More Than An Armband

Bonus Segment! Marley Canales: Supporting Yourself & Leading Others

In this segment, Mar speaks about her support systems that helped her to break barriers and control what she could. This led to the ability to connect with her teammates through shared experiences. 

Nothing Given, Everything Earned: Marley Canales’ Professional Soccer Journey

In this inspiring episode of More Than An Armband, professional soccer player Marley Canales joins host Anja Koehler for a powerful conversation about resilience, leadership, and redefining what it means to lead - on and off the field. Marley opens up about her journey from youth national teams to UCLA, her battle with injury, navigating the draft, and ultimately becoming the first player signed to Zephyr FC in the USL Super League. She shares the tough but transformative lesson that nothing is given - you have to earn every opportunity. Through every setback, Marley learned to lead by example, listen with empathy, and bring others along with her. Her story is a reminder that true leadership is rooted in care, consistency, and the relentless pursuit of growth. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or emerging leader, this episode is packed with lessons on grit, grace, and the power of believing in yourself.

Bonus Segment! Jeané Sunseri-Warp Body Building & Wearing the Crest

In this bonus segment with Jeané Sunseri-Warp, we hear about J's experience body building and what it means to wear the USA crest representing the Beach Soccer National Team. 

Leading from the Sand: Jeané Sunseri-Warp

In this episode, U.S. Women’s Beach Soccer National Team veteran Jeané Sunseri-Warp shares what it truly means to lead without needing a title. From overcoming imposter syndrome to mastering the power of connection, Jeané unpacks the leadership lessons she’s learned on the sand, in the corporate world, and through giving back to the next generation. Listeners will walk away inspired to lead authentically, communicate courageously, and show up as their full selves—on and off the field.

Bonus Segment! Shae Holmes - 30 Sec of Courage & Connected Comebacks

In this bonus segment from Shae Holmes, we hear about a moment were 30 sec of courage unlocked the ability to ask questions to her captains at the professional level. Also, listeners will learn about how Shae spends her time outside of soccer with her jewelry business, Connected Comebacks.

Setbacks, Comebacks, and Captaincy: The Grit and Grace of Shae Holmes

In this episode of the More Than An Armband podcast, host Anja Koehler sits down with Shae Holmes, a former rookie in the NWSL and a past collegiate captain, to explore the resilience and leadership required to navigate both triumph and adversity in sports.​
Shae shares her journey from youth soccer to the professional stage, reflecting on the setbacks that shaped her - most notably, injuries that tested her resolve and commitment to the game. She opens up about the pressures of leading a team while managing personal challenges and how she found strength in vulnerability.​
Throughout the conversation, Shae offers candid insights on maintaining a captain’s mindset, even when sidelined, and how she embraced her role as a leader both on and off the field. She discusses the transition to the NWSL, the learning curve of professional play, and the importance of perseverance in the face of obstacles.​
Listeners will take away key leadership lessons, including:
The power of resilience in overcoming injuries and setbacks.​
How to lead effectively, even when you’re not on the field.​
The mental shift required to step into the professional arena with confidence.​
Join us for this inspiring conversation with Shae Holmes as she shares the mindset and habits that helped her rise through the ranks and lead with purpose.​
Follow Shae Holmes:
Instagram: _shaeholmes11​
LinkedIn: Shae Holmes​

Bonus Segment! Lu Barnes on Finding Passion and Championing Sustainability

In this bonus segment, Lu speaks on her passions beyond the game, sustainability, and how they support her ability to support the community as well as connect and continue to lead your teammates. 

The Steady Strength of Leadership: NWSL Veteran Lu Barnes on Shaping the Next Generation

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.
Follow Lu Barnes:InstagramTwitter/X

What is More Than An Armband?

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.