Origin Story: The 85ers en Origin Story: The 85ers Presented by adidasProduced by Storied Sports Origin Story: The 85ers is a groundbreaking, documentary-style audio series that uncovers the untold beginnings of the most dominant dynasty in women’s sports: the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. Before the world knew their names—and long before millions tuned in to watch the USWNT lift World Cups—there were 17 women who stepped onto the field in 1985 with no media, no funding, and no blueprint. They played for love of the game, and in doing so, ignited a revolution. Told through intimate interviews, restored archival moments, and the unmistakable voice of Michelle Akers—FIFA Player of the Century, original ’85er, and executive producer—the series brings audiences back to where it all began. This is the story before the glory. The team before the dynasty. The spark that built a movement. Season 1 features seven episodes, rare behind-the-scenes stories, and the unfiltered voices of the women who built U.S. women’s soccer from the ground up. Origin Story: The 85ers is the first chapter in a new cultural storytelling franchise from Storied Sports—turning legacy into livelihood and finally giving these pioneers the recognition, platform, and ownership they always deserved. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/4b75c46c-cb1e-11f0-91b8-1ba5937cc6f5/image/c92d75ffcc87794f57ef1cdfa4190bdf.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress Origin Story: The 85ers episodic Storied Sports Origin Story: The 85ers Presented by adidasProduced by Storied Sports Origin Story: The 85ers is a groundbreaking, documentary-style audio series that uncovers the untold beginnings of the most dominant dynasty in women’s sports: the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. Before the world knew their names—and long before millions tuned in to watch the USWNT lift World Cups—there were 17 women who stepped onto the field in 1985 with no media, no funding, and no blueprint. They played for love of the game, and in doing so, ignited a revolution. Told through intimate interviews, restored archival moments, and the unmistakable voice of Michelle Akers—FIFA Player of the Century, original ’85er, and executive producer—the series brings audiences back to where it all began. This is the story before the glory. The team before the dynasty. The spark that built a movement. Season 1 features seven episodes, rare behind-the-scenes stories, and the unfiltered voices of the women who built U.S. women’s soccer from the ground up. Origin Story: The 85ers is the first chapter in a new cultural storytelling franchise from Storied Sports—turning legacy into livelihood and finally giving these pioneers the recognition, platform, and ownership they always deserved. Origin Story: The 85ers

Presented by adidas
Produced by Storied Sports

Origin Story: The 85ers is a groundbreaking, documentary-style audio series that uncovers the untold beginnings of the most dominant dynasty in women’s sports: the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team.

Before the world knew their names—and long before millions tuned in to watch the USWNT lift World Cups—there were 17 women who stepped onto the field in 1985 with no media, no funding, and no blueprint. They played for love of the game, and in doing so, ignited a revolution.

Told through intimate interviews, restored archival moments, and the unmistakable voice of Michelle Akers—FIFA Player of the Century, original ’85er, and executive producer—the series brings audiences back to where it all began.

This is the story before the glory.
The team before the dynasty.
The spark that built a movement.

Season 1 features seven episodes, rare behind-the-scenes stories, and the unfiltered voices of the women who built U.S. women’s soccer from the ground up.

Origin Story: The 85ers is the first chapter in a new cultural storytelling franchise from Storied Sports—turning legacy into livelihood and finally giving these pioneers the recognition, platform, and ownership they always deserved.

]]> Storied Sports jaymee@storiedsports.com Episode 7: OOSA Forever Presented by adidas Produced by Storied Sports Executive Producer: Michelle Akers The final episode brings the story full circle by returning to the cheer — Oosa! — that began as a mispronunciation from the Italian crowd in 1985 and evolved into a sacred team tradition passed down for four decades. Erin and Jane reveal that nearly every modern USWNT player knows the chant, but almost none knew its origin. From there, Episode 7 charts the path from the raw beginnings of 1985 to the seismic breakthrough of the 1991 Women’s World Cup. The appointment of Anson Dorrance transforms the national team into winners — they would dominate it, all while decked out in adidas. Players from the ’85 team who stayed on carried the sting of Mundalito loss with them, fueling the gut-level grit that powered the U.S. toward its first world championship. But even after winning it all, they still faced second-class treatment, long commercial flights home without media, and minimal federation support. The importance of sponsors like adidas is discussed in the context of the growth of women’s sports since the 85ers played. The episode closes by connecting “The 85ers” to everything that came after — the Olympics, the 1999 team, the modern program — and by restoring their place in history. Their legacy isn’t just that they were the first. It’s that they created the culture, the attitude, the fight, and the sisterhood that the USWNT still carries today. 00:00 — When “Oosa” was a mistake 01:45 — A rally cry is born 02:45 — The “Oosa” that never left 03:30 — Success without recognition 04:30 — Grit, redemption, and the 1986 return 05:55 — 1991: World Champions, still invisible 07:45 — From 1999 glory to lingering issues 08:30 — A history forgotten 10:00 — Fighting to be written back in 15:10 — Barriers, Hall of Fame, and double standards 17:55 — The spark: a jersey, a reunion, a movement 24:20 — Seattle with the 85ers - 40 years later 31:45 — Soccer family, legacy, and the next generation 37:10 — What the 85ers built 39:40 — Oosa forever! Featuring (in order of appearance): Erin Foley: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Comedian & TV Writer Jane McManus: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Sports Journalist & Academic Michelle Akers: Midfielder/Forward | Fifa Co-Player of the Century | USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion Lori Henry: Defender | Former USWNT Captain & World Cup Champion Ruth Harker: Goalkeeper | Member Of The 1985 USWNT | St. Louis Soccer Hall of Famer Linda Gancitano: Defender | 1985 Olympic Sports Festival MVP | First Sub in USWNT History Becky Sauerbrunn: USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion Sam Meza: Current USWNT Midfielder Julie Foudy: USWNT 2x Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion Anson Dorrance: USWNT Head Coach 1986-1994 | 65–22–5 Record with USWNT Kristine Lilly: Most Caps in International Soccer History  Brenda Elsey: History Professor, Hofstra University  Meghann Burke: Executive Director, NWSLPA | Retired WPS Goalkeeper Stacey Enos: Midfielder | Member of the 1985 USWNT | 3x NCAA Champion - University of North Carolina Maya Mendoza-Exstrom: Seattle Sounders FC Chief Operating Officer Kathy Ridgewell-Williams: Forward | Member of the 1985 USWNT Sharon McMurtry: Midfielder | 1985 U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year | First-Ever U.S Soccer Female Athlete of the Year Emily Sams: Current USWNT Defender Lindsey Heaps: Current USWNT Captain & Midfielder | USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & World Cup Champion Emma Hayes: Current USWNT Head Coach Kim Wyant: Goalkeeper | First GK Win in USWNT History | NYU Men's Soccer Head Coach  Emily Pickering Harner: Midfielder | First Assist In USWNT History Abby Wambach: USWNT’s All-Time Leading Scorer Fri, 19 Dec 2025 17:00:00 -0000 full 1 7 Storied Sports Presented by adidas Produced by Storied Sports Executive Producer: Michelle Akers The final episode brings the story full circle by returning to the cheer — Oosa! — that began as a mispronunciation from the Italian crowd in 1985 and evolved into a sacred team tradition passed down for four decades. Erin and Jane reveal that nearly every modern USWNT player knows the chant, but almost none knew its origin. From there, Episode 7 charts the path from the raw beginnings of 1985 to the seismic breakthrough of the 1991 Women’s World Cup. The appointment of Anson Dorrance transforms the national team into winners — they would dominate it, all while decked out in adidas. Players from the ’85 team who stayed on carried the sting of Mundalito loss with them, fueling the gut-level grit that powered the U.S. toward its first world championship. But even after winning it all, they still faced second-class treatment, long commercial flights home without media, and minimal federation support. The importance of sponsors like adidas is discussed in the context of the growth of women’s sports since the 85ers played. The episode closes by connecting “The 85ers” to everything that came after — the Olympics, the 1999 team, the modern program — and by restoring their place in history. Their legacy isn’t just that they were the first. It’s that they created the culture, the attitude, the fight, and the sisterhood that the USWNT still carries today. 00:00 — When “Oosa” was a mistake 01:45 — A rally cry is born 02:45 — The “Oosa” that never left 03:30 — Success without recognition 04:30 — Grit, redemption, and the 1986 return 05:55 — 1991: World Champions, still invisible 07:45 — From 1999 glory to lingering issues 08:30 — A history forgotten 10:00 — Fighting to be written back in 15:10 — Barriers, Hall of Fame, and double standards 17:55 — The spark: a jersey, a reunion, a movement 24:20 — Seattle with the 85ers - 40 years later 31:45 — Soccer family, legacy, and the next generation 37:10 — What the 85ers built 39:40 — Oosa forever! Featuring (in order of appearance): Erin Foley: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Comedian & TV Writer Jane McManus: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Sports Journalist & Academic Michelle Akers: Midfielder/Forward | Fifa Co-Player of the Century | USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion Lori Henry: Defender | Former USWNT Captain & World Cup Champion Ruth Harker: Goalkeeper | Member Of The 1985 USWNT | St. Louis Soccer Hall of Famer Linda Gancitano: Defender | 1985 Olympic Sports Festival MVP | First Sub in USWNT History Becky Sauerbrunn: USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion Sam Meza: Current USWNT Midfielder Julie Foudy: USWNT 2x Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion Anson Dorrance: USWNT Head Coach 1986-1994 | 65–22–5 Record with USWNT Kristine Lilly: Most Caps in International Soccer History  Brenda Elsey: History Professor, Hofstra University  Meghann Burke: Executive Director, NWSLPA | Retired WPS Goalkeeper Stacey Enos: Midfielder | Member of the 1985 USWNT | 3x NCAA Champion - University of North Carolina Maya Mendoza-Exstrom: Seattle Sounders FC Chief Operating Officer Kathy Ridgewell-Williams: Forward | Member of the 1985 USWNT Sharon McMurtry: Midfielder | 1985 U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year | First-Ever U.S Soccer Female Athlete of the Year Emily Sams: Current USWNT Defender Lindsey Heaps: Current USWNT Captain & Midfielder | USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & World Cup Champion Emma Hayes: Current USWNT Head Coach Kim Wyant: Goalkeeper | First GK Win in USWNT History | NYU Men's Soccer Head Coach  Emily Pickering Harner: Midfielder | First Assist In USWNT History Abby Wambach: USWNT’s All-Time Leading Scorer Presented by adidas

Produced by Storied Sports

Executive Producer: Michelle Akers


The final episode brings the story full circle by returning to the cheer — Oosa! — that began as a mispronunciation from the Italian crowd in 1985 and evolved into a sacred team tradition passed down for four decades. Erin and Jane reveal that nearly every modern USWNT player knows the chant, but almost none knew its origin. From there, Episode 7 charts the path from the raw beginnings of 1985 to the seismic breakthrough of the 1991 Women’s World Cup. The appointment of Anson Dorrance transforms the national team into winners — they would dominate it, all while decked out in adidas. Players from the ’85 team who stayed on carried the sting of Mundalito loss with them, fueling the gut-level grit that powered the U.S. toward its first world championship. But even after winning it all, they still faced second-class treatment, long commercial flights home without media, and minimal federation support. The importance of sponsors like adidas is discussed in the context of the growth of women’s sports since the 85ers played. The episode closes by connecting “The 85ers” to everything that came after — the Olympics, the 1999 team, the modern program — and by restoring their place in history. Their legacy isn’t just that they were the first. It’s that they created the culture, the attitude, the fight, and the sisterhood that the USWNT still carries today.


00:00 — When “Oosa” was a mistake

01:45 — A rally cry is born

02:45 — The “Oosa” that never left

03:30 — Success without recognition

04:30 — Grit, redemption, and the 1986 return

05:55 — 1991: World Champions, still invisible

07:45 — From 1999 glory to lingering issues

08:30 — A history forgotten

10:00 — Fighting to be written back in

15:10 — Barriers, Hall of Fame, and double standards

17:55 — The spark: a jersey, a reunion, a movement

24:20 — Seattle with the 85ers - 40 years later

31:45 — Soccer family, legacy, and the next generation

37:10 — What the 85ers built

39:40 — Oosa forever!


Featuring (in order of appearance):

  • Erin Foley: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Comedian & TV Writer

  • Jane McManus: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Sports Journalist & Academic

  • Michelle Akers: Midfielder/Forward | Fifa Co-Player of the Century | USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion

  • Lori Henry: Defender | Former USWNT Captain & World Cup Champion

  • Ruth Harker: Goalkeeper | Member Of The 1985 USWNT | St. Louis Soccer Hall of Famer

  • Linda Gancitano: Defender | 1985 Olympic Sports Festival MVP | First Sub in USWNT History

  • Becky Sauerbrunn: USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion

  • Sam Meza: Current USWNT Midfielder

  • Julie Foudy: USWNT 2x Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion

  • Anson Dorrance: USWNT Head Coach 1986-1994 | 65–22–5 Record with USWNT

  • Kristine Lilly: Most Caps in International Soccer History 

  • Brenda Elsey: History Professor, Hofstra University 

  • Meghann Burke: Executive Director, NWSLPA | Retired WPS Goalkeeper

  • Stacey Enos: Midfielder | Member of the 1985 USWNT | 3x NCAA Champion - University of North Carolina

  • Maya Mendoza-Exstrom: Seattle Sounders FC Chief Operating Officer

  • Kathy Ridgewell-Williams: Forward | Member of the 1985 USWNT

  • Sharon McMurtry: Midfielder | 1985 U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year | First-Ever U.S Soccer Female Athlete of the Year

  • Emily Sams: Current USWNT Defender

  • Lindsey Heaps: Current USWNT Captain & Midfielder | USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & World Cup Champion

  • Emma Hayes: Current USWNT Head Coach

  • Kim Wyant: Goalkeeper | First GK Win in USWNT History | NYU Men's Soccer Head Coach 

  • Emily Pickering Harner: Midfielder | First Assist In USWNT History

    Abby Wambach: USWNT’s All-Time Leading Scorer

]]> 2752 Episode 6: Coming Home Presented by adidas Produced by Storied Sports Executive Producer: Michelle Akers Episode 6 opens with an anecdote we’d hardly believe today: Kim Wyant being summoned to the cockpit of a 747 by a pilot who can’t quite believe women play soccer at such an elite level. That moment of patronizing curiosity becomes the metaphor for what “The 85ers” face when they return to the U.S. — no media coverage, no fanfare, barely anyone who even knew they’d been gone. The episode dives deep into how the players processed the tournament: pride in hanging with world-class teams, disappointment in the results, and Michelle Akers’ trademark uncompromising take — “a loss is a loss, no matter the score”. But the heart of this chapter is the tension between failure and foundation. Some of “The 85ers” wonder whether they “did enough” to keep the program alive. Others feel the tournament lit a fuse — a hunger for redemption that would drive the next generation. By the end, the episode reframes Italy not as an ending, but as the catalyst for what would become the most dominant program in women’s sports. The dynasty didn’t start in triumph — it started with 17 women flying home in silence, determined to make sure the world would one day pay attention - and they’d get the respect they deserved. 00:00 — Celebrities in the sky 03:05 — Returning with pride (and questions) 05:30 — Moral victories vs. winning 07:00 — Michelle Akers’ relentless standard 09:25 — The weight of letting future generations of women down 11:55 — No headlines, no homecoming 14:10 — Was this the end of it all? 16:20 — Life after the National Team 18:55 — “Soccer will not love you back” 22:40 — Realizing greatness 25:05 — Ripples through generations 30:10 — Knowledge that changed the game 33:05 — The legacy lives on Featuring (in order of appearance): Kim Wyant: Goalkeeper | First GK Win in USWNT History | NYU Men's Soccer Head Coach  Erin Foley: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Comedian & TV Writer Jane McManus: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Sports Journalist & Academic Linda Gancitano: Defender | 1985 Olympic Sports Festival MVP | First Sub in USWNT History Cindy Gordon: Forward | Member of the 1985 USWNT Sharon McMurtry: Midfielder | 1985 U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year | First-Ever U.S Soccer Female Athlete of the Year Stacey Enos: Midfielder | Member of the 1985 USWNT | 3x NCAA Champion - University of North Carolina Michelle Akers: Midfielder/Forward | Fifa Co-Player of the Century | USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion Ruth Harker: Goalkeeper | Member Of The 1985 USWNT | St. Louis Soccer Hall of Famer Lori Henry: Defender | Former USWNT Captain & World Cup Champion Michael Lewis: Award-Winning Soccer Writer/Editor Brandi Chastain: USWNT 2x Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion Lori Bylin Sweeney: Midfielder | Member of the 1985 USWNT Denise Bender: Defender | First USWNT Captain Tara Buckley O’Sullivan: Midfielder | 4x All-American & 1982 Honda Award Winner Denise Boyer Merdich: Forward | First USWNT Player of the Game Ann Orrison Germain: Defender | Member of the 1985 USWNT Margaret “Tucka” Healy: Forward | University of California Soccer Hall of Famer Anson Dorrance: USWNT Head Coach 1986-1994 | 65–22–5 Record with USWNT Cindy Parlow Cone: USWNT 2x Olympic Gold Medalist & World Cup Champion | U.S. Soccer Federation President Emma Hayes: Current USWNT Head Coach Kathy Ridgewell-Williams: Forward | Member of the 1985 USWNT Episode 7: 12.19.25 Thu, 18 Dec 2025 17:00:00 -0000 full 1 6 Storied Sports Presented by adidas Produced by Storied Sports Executive Producer: Michelle Akers Episode 6 opens with an anecdote we’d hardly believe today: Kim Wyant being summoned to the cockpit of a 747 by a pilot who can’t quite believe women play soccer at such an elite level. That moment of patronizing curiosity becomes the metaphor for what “The 85ers” face when they return to the U.S. — no media coverage, no fanfare, barely anyone who even knew they’d been gone. The episode dives deep into how the players processed the tournament: pride in hanging with world-class teams, disappointment in the results, and Michelle Akers’ trademark uncompromising take — “a loss is a loss, no matter the score”. But the heart of this chapter is the tension between failure and foundation. Some of “The 85ers” wonder whether they “did enough” to keep the program alive. Others feel the tournament lit a fuse — a hunger for redemption that would drive the next generation. By the end, the episode reframes Italy not as an ending, but as the catalyst for what would become the most dominant program in women’s sports. The dynasty didn’t start in triumph — it started with 17 women flying home in silence, determined to make sure the world would one day pay attention - and they’d get the respect they deserved. 00:00 — Celebrities in the sky 03:05 — Returning with pride (and questions) 05:30 — Moral victories vs. winning 07:00 — Michelle Akers’ relentless standard 09:25 — The weight of letting future generations of women down 11:55 — No headlines, no homecoming 14:10 — Was this the end of it all? 16:20 — Life after the National Team 18:55 — “Soccer will not love you back” 22:40 — Realizing greatness 25:05 — Ripples through generations 30:10 — Knowledge that changed the game 33:05 — The legacy lives on Featuring (in order of appearance): Kim Wyant: Goalkeeper | First GK Win in USWNT History | NYU Men's Soccer Head Coach  Erin Foley: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Comedian & TV Writer Jane McManus: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Sports Journalist & Academic Linda Gancitano: Defender | 1985 Olympic Sports Festival MVP | First Sub in USWNT History Cindy Gordon: Forward | Member of the 1985 USWNT Sharon McMurtry: Midfielder | 1985 U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year | First-Ever U.S Soccer Female Athlete of the Year Stacey Enos: Midfielder | Member of the 1985 USWNT | 3x NCAA Champion - University of North Carolina Michelle Akers: Midfielder/Forward | Fifa Co-Player of the Century | USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion Ruth Harker: Goalkeeper | Member Of The 1985 USWNT | St. Louis Soccer Hall of Famer Lori Henry: Defender | Former USWNT Captain & World Cup Champion Michael Lewis: Award-Winning Soccer Writer/Editor Brandi Chastain: USWNT 2x Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion Lori Bylin Sweeney: Midfielder | Member of the 1985 USWNT Denise Bender: Defender | First USWNT Captain Tara Buckley O’Sullivan: Midfielder | 4x All-American & 1982 Honda Award Winner Denise Boyer Merdich: Forward | First USWNT Player of the Game Ann Orrison Germain: Defender | Member of the 1985 USWNT Margaret “Tucka” Healy: Forward | University of California Soccer Hall of Famer Anson Dorrance: USWNT Head Coach 1986-1994 | 65–22–5 Record with USWNT Cindy Parlow Cone: USWNT 2x Olympic Gold Medalist & World Cup Champion | U.S. Soccer Federation President Emma Hayes: Current USWNT Head Coach Kathy Ridgewell-Williams: Forward | Member of the 1985 USWNT Episode 7: 12.19.25 Presented by adidas

Produced by Storied Sports

Executive Producer: Michelle Akers


Episode 6 opens with an anecdote we’d hardly believe today: Kim Wyant being summoned to the cockpit of a 747 by a pilot who can’t quite believe women play soccer at such an elite level. That moment of patronizing curiosity becomes the metaphor for what “The 85ers” face when they return to the U.S. — no media coverage, no fanfare, barely anyone who even knew they’d been gone. The episode dives deep into how the players processed the tournament: pride in hanging with world-class teams, disappointment in the results, and Michelle Akers’ trademark uncompromising take — “a loss is a loss, no matter the score”. But the heart of this chapter is the tension between failure and foundation. Some of “The 85ers” wonder whether they “did enough” to keep the program alive. Others feel the tournament lit a fuse — a hunger for redemption that would drive the next generation. By the end, the episode reframes Italy not as an ending, but as the catalyst for what would become the most dominant program in women’s sports. The dynasty didn’t start in triumph — it started with 17 women flying home in silence, determined to make sure the world would one day pay attention - and they’d get the respect they deserved.


00:00 — Celebrities in the sky

03:05 — Returning with pride (and questions)

05:30 — Moral victories vs. winning

07:00 — Michelle Akers’ relentless standard

09:25 — The weight of letting future generations of women down

11:55 — No headlines, no homecoming

14:10 — Was this the end of it all?

16:20 — Life after the National Team

18:55 — “Soccer will not love you back”

22:40 — Realizing greatness

25:05 — Ripples through generations

30:10 — Knowledge that changed the game

33:05 — The legacy lives on

Featuring (in order of appearance):

  • Kim Wyant: Goalkeeper | First GK Win in USWNT History | NYU Men's Soccer Head Coach 

  • Erin Foley: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Comedian & TV Writer

  • Jane McManus: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Sports Journalist & Academic

  • Linda Gancitano: Defender | 1985 Olympic Sports Festival MVP | First Sub in USWNT History

  • Cindy Gordon: Forward | Member of the 1985 USWNT

  • Sharon McMurtry: Midfielder | 1985 U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year | First-Ever U.S Soccer Female Athlete of the Year

  • Stacey Enos: Midfielder | Member of the 1985 USWNT | 3x NCAA Champion - University of North Carolina

  • Michelle Akers: Midfielder/Forward | Fifa Co-Player of the Century | USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion

  • Ruth Harker: Goalkeeper | Member Of The 1985 USWNT | St. Louis Soccer Hall of Famer

  • Lori Henry: Defender | Former USWNT Captain & World Cup Champion

  • Michael Lewis: Award-Winning Soccer Writer/Editor

  • Brandi Chastain: USWNT 2x Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion

  • Lori Bylin Sweeney: Midfielder | Member of the 1985 USWNT

  • Denise Bender: Defender | First USWNT Captain

  • Tara Buckley O’Sullivan: Midfielder | 4x All-American & 1982 Honda Award Winner

  • Denise Boyer Merdich: Forward | First USWNT Player of the Game

  • Ann Orrison Germain: Defender | Member of the 1985 USWNT

  • Margaret “Tucka” Healy: Forward | University of California Soccer Hall of Famer

  • Anson Dorrance: USWNT Head Coach 1986-1994 | 65–22–5 Record with USWNT

  • Cindy Parlow Cone: USWNT 2x Olympic Gold Medalist & World Cup Champion | U.S. Soccer Federation President

  • Emma Hayes: Current USWNT Head Coach

  • Kathy Ridgewell-Williams: Forward | Member of the 1985 USWNT

Episode 7: 12.19.25

]]> 2040 Episode 5: Italian Lessons Presented by adidas Produced by Storied Sports Executive Producer: Michelle Akers After a tough opening loss to Italy, Episode 5 celebrates the glorious chaos of being twenty-something years old at an international tournament with almost zero oversight. With no curfews, no social media, and no federation breathing down their necks, “The 85ers” discover nightclubs aka “discothèques”, siestas, beach culture, and a sense of freedom none of them had imagined. But the heart of the episode is game two vs. Denmark — and the birth of the now-iconic “Oosa!” chant, inspired by Italian fans in game one. This becomes the pregame ritual that will last for the next 40 years of the USWNT. On the field, Michelle Akers unleashes the tornado of intensity that would define her career, scoring what teammates later confirm was the first goal in USWNT history. The team trainer, Kim Favorite, goes home with an empty adidas bag because everyone needed extra gear. The team battles to a 2–2 draw against a powerhouse Denmark squad, impressing even Danish legend Lone Schmidt Nielsen. It’s the moment “The 85ers” finally feel the rhythm of international soccer — and prove to themselves they belong. 00:00 — Half business trip, half Spring Break!01:30 — No curfews, no GPS, no rules 02:20 — Game 2 vs. Denmark & the birth of the “OOSA!” 03:55 — Michelle Akers returns with something to prove 04:40 — Playing your heroes while fighting for your spot 05:30 — Denmark’s physical reality check 07:55 — Breakthrough goals & vindication 09:25 — Missed chances & lingering “what ifs” 10:55 — A 2–2 tie that felt like a win 11:35 — An opponent takes notice 13:45 — Italy shenanigans, beach days & chaos 21:30 — Lost bus, no warm-up & tournament turning point 29:35 — Denise Boyer’s full-circle moment Featuring (in order of appearance): Erin Foley: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Comedian & TV Writer Jane McManus: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Sports Journalist & Academic Linda Gancitano: Defender | 1985 Olympic Sports Festival MVP | First Sub in USWNT History Emily Pickering Harner: Midfielder | First Assist In USWNT History Denise Bender: Defender | First USWNT Captain Margaret “Tucka” Healy: Forward | University of California Soccer Hall of Famer Kim Wyant: Goalkeeper | First GK Win in USWNT History | NYU Men's Soccer Head Coach  Ruth Harker: Goalkeeper | Member Of The 1985 USWNT | St. Louis Soccer Hall of Famer Michelle Akers: Midfielder/Forward | Fifa Co-Player of the Century | USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion Kim Favorite: First USWNT Head Athletic Trainer Sharon McMurtry: Midfielder | 1985 U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year | First-Ever U.S Soccer Female Athlete of the Year Stacey Enos: Midfielder | Member of the 1985 USWNT | 3x NCAA Champion - University of North Carolina Kathy Ridgewell-Williams: Forward | Member of the 1985 USWNT Cindy Gordon: Forward | Member of the 1985 USWNT Marieanne Spacey-Cale: Striker | English Football Hall of Famer |  Member of 1985 England National Team Denise Boyer Merdich: Forward | First USWNT Player of the Game Episode 6: 12.18.25 Episode 7: 12.19.25 Wed, 17 Dec 2025 17:01:00 -0000 full 1 5 Storied Sports Presented by adidas Produced by Storied Sports Executive Producer: Michelle Akers After a tough opening loss to Italy, Episode 5 celebrates the glorious chaos of being twenty-something years old at an international tournament with almost zero oversight. With no curfews, no social media, and no federation breathing down their necks, “The 85ers” discover nightclubs aka “discothèques”, siestas, beach culture, and a sense of freedom none of them had imagined. But the heart of the episode is game two vs. Denmark — and the birth of the now-iconic “Oosa!” chant, inspired by Italian fans in game one. This becomes the pregame ritual that will last for the next 40 years of the USWNT. On the field, Michelle Akers unleashes the tornado of intensity that would define her career, scoring what teammates later confirm was the first goal in USWNT history. The team trainer, Kim Favorite, goes home with an empty adidas bag because everyone needed extra gear. The team battles to a 2–2 draw against a powerhouse Denmark squad, impressing even Danish legend Lone Schmidt Nielsen. It’s the moment “The 85ers” finally feel the rhythm of international soccer — and prove to themselves they belong. 00:00 — Half business trip, half Spring Break!01:30 — No curfews, no GPS, no rules 02:20 — Game 2 vs. Denmark & the birth of the “OOSA!” 03:55 — Michelle Akers returns with something to prove 04:40 — Playing your heroes while fighting for your spot 05:30 — Denmark’s physical reality check 07:55 — Breakthrough goals & vindication 09:25 — Missed chances & lingering “what ifs” 10:55 — A 2–2 tie that felt like a win 11:35 — An opponent takes notice 13:45 — Italy shenanigans, beach days & chaos 21:30 — Lost bus, no warm-up & tournament turning point 29:35 — Denise Boyer’s full-circle moment Featuring (in order of appearance): Erin Foley: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Comedian & TV Writer Jane McManus: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Sports Journalist & Academic Linda Gancitano: Defender | 1985 Olympic Sports Festival MVP | First Sub in USWNT History Emily Pickering Harner: Midfielder | First Assist In USWNT History Denise Bender: Defender | First USWNT Captain Margaret “Tucka” Healy: Forward | University of California Soccer Hall of Famer Kim Wyant: Goalkeeper | First GK Win in USWNT History | NYU Men's Soccer Head Coach  Ruth Harker: Goalkeeper | Member Of The 1985 USWNT | St. Louis Soccer Hall of Famer Michelle Akers: Midfielder/Forward | Fifa Co-Player of the Century | USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion Kim Favorite: First USWNT Head Athletic Trainer Sharon McMurtry: Midfielder | 1985 U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year | First-Ever U.S Soccer Female Athlete of the Year Stacey Enos: Midfielder | Member of the 1985 USWNT | 3x NCAA Champion - University of North Carolina Kathy Ridgewell-Williams: Forward | Member of the 1985 USWNT Cindy Gordon: Forward | Member of the 1985 USWNT Marieanne Spacey-Cale: Striker | English Football Hall of Famer |  Member of 1985 England National Team Denise Boyer Merdich: Forward | First USWNT Player of the Game Episode 6: 12.18.25 Episode 7: 12.19.25 Presented by adidas

Produced by Storied Sports

Executive Producer: Michelle Akers


After a tough opening loss to Italy, Episode 5 celebrates the glorious chaos of being twenty-something years old at an international tournament with almost zero oversight. With no curfews, no social media, and no federation breathing down their necks, “The 85ers” discover nightclubs aka “discothèques”, siestas, beach culture, and a sense of freedom none of them had imagined. But the heart of the episode is game two vs. Denmark — and the birth of the now-iconic “Oosa!” chant, inspired by Italian fans in game one. This becomes the pregame ritual that will last for the next 40 years of the USWNT. On the field, Michelle Akers unleashes the tornado of intensity that would define her career, scoring what teammates later confirm was the first goal in USWNT history. The team trainer, Kim Favorite, goes home with an empty adidas bag because everyone needed extra gear. The team battles to a 2–2 draw against a powerhouse Denmark squad, impressing even Danish legend Lone Schmidt Nielsen. It’s the moment “The 85ers” finally feel the rhythm of international soccer — and prove to themselves they belong.


00:00 — Half business trip, half Spring Break!01:30 — No curfews, no GPS, no rules

02:20 — Game 2 vs. Denmark & the birth of the “OOSA!”

03:55 — Michelle Akers returns with something to prove

04:40 — Playing your heroes while fighting for your spot

05:30 — Denmark’s physical reality check

07:55 — Breakthrough goals & vindication

09:25 — Missed chances & lingering “what ifs”

10:55 — A 2–2 tie that felt like a win

11:35 — An opponent takes notice

13:45 — Italy shenanigans, beach days & chaos

21:30 — Lost bus, no warm-up & tournament turning point

29:35 — Denise Boyer’s full-circle moment

Featuring (in order of appearance):

  • Erin Foley: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Comedian & TV Writer

  • Jane McManus: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Sports Journalist & Academic

  • Linda Gancitano: Defender | 1985 Olympic Sports Festival MVP | First Sub in USWNT History

  • Emily Pickering Harner: Midfielder | First Assist In USWNT History

  • Denise Bender: Defender | First USWNT Captain

  • Margaret “Tucka” Healy: Forward | University of California Soccer Hall of Famer

  • Kim Wyant: Goalkeeper | First GK Win in USWNT History | NYU Men's Soccer Head Coach 

  • Ruth Harker: Goalkeeper | Member Of The 1985 USWNT | St. Louis Soccer Hall of Famer

  • Michelle Akers: Midfielder/Forward | Fifa Co-Player of the Century | USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion

  • Kim Favorite: First USWNT Head Athletic Trainer

  • Sharon McMurtry: Midfielder | 1985 U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year | First-Ever U.S Soccer Female Athlete of the Year

  • Stacey Enos: Midfielder | Member of the 1985 USWNT | 3x NCAA Champion - University of North Carolina

  • Kathy Ridgewell-Williams: Forward | Member of the 1985 USWNT

  • Cindy Gordon: Forward | Member of the 1985 USWNT

  • Marieanne Spacey-Cale: Striker | English Football Hall of Famer |  Member of 1985 England National Team

  • Denise Boyer Merdich: Forward | First USWNT Player of the Game

Episode 6: 12.18.25

Episode 7: 12.19.25

]]> 2023 Episode 4: Ciao, Bella Presented by adidas Produced by Storied Sports Executive Producer: Michelle Akers Episode 4 drops listeners into Jesolo, Italy, where the 85ers arrive for the 1985 Mundialito (“little World Cup”) and experience a world none of them had ever seen before — sea-air-filled hotel rooms with shuttered windows, endless cappuccinos, topless sunbathers, and food so good it felt unreal. But the wonder of Italy contrasts sharply with a sobering question: Why was the U.S. so late to women’s international soccer in the first place? Erin and Jane weave in crucial historical context, notably the English and Brazilian bans on women’s soccer - painting a picture of how deeply the sport had been suppressed worldwide. Against that backdrop, the 85ers very presence in Italy becomes revolutionary. The episode culminates with an unforgettable moment: Coach Mike Ryan lining the team up in an empty stadium and forcing them to sing the national anthem at full volume. What begins as an awkward drill turns into a profound realization — they’re not just a team, they’re representing an entire country. How did the 85ers do against Italy in game 1? Listen to find out!  00:00 – The 85ers’ impossible international journey  02:00 – Why the U.S. was invited to Italy 04:20 – How women’s soccer was suppressed for decades 07:40 – Stepping into Jesolo, Italy 09:45 – Food, cappuccinos, & Italian craft 10:50 – “Where did Ruth go!?”  12:40 – Italian beach culture shock  15:00 – Learning what it means to represent the U.S. 18:30 – First game day vs. Italy 25:30 – A brutal introduction to international play 31:40 – “OOSA! OOSA!” 34:00 – The real origin of the USA chant 36:40 – The goal, the missed PK, and the final score 43:50 – Proof the world took notice Featuring (in order of appearance): Erin Foley: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Comedian & TV Writer Jane McManus: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Sports Journalist & Academic Brenda Elsey: History Professor, Hofstra University  Meghann Burke: Executive Director, NWSLPA | Retired WPS Goalkeeper Stacey Enos: Midfielder | Member of the 1985 USWNT | 3x NCAA Champion - University of North Carolina Sharon McMurtry: Midfielder | 1985 U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year | First-Ever U.S Soccer Female Athlete of the Year Kim Wyant: Goalkeeper | First GK Win in USWNT History | NYU Men's Soccer Head Coach  Michelle Akers: Midfielder/Forward | Fifa Co-Player of the Century | USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion Ruth Harker: Goalkeeper | Member Of The 1985 USWNT | St. Louis Soccer Hall of Famer Lori Henry: Defender | Former USWNT Captain & World Cup Champion Kim Favorite: First USWNT Head Athletic Trainer Emily Pickering Harner: Midfielder | First Assist In USWNT History Episode 5: 12.17.25 Episode 6: 12.18.25 Episode 7: 12.19.25 Tue, 16 Dec 2025 17:00:00 -0000 full 1 4 Storied Sports Presented by adidas Produced by Storied Sports Executive Producer: Michelle Akers Episode 4 drops listeners into Jesolo, Italy, where the 85ers arrive for the 1985 Mundialito (“little World Cup”) and experience a world none of them had ever seen before — sea-air-filled hotel rooms with shuttered windows, endless cappuccinos, topless sunbathers, and food so good it felt unreal. But the wonder of Italy contrasts sharply with a sobering question: Why was the U.S. so late to women’s international soccer in the first place? Erin and Jane weave in crucial historical context, notably the English and Brazilian bans on women’s soccer - painting a picture of how deeply the sport had been suppressed worldwide. Against that backdrop, the 85ers very presence in Italy becomes revolutionary. The episode culminates with an unforgettable moment: Coach Mike Ryan lining the team up in an empty stadium and forcing them to sing the national anthem at full volume. What begins as an awkward drill turns into a profound realization — they’re not just a team, they’re representing an entire country. How did the 85ers do against Italy in game 1? Listen to find out!  00:00 – The 85ers’ impossible international journey  02:00 – Why the U.S. was invited to Italy 04:20 – How women’s soccer was suppressed for decades 07:40 – Stepping into Jesolo, Italy 09:45 – Food, cappuccinos, & Italian craft 10:50 – “Where did Ruth go!?”  12:40 – Italian beach culture shock  15:00 – Learning what it means to represent the U.S. 18:30 – First game day vs. Italy 25:30 – A brutal introduction to international play 31:40 – “OOSA! OOSA!” 34:00 – The real origin of the USA chant 36:40 – The goal, the missed PK, and the final score 43:50 – Proof the world took notice Featuring (in order of appearance): Erin Foley: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Comedian & TV Writer Jane McManus: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Sports Journalist & Academic Brenda Elsey: History Professor, Hofstra University  Meghann Burke: Executive Director, NWSLPA | Retired WPS Goalkeeper Stacey Enos: Midfielder | Member of the 1985 USWNT | 3x NCAA Champion - University of North Carolina Sharon McMurtry: Midfielder | 1985 U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year | First-Ever U.S Soccer Female Athlete of the Year Kim Wyant: Goalkeeper | First GK Win in USWNT History | NYU Men's Soccer Head Coach  Michelle Akers: Midfielder/Forward | Fifa Co-Player of the Century | USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion Ruth Harker: Goalkeeper | Member Of The 1985 USWNT | St. Louis Soccer Hall of Famer Lori Henry: Defender | Former USWNT Captain & World Cup Champion Kim Favorite: First USWNT Head Athletic Trainer Emily Pickering Harner: Midfielder | First Assist In USWNT History Episode 5: 12.17.25 Episode 6: 12.18.25 Episode 7: 12.19.25 Presented by adidas

Produced by Storied Sports

Executive Producer: Michelle Akers

Episode 4 drops listeners into Jesolo, Italy, where the 85ers arrive for the 1985 Mundialito (“little World Cup”) and experience a world none of them had ever seen before — sea-air-filled hotel rooms with shuttered windows, endless cappuccinos, topless sunbathers, and food so good it felt unreal. But the wonder of Italy contrasts sharply with a sobering question: Why was the U.S. so late to women’s international soccer in the first place? Erin and Jane weave in crucial historical context, notably the English and Brazilian bans on women’s soccer - painting a picture of how deeply the sport had been suppressed worldwide. Against that backdrop, the 85ers very presence in Italy becomes revolutionary. The episode culminates with an unforgettable moment: Coach Mike Ryan lining the team up in an empty stadium and forcing them to sing the national anthem at full volume. What begins as an awkward drill turns into a profound realization — they’re not just a team, they’re representing an entire country. How did the 85ers do against Italy in game 1? Listen to find out! 


00:00 – The 85ers’ impossible international journey 

02:00 – Why the U.S. was invited to Italy

04:20 – How women’s soccer was suppressed for decades

07:40 – Stepping into Jesolo, Italy

09:45 – Food, cappuccinos, & Italian craft

10:50 – “Where did Ruth go!?” 

12:40 – Italian beach culture shock 

15:00 – Learning what it means to represent the U.S.

18:30 – First game day vs. Italy

25:30 – A brutal introduction to international play

31:40 – “OOSA! OOSA!”

34:00 – The real origin of the USA chant

36:40 – The goal, the missed PK, and the final score

43:50 – Proof the world took notice

Featuring (in order of appearance):

  • Erin Foley: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Comedian & TV Writer

  • Jane McManus: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Sports Journalist & Academic

  • Brenda Elsey: History Professor, Hofstra University 

  • Meghann Burke: Executive Director, NWSLPA | Retired WPS Goalkeeper

  • Stacey Enos: Midfielder | Member of the 1985 USWNT | 3x NCAA Champion - University of North Carolina

  • Sharon McMurtry: Midfielder | 1985 U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year | First-Ever U.S Soccer Female Athlete of the Year

  • Kim Wyant: Goalkeeper | First GK Win in USWNT History | NYU Men's Soccer Head Coach 

  • Michelle Akers: Midfielder/Forward | Fifa Co-Player of the Century | USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion

  • Ruth Harker: Goalkeeper | Member Of The 1985 USWNT | St. Louis Soccer Hall of Famer

  • Lori Henry: Defender | Former USWNT Captain & World Cup Champion

  • Kim Favorite: First USWNT Head Athletic Trainer

  • Emily Pickering Harner: Midfielder | First Assist In USWNT History

Episode 5: 12.17.25

Episode 6: 12.18.25

Episode 7: 12.19.25

]]> 2653 Episode 3: A Team in Three Days Presented by adidas Produced by Storied Sports Executive Producer: Michelle Akers With the Olympic Sports Festival in Baton Rouge barely over, the newly named 85ers are thrown into a whirlwind: no rest, no recovery, barely any instructions — just a plane ticket to New York and three days to become a national team before flying to Italy for their first international tournament. Episode 3 captures the exhaustion and disbelief players felt as they scrambled for passports, hemmed team uniforms and got the first bag of official team gear including cleats from the first USWNT sponsor – adidas. They arrived at a training camp full of cheerleaders practicing outside their dorm windows at 6 a.m. Current USWNT stars like Lindsey Heaps, Sam Meza, and Emily Sams react with awe at what their predecessors endured. The episode also introduces the team’s complex, gruff, and influential first coach, Mike Ryan: a man with a thick Irish accent, fiery sideline energy, and a deep belief in the women he pushed to their limits. We can’t forget the remarkable story of goalkeeper Ruth Harker, whose quiet toughness included playing at the highest level while blind in one eye — a secret she kept for decades. Together, these stories paint the portrait of a team forged under impossible circumstances, driven by heart, grit, and the urgency of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 00:00  — The impossible task: become a National Team  00:17  — Player Reactions: “This Is Nuts” 01:10 —  Modern USWNT weighs in 02:04  — Arrival at C.W. Post 03:38  — Gear problems & mismatched uniforms 04:59  — Fierce personalities & clashing styles 06:16  — Ruth Harker’s half-blind secret 09:41 — Coach Mike Ryan: gruff but pivotal 18:54  — Enter Chuck Blazer 22:32  — Adidas saves the day 26:45  — Building chemistry under chaos 36:29  — The leap of faith: The yes that changed everything Featuring (in order of appearance): Erin Foley: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Comedian & TV Writer Jane McManus: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Sports Journalist & Academic Sharon McMurtry: Midfielder | 1985 U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year | First-Ever U.S Soccer Female Athlete of the Year Michelle Akers: Midfielder/Forward | Fifa Co-Player of the Century | USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion Ruth Harker: Goalkeeper | Member Of The 1985 USWNT | St. Louis Soccer Hall of Famer Emily Sams: Current USWNT Defender Lindsey Heaps: Current USWNT Captain & Midfielder | USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & World Cup Champion Sam Meza: Current USWNT Midfielder Stacey Enos: Midfielder | Member of the 1985 USWNT | 3x NCAA Champion - University of North Carolina Lori Henry: Defender | Former USWNT Captain & World Cup Champion Anson Dorrance: USWNT Head Coach 1986-1994 | 65–22–5 Record with USWNT Kim Wyant: Goalkeeper | First GK Win in USWNT History | NYU Men's Soccer Head Coach  Bernadette Noonan: Early Architect of Seattle Women's Soccer Emily Pickering Harner: Midfielder | First Assist In USWNT History Cindy Gordon: Member of the 1985 USWNT | Western Washington University Hall of Famer Kim Favorite: First USWNT Head Athletic Trainer Emma Hayes: Current USWNT Head Coach Meghann Burke: Executive Director, NSWLPA | Retired WPS Goalkeeper Episode 4: 12.16.25 Episode 5: 12.17.25 Episode 6: 12.18.25 Episode 7: 12.19.25 Fri, 12 Dec 2025 17:00:00 -0000 full 1 3 Storied Sports Presented by adidas Produced by Storied Sports Executive Producer: Michelle Akers With the Olympic Sports Festival in Baton Rouge barely over, the newly named 85ers are thrown into a whirlwind: no rest, no recovery, barely any instructions — just a plane ticket to New York and three days to become a national team before flying to Italy for their first international tournament. Episode 3 captures the exhaustion and disbelief players felt as they scrambled for passports, hemmed team uniforms and got the first bag of official team gear including cleats from the first USWNT sponsor – adidas. They arrived at a training camp full of cheerleaders practicing outside their dorm windows at 6 a.m. Current USWNT stars like Lindsey Heaps, Sam Meza, and Emily Sams react with awe at what their predecessors endured. The episode also introduces the team’s complex, gruff, and influential first coach, Mike Ryan: a man with a thick Irish accent, fiery sideline energy, and a deep belief in the women he pushed to their limits. We can’t forget the remarkable story of goalkeeper Ruth Harker, whose quiet toughness included playing at the highest level while blind in one eye — a secret she kept for decades. Together, these stories paint the portrait of a team forged under impossible circumstances, driven by heart, grit, and the urgency of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 00:00  — The impossible task: become a National Team  00:17  — Player Reactions: “This Is Nuts” 01:10 —  Modern USWNT weighs in 02:04  — Arrival at C.W. Post 03:38  — Gear problems & mismatched uniforms 04:59  — Fierce personalities & clashing styles 06:16  — Ruth Harker’s half-blind secret 09:41 — Coach Mike Ryan: gruff but pivotal 18:54  — Enter Chuck Blazer 22:32  — Adidas saves the day 26:45  — Building chemistry under chaos 36:29  — The leap of faith: The yes that changed everything Featuring (in order of appearance): Erin Foley: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Comedian & TV Writer Jane McManus: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Sports Journalist & Academic Sharon McMurtry: Midfielder | 1985 U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year | First-Ever U.S Soccer Female Athlete of the Year Michelle Akers: Midfielder/Forward | Fifa Co-Player of the Century | USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion Ruth Harker: Goalkeeper | Member Of The 1985 USWNT | St. Louis Soccer Hall of Famer Emily Sams: Current USWNT Defender Lindsey Heaps: Current USWNT Captain & Midfielder | USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & World Cup Champion Sam Meza: Current USWNT Midfielder Stacey Enos: Midfielder | Member of the 1985 USWNT | 3x NCAA Champion - University of North Carolina Lori Henry: Defender | Former USWNT Captain & World Cup Champion Anson Dorrance: USWNT Head Coach 1986-1994 | 65–22–5 Record with USWNT Kim Wyant: Goalkeeper | First GK Win in USWNT History | NYU Men's Soccer Head Coach  Bernadette Noonan: Early Architect of Seattle Women's Soccer Emily Pickering Harner: Midfielder | First Assist In USWNT History Cindy Gordon: Member of the 1985 USWNT | Western Washington University Hall of Famer Kim Favorite: First USWNT Head Athletic Trainer Emma Hayes: Current USWNT Head Coach Meghann Burke: Executive Director, NSWLPA | Retired WPS Goalkeeper Episode 4: 12.16.25 Episode 5: 12.17.25 Episode 6: 12.18.25 Episode 7: 12.19.25 Presented by adidas

Produced by Storied Sports

Executive Producer: Michelle Akers


With the Olympic Sports Festival in Baton Rouge barely over, the newly named 85ers are thrown into a whirlwind: no rest, no recovery, barely any instructions — just a plane ticket to New York and three days to become a national team before flying to Italy for their first international tournament. Episode 3 captures the exhaustion and disbelief players felt as they scrambled for passports, hemmed team uniforms and got the first bag of official team gear including cleats from the first USWNT sponsor – adidas. They arrived at a training camp full of cheerleaders practicing outside their dorm windows at 6 a.m. Current USWNT stars like Lindsey Heaps, Sam Meza, and Emily Sams react with awe at what their predecessors endured. The episode also introduces the team’s complex, gruff, and influential first coach, Mike Ryan: a man with a thick Irish accent, fiery sideline energy, and a deep belief in the women he pushed to their limits. We can’t forget the remarkable story of goalkeeper Ruth Harker, whose quiet toughness included playing at the highest level while blind in one eye — a secret she kept for decades. Together, these stories paint the portrait of a team forged under impossible circumstances, driven by heart, grit, and the urgency of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.


00:00  — The impossible task: become a National Team 

00:17  — Player Reactions: “This Is Nuts”

01:10 —  Modern USWNT weighs in

02:04  — Arrival at C.W. Post

03:38  — Gear problems & mismatched uniforms

04:59  — Fierce personalities & clashing styles

06:16  — Ruth Harker’s half-blind secret

09:41 — Coach Mike Ryan: gruff but pivotal

18:54  — Enter Chuck Blazer

22:32  — Adidas saves the day

26:45  — Building chemistry under chaos

36:29  — The leap of faith: The yes that changed everything


Featuring (in order of appearance):

  • Erin Foley: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Comedian & TV Writer

  • Jane McManus: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Sports Journalist & Academic

  • Sharon McMurtry: Midfielder | 1985 U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year | First-Ever U.S Soccer Female Athlete of the Year

  • Michelle Akers: Midfielder/Forward | Fifa Co-Player of the Century | USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion

  • Ruth Harker: Goalkeeper | Member Of The 1985 USWNT | St. Louis Soccer Hall of Famer

  • Emily Sams: Current USWNT Defender

  • Lindsey Heaps: Current USWNT Captain & Midfielder | USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & World Cup Champion

  • Sam Meza: Current USWNT Midfielder

  • Stacey Enos: Midfielder | Member of the 1985 USWNT | 3x NCAA Champion - University of North Carolina

  • Lori Henry: Defender | Former USWNT Captain & World Cup Champion

  • Anson Dorrance: USWNT Head Coach 1986-1994 | 65–22–5 Record with USWNT

  • Kim Wyant: Goalkeeper | First GK Win in USWNT History | NYU Men's Soccer Head Coach 

  • Bernadette Noonan: Early Architect of Seattle Women's Soccer

  • Emily Pickering Harner: Midfielder | First Assist In USWNT History

  • Cindy Gordon: Member of the 1985 USWNT | Western Washington University Hall of Famer

  • Kim Favorite: First USWNT Head Athletic Trainer

  • Emma Hayes: Current USWNT Head Coach

  • Meghann Burke: Executive Director, NSWLPA | Retired WPS Goalkeeper

Episode 4: 12.16.25

Episode 5: 12.17.25

Episode 6: 12.18.25

Episode 7: 12.19.25

]]> 2274 Episode 2: A Golden Opportunity Presented by adidas Produced by Storied Sports Executive Producer: Michelle Akers Episode 2 digs into the chaos & confusion that led to the formation of the first U.S. Women’s National Team - unbeknownst to the players themselves. The women recount finding out they’d made the national roster in ways that ranged from the bizarre to the anticlimactic — including learning the news from a reporter before U.S. Soccer even contacted them. Behind the scenes, a group of determined women were pushing the sport forward. This episode spotlights Marty Mankamayer, along with Mavis Derflinger and Betty D’Anjolell — the unstoppable “Charlie’s Angels” of youth soccer whose organization, business savvy, and political grit forced open doors the federation wasn’t ready to unlock. Their biggest breakthrough: getting women’s soccer into the 1985 Olympic Sports Festival, a move that created the pipeline needed to scout and select the first national team. It’s a story of visionary leadership, bureaucratic battles, and the moment the potential of players like Michelle Akers, Sharon McMurtry, and Stacey Enos became impossible to ignore. 00:00 — Pam learns she made the team (…from a reporter) 01:52 — “There’s a USWNT?!” 02:26 — Chapter two: A Golden Opportunity 03:20 — The barriers for the USSF 04:36 — The addition: women’s soccer now in the Olympic Sports Festival 06:54 — Meet the power trio: Marty, Mavis & Betty 08:10 — The explosion of girls & women’s soccer after Title IX 11:27 — Michelle Akers appears: “A once-in-a-generation talent” 18:18 — Players arrive in Baton Rouge: “It was like the Olympics” 27:55 — The plan unbeknownst to the players: the national team selection 34:02 — The announcement: the first USWNT is named on the field 40:00 — “So… do you have a passport?” Featuring (in order of appearance): Pam Baughman Cornell: Forward | Member of the 1985 USWNT | Virginia / D.C. Soccer Hall Of Famer Erin Foley: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Comedian & TV Writer Jane McManus: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Sports Journalist & Academic Linda Gancitano: Defender | 1985 Olympic Sports Festival MVP | First Sub in USWNT History Lori Bylin Sweeney: Midfielder | Member of The 1985 USWNT Tara Buckley O’Sullivan: Midfielder | 4x All-American & 1982 Honda Award Winner Stacey Enos: Midfielder | Member of the 1985 USWNT | 3x NCAA Champion - University of North Carolina Michelle Akers: Midfielder/Forward | Fifa Co-Player of the Century | USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion Anson Dorrance: USWNT Head Coach 1986-1994 | 65–22–5 Record with USWNT Kim Wyant: Goalkeeper | First GK Win in USWNT History | NYU Men's Soccer Head Coach  Marty Mankamyer: First Female Board Member of United States Soccer Federation | U.S. Olympic Committee President 2002 -2003 Dana Giddens: Daughter Of Marty Mankamyer  Ruth Harker: Goalkeeper | Member Of The 1985 USWNT | St. Louis Soccer Hall of Famer Lori Henry: Defender | Former USWNT Captain & World Cup Champion Brandi Chastain: USWNT 2x Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion Sharon McMurtry: Midfielder | 1985 U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year | First-Ever U.S Soccer Female Athlete of the Year Emily Pickering Harner: Midfielder | First Assist In USWNT History Kathy Ridgewell-Williams: Forward | Member of the 1985 USWNT Episode 3: 12.12.25 Episode 4: 12.16.25 Episode 5: 12.17.25 Episode 6: 12.18.25 Episode 7: 12.19.25 Thu, 11 Dec 2025 17:11:00 -0000 full 1 2 Storied Sports Presented by adidas Produced by Storied Sports Executive Producer: Michelle Akers Episode 2 digs into the chaos & confusion that led to the formation of the first U.S. Women’s National Team - unbeknownst to the players themselves. The women recount finding out they’d made the national roster in ways that ranged from the bizarre to the anticlimactic — including learning the news from a reporter before U.S. Soccer even contacted them. Behind the scenes, a group of determined women were pushing the sport forward. This episode spotlights Marty Mankamayer, along with Mavis Derflinger and Betty D’Anjolell — the unstoppable “Charlie’s Angels” of youth soccer whose organization, business savvy, and political grit forced open doors the federation wasn’t ready to unlock. Their biggest breakthrough: getting women’s soccer into the 1985 Olympic Sports Festival, a move that created the pipeline needed to scout and select the first national team. It’s a story of visionary leadership, bureaucratic battles, and the moment the potential of players like Michelle Akers, Sharon McMurtry, and Stacey Enos became impossible to ignore. 00:00 — Pam learns she made the team (…from a reporter) 01:52 — “There’s a USWNT?!” 02:26 — Chapter two: A Golden Opportunity 03:20 — The barriers for the USSF 04:36 — The addition: women’s soccer now in the Olympic Sports Festival 06:54 — Meet the power trio: Marty, Mavis & Betty 08:10 — The explosion of girls & women’s soccer after Title IX 11:27 — Michelle Akers appears: “A once-in-a-generation talent” 18:18 — Players arrive in Baton Rouge: “It was like the Olympics” 27:55 — The plan unbeknownst to the players: the national team selection 34:02 — The announcement: the first USWNT is named on the field 40:00 — “So… do you have a passport?” Featuring (in order of appearance): Pam Baughman Cornell: Forward | Member of the 1985 USWNT | Virginia / D.C. Soccer Hall Of Famer Erin Foley: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Comedian & TV Writer Jane McManus: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Sports Journalist & Academic Linda Gancitano: Defender | 1985 Olympic Sports Festival MVP | First Sub in USWNT History Lori Bylin Sweeney: Midfielder | Member of The 1985 USWNT Tara Buckley O’Sullivan: Midfielder | 4x All-American & 1982 Honda Award Winner Stacey Enos: Midfielder | Member of the 1985 USWNT | 3x NCAA Champion - University of North Carolina Michelle Akers: Midfielder/Forward | Fifa Co-Player of the Century | USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion Anson Dorrance: USWNT Head Coach 1986-1994 | 65–22–5 Record with USWNT Kim Wyant: Goalkeeper | First GK Win in USWNT History | NYU Men's Soccer Head Coach  Marty Mankamyer: First Female Board Member of United States Soccer Federation | U.S. Olympic Committee President 2002 -2003 Dana Giddens: Daughter Of Marty Mankamyer  Ruth Harker: Goalkeeper | Member Of The 1985 USWNT | St. Louis Soccer Hall of Famer Lori Henry: Defender | Former USWNT Captain & World Cup Champion Brandi Chastain: USWNT 2x Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion Sharon McMurtry: Midfielder | 1985 U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year | First-Ever U.S Soccer Female Athlete of the Year Emily Pickering Harner: Midfielder | First Assist In USWNT History Kathy Ridgewell-Williams: Forward | Member of the 1985 USWNT Episode 3: 12.12.25 Episode 4: 12.16.25 Episode 5: 12.17.25 Episode 6: 12.18.25 Episode 7: 12.19.25 Presented by adidas

Produced by Storied Sports

Executive Producer: Michelle Akers

Episode 2 digs into the chaos & confusion that led to the formation of the first U.S. Women’s National Team - unbeknownst to the players themselves. The women recount finding out they’d made the national roster in ways that ranged from the bizarre to the anticlimactic — including learning the news from a reporter before U.S. Soccer even contacted them. Behind the scenes, a group of determined women were pushing the sport forward. This episode spotlights Marty Mankamayer, along with Mavis Derflinger and Betty D’Anjolell — the unstoppable “Charlie’s Angels” of youth soccer whose organization, business savvy, and political grit forced open doors the federation wasn’t ready to unlock. Their biggest breakthrough: getting women’s soccer into the 1985 Olympic Sports Festival, a move that created the pipeline needed to scout and select the first national team. It’s a story of visionary leadership, bureaucratic battles, and the moment the potential of players like Michelle Akers, Sharon McMurtry, and Stacey Enos became impossible to ignore.

00:00 — Pam learns she made the team (…from a reporter)

01:52 — “There’s a USWNT?!”

02:26 — Chapter two: A Golden Opportunity

03:20 — The barriers for the USSF

04:36 — The addition: women’s soccer now in the Olympic Sports Festival

06:54 — Meet the power trio: Marty, Mavis & Betty

08:10 — The explosion of girls & women’s soccer after Title IX

11:27 — Michelle Akers appears: “A once-in-a-generation talent”

18:18 — Players arrive in Baton Rouge: “It was like the Olympics”

27:55 — The plan unbeknownst to the players: the national team selection

34:02 — The announcement: the first USWNT is named on the field

40:00 — “So… do you have a passport?”


Featuring (in order of appearance):

  • Pam Baughman Cornell: Forward | Member of the 1985 USWNT | Virginia / D.C. Soccer Hall Of Famer

  • Erin Foley: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Comedian & TV Writer

  • Jane McManus: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Sports Journalist & Academic

  • Linda Gancitano: Defender | 1985 Olympic Sports Festival MVP | First Sub in USWNT History

  • Lori Bylin Sweeney: Midfielder | Member of The 1985 USWNT

  • Tara Buckley O’Sullivan: Midfielder | 4x All-American & 1982 Honda Award Winner

  • Stacey Enos: Midfielder | Member of the 1985 USWNT | 3x NCAA Champion - University of North Carolina

  • Michelle Akers: Midfielder/Forward | Fifa Co-Player of the Century | USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion

  • Anson Dorrance: USWNT Head Coach 1986-1994 | 65–22–5 Record with USWNT

  • Kim Wyant: Goalkeeper | First GK Win in USWNT History | NYU Men's Soccer Head Coach 

  • Marty Mankamyer: First Female Board Member of United States Soccer Federation | U.S. Olympic Committee President 2002 -2003

  • Dana Giddens: Daughter Of Marty Mankamyer 

  • Ruth Harker: Goalkeeper | Member Of The 1985 USWNT | St. Louis Soccer Hall of Famer

  • Lori Henry: Defender | Former USWNT Captain & World Cup Champion

  • Brandi Chastain: USWNT 2x Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion

  • Sharon McMurtry: Midfielder | 1985 U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year | First-Ever U.S Soccer Female Athlete of the Year

  • Emily Pickering Harner: Midfielder | First Assist In USWNT History

  • Kathy Ridgewell-Williams: Forward | Member of the 1985 USWNT

Episode 3: 12.12.25

Episode 4: 12.16.25

Episode 5: 12.17.25

Episode 6: 12.18.25

Episode 7: 12.19.25

]]> 2543 Episode 1: Taking the Field Presented by adidas Produced by Storied Sports Executive Producer: Michelle Akers In the series premiere of Origin Story: The 85ers, hosts Erin Foley and Jane McManus first immerse listeners in an unforgettable moment inside the tunnel at Lumen Field in Seattle, where 15 members of the first-ever U.S. Women’s National Team reunite exactly 40 years after their historic debut in 1985. But first, let’s rewind to the beginning of this sisterhood and discover how a group of mostly unknown athletes became the pioneers of American women’s soccer. Through archival moments, player memories, and reflections from legends like Abby Wambach - this first episode uncovers why this origin story was nearly lost to history and introduces the extraordinary personalities who shaped the sport. At the center is Michelle Akers, whose early life, raw talent, and relentless drive foreshadow the greatness to come. 00:00 — Michelle Akers intros the series 01:02 — The 40-year 85ers reunion 03:15 — The forgotten legacy of the first USWNT 05:16 — How the 85ers laid the foundation of a dynasty 07:07 — Meet hosts Erin Foley & Jane McManus 08:27 — Even legends didn’t know this soccer history 11:02 — The making of Michelle Akers 13:13 — Early barriers: no girls’ teams, no role models 20:11 — Why Seattle became a women’s soccer powerhouse 22:10 — Pioneer Bernadette Noonan starts soccer revolution 31:40 —  Booth Gardner & the Cozars 34:12 — Title IX and the rise of women’s college soccer 40:11 — The “paper teams” & the birth of the 1985 USWNT Featuring (in order of appearance): Michelle Akers: Midfielder/Forward | Fifa Co-Player of the Century | USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion Erin Foley: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Comedian & TV Writer Jane McManus: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Sports Journalist & Academic Linda Gancitano: Defender | 1985 Olympic Sports Festival MVP | First Sub in USWNT History Stacey Enos: Midfielder | Member of the 1985 USWNT | 3x NCAA Champion - University of North Carolina Denise Boyer Merdich: Forward | First USWNT Player of the Game Lori Henry: Defender | Former USWNT Captain & World Cup Champion Emily Pickering Harner: Midfielder | First Assist In USWNT History Ruth Harker: Goalkeeper | Member Of The 1985 USWNT | St. Louis Soccer Hall of Famer Lori Bylin Sweeney: Midfielder | Member of The 1985 USWNT Sharon McMurtry: Midfielder | 1985 U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year | First-Ever U.S Soccer Female Athlete of the Year Kim Wyant: Goalkeeper | First GK Win in USWNT History | NYU Men's Soccer Head Coach  Tara Buckley O’Sullivan: Midfielder | 4x All-American & 1982 Honda Award Winner Bernadette Noonan: Early Architect of Seattle Women's Soccer Marty Mankamyer: First Female Board Member of United States Soccer Federation | U.S. Olympic Committee President 2002 -2003 Abby Wambach: USWNT’s All-Time Leading Scorer Anson Dorrance: USWNT Head Coach 1986-1994 | 65–22–5 Record with USWNT Becky Sauerbrunn: USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion Kristine Lilly: USWNT 2x Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion | Most Caps in International Soccer History Michael Lewis: Award-Winning Soccer Writer/Editor Cindy Parlow Cone: USWNT 2x Olympic Gold Medalist & World Cup Champion | U.S. Soccer Federation President Jan Smisek: Legendary Coach of Seattle Women's Soccer | First Woman to Own a USSF "A" Coaching License Episode 2: 12.11.25 Episode 3: 12.12.25 Episode 4: 12.16.25 Episode 5: 12.17.25 Episode 6: 12.18.25 Episode 7: 12.19.25 Wed, 10 Dec 2025 17:00:00 -0000 full 1 1 Storied Sports Presented by adidas Produced by Storied Sports Executive Producer: Michelle Akers In the series premiere of Origin Story: The 85ers, hosts Erin Foley and Jane McManus first immerse listeners in an unforgettable moment inside the tunnel at Lumen Field in Seattle, where 15 members of the first-ever U.S. Women’s National Team reunite exactly 40 years after their historic debut in 1985. But first, let’s rewind to the beginning of this sisterhood and discover how a group of mostly unknown athletes became the pioneers of American women’s soccer. Through archival moments, player memories, and reflections from legends like Abby Wambach - this first episode uncovers why this origin story was nearly lost to history and introduces the extraordinary personalities who shaped the sport. At the center is Michelle Akers, whose early life, raw talent, and relentless drive foreshadow the greatness to come. 00:00 — Michelle Akers intros the series 01:02 — The 40-year 85ers reunion 03:15 — The forgotten legacy of the first USWNT 05:16 — How the 85ers laid the foundation of a dynasty 07:07 — Meet hosts Erin Foley & Jane McManus 08:27 — Even legends didn’t know this soccer history 11:02 — The making of Michelle Akers 13:13 — Early barriers: no girls’ teams, no role models 20:11 — Why Seattle became a women’s soccer powerhouse 22:10 — Pioneer Bernadette Noonan starts soccer revolution 31:40 —  Booth Gardner & the Cozars 34:12 — Title IX and the rise of women’s college soccer 40:11 — The “paper teams” & the birth of the 1985 USWNT Featuring (in order of appearance): Michelle Akers: Midfielder/Forward | Fifa Co-Player of the Century | USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion Erin Foley: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Comedian & TV Writer Jane McManus: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Sports Journalist & Academic Linda Gancitano: Defender | 1985 Olympic Sports Festival MVP | First Sub in USWNT History Stacey Enos: Midfielder | Member of the 1985 USWNT | 3x NCAA Champion - University of North Carolina Denise Boyer Merdich: Forward | First USWNT Player of the Game Lori Henry: Defender | Former USWNT Captain & World Cup Champion Emily Pickering Harner: Midfielder | First Assist In USWNT History Ruth Harker: Goalkeeper | Member Of The 1985 USWNT | St. Louis Soccer Hall of Famer Lori Bylin Sweeney: Midfielder | Member of The 1985 USWNT Sharon McMurtry: Midfielder | 1985 U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year | First-Ever U.S Soccer Female Athlete of the Year Kim Wyant: Goalkeeper | First GK Win in USWNT History | NYU Men's Soccer Head Coach  Tara Buckley O’Sullivan: Midfielder | 4x All-American & 1982 Honda Award Winner Bernadette Noonan: Early Architect of Seattle Women's Soccer Marty Mankamyer: First Female Board Member of United States Soccer Federation | U.S. Olympic Committee President 2002 -2003 Abby Wambach: USWNT’s All-Time Leading Scorer Anson Dorrance: USWNT Head Coach 1986-1994 | 65–22–5 Record with USWNT Becky Sauerbrunn: USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion Kristine Lilly: USWNT 2x Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion | Most Caps in International Soccer History Michael Lewis: Award-Winning Soccer Writer/Editor Cindy Parlow Cone: USWNT 2x Olympic Gold Medalist & World Cup Champion | U.S. Soccer Federation President Jan Smisek: Legendary Coach of Seattle Women's Soccer | First Woman to Own a USSF "A" Coaching License Episode 2: 12.11.25 Episode 3: 12.12.25 Episode 4: 12.16.25 Episode 5: 12.17.25 Episode 6: 12.18.25 Episode 7: 12.19.25 Presented by adidas

Produced by Storied Sports

Executive Producer: Michelle Akers


In the series premiere of Origin Story: The 85ers, hosts Erin Foley and Jane McManus first immerse listeners in an unforgettable moment inside the tunnel at Lumen Field in Seattle, where 15 members of the first-ever U.S. Women’s National Team reunite exactly 40 years after their historic debut in 1985. But first, let’s rewind to the beginning of this sisterhood and discover how a group of mostly unknown athletes became the pioneers of American women’s soccer. Through archival moments, player memories, and reflections from legends like Abby Wambach - this first episode uncovers why this origin story was nearly lost to history and introduces the extraordinary personalities who shaped the sport. At the center is Michelle Akers, whose early life, raw talent, and relentless drive foreshadow the greatness to come.


00:00 — Michelle Akers intros the series

01:02 — The 40-year 85ers reunion

03:15 — The forgotten legacy of the first USWNT

05:16 — How the 85ers laid the foundation of a dynasty

07:07 — Meet hosts Erin Foley & Jane McManus

08:27 — Even legends didn’t know this soccer history

11:02 — The making of Michelle Akers

13:13 — Early barriers: no girls’ teams, no role models

20:11 — Why Seattle became a women’s soccer powerhouse

22:10 — Pioneer Bernadette Noonan starts soccer revolution

31:40 —  Booth Gardner & the Cozars

34:12 — Title IX and the rise of women’s college soccer

40:11 — The “paper teams” & the birth of the 1985 USWNT


Featuring (in order of appearance):

  • Michelle Akers: Midfielder/Forward | Fifa Co-Player of the Century | USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion

  • Erin Foley: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Comedian & TV Writer

  • Jane McManus: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Sports Journalist & Academic

  • Linda Gancitano: Defender | 1985 Olympic Sports Festival MVP | First Sub in USWNT History

  • Stacey Enos: Midfielder | Member of the 1985 USWNT | 3x NCAA Champion - University of North Carolina

  • Denise Boyer Merdich: Forward | First USWNT Player of the Game

  • Lori Henry: Defender | Former USWNT Captain & World Cup Champion

  • Emily Pickering Harner: Midfielder | First Assist In USWNT History

  • Ruth Harker: Goalkeeper | Member Of The 1985 USWNT | St. Louis Soccer Hall of Famer

  • Lori Bylin Sweeney: Midfielder | Member of The 1985 USWNT

  • Sharon McMurtry: Midfielder | 1985 U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year | First-Ever U.S Soccer Female Athlete of the Year

  • Kim Wyant: Goalkeeper | First GK Win in USWNT History | NYU Men's Soccer Head Coach 

  • Tara Buckley O’Sullivan: Midfielder | 4x All-American & 1982 Honda Award Winner

  • Bernadette Noonan: Early Architect of Seattle Women's Soccer

  • Marty Mankamyer: First Female Board Member of United States Soccer Federation | U.S. Olympic Committee President 2002 -2003

  • Abby Wambach: USWNT’s All-Time Leading Scorer

  • Anson Dorrance: USWNT Head Coach 1986-1994 | 65–22–5 Record with USWNT

  • Becky Sauerbrunn: USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion

  • Kristine Lilly: USWNT 2x Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion | Most Caps in International Soccer History

  • Michael Lewis: Award-Winning Soccer Writer/Editor

  • Cindy Parlow Cone: USWNT 2x Olympic Gold Medalist & World Cup Champion | U.S. Soccer Federation President

  • Jan Smisek: Legendary Coach of Seattle Women's Soccer | First Woman to Own a USSF "A" Coaching License

Episode 2: 12.11.25

Episode 3: 12.12.25

Episode 4: 12.16.25

Episode 5: 12.17.25

Episode 6: 12.18.25

Episode 7: 12.19.25

]]> 2846 Official Trailer - Origin Story: The 85ers Presented by adidas Produced by Storied Sports Executive Producer: Michelle Akers Origin Story: The 85ers is a groundbreaking documentary-style audio series that uncovers the untold beginnings of the most dominant dynasty in women’s sports: the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. Before the world knew their names — and long before millions tuned in to watch the USWNT lift World Cups — there were 17 women who stepped onto the field in 1985 with no media, no funding, and no blueprint. They played for the love of the game. Episode 1 premieres December 10th on all platforms. Thu, 04 Dec 2025 03:51:00 -0000 trailer Storied Sports Presented by adidas Produced by Storied Sports Executive Producer: Michelle Akers Origin Story: The 85ers is a groundbreaking documentary-style audio series that uncovers the untold beginnings of the most dominant dynasty in women’s sports: the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. Before the world knew their names — and long before millions tuned in to watch the USWNT lift World Cups — there were 17 women who stepped onto the field in 1985 with no media, no funding, and no blueprint. They played for the love of the game. Episode 1 premieres December 10th on all platforms. Presented by adidas Produced by Storied Sports Executive Producer: Michelle Akers Origin Story: The 85ers is a groundbreaking documentary-style audio series that uncovers the untold beginnings of the most dominant dynasty in women’s sports: the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. Before the world knew their names — and long before millions tuned in to watch the USWNT lift World Cups — there were 17 women who stepped onto the field in 1985 with no media, no funding, and no blueprint. They played for the love of the game. Episode 1 premieres December 10th on all platforms.

]]> 134