“Call Her Daddy” podcast host and former Division I soccer player Alex Cooper officially kicked off her brand, Unwell’s, partnership with the NWSL on Friday night at the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup. Built to amplify unique voices and foster community, Unwell has grown from a media brand into a full lifestyle platform, now expanding into sports with Unwell Hydration and Unwell FC—a first-of-its-kind fan hype group. Inclusion in the Challenge Cup Fan Zone was the first of many Unwell activations in the NWSL, giving fans a chance to experience Cooper’s brand firsthand and be part of its growing community.

From reconnecting with former teammates to meeting league executives and introducing Unwell at its first NWSL event, here’s a look at Cooper’s night at the Challenge Cup.

Reunited and jersey swapped with college teammate Kylie Nadaner

Cooper, a former DI soccer player for Boston University, had a full-circle moment linking up with her college teammate, Orlando Pride’s Kylie Nadaner (formerly Strom).

Visited with overseas teammate Brittany Ratcliffe

It wasn’t just college connections—Cooper also got to see a familiar face from her time playing overseas, reuniting with Washington Spirit forward Brittany Ratcliffe after the match had been won and the trophy lifted.

Linked up with recent podcast guest Trinity Rodman

Earlier in the year, Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman was a guest on Cooper’s show Call Her Daddy—and she and Alex reconnected at the Challenge Cup.

Met NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman & Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang

From media mogul to sports business, Cooper connected with two of the most influential figures shaping the future of the league. Jessica Berman, who has led the NWSL’s rapid growth as the Commissioner, and Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang, a trailblazer in women’s sports investment, represent the changing landscape of women’s soccer—one that Unwell is now a part of. The picture together is a symbol of the NWSL’s momentum and the power of partnerships that elevate the women’s game.

Stopped by the Challenge Cup Fan Zone

Unwell’s activation at the Challenge Cup Fan Zone gave fans an exclusive first look at the brand’s presence in the league, and Cooper even made a stop to meet fans and take it all in.

Unwell takes over the NWSL

The night marked the first official event of Unwell’s partnership with the NWSL, bringing Unwell Hydration, fan experiences, and the launch of Unwell FC to stadiums across the league. And to cap the night off, Unwell hooked up a group of fans with Unwell NWSL hats, with a few finding their way into the Washington Spirit’s post-trophy lift locker room celebration.

With the 2025 Challenge Cup in the books, attention now turns to kickoff weekend, with all 14 NWSL teams starting their regular season on March 14-16.