This one really is legendary — we’re welcoming our first-ever NWSL player to The Soccer Ladder! In this episode, we’re joined by Haley McCutcheon of the Orlando Pride, and she brings such real, grounded insight into what it takes to develop, stay mentally strong, and build a career that lasts.

Also… quick behind-the-scenes moment: I usually record with Liam, but I accidentally scheduled studio time on a school day (mom fail 😅) — so Liam pops in with a few questions and we keep it moving.

🎙️ Guest

Haley McCutcheon
Instagram: @hayhanson
Orlando Pride: @orlpride
NWSL: @nwsl

⚽ What We Talk About

Haley’s early years in ECNL and how intense travel + year-round soccer shaped her discipline
The role her parents played in helping her manage the demands of youth soccer
Why her biggest early habit was focusing on the process and keeping the game fun
What drew her to Nebraska (Midwest girls 🫶) and how the environment helped her max out her potential
The truth about the mental game: adapting to coaches, pressure, and competition for minutes
“Control what you can”: Haley’s core focus on attitude + effort
Her experience having three coaches in one year and how she stayed grounded through change
Why young players should embrace playing different positions (and how it makes you smarter on the field)
Her “welcome to the league” moments: playing against legends like Alex Morgan, Sydney Leroux, Julie Ertz — and having Marta as a teammate
What Orlando Pride taught her about leadership, balance, and enjoying the full experience again
Locker room culture, unity, and why being a great teammate can elevate performance
Winning both the Shield + Championship — and why it felt like relief + joy
The difference between players who think they want to go pro vs. players who actually make it
Patience for kids who aren’t starters yet — and why progress isn’t always tied to accolades
The mindset shift: focusing on who you’re being, not just what you’re achieving
What Haley’s most excited for in the women’s game: more access, more visibility, more fans in seats
The responsibility pro players feel as role models for the next generation (boys AND girls)

🔑 Key Takeaways

If you want longevity, you have to love the process — not just the outcome.
You can’t control coaches, minutes, or preferences — but you can control effort and attitude.
Sleep and nutrition are not optional. Recovery is performance.
Versatility isn’t a setback — it’s a superpower.
Team culture matters: unity + buy-in can change everything.

📲 Connect + Follow

Guest: @hayhanson
Team: @orlpride
League: @nwsl

Podcast: @thesoccerladder

⚽ Hosts

Meg Linke
Instagram: @meglinkeofficial

Liam Linke
Instagram: @liamlinke18