Spirit History, Player Power, & Abolish the Cap (w/ Tori Huster)

Spirit History, Player Power, & Abolish the Cap (w/ Tori Huster)

From HEY SPIRITS by HEY SPIRITS

July 20, 2026 · 1h 5m · Season 4 · Episode 26

About this episode

Annie and André interview Tori Huster about her experiences with the Washington Spirit and her role in player empowerment within the NWSL.

Annie & André were delighted to be joined by Tori Huster, Washington Spirit OG (played every year of her NWSL career with the team) and currently Deputy Executive Director of the NWSLPA. We dive into a little bit of Spirit lore to discuss the good (and, erm, interesting old days, including Maryland Soccerplex, Plex Weather, the Spirit Squadron, choosing to stay, and frisbee with Foster. After, we listen to Huster's firsthand account of the incredible moment Spirit players decided enough was enough, and took their grievances with previous ownership public. She relives the fear and determination behind writing the players' letter to ownership (if you haven't read it, please do), and the decision for every to post it on their social media accounts. Also, the camaraderie between players during 2021, standing together, the eight demands , and building the future of the league. Then we discuss Tori's path into NWSLPA leadership. She tells us about her interest in remaining part of the union post-retirement, learning while doing multiple jobs, and just what the heck a Deputy Executive Director even does (which is a lot! like, so much!!). Please subscribe, rate and review, it means a…

People in this episode

Hosts: Annie, André

Guest: Tori Huster

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NWSLPA

Places: Maryland Soccerplex, Plex Weather, Spirit Squadron

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