Episodes
Claire takes a look at the weekend’s NWSL action through the lense of the USWNT’s next era, with permanent manager Emma Hayes’ first roster rapidly approaching. She breaks down the USWNT roster bubble for the Olympics and beyond, and shouts out the NWSL talent providing an Olympic preview for other international sides. Then, she discusses Candace Parker’s surprise retirement announcement. She breaks down what made Parker so special in a still-growing league, and why her legacy will be felt...
Published 04/30/24
Claire goes deep on a number of NWSL teams, including why she likes Angel City’s recent trades, what Washington is doing right, and what Vlatko Andonovski seems to have learned from his time coaching the USWNT. Then, Claire breaks down Caitlin Clark’s massive new Nike deal and what it tells us about the economic realities of women’s basketball today.
Published 04/23/24
Claire recaps the WNBA Draft, discussing both the winners as well as the surprises from draft night. She breaks down what Caitlin Clark brings to the Fever, and why this draft class might put pressure on the league to accelerate their timelines. Claire also talks Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese in Chicago, and Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson in LA. Then, she turns to the NWSL, explaining what’s gone wrong for the Thorns this year — and reacting live to the breaking news that Mike Norris has...
Published 04/17/24
Live from Ohio, Claire breaks down a blockbuster NCAA Championship between South Carolina and Iowa — and why losing her entire starting five from last season brought out the best of Dawn Staley (02:45). Claire discusses what made this year’s South Carolina squad (literally) unbeatable, why Iowa’s seniors should be at peace with their performance, and what comes next for Caitlin Clark. After previewing next year’s NCAAW season (18:45), Claire turns her attention to the USWNT and their...
Published 04/09/24
Claire recaps a blockbuster game between Iowa and LSU, and why Kim Mulkey dared Caitlin Clark to beat them from distance — which she did. Claire also talks UConn vs USC, before making her picks for the Final Four. Then, she turns her attention to the NWSL, explaining why Kansas City is for real, and why Portland needs to turn things around ASAP.
Published 04/03/24
Claire breaks down the opening weekend of March Madness (00:37), discussing which teams have impressed her and which still have something to prove. Claire then talks the latest USWNT roster and why this SheBelieves Cup squad is already a reflection of Emma Hayes (20:42). Finally, Claire’s bucketing every NWSL squad into tiers after the second weekend of games (32:18).
Published 03/27/24
Claire jumps into the women’s March Madness bracket and why Iowa’s path to the Final Four is absolutely stacked. Claire discusses the importance of conference tournaments on seeding and why USC could be set to go on a run. Then, she breaks down the opening weekend of NWSL play, including her winners and losers from the first slate of games.
Published 03/19/24
Claire breaks down the LSU-South Carolina drama and why Kim Mulkey’s comments might be a smokescreen for the Tigers’ bigger issues. Then, she reacts to the USWNT’s Gold Cup win and what it means for both the team and individual players hoping to make the Olympics. Last, Claire wraps with a quick NWSL preview ahead of this weekend’s Challenge Cup battle.
Published 03/12/24
Claire Watkins reacts to the USWNT’s 3-0 win over Colombia, highlighting the team’s mentality, as well as the veteran performances of Alex Morgan and Alyssa Naeher. Claire also praises Jaedyn Shaw while discussing how the win highlighted the USWNT’s ability to thread the needle with their roster. Claire then turns to college basketball to explain why Caitlin Clark made the right move in going pro (and why Cameron Brink should as well). Finally, Claire looks ahead to the tournament, before...
Published 03/05/24
Welcome to a bonus episode of The Late Sub! Recorded on Monday, Feb. 26, Claire gets into some of the big college basketball picture after teams struggled to grind out wins late in the regular season. Then, she breaks down the big decisions facing college seniors. Finally, she takes a look at the larger happenings in global football, and wonders if Spain are the clear frontrunners for the Olympics.
Published 03/01/24
In this special, USWNT-only edition of The Late Sub, Claire breaks down the team’s 2-0 loss to Mexico, and why it felt like a game from the Andonovski era. Then, Claire is joined by CBS Sports’ Sandra Herrera to discuss the Gold Cup more broadly and why the USWNT needs to fully embrace their inexperienced youth.
Published 02/28/24
Claire reflects on Caitlin Clark’s position in college basketball history after she passes Kelsey Plum for the scoring record. She also touches on Geno Auriemma’s latest milestone, Paige Buecker’s returning, and Brittney Griner’s overdue jersey retirement. Then, Claire dives into the USWNT, previewing the Gold Cup and who she wants to see on the field while also discussing Mia Fishel’s torn ACL. She also reflects on Lindsey Horan’s comments about American fans and the USWNT’s captain’s...
Published 02/21/24
Claire breaks down the latest USWNT roster and what it means for the veterans who didn’t make the cut. Then, she dives into WNBA Free Agency and reflects on what happened with Elena Delle Donne. Finally, Claire wraps with an update on Caitlin Clark’s record chase and South Carolina’s convincing win over UConn, before circling back to the USWNT's current state and Lindsey Horan's much-discussed quotes on the team's mentality.
Published 02/14/24
Claire Watkins breaks down the latest stories in women’s sports, starting with college basketball and why Caitlin Clark might just want to get this all-time scoring record out of the way. Then, Claire dives into NWSL preseason and what an influx of coaches and players mean for the league. Finally, Claire walks through the early days of WNBA free agency and why every team is working with the Aces in mind. Subscribe to The Late Sub to never miss an episode. Follow Claire on Twitter/X...
Published 02/07/24
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.
Published 02/02/24
On this special bonus episode of Snacks, Lynn Williams and Sam Mewis share a major announcement about the future of the show. They then reminisce on the top 10 Snacks moments over the years, from iconic interviews with teammates and friends to the origins of "Are you having an OK time?" They finish the episode with a show of gratitude to the Snacks squad, JWS crew, and Snacks fans everywhere.
Published 11/28/23
Shop 50% off all Snacks merch using code CHOMP at shop.justwomenssports.com Lynn and Sam recap the epic Gotham victory from beginning to end starting with Lynn accidentally passing the ball right to Emily Sonnett. They talk through the tragic injury to Megan Rapinoe, Lynn’s goal, Esther’s winner, and that red card that somehow no one understood. Later, they get into the after parties and how the cigars got there, after all. Finally, Sam speaks on her injury recovery and they decide their DJ...
Published 11/16/23
Sam Mewis and Lynn Williams unpack a crazy semi-finals weekend as Gotham and OL Reign move on to battle in San Diego. They discuss Megan Rapinoe and Ali Krieger in the final fight of their careers, leaving only one to hold the NWSL Champion title. Then, Lynn describes what this next week has in store for her in the lead up to the big game. Later, legend Abby Wambach joins the show to chat the future of the NWSL, discuss what life after soccer is like, and give some heartfelt words of...
Published 11/09/23
The Quarterfinals are done and the Bats and the Reign have advanced - meaning both Megan Rapinoe and Ali Krieger will see at least one more match. Lynn and Sam dive into the two match ups and discuss how OL overcame a hot Angel City, and how Gotham secured a 2-0 win over the always difficult Courage. Then, Savannah DeMelo joins the show to discuss her role on the USWNT, what it was like to get her first cap at a World Cup, and what she's hoping for the team moving forward. Finally, Sam and...
Published 10/26/23
Sam and Lynn recap NWSL Decision Day which was a frenzy of WILD LIVE TABLE DRAMA. The Wave took it home, Gotham made it through, and the Pride and Spirit were left empty-handed - and they react to all of it. Then, Jessica Berman, NWSL Commissioner, joins the show to talk about the future of the league, free agnecy, and how next year's expansion teams can best succeed. Finally, Sam and Lynn hit the hotline and give their advice to a Varsity Soccer Team trying to stay undefeated.
Published 10/19/23
Sam Mewis and Lynn Williams discuss Sam's birthday weekend, the NWSL Decision Day, and all of the possible scenarios for this year's playoff picture. Later, Rose Lavelle and Emily Sonnett join the show for "the worst interview ever" filled with hilarious moments and valuable soccer insights from within the league. To wrap things up, Sam and Lynn take on fan voicemails, including the extremely important question: "What's your favorite girl dinner?"
Published 10/12/23
Sam Mewis and Lynn Williams dive into the NWSL playoff race, that is so close, it could come down to a coin flip. Later, we're joined by Ify Onumonu from Gotham FC and the Nigerian National Team. She shares her journey to her first World Cup with the Nigerian National Team, reflects on how Gotham FC has evolved over the years, and her favorite vegan Nigerian snacks.
Published 10/05/23
Sam Mewis and Lynn Williams chat fall vibes, the recent USWNT camp, and Julie Ertz/Megan Rapinoe's last games with the US. Then, Portland Thorns and Canadian National Team's Janine Beckie joins the show to talk about the rise of ACL injuries in women's soccer, what needs to be done to fix it, and this year's World Cup from her perspective. 
Published 09/28/23
Sam Mewis and Lynn Williams send Lynn off to the USWNT training camp, assign new food-inspired mascots to all of the NWSL teams, and chat with San Diego Wave's and USWNT's Naomi Girma about her World Cup experience, thoughts on the upcoming Olympics, and her role as a young leader.
Published 09/21/23