Cleat Sheets - A Podcast on Women's Tackle Football

Redwood and Moose aren't here for a long time, they are here for a good time. Or both, because this is two hours long. Joined by Danneille Ayala and Erica Moore of the New York Wolves, they discuss all things championship weekend after a quick recap on how all the issues in women's football have been resolved. Don't like it? Don't listen.

Let the Road to Canton begin! 

We had our first game this week, so that means I finally remember the other podcast where I have a hard time with cohosts being busy. I mean the other other podcast. God this was easier when all my work was freelance.

Support this podcast at patreon.com/marissamccool, paypal.me/RissyMcCool, or Venmo@ThePurpleAmazonThis episode is Marissa being interviewed by Kiara, a football player from France who played in Minnesota for a year previous. If you were also interested in being interviewed about women's football and helping her out with her project, please do reach out.

Support this podcast at PATREON, PAYPAL, or Venmo@ThePurpleAmazonThis week, Mac and Ten cover what to do during the offseason, including a bunch of football-specific workouts linked below, as well as how to behave and what to expect at tryouts.DR MAC'S FIVE HOUR DRIVE FOOTBALL WORKOUT PLAYLISThttps://barbend.com/triphasic-training-improve-power-production/https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/topicoftheweek79.htmhttps://www.catapult.com/blog/preseason-four-success-elementsOpening theme "Wild" by RedlandsClosing theme "The Comeback Kid" by the MidnightContact us at Instagram: @thefivehourdrivepodcast or thefivehourdrivepodcast@gmail.com

Moose and Ten get together for a quasi-crossover show to catch up after a long absence and to preview 2024 in their respective capacities.

This episode, 10 and Mac recap championship weekend, look forward to who may be moving up a division, and preview the 2024 outlook for the league.Subscribe to the Five Hour Drive podcast! The sister show to Cleat Sheets!

Subscribe to The Five Hour Drive, the sister show of Cleat Sheets, wherever podcasts live. Follow on Instagram @thefivehourdrivepodcast

Producer and editor Marissa has started her own sister show, "The Five Hour Drive: Stories of Women's Football." This is the first episode, and is now available on all your podcast platforms. She is looking for guests and maybe even a cohost. Feel free to reach out at rislaimanlop@gmail.com or on Instagram at QB10MML. This is not the end of Cleat Sheets, as Marissa will remain at work on the show, but Marissa also wants to do stuff on the mic more often for the game too. Please subscribe and contact if you're interested in participating. Music by The Midnight

Moose and Redwood chat with Jacqueline Cook of the Pittsburgh Passion. We learn about her football journey, discuss the impact of the late Franco Harris, and introduce a new game that gives us a closer look at Cook's teammates. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @cleat_sheets to stay involved and updated on future episodes!Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool

Moose and Redwood are joined by Marissa McCool to discuss the 2023 season.Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @cleat_sheets to stay involved and updated on future episodes!Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool

Moose and Redwood come together for the first time after a break that was longer than anyone expected. How do you connect with football in retirement? How do you approach football in your final season? We discuss it all. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @cleat_sheets to stay involved and updated on future episodes!Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool

Retirement at 32 is a finicky thing. Redwood records one final episode where she discusses her decision to retire from football and what it means for her and her relationship with the sport. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @cleat_sheets to stay involved and updated on future episodes!Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool

SYNOPSIS: The Duluth Superiors, a women's football team out of Minnesota, are groggily heading toward Michigan City, Indiana. Half the team has quit, half the coaches have gone with them, and what's left of the squad still has a chance to play in the WFCA championships in Fargo if they can defeat the Millers. Lake effect weather is a thing though, and traveling through the Great Lakes region at any time of year can bring unexpected consequences, like an ice storm. With their season already in dire straits, the driver nopeing off to look for help, and the coach trying to fix the bus in frigid conditions, how will the team pass the time before their big showdown? A women's football comedy, Superiors vs. Millers, Sounds About Cleveland, tells the story of the ups, downs, and realities of the sport of women's football with likely every kind of teammate you've ever had and then some.CASTTen - Marissa McCoolNia - Jessica Osborne RiddleCJ - Ashlyn NobleSequoia - Erin TruexPhonebook - Asdis KarsbarnTJ - Melissa MacDonaldBearcat - Ari StillmanJay - Tony OpeltWoodstock - Jodi RehlanderTikTok - Amy WithawhySemi - Jacqueline Taylor CookKiki - Natalie NewellCommentator 1 - Eric HannaCommentator 2 - Don Ford Jr.Previous holidayish audioplays by Marissa McCool: Bitter Tea the Way the Volcano Gods of Rainier Intended, Dinner with the Binaries, Have a Very Meta Christmas, and Fall of Frosty: Modern Warfare are all available on Marissa's podcast network, as well as the podcast home of all the audioplays, Queer Drama in Northern Minnesota.Written, Directed, Cast, and Edited by: Marissa McCool With contributions from: Jodi Rehlander, Erin Truex, Stacey Davis, Eric Hanna, Don Ford, Jr.Theme: "The Comeback Kid" by The Midnight

Cue Welcome Back by Mase. After the longest break we've ever taken, Cleat Sheets returns. Moose and Redwood catch up and talk about the state of the game, personal feelings from 2022, and the anxiety that comes with being public with our opinions. We discuss Team USA, the WFA vs WNFC debate, and reconciling perception with reality. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @cleat_sheets to stay involved and updated on future episodes!Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool

In this episode, producer Marissa McCool takes a different view of the trans question (tm.) Whereas the argument often involves people who disagree with their rights against those experiencing it themselves, Marissa sits down with four mini-interviews with her teammates the past few seasons to get their perspective on it. The experience varies, but this perspective is often ignored, at least when it's not the subject of useful propaganda. Guests:Rebecca JacobsonShelly SimonJulie SullivanMary Ellen SixBe sure to follow us on Instagram at @cleat_sheets to stay involved and updated on future episodes!Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool

Part two of Cleat Sheets' take on the National Championship. Jodi "Moose" Rehlander shares her thoughts on the game in a solo recording.Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @cleat_sheets to stay involved and updated on future episodes!Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool

Where do I go from here? Erin "Redwood" Truex records solo and talks championship weekend, grievances, and her future. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @cleat_sheets to stay involved and updated on future episodes!Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool

It is championship weekend and we're giving you our final episode of season 2 early to get you through your travel! The Capital Pioneers' own #62 Kala Moynihan, offensive and defensive line player, joins us on Cleat Sheets to tell us all about football in Salem, OR. She shares some surprising recruitment strategies and who she wants to see on her schedule.The Pioneers are a women's full contact tackle football team based in Salem, Oregon. The Pioneers are a part of a great non profit, the Salem Women's Football Association (SWFA), that empowers and uplifts women through the sport of football. You can find out about the SWFA by visiting www.salemwomensfootball.org and learn more about the Pioneers at www.capitalpioneersfootball.com. The Pioneers and the SWFA are always looking for new partners and sponsors. All these opportunities are available on their website. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @cleat_sheets to stay involved and updated on future episodes!Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool

Cliff Ashley, Special Teams Coordinator and Kicking Coach for the Boston Renegades joins us to talk all things Massey Ratings! Coach Cliff knows so much about the game that we chose to focus on Massey Ratings for the purpose of this episode. Production Note: Due to health issues on our team, the editing of this episode was delayed. We have chosen to remove our playoff predictions as they were no longer applicable at the time of this release.Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @cleat_sheets to stay involved and updated on future episodes!Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool

Courtney Burkett of the Baltimore Nighthawks joins Cleat Sheets to share how she found the sport, what her season is looking like to date, and furthering the game. Moose manages to say one nice thing about the Boston Renegades and Courtney breaks down what it's like preparing rookies for the line. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @cleat_sheets to stay involved and updated on future episodes!Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool

The WFA Playoffs are upon us and we have feelings. Moose and Redwood are joined by producer and Midwest Mountain Lions' quarterback, Marissa Alexa McCool. How does a 6-0 team not make the playoffs? How does 6-0 team get removed from playoffs? Will this podcast survive another Minnesota vs. Boston Championship face-off? We sound off on our hot takes. Our opinions are our own. This is our final recording of the 2022 season. You don't want to miss it. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @cleat_sheets to stay involved and updated on future episodes!Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool

It's a special Wednesday release in honor of our guest's birthday! Brittany "BL" Fears of the Derby City Dynamite joins Cleat Sheets to share more about her recovery from injury and what is motivating her for the 2022 season. Playing for the Dynamite since 2015, the 2022 season marks her first year back from injury. BL served 10 years in the military and currently runs a drill team at a local school. Besides football, Brittany played basketball, soccer, and ran cross country in college. As we close, BL flips the interview on Moose and Redwood and we discuss retirement and reshaping the WFA schedule. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @cleat_sheets to stay involved and updated on future episodes!Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool

Cleat Sheets is joined by Backseat Coach to discuss the history of women's football and get his opinions on the state of the game today. As a stats and communication wizard, Backseat Coach shares his insights into what we can expect in 2022 and we introduce our new segment of rapid fire predictions. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @cleat_sheets to stay involved and updated on future episodes!Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool

Minnesota Vixen experienced a tough loss against the Nevada Storm and Redwood and Moose break it down. How does a team recover from an upset? Where do they go from here? Redwood also shares a bit about what the Boston Renegades have been up to this season. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @cleat_sheets to stay involved and updated on future episodes!Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool

Cleat Sheets is thrilled to share our interview with Lyndsey D'Arcangelo, author of Hail Mary: The Raise and Fall of the National Women's Football League. Lyndsey is an award-winning author and sportswriter, currently writing about Women's College Basketball and the WNBA for The Athletic WBB and Just Women's Sports. We discuss the landscape of women's sports today and what it was like telling the story of the National Women's Football League.To find out where to purchase Hail Mary, visit https://lyndseydarcangelo.com/books/hail-mary-rise-fall-nwfl/.Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @cleat_sheets to stay involved and updated on future episodes!Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool

This week's Mini Cast is all about intention setting. Moose and Redwood discuss the lead up to a game and how they prepare mentally. Whether it is journaling, self-talk, or goal setting, they breakdown what helps them on the football field. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @cleat_sheets to stay involved and updated on future episodes!Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool

Rich Harrigan and Lybrant "LB" Robinson of the Tri-State Warriors join Cleat Sheets to share all about New Jersey's only women's tackle football team. With years of experience between them with multiple women's football teams, Rich and LB breakdown their decision to launch their own team and what we can expect from the Warriors in 2022. To learn more about the Warriors, visit https://www.tristatewarriors.com.This episode's interview is available on video exclusively to Patreon subscribers. Access the video by visiting www.patreon.com/cleatsheetsBe sure to follow us on Instagram at @cleat_sheets to stay involved and updated on future episodes!Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool

Welcome to Cleat Sheets Mini Cast, where we highlight teams in the Women's Football Alliance. This week's Mini Cast features the Capital Pioneers. The Pioneers are a women's full contact tackle football team based in Salem, Oregon. The Pioneers are a part of a great non profit, the Salem Women's Football Association (SWFA), that empowers and uplifts women through the sport of football. You can find out about the SWFA by visiting www.salemwomensfootball.org and learn more about the Pioneers at www.capitalpioneersfootball.com. The Pioneers and the SWFA are always looking for new partners and sponsors. All these opportunities are available on their website. Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool

When Redwood was down and out with the flu, Moose welcomes Jenessa White of the Minnesota Vixen to talk candidly as teammates and friends. This All-American plays tight end for the Vixen and has an extensive history of excelling in sports throughout their high school and collegiate career. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @cleat_sheets to stay involved and updated on future episodes!Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool

Redwood sits down with Marissa Alexa McCool, producer of Cleat Sheets and the QB for the Midwest Mountain Lions. What was supposed to be a mini cast for a final check in regarding the season turned into something so much more. Redwood stumbles on her words, but that's not what is important. We hope you'll listen to Marissa's words openly. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @cleat_sheets to stay involved and updated on future episodes!Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool

Ken Maryon joins us from the Utica Hellcats to share his experience with the Women's Football Alliance and growing the sport in Utica. Building upon his knowledge in Pop Warner, flag football, and semi-professional football, Ken gives insight into what it is like to build a community for his women's football program and their plans for the 2022 season.Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @cleat_sheets to stay involved and updated on future episodes!Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool

Curious about the Team USA Trials that took place this month at IMG Academy in Florida? Moose breaks down her experience at the trials, from coaching to competition to special guests, she shares firsthand what the weekend looked like for participants. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @cleat_sheets to stay involved and updated on future episodes!About Team USAThe U.S. Women's Tackle National Team Trials was a two-day evaluation event open to any female athlete over the age of 18 that wanted to compete for a chance to make the 2022 U.S. National Team Roster. The event consisted of individual, one-on-one, and team drills and competition. The 45-player roster will be selected based on coaches and scout evaluation of skill, football knowledge, attitude, leadership, and character.The 2022 U.S. Women's Tackle National Team will compete at the IFAF World Championships in Vantaa Finland July 28th - August 8th. All players will be required to attend training camp in the US just prior to departing for Finland.Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool

Women's football super fan, Michael Burmy, joins us to share his thoughts on the upcoming Women's Football Alliance season. Burmy is synonymous with women's football, providing insight and coverage on often overlooked teams for over ten years. Burmy makes predictions on the upcoming season and shares how he found the sport. You can stay up to date by joining his group, Hometown Women's Football, on Facebook. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @cleat_sheets to stay involved and updated on future episodes!Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool

Welcome to Cleat Sheets Mini Cast, where we highlight teams in the Women's Football Alliance. The Sioux Falls Snow Leopards are a women's full contact tackle football team based in South Dakota. As the first and only professional women's football team in the state, the Snow Leopards are preparing for a four-game schedule in the development division of the Women's Football Alliance. They have roster of 30 players and are excited to compete and further female sports in South Dakota and the US overall. In their second year, they are prepared to build off of experience gained in their inaugural season as they face off against the Midwest Mountain Lions and the Minnesota Minx in home and away matchups.To learn more about the Sioux Falls Snow Leopards, you can find them online or on social media at:Website: https://officialsfsl.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialSFSL/Instagram: www.instagram.com/officialsfslBe sure to follow us on Instagram at @cleat_sheets to stay involved and updated on future episodes!Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool

Full disclosure, we didn't want to release this episode. What started as a casual conversation about the right way to celebrate turned to a deeper conversation on loss and grief and the impact of football. Moose and Redwood discuss the impact of positive and negative coaching experiences, if there is a right and wrong way to celebrate, and how grief and loss shapes our experience. We are so grateful for your support of Cleat Sheets and hope you'll listen with an open heart and mind as we get candid about our life experiences. Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is suicidal or in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Presentation Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @cleat_sheets to stay involved and updated on future episodes!Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool

For this week's Mini Cast, we are sharing more information about Play Like a Girl. Play Like a Girl!® is a 501(c)3 charitable organization on a mission to level the playing field by leveraging the skills girls gain from sport to propel young women into competitive, male-dominated careers in STEM+. Cleat Sheets donates all net proceeds from our Patreon subscriptions to Play Like a Girl on a monthly basis. You can get involved with Play Like a Girl on March 8th in honor of International Women's Day. Play Like a Girl will be hosting their annual Women's Leadership Summit and are offering our listeners the chance to attend the Summit and with a 25% discount on their ticket, using the promo code: FRIENDSThe following are additional ways you can support Play Like a Girl and their mission:-Bring Play Like a Girl to their company or community-Volunteer in the following ways: mentor a girl, serve as ambassadors, act as role models;-Or, make a monthly donation.To learn more about these opportunities, visit https://iplaylikeagirl.orgBe sure to follow us on Instagram at @cleat_sheets to stay involved and updated on future episodes!Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool

Nicole Pelham of the Seattle Spartans joins us to shine a light on women's football in the Pacific Northwest. When there are so many teams in the region competing, Nicole shares her perspective on building her team and the expectations she sets on and off the field. Player, owner, and one of our most inspiring interviews we've had. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @cleat_sheets to stay involved and updated on future episodes!Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool

Introducing Cleat Sheets Mini Cast, where we highlight teams in the Women's Football Alliance. The Midwest Mountain Lions are a women's semi-pro full contact tackle football team based in Kenosha, WI with players from the southeast Wisconsin and Chicagoland areas. Founded in 2019, the team was created to ensure women's tackle football remained active in the area after all previous teams ceased operations. After battling complications due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the team is poised to take the field in April of 2022 as a member of the Women's Football Alliance, a nationwide league with over 60 teams.To learn more about the Midwest Mountain Lions, you can find them online or on social media at:Website: www.mwmountainlions.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/mwmountainlionsInstagram: www.instagram.com/mwmountainlionsTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@mwmountainlionsTwitter: twitter.com/mwmountainlionsBe sure to follow us on Instagram at @cleat_sheets to stay involved and updated on future episodes!Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool

Thelma Banks of the Derby City Dynamite has arrived and nothing is off limits. We discuss her team's reputation, how to build a winning culture, and the pieces it takes to achieve success. Thelma shares what is in store for the Derby City Dynamite in 2022 and what she wants to see from her team and the sport in the future. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @cleat_sheets to stay involved and updated on future episodes!Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool

Mr. Announcer Guy himself, Brian Sweeney, joins Moose and Redwood to discuss his career and the path he took to become the voice of the Women's Football Alliance National Championship. An award-winning public address announcer, Brian serves as the announcer for the University of Minnesota, Mpls, Women's NCAA D1 Ice Hockey and the Minnesota Vixen. We talk to Brian about the state of women's football, the progress the sport saw in 2021, and what we can expect to see in 2022. To stay up to date on what Brian is up to, follow him on Twitter at @mr_announcerguy.Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @cleat_sheets to stay involved and updated on future episodes!Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool

It's our final recording of 2021 and we wrap up the year looking back at some of the biggest storylines in women's football, what we are hopeful for in 2022, and even discuss what the local men's teams are up to this season. Redwood finally admits which teams she absolutely hates and joins Moose in creating some bulletin board material for the upcoming season. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @cleat_sheets to stay involved and updated on future episodes!Edited and produced by Marissa Alexa McCool