Caitlin Foord plays for both Arsenal and the Australian national team. In 2011, at age 16, she became the youngest Australian to play in a World Cup. She has since played in three World Cups and the 2016 Olympics. Below, she spoke with Just Women’s Sports about her rise in the W-League, her time in the NWSL, and what comes next for the national team. 

[Editor’s note: this conversation took place shortly before the FA announced that the Women’s Super League season would not be restarted amidst coronavirus concerns.] 

You started playing in the W-League when you were 15 years old. What do you remember of those early years? Were you ever intimidated?

To be honest, at the time it was a big deal because the W-League was new. When I look back at the W-League now, the league has come a long way. It’s still not professional — it’s semi-professional, but it has improved a lot. Back then, we were training out of high school and I wasn’t too intimidated because I had been training with those same girls for a couple of years before through the state program. Getting brought into the state program was definitely intimidating though because that’s the first time you would train with those older girls.

Things were different then — the older girls didn’t make it easy for the young ones to come in. You had to earn your spot. At times that was intimidating, but I don’t think I had a difficult time because I showed them respect and then, when I played, I earned that respect back.

After you signed with Sydney FC, you got your first call up to join the national team. What was that experience like?

When I joined the national team, it was pretty scary. At the same time, though, Sam Kerr, Emily van Egmond and Teigen Allen were all on the team and around the same age. They were some of my really good friends, so it was easier to join the team with them there, too. It was intimidating, but I had my group of friends.

Then, the team went to the Asian Cup qualifiers for the World Cup. I had been going to the training camps leading up to the qualifiers, but I missed out on that squad. The team ended up winning the Asian Cup and I just remember watching that and really wanting to be there as a part of the win. It was the first ever for Australian football, and it was disappointing that I wasn’t there to experience it with them.

Was that disappointment motivating? What happened that led you to being included in the World Cup roster? 

I didn’t really expect to go to the Asian Cup with the team — I wanted to, but I didn’t think I was there yet. But, leading up to the World Cup, I was going to the training camps again, and I remember one specific camp where it was getting close to when the squad was going to be picked. And, I should say, I was pretty oblivious when I was younger — I didn’t really take note of certain things. At this camp, there was one game against a boys team and my role was to follow this one boy around the field for the whole game. So, I just said, “Okay, that’s my role.”

The girls were all saying to me, “You’re going to get picked for the team.” And I was so confused. How did they know? They kept saying, “It’s because we’re going to play Brazil in the first game and someone’s going to have to man Marta, and it’s going to be you.” And I thought there’s no way. But then at the final camp, I got a call from Tom Sermanni, who was the coach at the time. He told me that I was going to the World Cup, which was crazy.

I didn’t grow up with football in my family, so even though I knew it was a big deal, I didn’t know just how big of a deal the World Cup was. My family and friends were really proud of me and excited. But, for me, it was just like, “Cool, I get to go on another tour with the girls.”

There’s a lot of girls that were on that team that are still on the national team. 

Yeah, I think we had the youngest squad or the second youngest squad there. It was me, Sam Kerr, Kyah Simon, Lydia Williams, Emily van Egmond, Tameka Yallop, and Clare Polkinghorne. Sam and Emily and I have been on the journey from the beginning together. They’re two of my best friends. We’ve grown up together and experienced a lot together — the highs and lows, the injuries.

You were named “Best Young Player” at the 2011 World Cup. What was that experience like? 

Well, I did end up starting our first game against Brazil in March —  marking Marta. I went on to start in three of our four games, I think. I had a really good tournament and just happened to win the Best Younger Player award. I was still so oblivious to what was going on. After we got knocked out, I went on holiday with Sam and her family. So, I was in Croatia on holiday when I started getting Facebook Messages saying congratulations for the award. Then people from the Federation called me and told me that they wanted to fly me back to Germany for an award presentation. I just said, “No, it’s okay. I’m actually on holiday at the moment.” Looking back now, I really should have gone. But at the time, it didn’t really phase me. I was like, “Oh, that’s cool, but I’m having a much better time on holiday.”

In 2015, Australia had a good run but still looked like a team on the rise. In 2019, Australia was definitely a force to be reckoned with, but had a disappointing finish. How has the national team changed throughout the years? What’s the state of the team now? 

In the 2011 World Cup, we had a super young team. We were there to compete, but there was never a belief that we were genuinely going to be winners. And then in the 2015 World Cup, we started competing with the big nations. We knew that we had the team to be able to go far, but I think what was missing was the belief within the team that we could be winners. In 2019, we felt like it was our time, which is what is most disappointing. I’m not going to make excuses for us, but I think the timing of our coaching staff being fired four months before the World Cup wasn’t good for us. It was a difficult situation to overcome, and I think we did the best we could in that position.

After we were knocked out of the World Cup in 2019, we just wanted to play another game so we could move on. We wanted to leave the World Cup behind us and focus on the Olympics. Now with our new coach, we take our hats off to what he has done with us in the short amount of time he’s had. He’s taking us through to the Olympics as well. Although they’ve been postponed, we’re excited and feel like we are genuine competitors to medal.

You were only 18 when you moved to the US to play for Sky Blue in 2013. What led to that decision and how was that transition? 

Once I finished school, I didn’t really know what to do, and everyone on the Matildas was going to play overseas. I signed with Sky Blue through Lisa De Vanna, who was there as well. The team was looking for an outside back, and she put my name forward. Sam went to play for Western New York at the same time, so, as daunting as it was, I knew that I had her and Lisa.

It was definitely scary. I hated it my first two weeks. I was in New Jersey and the house I lived in was old and not very nice. I kept thinking, “What am I getting myself into here?” But once I started training with the team and making friends, I loved it.

I had to grow up pretty quick, though. I didn’t even know how to cook when I moved. Luckily, Danesha Adams was one of my roommates and she took me under her wing. She always cooked dinner for me and took care of me. And when it was time for me to leave during the offseason, I was really upset because I loved it so much. I was obviously excited to get home, but I was sad to leave the friendships and the life I was living over there at the time.

Looking back, how would you characterize that time with Sky Blue and that first stint in the NWSL? 

During my first couple of years at Sky Blue, we had a good team, and I loved it. I had the opportunity to play alongside Christie Pearce, who was still on the USWNT. I learned a lot playing next to her. I don’t even know how to describe her —  she was just incredible. There always used to be this joke where she would say, “I’m old enough to be your mom.” I was closer in age with her eldest daughter than I was with her. She took me under as one of her kids and I became really close with her family. She was someone that took care of me. I actually called her my US mom.

After those first couple years, though, I wanted to be traded. As I’m sure you are aware, the organization was not the best at the time. I wanted to get out of there, but they wouldn’t trade me.

This happened in the year leading up to the Olympics, so since they wouldn’t trade me, I decided to stay in Australia and focus on training for the Olympics. If it had been any other year, things probably would have been different. But, that’s where my stubbornness comes in. I knew I didn’t want to go back to play for Sky Blue. I was hoping that if I didn’t come back, they would just trade me and I could play somewhere else. I think they were hoping that if they kept refusing to trade me, I would give up and come back. It didn’t work like that for either of us. The following year, I wanted to be traded again but they continued to refuse.

After two years of requesting a trade, why wouldn’t they trade you? 

Honestly, I don’t know. There are so many rules in the NWSL, it’s crazy. When they wouldn’t trade me the second year, I went and played in Japan for a season. It was a completely different experience, but it was also a small world. The goalkeeper I played with at Sky Blue, Brittany Cameron, also played in Japan at the time and she is who first got me interested. It was a new challenge, but I learned so much from being there. My style of play adapted. They are so technically good in Japan, that I was able to improve a lot playing alongside them.

After playing in Japan, you ended up being traded. How did that come about? 

The following year, I started working with a new agent in America. He finally got me traded out of Sky Blue and got me to Portland. He asked me where I wanted to play and I said anywhere. He said, “No, you have a decision in this. You can choose.” That was shocking to me. I just wanted to get out and now you’re saying I can choose where I play? That was cool. He asked what my first preference was and I said, obviously, Portland. Somehow, he made it happen.

Why do you think it took having an agent to actually get you traded from Sky Blue?

Honestly, I don’t know. It never made sense to me. I was out of the league for two years, yet a team still owned me. It didn’t seem right to me. I guess that’s just how the league runs. You almost don’t have any power as a player.

How was the move to Portland? 

I was so excited about the big move because I had wanted to be in the NWSL for the last two years. Right before the move, I was still playing with Sydney FC and we were going into the semifinals. I was playing well at the time and had scored in the first half of the game. Right before half time, I ruptured a ligament in my foot. I was out for three or four months, which delayed me getting over to Portland. That was super tough for me because it was something I was really looking forward to.

Once I recovered and made it to Portland, I was so excited to be there. I have to give massive credit to Mark Parsons and everyone at Portland because they really helped me get through that injury. Their support made me feel like part of the team even when I couldn’t play — it was incredible. But it’s always difficult coming back from an injury, and I felt like I did well with what they asked of me in the club, but I was disappointed because I felt like I couldn’t give them all that I wanted to even though I was so excited to play.

How did your approach change following that disappointment during your second year with the team?  

That first year, I just didn’t feel like I could give to the club what I wanted to. Once the season ended, I was already excited for the next year. In my second year, we had three or four games before I went to the World Cup, and I was playing well. And then I went off to the World Cup to play for Australia. The league continued and credit to the other girls on the Thorns because they were playing really well. When I came back, it was a bit strange. I didn’t get the opportunity to play and prove myself. The team was winning. Players were playing well. It made sense to not take them out, but for me it felt like I was being punished for going to the World Cup. It’s still sad for me because I left Portland and I don’t feel like I gave as much to the club as I would have liked to.

You signed with Arsenal in January. Obviously, coronavirus has thrown a wrench in things, but how do you feel about the move? 

The biggest thing for me right now is that I feel like I’m in a good place with my football and how I’m feeling since joining Arsenal. I’ve never felt so sure and right about a move like this before. The staff has really gone above and beyond. They’ve driven around and dropped off workout gear. There’s group chats where they send workout programs, and they are able to make it fun.

It was hard to be motivated at first, especially after the Olympics were postponed. I spoke to the staff here at Arsenal and expressed how I was feeling. They 100% supported me and understood where I was coming from. They said, “Don’t feel pressure. We’re not chasing numbers. At this point, everyone’s mental health is more important.” To have that support from the Arsenal staff has been super encouraging. It makes my experience so far at the club even better.

You’re 25 and have played in three World Cups. This will be your second Olympics coming up. You’re playing for arguably the best club team in the world. What’s next for you?

Oh, man. I don’t think I’ll be satisfied at the end of my career if I haven’t won or played in a World Cup Final or won an Olympic medal. I want to do something special with the girls I’ve grown up playing with. I would give all of my individual awards away for any of those team awards. Obviously, Arsenal is known for winning trophies and I’ve yet to win any with the club, so hopefully we can grab some of those. A Champions League trophy would be cool.

Former Tennessee basketball coach Kellie Harper is on the move to Missouri, with the school naming Harper as the program's fifth-ever head coach on Tuesday.

"I am incredibly honored to be the next head coach at Mizzou," Harper said in the school's announcement. "Missouri is a special place, and I know firsthand the passion and pride that surrounds this program... The foundation is in place for success — and I can't wait to get started."

Harper replaces previous Tigers boss Robin Pingeton, who resigned last month after 15 seasons. She subsequently stepped away after the team finished last in the SEC for two consecutive seasons.

In her five seasons leading the Vols, Harper earned a 108-52 overall record. She parted ways with Tennessee after last year’s second-round NCAA tournament flameout.

Even so, Harper's 53-24 overall conference record at Tennessee trailed only four-time NCAA title-winning coach Kim Mulkey (LSU) and three-time national champion leader Dawn Staley (South Carolina) in SEC winning percentage.

"Kellie is a proven winner and dynamic leader who understands the 'Will to Win' necessary to succeed at the sport's highest level," said Missouri athletic director Laird Veatch.

Harper brings exceptional resume to Missouri

Harper earned three straight NCAA championships as a player under legendary Tennessee coach Pat Summitt. Then, she began building a playoff-heavy resume as a coach.

In her 20 years leading DI teams, Harper led them to 16 postseason berths, including nine trips to March Madness. She remains one of just two NCAA coaches to ever take four different programs to the tournament.

Before taking the Vols to back-to-back Sweet Sixteens in 2022 and 2023, Harper's first trip to thaat NCAA tournament round came with Missouri State in 2019. That's when she took a Cinderella team on a run to cap her six-year tenure with the Bears.

It's that title-hunting experience that Missouri is hoping to harness, as the Tigers haven't made the March Madness cut since 2019 — the year that the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury drafted Mizzou's all-time leading scorer Sophie Cunningham.

"I am thrilled," said the Missouri alum and new Indiana Fever guard. "I have so much respect for coach Harper, and I can't wait to support her and our Tigers however I can."

March Madness opens its doors on Wednesday night, as the 2024/25 NCAA tournament’s First Four round takes the court with eight teams pursuing the final four tickets to the Big Dance.

Two of the play-in games will pit the last four teams to receive at-large bids against each other, sending Princeton, Iowa State, Washington, and Columbia into battle to snag one of the tournament's final two No. 11 bids.

The other two games are comprised of the lowest ranked conference tournament champions, meaning SWAC champ Southern, Big West winner UC San Diego, CAA victors William & Mary, and Big South title-holders High Point will all compete to enter this weekend's first round as No. 16 seeds.

First Four ups the ante with compelling NCAA storylines

Thanks to growing parity across the NCAA, this year’s First Four brings a new level of heat, with 2024 breakout stars, conference titans, and tournament newcomers raising the stakes right from the jump.

As two of 2025’s six March Madness debutants, both UC San Diego and William & Mary are hoping for a bit of beginner's luck as they take the NCAA tournament court for the very first time.

Meanwhile, the Ivy League will take aim at securing three spots in the 64-team bracket, with both Princeton and Columbia hoping to join conference tournament champion No. 10 seed Harvard in the first round's field.

Standing in Princeton's way is underdog Iowa State, who nearly scored what would have been one of the 2024 tournament's biggest upsets.

Fueled by now-sophomore sharpshooter Audi Crooks — who currently ranks 12th in the nation in field goal percentage — the Cyclones pushed then-No. 2 seed Stanford to the brink, forcing overtime before the Cardinal claimed the 87-81 second-round victory.

"It’s definitely possible," Crooks said this week, commenting on the likelihood of replicating Iowa State's 2024 run. "I think for me it just amplified me personally, and also us as a team. Any success that I have is the team’s success, not necessarily about individual things."

How to watch Women's March Madness First Four games

Stepping into Wednesday's spotlight are Princeton and Iowa State, who will take the court at 7 PM ET before UC San Diego takes on Southern at 9 PM ET.

Then on Thursday, Washington will face Columbia at 7 PM ET, with William & Mary's match against High Point wrapping up the First Four round at 9 PM ET.

Both Wednesday matchups will air on ESPNU, with ESPN2 carrying live coverage of the Thursday clashes.

The 16th NWSL team in Denver will kick off its 2028 season in a home of its own design, with the incoming expansion club announcing plans for a new 14,500-seat, purpose-built stadium on Tuesday.

"This will be the largest overall investment in a women’s professional sports team in history," said controlling owner Rob Cohen in a team release. "It will provide our club, our fans, our partners, and our community with a state-of-the-art stadium that will provide us a distinct home-field advantage and will serve as the most inclusive environment in all of Colorado." 

The team — set to debut in 2026 — will play its first two seasons in a temporary venue while the new stadium remains under construction.

Positioned inside Denver city limits at Santa Fe Yards, the stadium complex will include a 3.5-acre park and mixed-use development, all accessible via the Broadway Light Rail station.

The blueprints also incorporate the ability to expand beyond the stadium’s initial 14,500 seats, with the team interested in eventually extending the capacity closer to 20,000 fans.

"This announcement is a game-changer for the NWSL and a bold statement about where women’s sports are headed," said league commissioner Jessica Berman. "Santa Fe Yards will set a new standard for what professional athletes deserve.

"Denver is helping to shape the future of women’s soccer, and we can’t wait to see the impact this world-class venue will have on players, fans, and the community."

View this post on Instagram

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

Denver joins other NWSL clubs pursuing custom stadiums

Denver’s stadium project follows in the footsteps of Kansas City’s first-ever purpose-built NWSL stadium, which opened its doors alongside the Current's 2024 NWSL season opener.

Meanwhile, fellow 2026 expansion side Boston is in a stadium race of their own, with the club currently in an ongoing struggle to redevelop White Stadium using both public and private funds.

Boston is currently defending the redevelopment in court, as both local political tensions and renovation costs continue to rise.

While Denver has yet to confirm its funding sources, Cohen told ESPN that "it is the ownership group’s intent that we will pay for and build the stadium."

Soccer-specific stadiums in the US come at a premium, but Denver’s immediate large-scale investment showcases just how far prospective teams are willing to go for a seat at the NWSL table.

Securing a Women’s March Madness ad spot has never been tougher, with Disney and ESPN reporting a 200% year-over-year rise in total ad sales, with an impressive 95% of the 2024/25 NCAA tournament's overall inventory already sold.

Ads for April 6th's championship game completely sold out over three months ago, as brand interest surges alongside women's college basketball's skyrocketing viewership.

With some of the championship spots topping $1 million, Disney Advertising now puts those seven-figure March Madness ad rates on par with the cost of advertising during the NBA Finals or College Football Playoff National Championship game.

Brands race to buy ad space in women's sports

Revenue and impact generated by women’s basketball advertising has been on the rise all season, fueling the race to buy into one of the year's biggest sports moments.

While 45 new brands hopped on the March Madness train this year, previous brands returned with even bigger budgets, increasing their 2025 spending by an average of 81%.

"We actually had to strategically fight to not sell out sooner," Disney Advertising VP of revenue and yield management Jacqueline Dobies told AdWeek. "We intentionally wanted to carve out space for as many of our brands as possible and be as inclusive as possible for this particular property."

"If we would have taken every single dollar and unit we had been offered, we would have sold out before the upfront was even over."

As advertisers continue to elbow their way into the space, expect the March Madness uptick to spill over into future events across women’s sports — especially as brands who are late to the party scramble to buy in.

"A lot of years ago, the question was: 'How do we convince brands to buy women’s sports?'" noted Dobies. "That’s not the conversation anymore. It’s: 'How do we make space for everybody?'"