this is like, what happened to everyone, just smushing them into the off season.

[A]

No, no, I feel the same way. I have, like, a couple of weddings that I need to go to, but also don't know if I can because I am pregnant. I don't know if I can travel, but my friends are always like, okay, we're gonna have a summer wedding. And I'm like, you guys. Yeah, think of. Think about me. Think about me. It's me now. They're like, okay, Lynn. Yeah, great.

[B]

It's always like, so, do you want me there? Like, it's like, oh, this birthday, this thing. So do you want me there?

[A]

Like, if you want me there, it's gonna be in December. If not, then, yeah. I had a friend, she got married in, like, I think, July, like, a couple years ago. And she's like, you think you will make it? And I was like, absolutely not. Well, you know, right now, you could just count me out.

[B]

Oh, my gosh. And when you do go, my best friend, she got married, and I flew right after we played San Diego. Blew up the same day. And she would say, like, this is my best friend, and we played soccer at Stanford together. And like, oh, she plays for Angel City. And people are like, oh, wow. Like, when.

[A]

When.

[B]

When did you last play? And I'm like, this morning. Like, today. And people are like, oh, you still play? And I'm like, yes, I know. Yeah, I know I'm old, but I'm still going.

[A]

Just. I'm fine.

[B]

Don't ask me. Hanging on. Oh, my gosh. Well, before I let you go, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind sharing the story of Biandolo and just your last name and how much it means to you. And you speak so eloquently about, like, the coming together of families and obviously being someone who. People would have your jersey with your last name on it, and you've achieved a lot with your last name. How important it was to you to. To change your last name to Marlise.

[A]

Yeah, I. So I went back and forth about it a lot, like, should I just change it legally, but not on my jersey, Blah, blah, blah, blah. And what actually sold it for me was I was having my father. Daughter dance, and my dad just, like, was like, you should change your name on your jersey. And at the wedding. At the wedding, like, I obviously Started gosh. Bawling. Right. And so the Bn Dolo name. There is only, I think, two families in the world with the B and Dolo name. And it was like a. It's like gifted. So in African culture, in the Congo, at least, they can, like, just gift a name instead of, like, having a name passed down. And so Claudia Marley's dad was gifted his last name, and then he decided to just pass it down to his boys. Right. And the name just for me is, like, so special because I. I can, like, follow our lineage. The name there is, like, a prestigious name, whereas, no offense, but, like, Williams is obviously some, like, a slave name somewhere along the way. Yeah. And. And I can't, like. I don't know where that came from. I can't really follow the lineage. I don't know, like, what are you family name is?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I think that, like, for me, having, like, such a gifted name on the back of my jersey, I was like, obviously, I'm gonna do this. And then on top of that, with this, like, administration of that's going on in our country, I've kind of, like. It was kind of like a fu. Every time somebody, like, I scored a goal and somebody had to announce my name, I was like, yeah, we are, like, putting Africans on the map. Or put it, like, kind of taking back things. But. So that was like an added but. But yeah, like, I. I just kept going back and forth of like, should I do this? Should I do this? Should I do this? Should I not do this? And then when my dad was like, you definitely need to do this, I was like, bawling, obviously.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I think that it's just, like, the Williams name's gonna live on. It's fine. Like, it's. It's always gonna be a part of me. Right?

[B]

Like, yeah, of course.

[A]

And that. And now I just look at, like, the Williams jerseys of mine and my old signatures, and I'm like, yeah, you just. You have a vintage jersey now.

[B]

Oh, my gosh. I didn't even think about the signature.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Did you?

[A]

I changed.

[B]

I'm gonna need to see the updated signature. I. I feel embarrassed. I don't have anything signed by you. I'm gonna have to change that.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Did you practice a little? Like, yeah.

[A]

Is there a big B?

[B]

Like, is there a. Oh, my gosh.

[A]

I'm gonna have to, like. I'll just do it right now in my life, in my notes. Show us in my notes little app. How.

[B]

How many tries till you, like, decided the one you wanted? Like, did you know right away how you're gonna write it?

[A]

No. There was, like, a lot. And then I think I, like, sent a picture. Like, I think I, like, went through a lot of papers of just, like, practicing. And I also went through, like, is it easy to sign it a lot of times? Right, Right. Can I do this? Right? Can I do this? A lot.

[B]

A lot and fast.

[A]

A lot and fast. And not. So my old one was this. So lame, probably.

[B]

I've seen that. I've seen that everywhere.

[A]

Just like, squiggle, squiggle, squiggle. Also, Williams is, like, long, right? And so I. I was like, we got it. We gotta change this because it's. It's long and annoying. And then. Now let me. Let me do a really good one. Marley. Marley's jealous of it. Okay, this was bad. But it's like this where it's like Lynn and the B in the way. Yes. Oh, yes. So like, the L and the B are one that was. It's obviously better on paper. Duh. But then also kind of like, I, for the longest time was, like, doing W. And then I, L, L, I into, like other words is hard. And then I got B and Dolo, and I was like, D, O, L, O is hard. So we gotta cut both of those out. So you'll never get a Dolo. You'll just get a ba.

[B]

Lbn. Okay.

[A]

Lbn. Yeah, that's my name. But no, that was. So then I asked people, too, like, if they have a Williams jersey. I'm like, do you want a William signature? Do you want to be in Dolo Signature?

[B]

And people are like, you probably want updated ones now.

[A]

I tweet their own.

[B]

Yeah. Well, we'll find out when you are coming back and signing all the jerseys with the lbn.

[A]

Lbn. Muy bien.

[B]

Okay, Len, I'm gonna bring you into our Best Gift Ever segment. It's presented by Macy's because you can always shop your faves@macy's.com. i want to know what is the best baby gift that you have received recently?

[A]

The best baby gift I have received recently, which I hear is going to be a big deal, is a breast.

[B]

Pump going to be a big deal? L. It's going to be a big deal.

[A]

A portable one. No, I've also received, like, one of those little, like, cute play things where the baby can, like, lay on, and it's L. It's so cute. And there's, like, little elephants and giraffes hanging from it. And I'm like, oh, my Gosh Our house is going to be so baby and so cute. I'm so excited. So that's been the best gift recently. But I also do love jewelry, so if anybody wants to give me some.

[B]

Jewelry, you heard it here first on bffr. Okay, Lynn, thank you so much. Go rest, relax, recover. I appreciate your time so much, and I can't wait to see you with your bubba and back on the field. I will be. I will do whatever it takes to come in and watch you play a game, whether it's here in la, in Seattle, where, wherever it is, because I'm a huge fan and I'm just really, really excited for you.

[A]

Thank you so much. I appreciate that. Yeah, you can. You can hold the baby while I'm playing.

[B]

Okay, I'll do it.

[A]

I'll do it. Thank you. And I can't wait to see what you're doing next. I'm, like, so excited.

[B]

Oh, my gosh. You aren't sick of me after this weekend, I'm like, oh, my God, I was everywhere.

[A]

No, give us more. Give us more.

[B]

Thank you. Thank you. Yeah, we'll see. We'll see.

[A]

All right. Thank you so much for having me.

[B]

Thank you. All right, that's it for this week's episode of bffr. Thanks again to Lynn for joining the show. Definitely time for us to rest and recover. Don't forget to subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, wherever you listen, and follow us at BFFR show on all the socials. I will see you next Monday.