The Business of Trades, the Rise of Women’s Soccer, and Giving Back to the Youth with Dani Weatherholt

Welcome to another episode of Finding Small Wins Podcast, a space for conversations that pull back the curtain on sports, where to learn how to upgrade health & performance, and shed some light on how some of the best at what they do are finding the small wins that help them along the way.

Adam Loiacono, your host, is a physical therapist in the NBA & a former performance coach in Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League.

In this episode, Adam is joined by Dani Weatherholt, a professional woman soccer player who shares some stories on her journey in professional sports and how she uses her platform to help the next generation of youth soccer players. Dani is an incredibly kind soul who constantly gives back to young women and athletes. She advocates for Voice in Sport, a community of women and girls that provides educational resources and mentorship for women of all ages. She also consistently participates in Football for Her.

Today, Dani shares a player's perspective on some of the behind the scene processes with agents and front offices when players are traded, how medical performance practitioners can best care for players, and some inside into the challenges pro athletes face on returning from injuries.

Key Takeaways:

[1:42] What would the title be if there was a book about Dani?

[2:27] Dani talks about the first chapter of her career in professional sports.

[3:29] Did Dani always dream of becoming a soccer player?

[4:31] When did Dani get serious about soccer?

[6:42] At 21 years old, Dani leaves the West Coast to go to Orlando.

[8:49] Dani spent four seasons in Orlando.

[9:50] Dani's next step was in Seatle; she shares about this change.

[12:13] Did Dani advocate for her contract, or did she have an agent?

[13:14] Adam shares some aspects of hiring an agent.

[14:04] Dani talks about what makes a good agent from her perspective.

[15:19] Dani sees an opportunity to play in North Carolina.

[16:37] Dani speaks of moving to Seattle and her experience during the pandemic.

[18:51] What happens when an expansion team comes in?

[20:54] Dani talks about how her family attends every game.

[23:14] Dani speaks of the amazing fans they have in LA.

[27:27] Dani advises: ‘Reach out to other Teams and learn from them.”

[28:48] A successful coach gets to know each player, taking the time to learn about their differences and building trust.

[30:02] As an athlete, when you have an injury, you need to trust someone to help you regain your life and ability to do what you love the most.

[30:49] How does Dani build a successful relationship with a physical therapist?

[32:18] Dani explains why she thinks more is learned when you are injured than when you are playing.

[34:26] How did Dani find the small wins while recovering from an injury?

[39:10] Dani takes pride in following her instincts and honoring how she feels in the moment.

[42:10] How to tell when is the right time to move to the next step in the rehabilitation process.

[45:22] Adam and Dani discuss the value of  ‘second-hand confidence’.

[45:46] What are the qualities that make a pro athlete successful?

[47:57] Dani shares on Football for Her.

[50:19] Dani talks about Voice in Sport and its impact on a national level.

[51:38] Dani explains her role as a mentor.

[52:45] What are the teenage girls asking?

[53:40] Dani shares how being in a B Team feels.

[55:19] Dani answers a round of rapid-fire questions.

[58:10] It is Adam’s turn to answer questions about his passion and experience as a physical therapist.

Mentioned in this episode:

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