Women Are Players Too
Women Are Players Too
Podcast Description
Professional women's sports are having a groundbreaking moment in Canada, with history being made across hockey, basketball, and soccer. The launch of the PWHL has ushered in a new era for women’s hockey, while the WNBA’s expansion to Toronto signals the growing appetite for women’s basketball at the highest level. At the same time, the Northern Super League (NSL) is set to transform women’s soccer in the country. These milestones mark a seismic shift, breaking long-standing glass ceilings in the sports industry.
To capture this moment, we have created a podcast that dives deep into the stories behind these game-changing developments. Through bi-weekly conversations with the women on the ice, the court, and the field—as well as the executives, investors, and decision-makers behind the scenes—we will document the challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments that are shaping the future of professional women’s sports in Canada.
This podcast is presented by GoodLife Fitness.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores themes around professional women’s sports, highlighting major developments in hockey, basketball, and soccer. Episodes may include discussions on the launch of the PWHL, WNBA expansion to Toronto, and the transformative impact of the Northern Super League on women’s soccer, along with personal stories from figures like Jessica Campbell on breaking barriers in male-dominated sports.
Professional women’s sports are having a groundbreaking moment in Canada, with history being made across hockey, basketball, and soccer. The launch of the PWHL has ushered in a new era for women’s hockey, while the WNBA’s expansion to Toronto signals the growing appetite for women’s basketball at the highest level. At the same time, the Northern Super League (NSL) is set to transform women’s soccer in the country. These milestones mark a seismic shift, breaking long-standing glass ceilings in the sports industry.
To capture this moment, we have created a podcast that dives deep into the stories behind these game-changing developments. Through bi-weekly conversations with the women on the ice, the court, and the field—as well as the executives, investors, and decision-makers behind the scenes—we will document the challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments that are shaping the future of professional women’s sports in Canada.
This podcast is presented by GoodLife Fitness.
In this episode, host Eva Hartling sits down with one of Canada’s brightest young soccer talents: Nikayla Small, a dynamic midfielder for AFC Toronto in the inaugural season of the Northern Super League (NSL). Born and raised in Pickering, Ontario, Nikayla’s journey has taken her from local pitches to international stages, and now back home, where she’s making history in Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league.
A former captain of Canada’s U-20 Women’s National Team and standout at Wake Forest University, Nikayla brings a wealth of experience and passion to the field. Since signing with AFC Toronto in January 2025, she’s quickly become a key playmaker, leading the league in assists and earning recognition as one of the NSL’s top performers.
In our conversation, Nikayla shares her excitement about playing professionally in front of family and friends, the significance of the NSL for young Canadian athletes, and her aspirations for the future of women’s soccer in Canada. She reflects on the challenges and triumphs of her journey, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and passion in achieving one’s goals.
Whether you’re a longtime soccer fan or new to the sport, Nikayla’s story offers inspiration and insight into the evolving landscape of women’s soccer in Canada. Tune in to hear her perspective on making history, building community, and the joy of playing the game she loves.
Thank you to GoodLife Fitness for supporting WOMEN ARE PLAYERS TOO. Because every woman deserves to train like she belongs. Find a club near you and start a free trial today!
WOMEN ARE PLAYERS TOO is produced by The Brand is Female. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn!
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