Sunday Sports Club with Allison Kuch Episode: World Cup Champ in Her Mom Era with Guest Ashlyn Harris Release Date: August 10, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of the Sunday Sports Club, host Allison Kuch welcomes Ashlyn Harris, a World Cup champion, former US Women's National Team (USWNT) goalkeeper, activist, mother, and host of her own podcast, Wide Open with Ashlyn Harris. The discussion delves into Ashlyn's experiences as a professional athlete, her transition into motherhood, and her current endeavors in sports media and activism.

The Pressures of Being a Goalkeeper

Ashlyn Harris opens up about the unique challenges of her position on the soccer field:

"It's a very lonely position. It's a pressure cooker for sure. It's one of the most important positions on the field because you have... you're the last person in defense." ([01:34])

Ashlyn emphasizes the isolating nature of goalkeeping, where every mistake can be magnified, making the role both heroic and highly scrutinized.

Allison Kuch relates this to her observations in other sports, highlighting the often unjust blame placed on individuals in team settings:

"I mean, football primarily. Whenever a quarterback throws an interception or somebody drops the ball, it's quick to go straight to them and give them all their hate." ([02:03])

The Loneliness and Team Dynamics in Sports

Ashlyn Harris further explores the intricacies of team sports, comparing her role to others and the necessity of mutual trust:

"There's just so much that goes into it... it's a really well-oiled machine of a bunch of moving parts, and once something is off, it really throws the entire system for a loop." ([02:24])

Allison adds her perspective from swimming, noting the solitary responsibility inherent in individual sports compared to the collective reliance in team sports.

Creating a Platform for Deeper Conversations

Transitioning away from the advertisements, the conversation resumes with Ashlyn discussing her motivations behind starting her podcast, Wide Open with Ashlyn Harris.

Ashlyn Harris shares her desire to humanize athletes beyond their public personas:

"I wanted to normalize the struggle a little bit... open up some doors to give people like myself the opportunity to talk about the things that made us, but also discussing the hardest times of their lives." ([05:17])

She emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in sports media, aiming to break down the barriers of stereotype and judgment.

Lessons from the Podcast and Personal Growth

When asked about impactful lessons from her guests, Ashlyn Harris reflects on her journey of self-discovery and growth:

"I really have been enjoying... being a better human and doing work on yourself." ([08:07])

She credits her interactions with thoughtful individuals for enhancing her understanding of sports psychology and personal development, contrasting it with the often mechanical mindset required in athletics.

Redefining Success and Embracing Failure

Discussing her perspective on success and failure, Ashlyn Harris offers a nuanced view:

"No, I don't look at the world as this like success or failure or good or bad. It's really all a part of the becoming process." ([11:18])

She shares her belief that failures are invaluable lessons that contribute to personal and professional growth, stressing the importance of introspection and resilience.

Transitioning from Professional Soccer

Allison Kuch probes into Ashlyn's decision to step away from professional soccer at 37, highlighting the significant life changes that accompany such transitions.

Ashlyn Harris describes her departure as a personal choice driven by a shift in priorities:

"I just did. My heart wasn't in it. I couldn't wait to get home to see my kids. I hated traveling on the road... it was time for me to walk away." ([38:01])

She discusses the impact of motherhood on her career decisions and the challenges of balancing professional demands with family life.

Balancing Motherhood and Athletics

Exploring the difficulties of being both a mother and a professional athlete, Ashlyn Harris candidly addresses the lack of support systems:

"We don't get paid enough money to have full-time childcare and schooling so we can go do what we want to do while playing and having the career we want." ([39:14])

She critiques the insufficient financial support provided for athletes with families and underscores the necessity of a strong support network to manage such dual responsibilities.

Supporting Families in Women's Sports Organizations

Ashlyn Harris advocates for tailored support systems within sports organizations to accommodate diverse family needs:

"It's really implementing and putting in place the things that are needed for each individual mom. And that's how it is in sports in general." ([42:28])

She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the unique circumstances of each athlete, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

Achieving Work-Life Balance

Reflecting on her current life, Ashlyn Harris discusses her approach to finding balance:

"I'm checking in and doing the work of how I feel centered in my body... Am I getting enough exercise? Am I eating right? Am I getting enough sleep?" ([43:20])

She highlights the shift from external to internal balance, focusing on personal well-being to enhance her roles as a mother, partner, and professional.

Current Projects and Future Plans

Looking ahead, Ashlyn Harris shares her enthusiasm for upcoming projects and her evolving role in sports media:

"I've been working on this project with Hello Sunshine. It's a sports doc series that will be coming out pretty soon." ([46:52])

She mentions her involvement with a women's sports firm dedicated to commercial investments in women's sports, expressing excitement about expanding her storytelling and creative endeavors.

Rapid Fire: Personal Preferences and Fun Insights

To conclude the episode, Allison and Ashlyn engage in a series of rapid-fire, soccer-themed questions, offering listeners a glimpse into Ashlyn's personal preferences:

• Fun Surface vs. Focused Performance: Ashlyn prefers playing on the field over lounging in the suite, valuing the direct engagement and intensity of being part of the game.

• Favorite Players: She admires Mia Hamm for her exceptional talent and versatility on the field.

• Coaching vs. Cheering: Ashlyn opts for cheering from the sidelines over coaching, emphasizing her preference for supporting roles.

Conclusion

Allison Kuch wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to explore Ashlyn Harris's podcast and follow her on social media for more insights into her journey and ongoing projects. The conversation provides an inspiring look into the life of a professional athlete navigating the complexities of sports, motherhood, and personal growth.

Notable Quotes:

• Ashlyn Harris on Goalkeeping Pressure:
  "You're either the hero or you're the goat." ([01:34])

• Ashlyn on Normalizing Athlete Struggles:
  "I feel like we're all humans, and we have to really pull back the layers of why we do what we do in the first place." ([05:17])

• Ashlyn on Failure as a Learning Opportunity:
  "Failure for me is like life's greatest lessons." ([11:18])

• Ashlyn on Balancing Personal Well-Being:
  "Am I balanced inside? Because that will project on how I feel outwardly." ([43:20])

• Ashlyn on Future Projects:
  "I love being curious, I love unpacking the way I move." ([46:52])

This episode offers a profound exploration of the intersection between professional sports and personal life, highlighting Ashlyn Harris's resilience, advocacy, and commitment to fostering a more supportive environment for athletes balancing career and family.