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 leadership in sports, exploring how Lu transitioned from leading by example to actively mentoring younger players. She reflects on the challenges of fostering team culture, the importance of adaptability, and the responsibility of passing the torch to emerging leaders. Her insights highlight that leadership isn’t just about wearing the armband—it’s about showing up consistently, building connections, and elevating those around you.

Listeners will gain valuable takeaways, including:

• How to lead authentically, even as an introvert.
• The impact of mentorship on building a strong team culture.
• Why leadership is about investing in others, not just holding a title.

Join us in this inspiring episode as Lu Barnes shares her perspective on leadership, resilience, and the future of women’s soccer.

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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 their athletic journey and beyond.