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How Mallory Pugh rediscovered success within disappointment

(Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

A year ago, Mallory Pugh didn’t make the U.S. women’s national team Olympic roster. Now, over 10 months out from the 2023 World Cup, she’s one of the USWNT’s most relied upon attackers and is making a case for being the best player in the NWSL.

Currently in fourth place in the NWSL Golden Boot race with eight goals, the 2021 MVP nominee has been widely considered a frontrunner for this year’s top award. Across all competitions — the NWSL Challenge Cup, the NWSL regular season and international games — Pugh has 18 goals.

Her secret for rising back to success has been simple: staying present and enjoying every moment.

There’s no stopping Mallory Pugh when she’s having fun. That joy, after all, is how she became so good in the first place.

Before she was even old enough to play on her own team, Pugh was obsessed with soccer. Having the ball at her feet brought her so much delight that she didn’t even care about the rules of the game. She’d tag along to her older sister’s training sessions, where she and her dad would kill the hour and a half on an empty field with a full-sized net just up the hill. Pugh vividly remembers the day she kicked the ball over the crossbar.

“No, no,” her dad would tell her. “You’re supposed to hit it into the goal.”

But Pugh didn’t care. That was the first time she’d lifted the ball in the air. She was living in the moment, and it was fun.

When she started attending her sister’s games, Pugh would sit on the team’s bench, intently watching the older athletes and how they played, waiting for halftime when she could tear onto the empty field and try the moves herself.

At 13, she was playing on her own team for Real Colorado. Her talent stood out enough that club president Lorne Donaldson decided to bring her along to Portland, Ore. for the Manchester United Premier Tournament, one of the biggest U-14 tournaments the club could enter into. Pugh was younger and smaller than the others, but Donaldson didn’t want her to overthink the opportunity.

“We just gave her the freedom and said, ‘Hey, listen, just go enjoy it,’” he said. “That’s when we really started to realize she had something special.”

As Pugh started dominating her club games, the U.S. youth national program took notice.

Once back home, players from younger Real Colorado teams, like Pugh’s future USWNT teammate Sophia Smith, would go to her games just to watch her play.

Pugh rapidly rose up the ranks, all the way to a global stage in 2016. At 17, she made her senior national team debut, becoming the youngest player to do so since Heather O’Reilly in 2002. After scoring her first international goal in that game, she also became the youngest player to make a Concacaf Olympic qualifying roster. She then went on to the 2016 Rio Olympics and, three years later, won a World Cup title with the USWNT.

It appeared there was no stopping Mallory Pugh.

But then it all came to a halt.

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Mallory Pugh is in the midst of a renaissance after she was left off the USWNT’s Olympic roster last summer. (Howard Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

At the end of 2020, Pugh was traded to the Chicago Red Stars, her third NWSL team in three years. In January, she suffered an injury in USWNT camp. Summer came, and after some inconsistency on the pitch, she was cut from the Olympic roster.

The decision was tough for USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski, who valued Pugh’s potential but felt she needed “a wake-up call.”

“Not going to the Olympics was devastating and everything for me, but I feel like it was exactly what I needed,” Pugh told Just Women’s Sports.

Following the setback, she spent a lot of time behind the scenes working on herself mentally and physically as well as on her technical and tactical game. Mostly though, she spent time with her sports psychologist, rediscovering a mindset of staying present and having fun.

Chicago became the perfect fit for Pugh. With the Red Stars, Pugh has the ability to play freely and conquer backlines with her uncatchable runs into the box, where she calmly slots the ball into the bottom corner. The forward can drift where she wants and dictate the attack as needed.

“It’s fun for me,” she said this week after scoring two goals and making two assists in a 4-0 win over Racing Louisville. “Having the freedom to do that and reading off of everyone as a whole, it’s been good.”

As someone who went pro right after high school and was introduced to the NWSL through young teams like the Washington Spirit and Sky Blue FC, Pugh is grateful to play alongside other experienced players who help take some of the pressure off. With Chicago, Pugh can focus on just playing, like she did on that field up the hill in Colorado.

“I feel like I’ve grown into who I was supposed to be as a player and a person,” she said. “Deep down, I always knew how I wanted to play and you would see little glimpses of that. But I feel like over the past few years, it’s been a learning process of how to get back to that and grow into that.”

Enjoying herself and playing arguably the best soccer the world has seen from her, it’s easy to assume Pugh might consider this year the favorite of her career, but she’s not ranking it just yet. She’ll know better at the end of the season, when she’s had time to reflect on her growth.

“Last year was one of my favorite years, but I wouldn’t say that in the middle of it,” she said.

What she can pinpoint is her favorite goal of the season. Against Iceland in late February, thanks to Catarina Macario’s defensive efforts in the midfield, she and Pugh broke free in a two-v-two toward the net. They passed the ball back and forth effortlessly through the opponent’s half until they were in the box. Macario gave the final touch to Pugh, who one-timed it past the goalkeeper.

Pugh singles out that goal because of the lead-up and Macario’s pass, which Pugh described as perfect, but it also symbolized more than that. Andonovski went into that tournament with the intention of seeing how Pugh, Macario and Smith worked together up front. That goal was Pugh’s third in two games, and afterward Anondovski described her as the future of the national team, saying a player would have to do something incredible to take her starting spot.

“I’m so happy with Mal’s performance,” Andonovski said in March after the SheBelieves Cup. “I’m so happy with her form, and I know I was sitting in the same spot a year and a half ago trying to explain what Mal needs in order to be back on the national team … I’m so proud of her, the way she took it. She accepted the challenge and came back and proved that she can do this.”

To Andonovski, it’s obvious that Pugh enjoys the game more than she did a year ago. With an abundance of new faces on the USWNT, she’s also taken on an enhanced role.

Being a verbal leader doesn’t come easily to Pugh, 24 years old but already a seven-year USWNT vet. She’d rather leave that part to players like Kelley O’Hara.

“I think it’s definitely a learning process, but I also think it’s an opportunity to carry on what the national team means,” Pugh said. “I think too with the Red Stars, I wouldn’t say my leadership style’s verbal. I think there’s definitely players that are like your captains, who speak to players and stuff, but I would say mine — I don’t know — I try and like, play … just setting the standard. Not setting it, but holding the standard and meeting the standard. I think you have to do that first.

“Everyone leads in their own way. To me, I feel like leadership is everyone can be a leader. It’s just about doing it first yourself, and then soon people will follow.”

On Saturday and Tuesday, Pugh will once again represent the USWNT in Kansas City and Washington, D.C. for a two-game friendly series against Nigeria.

As the U.S. gears up for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand next summer, Pugh’s sights remain set on where they’ve been for the last year.

“I think the biggest [goal] for me and what I’ve learned is just to have fun,” she said. “Just to enjoy every moment, and every game that we get to play and every training, just being very grateful for that.”

Jessa Braun is a contributing writer at Just Women’s Sports covering the NWSL and USWNT. Follow her on Twitter @jessabraun.

PWHL Unveils All-New Uniforms Ahead of 2024/25 Season

PWHL players pose on the ice while wearing new women's hockey uniforms.
The PWHL unveiled new branding ahead of the league's second season. (Bauer/PWHL)

The PWHL unveiled all-new uniforms for its six founding teams on Thursday, after a long process that saw players competing under generic names and logos for the duration of the league's inaugural season.

Bauer — the PWHL's exclusive game and replica home jersey provider — is the sportswear company behind the uniforms. The league also worked closely with creative agency Flower Shop to refine each team's jersey design and branding.

PWHL hockey jerseys hanging against a blue and grey brick wall.
Each team's jersey design incorporates elements unique to the club's identity. (Bauer/PWHL)

Bauer Hockey takes the lead in PWHL jersey production

"We're proud to be the official game and replica jersey partner for the PWHL, as a next step in our long-standing commitment to girls and women’s hockey," said Mary-Kay Messier, Bauer Hockey's VP of global marketing, in Thursday's PWHL press release. "We are honored to celebrate the players, outfitting them with authentic on-ice jerseys. We are equally excited to celebrate the fans, providing premium-crafted replica jerseys so they can show their passion and support for their favorite PWHL team."

Each team's jersey incorporates elements unique to the club's regional and brand identity. Accordingly, the Minnesota Frost's uniform "embraces the chill" with a deep purple and white motif, "capturing the sharpness of the frozen landscape." Meanwhile, the Boston Fleet's jersey draws on alternating colored stripes, resulting in a "wave-like pattern that evokes a strong connection to the sea."

"Working alongside the team at Bauer, we put thought behind every color, every stitch, every fabric choice — every element— to ensure these uniforms are of the highest quality," added Jayna Hefford, PWHL SVP of hockey operations. "From the design process to final production, we aimed to create uniforms that not only reflect the spirit of each team but also deliver top-tier performance and comfort for our athletes."

Minnesota Frost player models new purple PWHL jersey.
The Frost's new jersey design is meant to evoke Minnesota's cold winters. (Grace Zumwinkle/Minnesota Frost)

PWHL brings home replica jerseys to fans

"Players and fans alike have been waiting for this moment and we couldn't be happier with the six unique looks each team will don moving forward," said PWHL SVP of business operations Amy Scheer. "These jerseys mark the latest evolution in our league's history, and we can't wait to see them showcased both on the ice and in the stands."

Fans can now purchase home replica jerseys online at the Official PWHL Shop, with key retailers following on November 14th. Replica jerseys will also be available at all home games when the season kicks off on November 30th.

Olympic Bronze Medalist Sammy Sullivan Talks Team USA Rugby on ‘The Late Sub’

Sammy Sullivan of Team USA rugby celebrates during a game at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Rugby star Sammy Sullivan won Olympic bronze in Paris as a part of Team USA. (Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

In today’s episode of The Late Sub, host Claire Watkins breaks down the ins and outs of every NWSL quarterfinal, including who to keep on upset watch and what to expect tactically between the lines.

Then, Watkins sits down with 2024 Olympic bronze medalist rugby player Sammy Sullivan to chat about the future of rugby in the US. Sullivan digs into how she balances the rugby's newfound spotlight with the day-to-day grind of being a pro athlete, plus how fans can keep up with Team USA Rugby all year-round.

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.

Subscribe to The Late Sub to never miss an episode.

Lynx Rookie Alissa Pili Stars in Latest Nike N7 Campaign

Lynx forward Alissa Pili wears the Nike N7 Collection.
This year's N7 Collection celebrates Indigenous culture. (Nike Basketball)

Minnesota Lynx forward Alissa Pili is the official face of Nike's Native American Heritage Month-inspired N7 Collection, the brand announced on Thursday.

Created in partnership with young Indigenous designer Chelysa "Chief" Owens-Cyr, Canada, the campaign "celebrates Indigenous culture and its interconnectedness with nature while helping preserve and showcase Native traditions for generations to come."

WNBA rookie Alissa Pili poses in Nike N7 gear holding a basketball.
Lynx forward Alissa Pili is both Samoan and Indigenous Alaskan. (Nike Basketball)

Pili signed Nike N7 contract in rookie WNBA season

Minnesota drafted Pili, who is of Samoan and Alaskan Iñupiat descent, as the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft.

No stranger to using her platform to encourage young Indigenous athletes, the Utah alum and 2023 Pac-12 Player of the Year inked her endorsement deal with Nike's N7 in June. The rookie signing was part of the sportswear giant's "commitment to uplifting Indigenous athletes and ensuring the next generation of Native youth see themselves represented."

At the time of her signing, Pili stated "I’m so honored to join the Nike Family as an N7 athlete. Representation is important to me, and I look forward to making an impact in the league and demonstrating to all the Indigenous and Polynesian girls who love the game that they can reach their dreams.”

Nike's new N7 Collection shorts in white with turquoise design.
Nike's 2024 N7 Collection includes Lakota-inspired designs. (Nike Basketball)

Lakota-inspired designs feature in Nike N7 Collection

This edition of the N7 Collection aims to empower and reinforce self-expression and includes clothing and exclusive turquoise colorways in both Nike Dunk and KD17 sneakers, now available online and at select retail locations.

Designer Chief chose geometric patterns reflecting Lakota teachings, saying "I want Native youth to feel represented, strengthened and empowered by this collection, which takes inspirations from what you’d historically see in beadwork or other traditional wear and applies it to modern, contemporary clothing."

"It's a good representation of my people to be able to share my culture and voice with not only Indigenous communities, but the whole world," Chief added. "The Lakota term I'd connect with it is 'Mitakuye Oyasin,' which means all my relations, we are all connected, we are one."

N7 Fund nonprofit grant applications now open

The N7 Collection release coincides with the opening of grant applications for Nike's N7 Fund, an initiative that invests in nonprofits elevating North America's Indigenous communities.

With $625,000 up for grabs since the N7 Fund grants began in 2022, nonprofit organizations can apply through January 6, 2025.

Upsets Rattle Early Season College Basketball as NCAA Tips Off

Florida State junior guard Ta'Niya Latson dribbles the ball up the court in an NCAA college basketball game.
Florida State junior Ta'Niya Latson scored 27 points in Thursday's loss. (G Fiume/Getty Images)

With NCAA basketball tipping off this week, early season upsets and hard-fought wins are already humbling some of college's top-ranked programs.

No. 19 Florida State fell to unranked Illinois 83-74 on Thursday despite 27 points from junior guard Ta'Niya Latson and a 22-point, 14-rebound double-double from senior forward Makayla Timpson. Behind 20-point performances from both Makira Cook and Adalia Mckenzie, the Fighting Illini took a 10-point first-quarter lead that they never relinquished.

Also on Thursday, No. 25 Indiana lost to unranked Harvard 72-68, with the Crimson dropping 21 first-quarter points to the Hoosiers' mere seven to put Indiana on their heels. The Big Ten squad mounted a comeback to force overtime, but between Harvard guard Harmoni Turner's 24 points and Indiana's 27 turnovers, the Ivy Leaguers took the win back to Cambridge.

Proving that ambitious non-conference schedules can be both risky and rewarding, No. 1 South Carolina, No. 3 USC, and No. 5 UCLA all narrowly fended off upsets in their respective season openers earlier this week.

Ultimately, even though recruitment and transfer opportunities can consolidate talent at the league's top, parity in college basketball has never been more widespread — and the 2024/25 competition's just starting.

Former South Carolina star Kamila Cardoso and NC State's Saniya Rivers tip off in a college basketball game at the 2024 NCAA Final Four semifinal.
NC State will try to avenge their 2024 Final Four loss to South Carolina on Sunday. (Ben Solomon/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

Final Four rematch headlines NCAA weekend lineup

Continuing the non-conference drama this weekend will be Sunday's 2024 Final Four rematch between No. 1 South Carolina and No. 9 NC State.

Last April, the Gamecocks resoundingly defeated the Wolfpack 78-59 in their NCAA semifinal before finishing the 2023/24 season as undefeated national champions.

Former South Carolina transfer Saniya Rivers will once again star for the Wolfpack, though sophomore guard Zoe Brooks was NC State's leading scorer with 21 points in their season opener against East Tennessee State on Tuesday.

As for the Gamecocks, they relied on junior forward Chloe Kitts to lead the scoring in their 68-62 opening win over unranked Michigan on Monday. In narrow victory, the reigning champions trailed for all but 32 seconds of the first half. Of course, the struggle highlighted the fact that South Carolina is still figuring out how to respond to missing Chicago Sky rookie Kamila Cardoso in the paint.

Sunday will also feature another ranked matchup, as No. 11 Duke visits No. 18 Maryland. Though both teams enter the weekend undefeated, Duke faces a particularly tough non-conference schedule this season, capped by a December 5th date with South Carolina.

How to watch women's college basketball games this weekend

Duke and Maryland tip off Sunday's action at 1 PM ET, airing live on FS1. Then at 3 PM ET, South Carolina visits NC State, with live coverage on ESPN.

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