Episode Summary: "Good Follow - North Carolina Courage Midfielder Riley Jackson Talks NWSL Signing, Career Goals, Pressure & More"

Hosts: Logan Hackett, Riley Jackson
Podcast: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Release Date: July 3, 2025
Location: Elser Hotel, Downtown Miami

Introduction to Riley Jackson's Journey

The episode kicks off with host Logan Hackett introducing Riley Jackson, a standout midfielder for the North Carolina Courage. Riley boasts an impressive resume, including being the 2022 Gatorade Player of the Year, USA U17 World Cup Co-Captain, U20 World Cup Bronze Medalist, and a current member of the U23 National Team. Logan expresses his excitement to delve into Riley's remarkable journey and the decisions that shaped her career.

Choosing Professional Soccer Over College Football ([01:47] - [06:07])

Logan: "Coming out of high school, you had offers from powerhouses like North Carolina and Florida State, but then you committed to Duke. Now instead of doing all of that, you decided to sign with the NWSL when you were just 17 years old. What went into that decision?"

Riley: "It was the hardest decision of my life. I always had the plan to play in college because that was what everyone was doing... But my dream from day one was always to play pro. I couldn't pass up the opportunity with North Carolina. They invested in me even when I was injured, and that made me feel truly cared for."

Riley details the difficult choice between accepting collegiate offers and pursuing a professional career early. She highlights the support and belief North Carolina Courage exhibited, especially during her injury, which played a pivotal role in her decision to forego college and join the NWSL directly.

Understanding the Under-18 Signing Mechanism ([06:07] - [07:38])

Logan: "In 2021, Olivia Moultrie sued the league, allowing the under-18 signing mechanism. For those unfamiliar, how does this differ from the traditional draft process, and what was your experience like?"

Riley: "Previously, once you turned 18, you'd enter the draft and potentially face uncertainty in securing a contract. Signing under the under-18 mechanism allowed me to bypass that uncertainty and commit directly to a club that believed in me from the start."

Riley explains the significance of the lawsuit by Olivia Moultrie, which provided younger players like herself the opportunity to join the league without the traditional draft's uncertainties. This pathway enabled her to secure a position with North Carolina Courage confidently.

Facing Legends in the NWSL as a Teenager ([07:38] - [09:08])

Logan: "Growing up, you admired players like Alex Morgan and Becky Sauerbrun. What has it been like playing against them while still being a teenager?"

Riley: "It's insane. I had moments where I'm just starstruck, like marking Rose Lebel against Gotham and playing against stars like Crystal Dunn. These experiences are both challenging and incredible learning opportunities for me."

Riley shares her awe-inspiring encounters with established stars in the league, emphasizing both the intimidation and invaluable learning experiences these matchups provide.

Balancing Professional Life and Personal Growth ([09:10] - [11:11])

Logan: "As a 17-year-old professional, how do you balance growing up and maintaining your youth while excelling in such a demanding environment?"

Riley: "Sean let me finish high school, which was crucial. My teammates have become like older sisters, and I have a supportive community outside of soccer. This balance helps me stay grounded and ensures I'm not missing out on important aspects of personal growth."

Riley discusses the supportive culture within North Carolina Courage, highlighting the familial bonds with teammates and the importance of maintaining connections outside of soccer to preserve her personal life and development.

A Landmark Moment: First NWSL Goal and Handling Pressure ([11:11] - [15:45])

Logan: "Last July, during the Summer Cup, you scored your first NWSL goal, which was a stoppage-time equalizer, followed by scoring the opening kick in the PK shootout. How did you stay calm under such immense pressure?"

Riley: "At halftime, Nathan encouraged me to prove myself. During the game, Monaka motivated me to take the shot. Scoring was exhilarating, and the support from my teammates and family helped me manage the pressure. Visualization and having confidence in my training were key."

Riley recounts the pivotal game where she not only scored her first NWSL goal but also successfully converted a penalty kick, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure. She attributes her composure to team support, mental preparation, and a strong belief in her abilities.

Personal Philosophies and Mental Wellness ([14:01] - [16:24])

Logan: "I've noticed you have writing on your wrist tape during games. What does it say?"

Riley: "It says 'RTF' with a little heart, which stands for 'Remember the Feeling.' I also added 'Fun, Focus, Freedom' inspired by my dad. These reminders help me stay centered and enjoy the game despite the pressures."

Riley emphasizes the importance of mental reminders to maintain focus and joy in the game. Her wrist tape messages serve as anchors, helping her navigate the intense emotions and expectations of professional sports.

Handling Pressure and Future Aspirations ([16:24] - [18:23])

Logan: "You're being referred to as the future of U.S. soccer. How do you handle the associated pressure while still performing at your best?"

Riley: "Talking to teammates and having self-confidence are crucial. My faith also helps me understand that not everything is within my control, which alleviates some of the pressure."

Riley acknowledges the weight of expectations but manages it through strong team relationships, self-belief, and personal faith, allowing her to continue performing effectively without being overwhelmed.

Setting Future Goals ([18:23] - End)

Logan: "With so much already accomplished, what are your goals moving forward?"

Riley: "I aim to play for the full national team and make a lasting impact there. Additionally, I hope to inspire younger players and eventually experience playing in Europe. Setting both big and small goals helps me stay focused and driven."

Riley outlines her ambition to become a staple in the national team, inspire future generations, and explore international opportunities, demonstrating her commitment to continuous growth and contribution to the sport.

Notable Quotes

• Riley Jackson ([01:47]): "My dream from day one was always to play pro. I couldn't pass up the opportunity with North Carolina."

• Riley Jackson ([11:37]): "I think just having that support behind me really helped in the moment."

• Riley Jackson ([14:23]): "RTF with a little heart means remember the feeling. It's a reminder of the joy and why I play."

• Riley Jackson ([16:57]): "I want to be an inspiration for younger players the way those players were an inspiration for me."

Conclusion

In this insightful episode, Riley Jackson opens up about the pivotal choices and experiences that have defined her burgeoning career in professional soccer. From the challenging decision to forego college for the NWSL to handling high-pressure moments on the field, Riley's journey exemplifies dedication, resilience, and a passion for growth both on and off the pitch. Her emphasis on mental wellness, strong support systems, and clear future aspirations paints a picture of a young athlete poised to make significant strides in U.S. soccer.

Listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of Riley's motivations, challenges, and the philosophies that drive her success, making this episode a must-listen for fans and aspiring athletes alike.