Episode Overview

Title: She Stood Up for Women’s Soccer. Her Team Called Her Racist | Elizabeth Eddy
Podcast: Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey
Date: April 3, 2026
Theme:
Allie Beth Stuckey interviews former professional soccer player Elizabeth Eddy, who faced significant backlash—including accusations of racism and bigotry—after writing a New York Post op-ed urging the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) to define "woman" in order to protect fairness in women’s sports. Elizabeth shares her story, the pressure she faced from teammates and the broader culture, and how her Christian faith gave her courage to speak out.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Elizabeth Spoke Out About Women’s Sports

• Background of the Op-ed ([00:57]):
  • Elizabeth wrote the piece on October 27, 2025, asking her league to set a clear policy to protect the integrity of women’s soccer.
  • She did not initially realize the depth of controversy it would provoke.

“I chose to write an article... asking my league to put a policy in place that would protect the women's soccer for women.”
— Elizabeth Eddy ([00:57])

• Catalyst for Action:
  • Inspired by a church sermon after Charlie Kirk's assassination on the need for people in positions of influence to speak truth, even at personal cost ([01:20]).
  • Elizabeth admits she initially hesitated, partly out of selfishness and fear of losing her career.

“We're at a point in culture where this actually matters a lot more than my selfish desire to play a sport. So it kind of made my, like, vision get wider and bigger in my perspective.”
— Elizabeth Eddy ([01:56])

2. What Prompted Her Concerns—Competitive Reality and Policy Changes

• Male Advantage Highlighted in Soccer ([02:51]):
  • NWSL teams routinely lose scrimmages against U14 boys' soccer teams; the topic is intentionally kept quiet internally to avoid public controversy.
  • Concerns about competitive fairness, given that biology—not gender identity—dictates athletic performance.
• Policy Vacuums:
  • The NWSL removed strict definitions in 2021, creating a gray area where eligibility is now determined case-by-case ([05:29]).
  • Other sports and nations (e.g., England's Football Association) have implemented more defined policies.

3. Content of the New York Post Article

• Core Arguments ([08:34]):
  • Called for a clear definition of ‘woman’ in the NWSL.
  • Suggested creating a third/open category for those not fitting traditional definitions, emphasizing dignity for all but protection for women first.

“If there are people that don't fit the category of women that are the weaker sex that need to be protected, then we can build a third category... but we have to at least protect women.”
— Elizabeth Eddy ([08:34])

4. Internal Backlash and Public Shaming

• Team Response ([11:42]):
  • Team captains issued a public statement denouncing the article as ‘racist’ and ‘transphobic.’
  • Particularly painful for Elizabeth as she considered these teammates close friends, emphasizing the personal toll.

“They basically one of them read, like, the undertones of the article are racist and transphobic... it was really hard to hear.”
— Elizabeth Eddy ([11:42])

• Media Presentation:

  • Frustration that she lost control over photos and narrative: “When you write and it goes into the press, you don't have control over the pictures. And that was really, really disheartening…” ([09:22])

• Forgiveness and Reconciliation:

  • Despite the public fallout, Elizabeth expresses a commitment to forgiveness and hopes for eventual reconciliation ([48:16]).

“I've forgiven them. And I'm like, I hope that we can reconcile. And I'm excited for whenever that day will be.”
— Elizabeth Eddy ([49:32])

5. Cultural Pressures in Professional Women’s Sports

• ‘Go Along to Get Along’ Mentality:
  • Young athletes are conditioned to suppress dissent to not jeopardize career opportunities.
  • The NWSL, according to Elizabeth, is tightly aligned to extreme political agendas with little tolerance for dissent.
• Fear of Isolation:
  • Other teammates privately expressed support or understanding for Elizabeth but were afraid to speak publicly ([16:23], [17:13]).

6. The Biology of Athletic Performance

• Why Sex-Based Categories Matter ([20:19]):
  • Cited direct experiences playing against boys: even at 14, males are significantly stronger and faster due to biological factors (chromosomes, puberty, etc.).
  • Referenced studies showing female world records are routinely surpassed by teenage boys.

“Boys will always beat girls. It's not a bad thing... but that doesn't really help the conversation of what is fair and what should leagues be based on.”
— Elizabeth Eddy ([22:13])

7. Personal Consequences and Career Transitions

• Not Re-Signed by Team ([24:14]):
  • Was not offered a new contract after the controversy; suspects her outspokenness played a role, though other factors (age, club goals) were involved.
• Transition to Surfing:
  • Embracing a new chapter as a professional surfer, emphasizing faith, personal growth, and a less stressful competitive environment.

8. Faith as Motivation and Sustenance

• Christian Worldview ([30:14]):
  • Faith shapes Elizabeth’s convictions, understanding of truth, and willingness to suffer for standing by them.
  • Regular Bible reading and seeking God’s guidance inform her resilience.
• Perspective on Suffering:
  • Finds comfort in Christ’s teachings on persecution.
  • Observes a broader need for courage and standing for truth in all spheres.

“At the end of the day, I'm going to answer to God, not to anybody else here on this earth.”
— Elizabeth Eddy ([31:00])

9. Reflections on the Future of Women’s Sports

• Optimism and Call to Action ([49:51], [50:26]):
  • Elizabeth is optimistic, believing that “courage is contagious” and that speaking out will embolden others.
  • She urges listeners and fellow athletes—including parents—to engage in discussions and advocate for fair, protected spaces for women.
• Advice to the Afraid:
  • Encourages those fearful of repercussions to remember who they're ultimately accountable to (God), and that obedience and doing “the next right thing” matters most ([43:53]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “If those of us that have a position or a chance to speak on something that's true don't do it, we continue losing the rights for women...”
  — Elizabeth Eddy ([15:53])

• “Identities don't compete. Biology competes. And that is the difference maker.”
  — Allie Beth Stuckey ([23:46])

• “You’re going to have persecution, you’re going to have trials. Like, it’s going to be worse now that I’m leaving, but I’m going to leave you the Holy Spirit... This is expected.”
  — Elizabeth Eddy ([32:42])

• “I want to raise brave kids, not just safe kids... the kind of child who is willing to stand up even when everyone turns against them.”
  — Allie Beth Stuckey ([39:44])

• “Courage is contagious. And the more you speak up, the more you speak truth, the more people will also be emboldened to speak truth. And that's the only way forward.”
  — Elizabeth Eddy ([50:33])

Important Timestamps

• [00:57] – Elizabeth explains the origins of her New York Post op-ed.
• [02:51] – On playing U14 boys teams and the biological difference in sports.
• [08:34] – Contents and rationale of her article.
• [11:42] – Team captains’ public condemnation and emotional impact.
• [14:19] – Elizabeth’s reaction to allegations of racism and transphobia.
• [16:23] – Private support from teammates.
• [20:19] – Physiological realities—why women lose to boys.
• [24:14] – Transitioning out of professional soccer; not re-signed.
• [30:14] – Development of Elizabeth’s Christian convictions.
• [32:42] – Using faith to process personal attacks.
• [39:44] – Discussion about raising brave girls.
• [43:53] – Advice to those fearful about speaking out.
• [48:16] – Process of forgiving teammates.
• [49:51] – Hopes for the future of women's sports.
• [50:33] – Final encouragement: “Courage is contagious.”
• [50:54] – How listeners can offer support: pray, get involved locally.

Final Takeaways & Actions

• Elizabeth Eddy’s story is a case study in conviction, adversity, and the interplay between faith and public advocacy.
• Her message: preserving women’s sports requires clarity and courage, and protection is not exclusion.
• The host and guest encourage listeners not only to give support, but also to become active in their own communities and institutions, emboldened by faith and committed to living out truth—even when it’s costly.

For ongoing support:

• Prayer is the most powerful tool (per Elizabeth).
• Stay active in local governance (school boards, city councils).
• Continue public dialogue—courage breeds courage.