Game Changers

Ending With a Cheer

Alexis Baumgardner — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 13:00:00 -0400

We’re closing out Game Changers with a finale full of energy, records, and real talk! I’m joined by junior sports communication major and Piedmont cheerleader Jailyn Green, who brings her passion and behind-the-scenes insight to the mic. We kick things off with two of the biggest headlines in women’s college sports: Oklahoma gymnastics clinching their third NCAA Championship title in four years, and Stanford softball smashing the NCAA softball attendance record with over 13,000 fans at their rivalry game against Cal. Then, Jailyn takes us inside the world of competitive cheer. From breaking down the differences between high school, all-star, and collegiate cheer to sharing her journey, it’s a deep dive into the sport that deserves its shine.

Play-by-Play on Progress: Women's Sports Unfiltered

Alexis Baumgardner — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 13:00:00 -0400

This week on Game Changers, we’re switching things up—Eric Edmondson joins as our first-ever male guest! Eric is a senior sports communications major and the voice behind Piedmont Athletics as a play-by-play announcer. Together, we dive into the latest headlines in women’s sports, including the launch of the Women’s Professional Baseball League and all the buzz from the WNBA Draft. From top picks to record-breaking viewership, there’s a lot to unpack. We discuss Sedona Prince going undrafted and how the allegations against her, compared to how similar issues are treated in men’s sports, highlight the double standards between the genders. Plus, Eric shares what he wants most for women’s sports: more visibility and easier access to watch. It’s a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Back With a Bang

Alexis Baumgardner — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 13:00:00 -0400

She’s back! This week, I’m joined once again by Nahomi Solorzano to break down some of the biggest headlines shaking up women’s sports. We kick things off with the UConn vs. South Carolina national championship showdown—one for the history books as ESPN’s third most-watched title game in women’s March Madness history. Then we head to the NWSL, where Denver’s expansion team is smashing records with over 10,000 season ticket deposits. We dive into the WNBA Draft, major NCAA transfer portal moves (with TCU making major moves), and of course, we talk Women’s Elite Rugby and how the season is unfolding. Plus, Nahomi shares a little about her capstone project. It’s a stacked episode full of game-changing updates you won’t want to miss!

Full Court Frenzy

Alexis Baumgardner — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 13:00:00 -0400

March Madness is living up to the name, and we’re breaking it all down in this week’s episode. I’m joined by Piedmont women’s basketball player Ava Hunter to dive into the biggest headlines shaking up the world of women’s hoops. From major coaching changes and heartbreaking injuries to bold transfer moves and WNBA draft announcements, there’s no shortage of drama this postseason. The New York Liberty are making waves off the court too, announcing plans for a state-of-the-art practice facility designed just for their team. And of course, we’ve got our Final Four predictions and thoughts on the upcoming WNBA and NCAA seasons. Don’t miss this game-changing conversation!

Big Goals and Bold Moves

Alexis Baumgardner — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 13:00:00 -0400

This week, I’m joined by Piedmont softball player Kasey White to break down some of the biggest stories in women’s sports. We dive into Boston’s NWSL team shaking things up with a rebrand after their first marketing campaign sparked debate, and Abby Roque making PWHL history as the first player to score a Michigan goal. Plus, in the softball world, Athletes Unlimited is making waves—Kasey and I break down opening day, the league’s future, and what it means for the sport. Tune in for some of the latest game-changing moments!

NWSL Kickoff Brings Goals, Growth, and Game Changers

Alexis Baumgardner — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 13:00:00 -0400

The 2025 NWSL season is off to a historic start, and we’re breaking it all down! This week, I’m joined by Piedmont women’s soccer player and mass and sports communication double major Sydney Spitzer. We dive into all the biggest moments from opening weekend, including Orlando Pride’s dominant 6-0 shutout over Chicago, setting a new record for most goals scored in an opener. Plus, 14-year-old McKenna Whitham made history as the youngest NWSL player ever when she subbed in for Gotham FC. We also take a look at the game-changing plans for Denver’s NWSL team, including a 14,500-seat stadium and record-breaking season ticket deposits. In our interview, Sydney shares her passion for women’s soccer, her career goals, and her take on NWSL expansion. Just like my last guest, Paige Kluba, she thinks Atlanta should be next in line for a team—so maybe they’re onto something!

Upsets, Dreams, and Future Teams

Alexis Baumgardner — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 13:00:00 -0400

This week on Game Changers, I’m joined by Piedmont women’s soccer player Paige Kluba to break down Japan’s historic victory over the U.S. in the 2025 SheBelieves Cup—claiming their first championship and snapping the USA’s 23-game winning streak. We also dive into the NWSL’s newest expansion teams, the return of the Challenge Cup, and the big question: where should the league go next? Is Atlanta the perfect market for an NWSL club? (Spoiler: we think so!) Plus, for the first time ever, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature a halftime show. Paige and I share our dream performers for what could be a huge step in making soccer even bigger on the global stage.

Fairways and Friendships: Barbie’s Role Models and LPGA Milestones

Alexis Baumgardner — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 13:00:00 -0500

Game Changers is back with another exciting episode, and this week, we’re teeing up big conversations in women’s sports. I’m joined by Piedmont women’s golfer Erin Donovan as we dive into Barbie’s latest Role Model line, which honors female friendship with four iconic duos—including two from the sports world. We also break down the LPGA’s new pace of play policy and Lydia Ko’s dream-come-true 23rd LPGA title. Listen in as we discuss how these moments are shaping the future of women’s sports, both on and off the course.

Women’s Lacrosse Levels Up: The WLL Era Begins

Alexis Baumgardner — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0500

This week on Game Changers, I’m joined by Piedmont women’s lacrosse goalie Rachel Verner to dive into the exciting launch of the Women’s Lacrosse League (WLL). We break down everything from the league announcement and team rosters to Maybelline signing on as the title sponsor. Plus, we discuss the 2025 WLL Championship Series, where the Boston Guard claimed the inaugural title. We also explore what this means for high school and college players, as well as the 2026 Olympics.

Passion in the Stands: A Game Changing Force in Women's Sports

Alexis Baumgardner — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0500

This week on Game Changers, we're flipping the script - because you don't have to be on the field to change the game. I'm joined by Nahomi Solorzano, a passionate women's sports fan, to talk about the launch of the Women's Elite Rugby League and what it means for the future of women's sports. Nahomi shares her experiences as a fan, the visibility challenges women's sports still face, and what she hopes to see moving forward. Plus, she'll be back later this season - so keep an ear out for her return!

Serving Up Change: Nike's Super Bowl Comeback and Major League Volleyball

Alexis Baumgardner — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Game Changers, we explore Nike's first Super Bowl ad in 27 years and how it's shaking things up for women's sports. We also dive into the launch of Major League Volleyball and what it could mean for the future of the sport. Special guest Jessica Sconyers, a volleyball player at Piedmont University, shares her insights on this exciting new chapter for women's volleyball.

Legends, Leagues, and New Beginnings

Alexis Baumgardner — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0500

Join AB for the debut episode of Game Changers. This week she dives into the legendary career of A'ja Wilson and her game changing collaboration with Nike. AB also highlights the Portland Thorns, who are doing their own game changing things around the league. Special guest, Michelle Cates, joins the show to share her thoughts on the future of women's sports.