Madison Hammond is a defender for OL Reign of the NWSL. After playing collegiate soccer at Wake Forest University, Hammond became the first Native American soccer player to play in the NWSL. Below, Hammond talks to JWS about her rookie season, what it means to her to be the first Native American NWSL player, and how she plans to advocate for others moving forward. 

Now that the Fall Series is almost over, what are your thoughts on how it went?

Given the circumstances with COVID and all of the uncertainty, I personally benefited from the Fall Series, especially as a rookie. And, in our pod, we had Portland and Utah, which are two really good teams with full rosters, so it was definitely a good challenge to experience firsthand. It was all high energy and competition — it was so much fun. Overall, I think the Fall Series was great for individual development, but it was also great for team development. It gave us time to get to know our new head coach, figure out our style of play and discover our team chemistry. In my opinion, it was a beneficial two months.

This has been quite the year to be a rookie in the league. When you look back on the last 6 months, what stands out to you? 

My mind goes to so many different places when answering this question. For me, being on the field has made me realize how much potential I have and how much room I have to grow as a professional athlete. It wasn’t a fake rookie season, but it felt like that in a way. I had an opportunity to really put myself out there and not feel as much pressure. The time also helped me learn to be ready for anything. I feel like my entire life has been very cookie cutter, but now I’m just trying to learn to take things as they come in terms of soccer.

Off the field, what stuck out most to me, during this time, is that people care about what I have to say — not just about sports, but about what it’s like to be a female athlete in sports, a Black athlete in sports. It’s really been eye opening for me to realize that even though I’m a rookie, even though I’m really young, I still bring something of value to this industry and this sport. I think that’s really exciting.

You are the first Native American player in the league. What does that mean to you?

For me, being the first has been a very humbling experience. When you look at other people who have been the first of anything, it’s like, “Oh, that is so cool.” But, I don’t look at myself in that way. Maybe it’s because I’m only 22 years old and I’m still trying to figure out how to operate as a professional athlete. Even in this short amount of time, though, having people reach out and be inspired by my story has inspired me in reaction. It motivates me to keep working hard because people are noticing and it’s actually having an impact on people. It’s kind of mind blowing to be honest.

We’re so proud of you, @gohaamm, and can’t wait to cheer you on more in the @NWSL! #ProDeacs | #GoDeacs ????

pic.twitter.com/Vn9W782wMO

— Wake Forest Sports (@DemonDeacons) September 15, 2020

You’ve talked before about your experience attending a predominantly white school (Wake Forest University) and learning to speak up about your Native American background and experience. The NWSL is a predominantly white league. Has it been a similar experience in terms of entering a space where not a lot of people likely understand Native American culture? 

When I went to Wake, it was almost as if I operated in a space where my racial identity was an experience that I was undergoing myself. Even though I put myself in places to have conversations with people about racial diversity and racial inclusion on campus, no one really asked me how I felt about certain things. No one sat down and asked me about what it’s like being a Native American.

Now, on my team, it’s really different. I feel fortunate in that, with everything happening with the Black Lives Matter movement, there have been more talks about diversity and inclusion. During the Challenge Cup, we had a lot of discussions surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement and some of my teammates would look to me and ask, “Well, you’re having these experiences as a Black woman. What about as a Native American woman?”  There were some moments where I was almost surprised, like, “Well, I’m not really sure how I felt. I haven’t ever been asked to think about it.” I think it’s been really positive. I want people to understand that if they’re going to care about me as a teammate, as a friend, as a representative in this league, then they should also care about my personal experiences outside of just soccer.

You’ve said that moving across the country at an early age made it difficult to maintain ties with your Native American culture. What are you doing now as an adult to keep those ties? 

I’m interested to know what images pop up in people’s heads when I tell them that. What does it look like to lean back into your Native American culture? For me, it’s just having more conversations with my family and leaning back into a lot of our own beliefs. It’s very similar to religious beliefs, almost. It’s something that’s very spiritual. I’m trying to learn our language which is difficult because it’s only spoken, it’s not written down. My grandma is the only person in my immediate family who speaks fluently.

I think I’m just trying to be the best advocate for myself and for Native American communities as I can. I’m an N7 ambassador, which is a branch of Nike that is a fund for indigenous communities and athletes. I’m hoping that through different forms of outreach, I can keep telling stories that are authentic representations of Native American communities. I want to start breaking down those really old stereotypes that have permeated American culture since forever.

How are you planning to use your platform moving forward to encourage more Native American youth to see that they have a future in professional soccer?

Right now, my biggest focus is just laying the foundational groundwork and making sure that I’m advocating as best as I can. I hate to admit it, but social media is so influential in helping me to speak up on things that matter. The things that matter to me right now are supporting the Black Lives Matter movement, supporting voter registration and supporting voting. For me, it’s both about using my platform to advocate for those things, but also making sure that I’m performing on the field and being a good teammate.

At the end of the day, this is my profession and I want to be a good soccer player. I want kids to see that in order to be the best, you have to be playing at the highest level. Overall, I want to lay the groundwork, be my authentic self, and advocate for the things I believe in.

Cheers to Madison Hammond (@gohaamm) on her #NWSL debut for @OLReign yesterday! ⚽️

She is the first Native American athlete to play in the league.

You have to see it to be it! #Trailblazer https://t.co/u0ySx6qrMu

— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 28, 2020

What was your reaction when you saw that tweet from Billie Jean King? That must’ve been unreal.

It was so unreal. I thought it was a fan account. I refreshed my Twitter app three or four times, I was so surprised. Even once the dust settled, I thought it was so cool that somebody with such a huge platform was recognizing me and validating Native American people. With COVID, Native American communities have been hit so terribly and it hasn’t reached mainstream media. So for there to be even just a little bit of happy news, I think it was really important.

Women's college basketball star and Notre Dame guard Olivia Miles recorded ​her second-straight triple-double on Sunday, becoming the first ACC player to hit the tally in back-to-back NCAA games.

Miles notched a career-high 14 assists in Notre Dame's 95-54 win over Virginia, complementing the feat with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Just Women’s Sports (@justwomenssports)

The 21-year-old now has six career triple-doubles, tying WNBA mainstay and Maryland alum Alyssa Thomas for the most in ACC history.

"It's even more special coming off a year where I just sat on my butt," Miles told reporters​, referencing last season's sidelining ACL tear.

"It's definitely not an easy thing to do, to sit out, but I learned so much, and it's enabled me to come and do what I do."

NCAA conference play tips off with Top 10 matchups

With non-conference fireworks smoldering, college basketball is transitioning to conference play​ as tournament contenders enter the regular-season gauntlet hoping to peak at just the right time.

Subsequently, top NCAA basketball teams held court in two ranked Big Ten matchups over the weekend. No. 8 Maryland edged out No. 19 Michigan State 72-66 while No. 4 USC took down No. 23 Michigan 78-58.

This week's lone Top 10 matchup revives a longtime rivalry, when SEC newcomers and former Big 12 foes No. 5 Texas and No. 9 Oklahoma tip off in Norman on Thursday.

Star Texas sophomore Madison Booker and senior point guard Rori Harmon will face big name Oregon State transfer Reagan Beers. Since joining the Sooners, Beers has emerged as Oklahoma's leading scorer this season.

The Sooners won't see much rest after their clash with the Longhorns, as Oklahoma then gears up for Sunday's date with No. 15 Tennessee.

How to watch Texas vs. Oklahoma college basketball this week

Oklahoma hosts Texas on Thursday at 9 PM ET, with live coverage on ESPN2.

The WNBA coaching carousel has come to a standstill, with the Dallas Wings and Washington Mystics both finalizing head coaching hires earlier this week.

Dallas GM Curt Miller brought on former Sun, Sparks, and USC assistant coach Chris Koclanes as head coach of the Wings.

"We are thrilled to welcome Chris Koclanes as the new head coach of the Dallas Wings," said Miller in a team statement. "Throughout our extensive search and interview process, Chris continued to rise to the top and check the boxes of our important pillars. He is a servant leader who places a high value on connection, collaboration, and a positive and consistent communication style with all those he coaches."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Just Women’s Sports (@justwomenssports)

Mystics fill leadership vacancies

The Washington Mystics also made two key hires this week. The team appointed Jamila Wideman to GM and ex-Sky assistant Sydney Johnson​ to head coach.

"I have strong roots in the WNBA and have had the privilege of playing with, working alongside, and witnessing the incredible people who are the athletes at the center of the game," said Wideman afterwards. "The very best I have seen share some core qualities — curiosity, humility, and imagination. I look forward to building a Mystics team in partnership with the players, coaches, and staff that reflects this core."

WNBA teams enter 2025 with full staffs

Barring any unexpected twists, all 13 teams will now have head coaches in place going into the 2025 WNBA Draft and preseason.

Eight teams — including expansion side Golden State — enter 2025 armed with new bosses. Subsequently, seven of those candidates will be making their WNBA head coaching debuts.

Furthermore, Koclanes and Johnson are the third and fourth ex-assistants to get a shot at head coaching next season. The pair follows Natalie Nakase (Golden State) and Tyler Marsh (Chicago).

"Being named the head coach of the Golden State Valkyries is a lifelong dream come true," said Nakase. "We will strive to improve, compete, and ultimately bring home a championship for our fans and this organization."

After finishing 2024 in last place, the Houston Dash have been raising eyebrows with a series of offseason moves primed to make a splash next NWSL season.

Houston's top-tier transaction period continued on Thursday, landing Gotham and USWNT forward Yazmeen Ryan for a league-record $400,000 in allocation money plus a 2025 international roster spot.

On Thursday, Gotham confirmed that Ryan had requested the trade, saying the club "worked tirelessly to honor her request." As part of the deal, Gotham also traded $80,000 in intra-league transfer funds to Houston.
 
Ryan joins a growing roster of savvy Dash pick-ups, including fellow Gotham standout Delanie Sheehan and San Diego defender Christen Westphal.

Subsequently, while they've yet to announce a new head coach, Houston has solidified their front office by bringing on ex-Angel City GM Angela Hucles Mangano as president of women's soccer.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Just Women’s Sports (@justwomenssports)

Gotham FC sees mass NWSL exodus

For Gotham, Ryan's departure is just the latest in a high-profile exodus. Sheehan, forward Lynn Williams, goalkeeper Cassie Miller, and defenders Sam Hiatt and Maitane Lopez have all left the one-time superteam.

"I don't want to get into everything with the end of Gotham, but I am really excited to be a part of a team that looks like they're just enjoying each other and having fun," Lynn Williams told The Women's Game after her trade to Seattle was made public.

Jonas Eidevall enters NWSL as San Diego boss

The San Diego Wave hired ex-Arsenal manager​ Jonas Eidevall as the NWSL team's new head coach, according to multiple reports released earlier this week. 

Eidevall finished his tenure at Arsenal with an overall record of 80-24-16. However, he stepped down after failing to resign star forward Vivianne Miedema ahead of a sputtering 1-1-2 start to the 2024/25 WSL season​.

Eidevall will be the fourth coach to take the reins in San Diego this year, after Casey Stoney's mid-season firing led to interim stints from Paul Buckle and former USMNT mainstay Landon Donovan​.

San Diego's 2024 tumult wasn't limited to staffing. Founding members like Alex Morgan retired while impact players like Abby Dahlkemper and Sofia Jakobsson departed the club for other opportunities.

Embattled Wave president Jill Ellis also left the team, accepting a new role at FIFA earlier this month.

The Wave and Eidevall will kick off this new chapter seeking stability after a rollercoaster year. As such, both club and coach will bank on a strong 2025 to chart a new course.

No. 7 USC took down No. 4 UConn on Saturday, winning 72-70 in a battle between two bonafide NCAA basketball championship contenders still figuring out a consistent flow of play.

USC led by as many as 18 in the first half. However UConn came storming back, briefly pulling ahead in the fourth quarter before the Trojans outlasted the Huskies to secure the narrow victory.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Just Women’s Sports (@justwomenssports)

JuJu holds on to secure USC win

With UConn superstar Paige Bueckers tight on her heels, USC standout JuJu Watkins registered a game-leading 25 points, alongside six rebounds, five assists, and three blocks.

Bueckers and Huskies freshman Sarah Strong split scoring duties for UConn, notching 22 points each with Strong adding 11 rebounds.

After opening the season at No. 2, this highly touted UConn squad has dropped pivotal games against Notre Dame and now USC to go 0-2 in Top 10 matchups. It's a pattern legendary coach Auriemma will hope to correct before the Huskies face their next ranked opponent in early February.

"I thought the execution part in the first half was just as bad as I've seen in a few years here in Connecticut," Huskies boss Geno Auriemma said after the loss.

"This is a really significant win, and it's a really significant win because of the stature of UConn's program and what Geno Auriemma has done for our sport," commented USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb.

Weekend upsets shake top-ranked NCAA basketball teams

Elsewhere, upsets dominated the NCAA basketball conversation this weekend, with Top 25 contenders falling short as this season's undefeated list continues to shrink.

No. 15 Michigan State saw their first loss on Friday, falling to unranked Alabama 82-67 in a low scoring matchup. Afterwards, No. 9 Duke suffered their own unranked loss on Saturday, ceding a tough defensive battle to USF 65-56.

Seventeenth-ranked Georgia Tech remains undefeated with Saturday's ranked win over No. 23 Nebraska, while No. 14 West Virginia lost to unranked Colorado later that day.

Parity is the name of the game this season, with conference realignment, the transfer portal, and other recent shifts impacting a number of programs across the NCAA. And with conference play looming, teams will rely on regional rivalries and schedule strength to prepare them for heightened competition in the new year.