<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:googleplay="http://www.google.com/schemas/play-podcasts/1.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[The Sports Her]]></title><description><![CDATA[New Englands Home for Women's Sports]]></description><link>https://www.thesportsher.com</link><image><url>https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!TQvX!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F56a03742-8aa4-47a0-8c60-5352df519f22_1024x1024.png</url><title>The Sports Her</title><link>https://www.thesportsher.com</link></image><generator>Substack</generator><lastBuildDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:58:17 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.thesportsher.com/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><copyright><![CDATA[The Sports HER]]></copyright><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><webMaster><![CDATA[thesportsher@substack.com]]></webMaster><itunes:owner><itunes:email><![CDATA[thesportsher@substack.com]]></itunes:email><itunes:name><![CDATA[The Sports Her]]></itunes:name></itunes:owner><itunes:author><![CDATA[The Sports Her]]></itunes:author><googleplay:owner><![CDATA[thesportsher@substack.com]]></googleplay:owner><googleplay:email><![CDATA[thesportsher@substack.com]]></googleplay:email><googleplay:author><![CDATA[The Sports Her]]></googleplay:author><itunes:block><![CDATA[Yes]]></itunes:block><item><title><![CDATA[📅 This Week in New England Women's Sports: June 23–29, 2025]]></title><description><![CDATA[What&#8217;s Ahead for the Connecticut Sun and Boston Fleet]]></description><link>https://www.thesportsher.com/p/this-week-june23-june29</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.thesportsher.com/p/this-week-june23-june29</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[The Sports Her]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 23 Jun 2025 20:27:59 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_QbY!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f01fdb4-4157-420c-94b3-9489753e9168_640x360.avif" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hey HERd &#128075;, </p><p>It&#8217;s time to get caught up on what&#8217;s coming this week for the Connecticut Sun and Boston Fleet. Let&#8217;s jump in. &#128071;</p><div><hr></div><h2>&#127936; Connecticut Sun &#8211; This Week&#8217;s Games</h2><p>The Sun are in the middle of a tough road trip, and this week could be a real turning point.</p><h3>&#128197; Upcoming Games:</h3><ul><li><p><strong>Wednesday, June 25</strong><br>Playing against the <em>Las Vegas Aces</em><br>&#9200; 10:00 PM ET | &#128205; Michelob ULTRA Arena</p></li><li><p><strong>Friday, June 27</strong><br>Taking on the <em>Seattle Storm</em><br>&#9200; 10:00 PM ET | &#128205; Climate Pledge Arena</p></li><li><p><strong>Sunday, June 29</strong><br>Facing the <em>Minnesota Lynx</em><br>&#9200; 7:00 PM ET | &#128205; Target Center</p></li></ul><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_QbY!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f01fdb4-4157-420c-94b3-9489753e9168_640x360.avif" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_QbY!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f01fdb4-4157-420c-94b3-9489753e9168_640x360.avif 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_QbY!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f01fdb4-4157-420c-94b3-9489753e9168_640x360.avif 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_QbY!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f01fdb4-4157-420c-94b3-9489753e9168_640x360.avif 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_QbY!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f01fdb4-4157-420c-94b3-9489753e9168_640x360.avif 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_QbY!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f01fdb4-4157-420c-94b3-9489753e9168_640x360.avif" width="640" height="360" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/2f01fdb4-4157-420c-94b3-9489753e9168_640x360.avif&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:false,&quot;imageSize&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;,&quot;height&quot;:360,&quot;width&quot;:640,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:640,&quot;bytes&quot;:47219,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/avif&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.thesportsher.com/i/166673744?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f01fdb4-4157-420c-94b3-9489753e9168_640x360.avif&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:&quot;center&quot;,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_QbY!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f01fdb4-4157-420c-94b3-9489753e9168_640x360.avif 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_QbY!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f01fdb4-4157-420c-94b3-9489753e9168_640x360.avif 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_QbY!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f01fdb4-4157-420c-94b3-9489753e9168_640x360.avif 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_QbY!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f01fdb4-4157-420c-94b3-9489753e9168_640x360.avif 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><h3>&#128269; Things to Keep an Eye On:</h3><ul><li><p>Can the Sun snap their losing streak while they&#8217;re on the road?</p></li><li><p>Will <strong>Marina Mabrey</strong> be back, or will the team need to make more adjustments?</p></li><li><p>This West Coast stretch is a serious test for a young team trying to find its rhythm.</p></li></ul><div><hr></div><h2>&#127954; Boston Fleet &#8211; Draft Week Focus</h2><p>It&#8217;s technically the offseason for the Fleet, but big moves are on the horizon. </p><h3>&#128197; Key Date:</h3><ul><li><p><strong>Tuesday, June 24</strong><br><em>2025 PWHL Entry Draft</em><br>&#9200; 7:00 PM ET | &#128205; Ottawa | &#128250; Streaming on TSN &amp; PWHL YouTube</p></li></ul><h3>&#128269; Why This Matters:</h3><ul><li><p>The Fleet has the <strong>second overall pick</strong> and a chance to bring in a potential star player.</p></li><li><p>Boston&#8217;s roster was shaken up after losing Hannah Bilka, Emily Brown, and Sydney Bard to Seattle and Vancouver in the expansion draft. Now the Fleet are in rebuild mode, and this week&#8217;s draft is their chance to reset.</p></li></ul><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gZZR!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f0e141d-028b-430a-a275-271f57c37737_1280x720.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gZZR!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f0e141d-028b-430a-a275-271f57c37737_1280x720.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gZZR!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f0e141d-028b-430a-a275-271f57c37737_1280x720.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gZZR!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f0e141d-028b-430a-a275-271f57c37737_1280x720.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gZZR!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f0e141d-028b-430a-a275-271f57c37737_1280x720.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gZZR!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f0e141d-028b-430a-a275-271f57c37737_1280x720.jpeg" width="1280" height="720" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/2f0e141d-028b-430a-a275-271f57c37737_1280x720.jpeg&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:720,&quot;width&quot;:1280,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:66020,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.thesportsher.com/i/166673744?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f0e141d-028b-430a-a275-271f57c37737_1280x720.jpeg&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gZZR!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f0e141d-028b-430a-a275-271f57c37737_1280x720.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gZZR!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f0e141d-028b-430a-a275-271f57c37737_1280x720.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gZZR!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f0e141d-028b-430a-a275-271f57c37737_1280x720.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gZZR!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2f0e141d-028b-430a-a275-271f57c37737_1280x720.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><div><hr></div><h2>&#128302; Quick Takeaway</h2><p>This week is all about bouncing back and building something new.</p><ul><li><p>The Connecticut Sun are on the road with a lot to prove. It&#8217;s time to regroup, lock in, and find a way to turn this thing around. </p></li><li><p>The Boston Fleet, on the other hand, are building for the future with a critical draft just days away.</p></li></ul><p>Big moves are coming. Stay with us, HERd. &#128170;</p><div><hr></div><p>Subscribe to get our <strong>PWHL Draft preview</strong> and follow along as we break down Boston&#8217;s next big draft day decisions.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.thesportsher.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.thesportsher.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[🌅 Sun Stumble Out West: Valkyries Overwhelm Connecticut in 87-63 Loss]]></title><description><![CDATA[A rough night, but there&#8217;s still fight in this squad.]]></description><link>https://www.thesportsher.com/p/sun-stumble-out-west-valkyries-overwhelm</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.thesportsher.com/p/sun-stumble-out-west-valkyries-overwhelm</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[The Sports Her]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 23 Jun 2025 11:05:53 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!inqp!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe3dd6c0a-8c74-4ae2-bbd8-6feb5140a4bd_1440x960.webp" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hey HERd &#128075;,<br>Sunday night wasn&#8217;t it for our Connecticut Sun. The team struggled to find rhythm against the Golden State Valkyries, falling <strong>87-63</strong> on the road in San Francisco.</p><p>The Valkyries came out swinging and dropped a <strong>massive 36-point second quarter</strong>, building a lead the Sun just couldn&#8217;t erase. It was one of those nights where shots didn&#8217;t fall, the defense looked out of sync, and it just got away from us early.</p><div><hr></div><h2>&#127936; Quick Game Recap</h2><p><strong>Final:</strong> Connecticut Sun 63 &#8211; Golden State Valkyries 87<br><strong>Sun Record:</strong> 2-12 overall | 1-6 on the road</p><ul><li><p>Valkyries <strong>owned the first half</strong> and led by 27 at halftime.</p></li><li><p>Connecticut shot just <strong>30% from the field</strong> and <strong>29% from deep.</strong></p></li><li><p>The Sun&#8217;s <strong>63 points were the lowest scored against the Valkyries all season.</strong></p></li></ul><div id="youtube2-YPi3qrq1a50" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;YPi3qrq1a50&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/YPi3qrq1a50?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><div><hr></div><h2>&#127775; Bright Spots for the Sun</h2><p>Even on a tough night, there were players who kept showing up:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Aneesah Morrow</strong> led the way with <strong>14 points</strong>, hustling to keep the offense alive.</p></li><li><p><strong>Jacy Sheldon</strong> added <strong>10 points</strong> and brought some late-game energy.</p></li></ul><div class="image-gallery-embed" data-attrs="{&quot;gallery&quot;:{&quot;images&quot;:[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/webp&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/e3dd6c0a-8c74-4ae2-bbd8-6feb5140a4bd_1440x960.webp&quot;},{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/avif&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/ff9286c0-6733-4119-b0a6-c7234ea13ef1_2560x1707.avif&quot;}],&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;staticGalleryImage&quot;:{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/29523b14-b56c-40c4-949c-0ff05d37eb1b_1456x720.png&quot;}},&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true}"></div><div><hr></div><h2>&#129504; HER Take</h2><p>Let&#8217;s be real&#8212;this one hurt. But here&#8217;s what we&#8217;re seeing from the HERd sideline:</p><p>&#128148; <strong>Offense couldn&#8217;t get going.</strong> Shooting 30% just won&#8217;t cut it in this league.</p><p>&#128420; <strong>Paint defense struggled.</strong> The Valkyries poured in <strong>32 points in the paint</strong> with ease.</p><p>&#129504; <strong>Mental toughness matters.</strong> Once the lead ballooned, the Sun looked shaken.</p><p>This is now a <strong>six-game losing streak.</strong> The road&#8217;s been rough, but it&#8217;s not the end of the story. The Sun have been resilient before&#8212;we&#8217;re betting they&#8217;ll find a way to regroup.</p><div><hr></div><h2>&#128197; Next Up</h2><p>The Sun head to <strong>Las Vegas on Wednesday</strong> to take on the defending champs. It&#8217;s going to take everything to grab a win on the road, but if this team finds their fire, anything can happen.</p><div><hr></div><h2>&#128995; Stay with the HERD</h2><p>Love following the Sun? The HERd&#8217;s got you covered with bold, HER-first coverage of New England women&#8217;s sports. Subscribe, share, and keep cheering loud.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.thesportsher.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.thesportsher.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[⚽️ Meet Boston Legacy FC: Boston’s Newest Pro Team Joins the NWSL]]></title><description><![CDATA[Boston soccer fans, get excited! Your next favorite team kicks off in 2026.]]></description><link>https://www.thesportsher.com/p/meet-boston-legacy-fc-bostons-newest</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.thesportsher.com/p/meet-boston-legacy-fc-bostons-newest</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[The Sports Her]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 23 Jun 2025 00:14:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/3a462431-e60d-43b3-80ce-deb085bf543d_400x240.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gh-c!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2e8ec449-1e49-4ac3-837a-ec2d43c65d31_800x200.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gh-c!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2e8ec449-1e49-4ac3-837a-ec2d43c65d31_800x200.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gh-c!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2e8ec449-1e49-4ac3-837a-ec2d43c65d31_800x200.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gh-c!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2e8ec449-1e49-4ac3-837a-ec2d43c65d31_800x200.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gh-c!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2e8ec449-1e49-4ac3-837a-ec2d43c65d31_800x200.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gh-c!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2e8ec449-1e49-4ac3-837a-ec2d43c65d31_800x200.jpeg" width="800" height="200" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/2e8ec449-1e49-4ac3-837a-ec2d43c65d31_800x200.jpeg&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:200,&quot;width&quot;:800,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:26131,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://thesportsher.substack.com/i/166558462?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2e8ec449-1e49-4ac3-837a-ec2d43c65d31_800x200.jpeg&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gh-c!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2e8ec449-1e49-4ac3-837a-ec2d43c65d31_800x200.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gh-c!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2e8ec449-1e49-4ac3-837a-ec2d43c65d31_800x200.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gh-c!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2e8ec449-1e49-4ac3-837a-ec2d43c65d31_800x200.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gh-c!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2e8ec449-1e49-4ac3-837a-ec2d43c65d31_800x200.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption"><em>The swan in Boston Legacy FC&#8217;s crest symbolizes fierce protection, loyalty, and the club&#8217;s core values of integrity, grit, and style. It also connects to Boston&#8217;s identity, referencing the iconic Swan Boats and the city&#8217;s historic landscapes.</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>Hey HERd &#128075;,</p><p>Big news in Boston sports: we&#8217;re finally getting another women's pro soccer team! After nearly a decade without professional women&#8217;s soccer in the city, <strong>Boston Legacy FC</strong> is set to hit the pitch as part of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) starting in <strong>2026</strong>.</p><p>But before you get your scarves ready, here&#8217;s everything you need to know about Boston&#8217;s exciting new team. &#128071;</p><div><hr></div><h2>&#128260; A Second Chance at a First Impression</h2><p>Remember when the team first announced itself as <strong>BOS Nation FC</strong> with the slogan <em>&#8220;Too Many Balls&#8221;</em>? Yeah&#8230; that quickly became the internet meme we didn&#8217;t need. What was supposed to be a cheeky nod to Boston&#8217;s sports culture-even featuring a cameo from Tom Brady, completely missed the mark. Many fans, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, found it dismissive and out of touch. <a href="https://www.espn.com/">ESPN</a> covered the backlash, and the club pulled the campaign almost immediately.</p><p>But here&#8217;s what made me proud: instead of ignoring the criticism, the club <strong>listened</strong>. They apologized publicly, opened listening sessions, and launched fan surveys that brought in over 1,500 responses. They met with supporters' groups, community advocates, and local organizations to figure out where things went wrong- and how to fix it. <a href="https://www.bostonlegacyfc.com/">BostonLegacyFC.com</a> detailed the entire process.</p><p>By March 2025, the team reintroduced itself as <strong>Boston Legacy FC</strong>- a name inspired by Boston&#8217;s sports history and built to symbolize inclusion and respect. <a href="https://www.forbes.com/">Forbes</a> called it a &#8220;trust-building era,&#8221; and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/">The Guardian</a> praised the pivot as thoughtful and community-driven.</p><p>The best reaction? USWNT legend Megan Rapinoe said it best:</p><blockquote><p><em>&#8220;I love it &#8230; shoutout to the Boston NWSL team for actually just &#8230; onboarding the very justified criticism &#8230; They took it on the chin and came back with something so much better.&#8221;</em> (<a href="https://www.boston.com/">Boston.com</a>)</p></blockquote><p>What could&#8217;ve been a PR disaster turned into a powerful comeback. The club proved they&#8217;re here to <strong>listen, learn, and truly represent Boston</strong>. &#10084;&#65039;</p><div><hr></div><h2>&#127775; Powerhouse Women Lead the Way</h2><p>Boston Legacy FC isn&#8217;t just a soccer team- it&#8217;s a shining example of what happens when women lead at every level.</p><h3>&#127941; Aly Raisman &#8211; Olympic Champion &amp; Investor</h3><p>Whether she&#8217;s winning gold medals or speaking out for social change, Aly Raisman has always stood up for what matters. Born and raised in Boston, she joined this ownership group because she wanted to give back to the community that raised her. <a href="https://www.people.com/">People</a> shared how this project spoke to her heart, calling it &#8220;a legacy worth investing in.&#8221; Her involvement sends a strong message: this team isn&#8217;t here to play small.</p><h3>&#127916; Elizabeth Banks &#8211; Hollywood Meets Homegrown Heart</h3><p>You know her from <em>The Hunger Games</em> and <em>Pitch Perfect</em>, but Elizabeth Banks is also a proud Bostonian. She had the chance to join Angel City FC in L.A. but turned it down because, in her words, &#8220;It&#8217;s not my home.&#8221; <a href="https://www.people.com/">People</a> reported she wanted to build something that truly belongs to Boston. She&#8217;s now pouring her passion into elevating women&#8217;s sports right here.</p><h3>&#128188; Jennifer Epstein &#8211; The Business Brains Behind the Bid</h3><p>Jennifer Epstein is a Boston-based entrepreneur and a minority owner of the Celtics. As the leader of <strong>Boston Unity Soccer Partners</strong>, she helped secure the $53 million NWSL expansion fee and committed $30 million toward renovating White Stadium. <a href="https://www.wbur.org/">WBUR</a> highlighted her mission: <em>&#8220;We will work tirelessly to build something meaningful- this time, with female athletes as the focus.&#8221;</em></p><p>Together with <strong>Dom&#232;nec Guasch</strong>, former FC Barcelona Women&#8217;s executive, and likely head coach <strong>Filipa Pat&#227;o</strong>, a five-time league champion with Benfica, this ownership group is setting Boston up for success, on and off the field.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!xhNx!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4df2c32b-4de7-4570-a881-be0cdf6a2a27_1600x900.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!xhNx!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4df2c32b-4de7-4570-a881-be0cdf6a2a27_1600x900.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!xhNx!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4df2c32b-4de7-4570-a881-be0cdf6a2a27_1600x900.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!xhNx!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4df2c32b-4de7-4570-a881-be0cdf6a2a27_1600x900.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!xhNx!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4df2c32b-4de7-4570-a881-be0cdf6a2a27_1600x900.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!xhNx!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4df2c32b-4de7-4570-a881-be0cdf6a2a27_1600x900.jpeg" width="1456" height="819" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/4df2c32b-4de7-4570-a881-be0cdf6a2a27_1600x900.jpeg&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:819,&quot;width&quot;:1456,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:191482,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://thesportsher.substack.com/i/166558462?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4df2c32b-4de7-4570-a881-be0cdf6a2a27_1600x900.jpeg&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!xhNx!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4df2c32b-4de7-4570-a881-be0cdf6a2a27_1600x900.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!xhNx!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4df2c32b-4de7-4570-a881-be0cdf6a2a27_1600x900.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!xhNx!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4df2c32b-4de7-4570-a881-be0cdf6a2a27_1600x900.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!xhNx!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4df2c32b-4de7-4570-a881-be0cdf6a2a27_1600x900.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption"><em>Founders of Boston Legacy Football Club, pictured wearing the now-outdated branding, from left to right: Ami Kuan Danoff, Jennifer Epstein, Stephanie Connaughton, Anna Palmer. Image via BLFC</em></figcaption></figure></div><div><hr></div><h2>&#127967;&#65039; From Gillette to Franklin Park: Stadium Plans</h2><p>Boston Legacy FC&#8217;s forever home will be the fully renovated <strong>White Stadium</strong> at Franklin Park. The plan? A modern 11,000-seat venue that blends professional soccer with community access. It will host Boston Public Schools games, neighborhood events, and year-round youth programming.</p><p>But here&#8217;s the twist: the renovations are behind schedule. Legal challenges, construction delays, and even environmental concerns pushed the timeline back. So for their <strong>inaugural 2026 season, Legacy FC will call Gillette Stadium home.</strong> Yes, the same Gillette Stadium that hosts the Patriots and the Revolution- because why not make a big entrance on a big stage?</p><p>The move to Gillette isn&#8217;t just about convenience- it&#8217;s about providing a high-quality fan experience, delivering top-tier media coverage, and celebrating the return of women&#8217;s soccer in New England in a venue that can handle the moment. &#127881;</p><p>The plan is to return to Franklin Park by <strong>2027</strong>, where the stadium will stand as a <strong>true community landmark</strong>- a place for the pros and the people.</p><div><hr></div><h2>&#128200; Building a Winning Team from Day One</h2><p>Boston Legacy FC isn&#8217;t waiting to be competitive- they&#8217;re <strong>building to win from day one.</strong> The NWSL provided the club with over <strong>$1 million in allocation funds</strong>, plus extra transfer flexibility as a new expansion team.</p><p>Even more exciting? New NWSL rules allow <strong>intra-league player loans</strong> for the first time. This means Legacy FC can tap into talent already playing in the league and build a deep, competitive roster from the jump.</p><p>Big-name signings, high-potential prospects, and international stars are all on the table. Boston fans should expect player announcements and roster reveals to start rolling in by <strong>late 2025</strong>. &#127775;</p><p>This isn&#8217;t just about fielding a team- it&#8217;s about building a contender.</p><div><hr></div><h2>&#129309; All About Community</h2><p>Boston Legacy FC&#8217;s mission is bigger than soccer. The renovation of White Stadium is a direct investment in the city, especially for <strong>Boston Public Schools</strong> and local youth sports programs. When complete, the stadium will offer <strong>top-notch facilities, safer playing surfaces, and more opportunities for kids</strong> to stay active and involved in sports.</p><p>The ownership group isn&#8217;t just talking about community- they&#8217;re putting in the work to <strong>build a space that will uplift generations of Boston athletes.</strong> &#127793;&#127979;</p><p>Legacy FC is showing that you can chase championships while <strong>staying rooted in your neighborhood.</strong> That&#8217;s a legacy worth cheering for.</p><div><hr></div><h2>&#128197; What&#8217;s Coming Up Next?</h2><p>&#128226; <strong>Official Head Coach and Staff Announcements:</strong> Late 2025<br>&#127903;&#65039; <strong>Season Ticket Launch:</strong> Late 2025/Early 2026<br>&#128085; <strong>Jersey and Merchandise Unveilings:</strong> Coming soon!<br>&#127959;&#65039; <strong>White Stadium Project Updates:</strong> Expected completion by 2027</p><h2>&#129442; Why You&#8217;ll Love Legacy FC</h2><p>&#9989; <strong>A true hometown team</strong> - owned and led by inspiring local women<br>&#9989; <strong>Commitment to community</strong> - stadium renovations directly supporting Boston youth<br>&#9989; <strong>Built to win</strong> - financial flexibility, big plans, and competitive ambition<br>&#9989; <strong>A fresh start</strong> - a bold new chapter for women&#8217;s sports in New England</p><div><hr></div><p>&#127881; <strong>Join The HERd!</strong></p><p>The countdown to kickoff is on&#8212;stay tuned to The Sports HER for updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and all things Boston Legacy FC as we get closer to game day.</p><p><em>Let&#8217;s build this legacy together!</em> &#128242;&#9917;&#65039;</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.thesportsher.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.thesportsher.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><div><hr></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[🔱🏒 Boston Fleet Weekly Roundup: Signings, Departures & Coaching News]]></title><description><![CDATA[Catch up on the latest player moves, key departures, and coaching changes as the Fleet prepare for the upcoming season.]]></description><link>https://www.thesportsher.com/p/boston-fleet-weekly-roundup-signings</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.thesportsher.com/p/boston-fleet-weekly-roundup-signings</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[The Sports Her]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 22 Jun 2025 23:28:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/a0fb09d9-060d-443b-b665-477a896bb828_630x428.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hey Fleet fans! Here&#8217;s your weekly roundup of all the latest team news and transactions as the Boston Fleet gear up for an exciting 2025&#8211;26 PWHL season</p><div><hr></div><h2>&#9997;&#65039; Player Signings</h2><ul><li><p><strong>June 20:</strong> Forward Laura Kluge signed a one-year Standard Player Agreement for the 2025&#8211;26 season. &#127775;</p></li><li><p><strong>June 20:</strong> Defenders Zoe Boyd and Rylind MacKinnon, along with goaltender Abbey Levy, each inked one-year PWHL contracts. &#129349;</p></li></ul><h2>&#128680; Offensive Boost</h2><ul><li><p><strong>June 18:</strong> The Fleet strengthened their forward lineup by adding Chlo&#233; Aurard on a one-year deal and Liz Schepers on a two-year contract through 2026&#8211;27. &#128640;&#127954;</p></li></ul><h2>&#128483;&#65039; Coaching Update</h2><ul><li><p><strong>June 17:</strong> Head coach Courtney Kessel announced her departure to become the head coach of Princeton University's women&#8217;s hockey program. Best of luck, Coach Kessel!</p></li></ul><h2>&#128260; Roster Departures</h2><ul><li><p>During free agency, Boston saw the departure of defender Emma Greco (Vancouver), forward Lexie Adzija (Seattle), defender Sidney Morin (Minnesota), and Jessica DiGirolamo (Montr&#233;al Victoire). Farewell and best of luck to our former Fleet members! &#128075;&#10024;</p></li></ul><div><hr></div><p>&#128197; Stay tuned as we prepare for the upcoming <strong>PWHL Entry Draft on June 24!</strong></p><p>Go Fleet Go! &#128305;&#128154;</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[🏟️Game Day Preview: ☀️ Connecticut Sun vs. ⚔️ Golden State Valkyries]]></title><description><![CDATA[Your full game day rundown: key stats, players to watch, and what&#8217;s on the line tonight.]]></description><link>https://www.thesportsher.com/p/game-day-preview-connecticut-sun</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.thesportsher.com/p/game-day-preview-connecticut-sun</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[The Sports Her]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 22 Jun 2025 22:45:53 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/bb19c67b-1e0e-44a2-851a-062fa30fac51_1200x800.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>&#127936; <strong>Welcome to Game Day!</strong></h2><p>Whether you&#8217;re a long-time women&#8217;s basketball fan or new to the WNBA (Women&#8217;s National Basketball Association), you&#8217;re in the right place! Today, we&#8217;re breaking down tonight&#8217;s <strong>Connecticut Sun vs. Golden State Valkyries</strong> game in a way that&#8217;s easy to follow for everyone.</p><p>Let&#8217;s get you game-ready. &#128071;</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.thesportsher.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Join the HERd to get the latest on New England Professional Women&#8217;s Sports</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><div><hr></div><h2>&#127386; <strong>Today&#8217;s Opponent: Golden State Valkyries</strong></h2><p>The Valkyries are one of the newest teams in the league and play out of <strong>San Francisco, California.</strong> They&#8217;re fast, young, and already making a name for themselves.</p><div><hr></div><h2>&#128202; <strong>How These Teams Compare</strong></h2><p><strong>Season Record &#128197;</strong><br>Connecticut Sun: 2 Wins, 11 Losses<br>Golden State Valkyries: 6 Wins, 6 Losses</p><div><hr></div><p><strong>Points Scored per Game &#127936;</strong><br>Connecticut Sun: 72.5<br>Golden State Valkyries: About 79.7</p><div><hr></div><p><strong>Points Allowed per Game &#128683;</strong><br>Connecticut Sun: 87.6<br>Golden State Valkyries: About 79.7</p><div><hr></div><p><strong>3-Point Shooting &#127919;</strong><br>Connecticut Sun: 29%<br>Golden State Valkyries: Higher, more consistent</p><p></p><p><strong>What This All Means:</strong></p><ul><li><p>The Sun are <strong>struggling this season</strong> but still fighting hard.</p></li><li><p>The Valkyries have a better record and stronger defense so far.</p></li></ul><div><hr></div><h2>&#128293; <strong>Players to Watch</strong></h2><h3>&#127775; <strong>Connecticut Sun:</strong></h3><ul><li><p><strong>Tina Charles:</strong> Veteran leader and top scorer (averaging 16.6 points per game). She&#8217;s the Sun&#8217;s go-to player.</p></li><li><p><strong>Aneesah Morrow:</strong> A rookie (first-year pro) who brings energy, rebounding, and scoring off the bench.</p></li><li><p><strong>Saniya Rivers:</strong> Another exciting rookie, known for her strong defense and quick hands.</p></li></ul><h3>&#9876;&#65039; <strong>Golden State Valkyries:</strong></h3><ul><li><p><strong>Kayla Thornton:</strong> A reliable scorer and rebounder who&#8217;s been leading the Valkyries&#8217; charge this season.</p></li></ul><div><hr></div><h2>&#129488; <strong>What Should You Watch For?</strong></h2><ol><li><p><strong>Can Connecticut&#8217;s defense step up?</strong> The Sun has had trouble stopping other teams lately.</p></li><li><p><strong>Will the rookies shine?</strong> Young players like Rivers and Morrow could bring a spark.</p></li><li><p><strong>3-Point Shooting:</strong> The Sun has struggled from deep. Can they improve tonight?</p></li><li><p><strong>Turnovers:</strong> Will the Sun protect the ball, or will the Valkyries turn their mistakes into fast-break points?</p></li></ol><div><hr></div><h2>&#128172; <strong>What&#8217;s the Buzz?</strong></h2><p>Sports analysts think <strong>Golden State is the favorite</strong> to win tonight, but every game is a new opportunity. If the Sun&#8217;s defense tightens up and their shots start falling, this could be a much closer game than expected.</p><div><hr></div><h2>&#127911; <strong>Fan Question:</strong></h2><p>What excites you most about tonight&#8217;s game?</p><ul><li><p>Seeing the rookies in action?</p></li><li><p>Hoping for a big comeback from the Sun?</p></li><li><p>Just learning more about the WNBA?</p></li></ul><p>&#128172; Drop your thoughts in the comments&#8212;I&#8217;d love to hear from you!</p><div><hr></div><h2>&#128279; <strong>Helpful Links:</strong></h2><ul><li><p>&#128202; <a href="https://www.wnba.com/">WNBA Official Game Preview</a></p></li></ul><div><hr></div><p>Thank you for being part of <strong>The HERd!</strong><br>Whether you&#8217;ve followed women&#8217;s sports for years or you&#8217;re brand new- <strong>you belong here.</strong></p><p>Let&#8217;s make some noise. &#127908;<br>&#8212; <em>The Sports HER Team</em></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.thesportsher.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[🚨 Welcome to The Sports HER: Where New England Women’s Sports Take Center Stage]]></title><description><![CDATA[Bold coverage of Boston Fleet, Connecticut Sun, Boston Legacy FC, and rising NCAA women&#8217;s teams. Join The HERd&#8212;where women&#8217;s sports are the main event.]]></description><link>https://www.thesportsher.com/p/welcome-to-the-sports-her</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.thesportsher.com/p/welcome-to-the-sports-her</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[The Sports Her]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 22 Jun 2025 22:30:24 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!TQvX!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F56a03742-8aa4-47a0-8c60-5352df519f22_1024x1024.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>Hey HERd &#128075;</h1><p><strong>Welcome to The Sports HER!</strong> &#127881;<br>I&#8217;m <em>beyond excited</em> you&#8217;re here.</p><p>This space was built for one reason: to give New England women&#8217;s sports the <strong>spotlight</strong> they&#8217;ve always deserved. From the <strong>Boston Fleet</strong> &#127954;, the <strong>Connecticut Sun</strong> &#127936;,  to the upcoming <strong>Boston Legacy FC</strong> &#9917;&#65039; (your brand-new NWSL squad kicking off at Gillette Stadium in 2026) and the next wave of pro teams coming our way&#8212;this is where we:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Show up</strong></p></li><li><p><strong>Speak up</strong></p></li><li><p><strong>Cheer loud</strong> &#128227;</p></li></ul><p>for women athletes who are <em>changing the game</em>.</p><div><hr></div><h2><strong>Why The Sports HER Exists</strong> &#11088;</h2><p>Let&#8217;s be real- women&#8217;s sports don&#8217;t always get the:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Headlines</strong> &#128240;</p></li><li><p><strong>Airtime</strong> &#128251;</p></li><li><p><strong>Hype</strong> they deserve</p></li></ul><p>We&#8217;re here to <strong>change that</strong>.</p><blockquote><p>This isn&#8217;t just a newsletter.<br>It&#8217;s a <strong>movement</strong> &#129309;<br>A <strong>community</strong> &#127775;<br>A <strong>front-row seat</strong> &#127903;&#65039;<br>A chance to be part of something that grows because <strong>we care enough to show up</strong>.</p></blockquote><p>And while we&#8217;re proud to champion New England&#8217;s professional teams, we&#8217;re also keeping a <strong>close eye</strong> on NCAA Division I women&#8217;s programs across the region&#8212;because the <em>future</em> of women&#8217;s sports is already taking shape on those college courts, fields, and ice rinks.</p><div><hr></div><h2><strong>What You Can Expect</strong> &#127942;</h2><ul><li><p>&#10004;&#65039; <strong>Game highlights &amp; breaking news</strong></p></li><li><p>&#10004;&#65039; <strong>Community-driven features</strong></p></li><li><p>&#10004;&#65039; <strong>Ways to support &amp; grow women&#8217;s sports</strong></p></li><li><p>&#10004;&#65039; <strong>Event coverage, fan stories &amp; ways to get involved</strong></p></li></ul><p>We&#8217;ll <strong>keep it real</strong>, <strong>keep it local</strong>, and most importantly, <strong>keep the focus where it belongs:</strong> on the athletes.</p><div><hr></div><h2><strong>Let&#8217;s Build This Together</strong></h2><p>Your voice matters here. I&#8217;d <strong>love</strong> to hear from you!</p><ul><li><p><em>Drop a comment.</em></p></li><li><p><em>Share this with a friend.</em></p></li><li><p><em>Let me know what you&#8217;d like more of.</em></p></li></ul><p>The HERd is just getting started- and I&#8217;m so glad you&#8217;re part of it &#128156;<br>Let&#8217;s <strong>make some noise</strong> &#127908;</p><p>&#8212; <em>The Sports HER Team</em></p>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>