More Than An Armband
More Than An Armband explores how leadership in sports extends far beyond the captain's armband. Host Anja Koehler, founder of Captain's University, talks with athletes about how they step up and inspire others during competition. Each episode looks at game-changing moments and the lessons athletes carry into life after sport. The show breaks down what it truly means to lead, both on the field and in the next chapter of life.
Episodes
Breaking Records, Building Leaders You'd Walk Through Fire For with Lilly King
Lilly King — Fierce, Fun, and Fostering the Next Generation of Leaders
In this episode of More Than an Armband, Anja sits down with seven-time Olympic medalist and Indiana University swimming legend Lilly King. Lilly traces her path from a competitive Evansville household to becoming one of the most outspoken leaders in American swimming — including the moment at age 12 that convinced her an Olymp
BONUS! Angelina Anderson's Rapid Fire — Favorite Album, Japan & an Empty SoFi Stadium
In this bonus drop from our episode with Angel City FC's Angelina Anderson, she runs through her rapid-fire favorites — her all-time favorite album, the country that stole her heart on a soccer trip, and the surreal moment standing in an empty SoFi Stadium the day before a USWNT game.
Angelina Anderson (Angel City FC) — Leading Vets, Handling Criticism & Life on the B-Side
In this episode of More Than an Armband, Anja sits down with Angelina Anderson, goalkeeper and captain for Angel City FC in the NWSL. Angelina opens up about her path from Cal Berkeley, where she was named Pac-12 Goalkeeper of the Year and served as team captain, to the professional ranks and USWNT camp.
They dig into what it actually takes to lead teammates who are older, more experienced, and so
Bonus Segment! Derek Waldeck's National Championship Experience
Listen to this bonus segment where Derek Waldeck shares more about his national championship experience and what players he enjoys watching.
Derek Waldeck: From Stanford Championships to Pro Soccer — What the Armband Really Taught Him
In this episode of More Than an Armband, Anja sits down with Derek Waldeck, a professional soccer player who has worn the armband at every level of the game — from back-to-back national championships at Stanford University to captaining professional locker rooms across the United States. Derek opens up about what it was like to learn from elite leaders as a freshman at Stanford, and how watching t
Bonus Segment! Rapid Fire with Celia
Listen to this bonus segment of rapid fire questions with Celia Jiménez.
The Space Between the Stars: Celia Jiménez on World Cups & Captaincy
In this episode of More Than an Armband, Anja sits down with Celia Jiménez — former Spanish national team captain, two-time World Cup veteran, NWSL champion with the Atlanta Pride, and now Founder and CEO of Nebula. Celia shares her remarkable journey from a small town in southern Spain where she fought for the right to compete at just six years old, all the way to the world's biggest stages in wo
Bonus Segment! Why Michelle Voiland Loves Coaching
Listen to this bonus segment with Michelle Voiland as she shares her favorite soccer memory and why she loves coaching.
The Bundesliga, Belonging & Building Leaders with Michelle Voiland
In this episode, Anja sits down with Michelle Voiland — University of Portland goalkeeper, Bundesliga veteran, and head women's soccer coach at Whitman College — for a conversation that goes way deeper than the X's and O's.
Michelle shares what it was like playing four years at the University of Portland under the legendary Clive Charles, graduating as the program's all-time leader in saves, and t
Bonus Segment! Be the Change in the World You Want to See
Listen to this bonus segment where Madison Fisher shares more about her collegiate experience and leadership advice that has stuck with her beyond the game.
Two Sides of the Armband: Madison Fisher on Leading for Tracy Leone
In this episode of More Than an Armband, host Anja Koehler sits down with Madison Fisher, a former midfielder and two-year captain at Colby College in Waterville, Maine.
Madison shares her soccer journey growing up in Pomfret, Connecticut in a family of athletes and coaches, and how a multi-sport high school experience shaped her as a competitor. She reflects on what drew her to Colby — a place w
Bonus Segment! Tracey Leone on Practicing Leadership Skills
Listen as Tracey shares how coaches can incorporate learning opportunities into practice to support student-athlete confidence in leading.
Calling People Up: Tracey Leone on Leadership Lessons from the Pitch to the Sideline
In this episode, Anja sits down with former US Women's National Team player and collegiate coach Tracey Leone to talk about what leadership truly looks like — on the field and off it. Tracey takes us back to the early days of women's soccer in America, sharing what it was like to be part of a pioneering generation that built the sport from the ground up. From playing under Anson Dorrance at UNC to
Bonus Segment! Grace Leer's Creative Leadership - Songwriting
Listen to Grace describe the process of song writing and how it relates to leadership in sport.
Grace Leer: From Cal Captain to Country Artist — Just Start
In this episode of More Than an Armband, Anja sits down with Grace Leer (Cal soccer alum turned Nashville singer-songwriter) to unpack what leadership looks like when your “team” is your dream. Grace shares how growing up with the “three S’s” (school, soccer, singing) shaped her identity, and how the habits she built as an athlete still drive her as an independent artist today.
From being voted ca
Bonus Segment! Ali Hall on Being Authentic
In this bonus segment, Ali Hall shares her advice to leaders both young and old.
Be Yourself, Earn Respect: Ali Hall on Leadership, Accountability, and Beach Soccer
In this episode of More Than an Armband, Anja sits down with Ali Hall, co-captain of the U.S. Women’s Beach Soccer National Team and a two-time FIFA Player of the Year, to talk about leadership, identity, and building something bigger than yourself. Ali shares how she rediscovered her love for the game through beach soccer, why the sport demands full accountability from every player, and what it m
Bonus Segment! Why Shinya Enjoys Cooking
Listen to Shinya's reason why he enjoyed cooking for others and how it helps him to fuel himself as he trains for his first marathon.
Shin's Journey: Resilience & Leadership
In this episode of More Than an Armband, Anja Koehler sits down with Shinya Kadono, former professional soccer player, longtime captain, and creator of Shin’s Journey, to explore what leadership really looks like when the results are uncertain and the path forward is unclear.
From growing up in Japan and immigrating to the U.S., to overcoming early setbacks, hard feedback, and self-doubt, Shinya s
Bonus Segment! Cathy Helin on Entreprenuership
Hear as Cathy describes how her previous entreprenuership experience supported the founding of BearCat Coaching.
Believing in You - Lessons from Bearcat Coaching’s Cathy Helin
Content Advisory: This episode contains brief discussion about eating disorders and mental health. Please listen with care and step away if needed.
In this episode of More Than an Armband, Anja sits down with Cathy Helin - Hall of Famer, former elite athlete, business owner, and founder of Bearcat Coaching - for a powerful conversation about confidence, leadership, and the courage to be authentica
Bonus Segment! Fostering Animals with San Junqua
This bonus segment includes how Sam Junqua leads off the field by fostering animals.
Sam Junqua on Adaptability, Mindset, and his MLS Journey
Real Salt Lake defender Sam Junqua joins More Than an Armband to talk about adaptability, mindset, and connection in the MLS. From trades to transitions, he shares how mindfulness and service shape his approach to leadership and consistency.
Bonus Segment! Becky Sauerbrunn's Favorite...
This bonus segment includes a rapid fire question session with Becky.
Becky Sauerbrunn: Leading the USWNT Legacy Forward
Becky Sauerbrunn joins More Than an Armband to reflect on her journey as captain of the U.S. Women’s National Team - from learning to lead authentically to carrying one of the most successful programs in sports history. She shares what it means to lead with steady strength, the lessons from Tokyo 2021, and how her generation intentionally passed the baton to the next wave of U.S. women’s soccer le
Bonus Segment! Camryn Bynum: Self Leadership & The Bynum Faith Foundation
Two weeks ago, we heard a brand new episode of More Than an Armband. Enjoy this bonus segment on Camryn’s work and calling off the field with the Bynum Faith Foundation and his take on why he describes his life as a “movie.”
Camryn Bynum: NFL Leadership, Faith-Fueled Purpose, and a Life Like a Movie
NFL safety Camryn Bynum says his life is a movie. From leading the Indianapolis Colts defense to launching joy-filled post-play celebrations and building sustainable impact through the Bynum Faith Foundation, Cam opens up about what it means to lead with clarity, purpose, and service. He shares powerful insights on transitioning from follower to leading by voice, overcoming the fear of speaking up
Bonus Segment! Laura Schott's Experience Broadcasting on Game Day
Laura Schott describes her experience broadcasting on game day at the art of improvising.
Empowered to Decide: Laura Schott on Building Confident Players and Purposeful Leaders
In this episode of More Than an Armband, Anja Koehler welcomes former U.S. Women’s National Team player, Hall of Famer, and accomplished collegiate coach Laura Schott. From competing on the world stage to leading teams from the sidelines, Laura shares how her experiences shaped a coaching philosophy rooted in empowering athletes to think critically and make confident decisions.
She reflects on piv
Bonus Segment! Justin Morrow: Continuous Leadership and Learning
Enjoy this bonus segment on Justin Morrow’s thoughts on leadership being more than the title, his favorite moment in his playing career, and his top habit to keep himself grounded in continuous learning.
Justin Morrow: Leading Change Through Sport
Former MLS star and U.S. Men's National Team player Justin Morrow joins More Than an Armband to share how leadership, purpose, and service have shaped every phase of his life - on and off the pitch. From his evolution as a quiet, lead-by-example player to founding Black Players for Change and pursuing equity through sport at USC's Race & Equity Center, Justin’s story is a powerful reminder tha
Bonus Segment! Marley Canales: Supporting Yourself & Leading Others
In this segment, Mar speaks about her support systems that helped her to break barriers and control what she could. This led to the ability to connect with her teammates through shared experiences.
Nothing Given, Everything Earned: Marley Canales’ Professional Soccer Journey
In this inspiring episode of More Than An Armband, professional soccer player Marley Canales joins host Anja Koehler for a powerful conversation about resilience, leadership, and redefining what it means to lead - on and off the field. Marley opens up about her journey from youth national teams to UCLA, her battle with injury, navigating the draft, and ultimately becoming the first player signed t
Bonus Segment! Jeané Sunseri-Warp Body Building & Wearing the Crest
In this bonus segment with Jeané Sunseri-Warp, we hear about J's experience body building and what it means to wear the USA crest representing the Beach Soccer National Team.
Leading from the Sand: Jeané Sunseri-Warp
In this episode, U.S. Women’s Beach Soccer National Team veteran Jeané Sunseri-Warp shares what it truly means to lead without needing a title. From overcoming imposter syndrome to mastering the power of connection, Jeané unpacks the leadership lessons she’s learned on the sand, in the corporate world, and through giving back to the next generation. Listeners will walk away inspired to lead authen
Bonus Segment! Shae Holmes - 30 Sec of Courage & Connected Comebacks
In this bonus segment from Shae Holmes, we hear about a moment were 30 sec of courage unlocked the ability to ask questions to her captains at the professional level. Also, listeners will learn about how Shae spends her time outside of soccer with her jewelry business, Connected Comebacks.
Setbacks, Comebacks, and Captaincy: The Grit and Grace of Shae Holmes
In this episode of the More Than An Armband podcast, host Anja Koehler sits down with Shae Holmes, a former rookie in the NWSL and a past collegiate captain, to explore the resilience and leadership required to navigate both triumph and adversity in sports.
Shae shares her journey from youth soccer to the professional stage, reflecting on the setbacks that shaped her - most notably, injuries that
Bonus Segment! Lu Barnes on Finding Passion and Championing Sustainability
In this bonus segment, Lu speaks on her passions beyond the game, sustainability, and how they support her ability to support the community as well as connect and continue to lead your teammates.
The Steady Strength of Leadership: NWSL Veteran Lu Barnes on Shaping the Next Generation
In this episode of the More Than an Armband podcast, host Anja Koehler sits down with Lu Barnes, a veteran NWSL leader and mentor to the next generation of athletes. With over a decade of experience in professional soccer, Lu shares her journey from a young player navigating the early days of the league to becoming a steady force of leadership for the Seattle Reign.
They dive into the evolution of
What is More Than An Armband?
Anja describes her journey to founding Captain's University, the mission to empower women leaders, and why we are launching More Than An Armband. In this short preview, Anja hopes to express that everyone's leadership journey is different. Many listeners may not know their next step to lead effectively and captain their life. More Than An Armband aims to share the stories and tools of leaders in t
