On todays episode, Claire takes a deep dive into the NWSL end of season awards, comparing her ballot with the announced finalists and giving her final picks in a very deep year with many impressive performances. Then, she previews the blockbuster semifinal matchups between the NWSL’s top four, and gives her picks for who will be battling it out in Kansas City for a championship.

In today’s episode, Claire recaps the quarterfinal round of the NWSL playoffs, talking through blowouts, surprises, emptying the tank and why the top four teams continue to stand out in 2024. Then, she has a chat with Bay FC midfielder Kiki Pickett, on the team’s turnaround in the second half of the season, why they’re a great NWSL underdog, and what the club is most proud of after a record breaking inaugural season.

In today’s episode, Claire breaks down the ins and outs of every NWSL quarterfinal, who to keep on upset watch and what to expect tactically between the lines. Then, she has a lovely conversation with Olympic bronze medalist rugby player Sammy Sullivan about the future of rugby in the U.S., balancing the spotlight of the Olympics boost with the day to day of being a pro athlete, and how fans can keep up with Team USA rugby year round.

Subscribe: https://pod.link/1563105123

On todays episode, Claire previews the top teams in women's college basketball season tips off, can South Carolina repeat, and whether Paige Bueckers need that national championship. Then she redirects attention back to the NWSL, where we look at the playoff matchups and see which games will be closer than they appear.

Subscribe to The Late Sub to never miss an episode. Follow Claire on Twitter/X (@scoutripley) and sign up for the Just Women’s Sports newsletter at justwomenssports.com/newsletter/

The Late Sub with Claire Watkins brings you the latest news and freshest takes in women’s sports. This is the weekly rundown you’ve been missing, covering the USWNT, NWSL, WNBA, college hoops, and whatever else is popping off in women’s sports each week. Special guest appearances with the biggest names in women’s sports make The Late Sub a must-listen for every fan. Follow Claire on X/Twitter @ScoutRipley and subscribe to the Just Women’s Sports newsletter for more. 

Just Women’s Sports is the leading digital media platform dedicated exclusively to women’s sports. In a world where women’s sports have been historically underfunded and under-promoted, Just Women’s Sports exists to shine a light on all the stories, athletes and moments that define and fuel the space. Through original podcasts, premium video programming, social media, editorial content, a newsletter, and exclusive merchandise and live events, Just Women’s Sports is committed to making it both easy and fun to be a women’s sports fan.

Listen to The Late Sub with Claire Watkins here:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-late-sub-with-claire-watkins/id1563105123 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4n4ZxsVs1Ix9DY9E0KPSc6

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-late-sub-with-claire-81239737/

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c457a882-c376-4e46-8380-d7471ed29d4c/the-late-sub-with-claire-watkins

Add us on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justwomenssports/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/justwsports

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justwomenssports?

On todays episode, Claire wraps up the USWNT October window with look at the team’s 3-0 win over Argentina, how rotation became the US’s strength and how Naomi Girma can truly do it all. Then she redirects attention back to the NWSL, where we say goodbye to a few clubs after the weekend, and watch a playoff race that may or may not come down to the final matchday.

In today’s episode, Claire talks through the USWNT’s 3-1 comeback victory over Iceland on Sunday, how the team slightly struggled with roster rotation and how their second half stabilizing showcased the team’s underlying strengths. Then she has a chat with three-time Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas about her whirlwind summer after starring in Paris, and her off-track interest in global health.

On today’s episode, Claire breaks down the USWNT’s 3-1 win over Iceland, talks through how Emma Hayes is continuing to put her stamp on her team even as they keep winning, shouts out top performers and looks at where the US could still improve. Then she takes a moment to give her take on the Chicago Red Stars rebrand, as the NWSL loses some of its history in a bid towards the future.

On today’s episode, Claire goes long on the epic final game that clinched the New York Liberty’s first-ever WNBA title. She talks defense, officiating, rotations, and a little bit of luck, as well as a wrap up of the larger emotions in this monumental season ending. Then she gives a quick wish list of what she’d like to see from the final NWSL regular season weekend, as teams tune up for the postseason.

In today’s episode, Claire runs down the USWNT’s October roster, alongside quotes from Emma Hayes that appear to lay out the vision for the next few years in the team’s progress as they begin the long preparation for the 2027 World Cup. She also marvels at another incredible WNBA Finals showdown, as the Liberty take a crucial advantage in their search for their first championship title.

On today’s episode, Claire talks through whether she needs to amend her WNBA Finals prediction, and notes both the resiliency of the Lynx and the mentality of the Liberty. She then hits all the major storylines of the NWSL weekend, including broken individual records, streaks both snapped and saved, playoff spots clinched and lost, and off the field happenings that shape the larger conversation.

In today’s episode, Claire ponders another Sun postseason exit, and the risks and rewards of blowing things up in the pursuit of playoff glory. She then previews the finals between the Lynx and the Liberty, with one key element she believes will earn one of the teams a title. She closes with some of the NWSL news of the midweek, which feels destined to shape the postseason and beyond.