Becoming a Defender from Midfield

Jess Carter is one of the most resilient defenders in women’s football, playing for Chelsea FC Women, the England Lionesses, and now Gotham FC. After making her pro debut at just 16, she rose through the ranks to become a Women’s Euros champion, and continues to dominate at the highest levels of international football. But behind the success lies a deeper story. From navigating racism in front of the world to redefining professionalism in women’s football, Jess  shares the moments that nearly broke her and the choices that helped her rise.

In this powerful conversation with Dr Kristen Holmes, she explains:

• Why she never saw football as just a job

• The brutal transition from Birmingham to Chelsea’s elite culture

• How COVID unexpectedly reshaped her fitness and focus

• Why she decided to transfer to Gotham FC in the NWSL

• Her experience with racism during the Euros and why she finally spoke up

• What it’s really like playing with and against her partner Ann-Katrin Berger

• Why the past year has been the hardest one yet in her career

• What is means to win on the world’s biggest stages

Whether you’re an aspiring athlete, a football fan or looking to improve your own athletic performance, Jess Carter shares the practical steps, mindset shifts, and honest insights she’s learned from being a champion. 

Follow us here:

https://www.instagram.com/theline.show  

https://www.instagram.com/drkristenholmes

Follow Jess here:

https://www.instagram.com/_jesslcarter

(00:00) Introduction

(02:13) Becoming a Pro Footballer for Birmingham City WFC 

(07:26) The Pressure to be a Professional as a Teen

(10:51) Making the Jump to Chelsea FC Women

(15:24) Breaking Into the Chelsea First Team

(18:23) Emma Hayes' Impact on Player Training at  Chelsea 

(22:45) Jess Carter's Journey with the England Lionesses

(23:31) Winning UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Against Spain

(25:54) What Makes Jess Carter's Playing Style Unique

(27:22) What Winning Means on the Biggest Stages

(29:08) Addressing the Racist Abuse During the Women's Euros

(33:45) Jess Carter’s Message to Her Online Abusers

(36:28) How Elite Teams Build a Winning Culture

(40:12) WHOOP Ad

(41:13) Hot Spring Spas Ad

(42:13) Jess Carter’s Transfer to Gotham FC and the NWSL  

(48:09) Navigating Her Relationship with Teammate Ann-Katrin Berger

(54:09) The Differences of  Women’s Football in the UK vs the US 

(58:00) How Gotham FC Turned a Tough Season Into a Championship Run  

(01:01:25) Gotham's Championship Game vs Washington Spirit

(01:06:14) The Lionesses and Mary Earps' Book Controversy  

(01:10:18) What's Next for Jess and the English National Team

(01:12:14) How Jess Carter Keeps Her Passion for the Game

(01:14:26) Advice for Young Athletes and Their Parents

(01:18:41) Kristen Breaks Down the Conversation

Sponsored by:

WHOOP - https://join.whoop.com/gb/en/SCIENCE/ 

Hot Spring Spas - https://hotspring.com/kristen 

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