This one really is legendary — we’re welcoming our first-ever NWSL player to The Soccer Ladder! In this episode, we’re joined by Haley McCutcheon of the Orlando Pride, and she brings such real, grounded insight into what it takes to develop, stay mentally strong, and build a career that lasts.
Also… quick behind-the-scenes moment: I usually record with Liam, but I accidentally scheduled studio time on a school day (mom fail 😅) — so Liam pops in with a few questions and we keep it moving.
🎙️ Guest
Haley McCutcheon
Instagram: @hayhanson
Orlando Pride: @orlpride
NWSL: @nwsl
⚽ What We Talk About
- Haley’s early years in ECNL and how intense travel + year-round soccer shaped her discipline
- The role her parents played in helping her manage the demands of youth soccer
- Why her biggest early habit was focusing on the process and keeping the game fun
- What drew her to Nebraska (Midwest girls 🫶) and how the environment helped her max out her potential
- The truth about the mental game: adapting to coaches, pressure, and competition for minutes
- “Control what you can”: Haley’s core focus on attitude + effort
- Her experience having three coaches in one year and how she stayed grounded through change
- Why young players should embrace playing different positions (and how it makes you smarter on the field)
- Her “welcome to the league” moments: playing against legends like Alex Morgan, Sydney Leroux, Julie Ertz — and having Marta as a teammate
- What Orlando Pride taught her about leadership, balance, and enjoying the full experience again
- Locker room culture, unity, and why being a great teammate can elevate performance
- Winning both the Shield + Championship — and why it felt like relief + joy
- The difference between players who think they want to go pro vs. players who actually make it
- Patience for kids who aren’t starters yet — and why progress isn’t always tied to accolades
- The mindset shift: focusing on who you’re being, not just what you’re achieving
- What Haley’s most excited for in the women’s game: more access, more visibility, more fans in seats
- The responsibility pro players feel as role models for the next generation (boys AND girls)
🔑 Key Takeaways
- If you want longevity, you have to love the process — not just the outcome.
- You can’t control coaches, minutes, or preferences — but you can control effort and attitude.
- Sleep and nutrition are not optional. Recovery is performance.
- Versatility isn’t a setback — it’s a superpower.
- Team culture matters: unity + buy-in can change everything.
📲 Connect + Follow
Guest: @hayhanson
Team: @orlpride
League: @nwsl
Podcast: @thesoccerladder
⚽ Hosts
Meg Linke
Instagram: @meglinkeofficial
Liam Linke
Instagram: @liamlinke18
