The second episode of Snacks is here.
In the new podcast from Just Women’s Sports, USWNT stars and North Carolina Courage teammates Sam Mewis and Lynn Williams tackle everything from soccer to social justice to the power of friendship.
In this week’s episode, Lynn Williams takes us inside the Courage locker room as the Derek Chauvin verdict came down. (~19:00 min mark)
Williams recalls the verdict being broadcast just before the North Carolina game against Gotham FC. Holding her phone to her ear as the judge announced the jury’s decision, Williams relayed the news in real time to her Courage teammates.
“There are so many things that are bigger than soccer, and I think that was one of those moments that it was like, this is very important for all of us to listen to,” says Williams.
“Being in the locker room, it was empowering to know that it was a safe space, and that it was ok to cry before the soccer game and then get out there and say we’re going to fight for one another.”
On the guilty verdict itself, Williams says it was a critical move in realizing accountability.
“I don’t think it’s something to cheer about. George Floyd is still not with us, and his family is still grieving, but I think it’s the first step of accountability,” says Williams.
Sam Mewis adds that it’s imperative to continue those conversations which have been spurred by America’s recent collective reckoning around systemic racism.
“We need to keep going, we need to keep doing it, and keep talking about it, and keep demanding change in whatever areas we can,” she says.
Listen to the full conversation between the friends and teammates here, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!
