Episodes

The last few weeks around Denver Summit FC have been a lot. Signings came fast, the NWSL schedule dropped, and then the stadium news hit. This episode is me stepping back to talk through where the Summit actually are right now — what this expansion roster is telling us, why the Lindsey Heaps signing matters, and how Denver is preparing for its first NWSL season.

Lindsey Heaps is coming home — not as a symbol, but as a foundation piece. In this episode of The 5280 Pitch, we break down why the Golden, Colorado native and U.S. Women’s National Team captain is such a rare signing for an expansion club. From her development with Colorado Rush to Olympic gold, 150+ international caps, and a career built on reliability and control, this isn’t a story about hype — it’s about structure. What does Lindsey Heaps actually bring on the field? Why does midfield cont...

Carson Pickett is more than a left back — she’s a foundational signing for Denver Summit FC. In this episode, we break down where Pickett ranks among NWSL defenders, why she’s one of the league’s elite attacking fullbacks, and how her game fits perfectly at altitude. We also explore her historic USWNT debut and the impact of her advocacy off the field.

Denver Summit FC took a major step toward permanence — and it didn’t come quietly. In this episode of The 5280 Pitch — women’s soccer at altitude, we examine the approval of the club’s purpose-built stadium at Santa Fe Yards and what it represents beyond soccer. We break down the Denver City Council vote, the $70 million public funding package, and the legally binding community benefits agreement that promises long-term investment in surrounding neighborhoods. This episode also wrestles with t...

When you’re building from scratch, certainty matters. In this episode of The 5280 Pitch: Women’s Soccer at Altitude, we dive into why Denver Summit FC’s signing of Abby Smith is about more than goalkeeping — it’s about trust, experience, and setting a tone for an expansion team. A two-time NWSL champion and one of the league’s most consistent keepers, Smith brings calm, professionalism, and championship perspective to Denver’s back line. This episode explores her journey, her mindset, and why ...

In Part 2 of our Ally Watt player profile, we move beyond the box score and into the journey that shaped one of the NWSL’s most relentless attackers. This segment dives into the winding path Ally Watt took through the league — the role changes, the uneven minutes, and the moments that tested her belief before sharpening it. We talk about what it takes to survive and adapt in the NWSL, how Ally’s speed and edge became weapons once she found the right fit, and why her story resonates with fans who understand that growth in this league is rarely linear. This is the heart of the profile — the mentality, resilience, and work ethic that don’t always show up in the stats but show up every single matchday. If you want to understand why Ally Watt’s rise matters — not just how it happened — this is the episode segment that tells that story.

Denver Summit FC’s first-ever signing is a hometown hero. In this episode, we spotlight Colorado native Ally Watt — her journey from Colorado Springs to Texas A&M, through the NWSL, and now back home as the club’s historic Player No. 1. We break down why her speed, mentality, and championship pedigree make her the perfect foundation for an expansion team and what her homecoming means for fans and the future of women’s soccer in Colorado.

Denver finally has an NWSL team — and in our first episode, we’re breaking down how it happened. From the grassroots movement behind the bid, to the powerhouse ownership group featuring Rob Cohen, Mellody Hobson, Mikaela Shiffrin, and Peyton Manning, this is the full origin story of Denver Summit FC. You’ll learn why the league chose Denver, what the “Summit” brand really stands for, where the team will play, and why this moment matters for women’s sports in Colorado. If you’re ready to get plugged in before the first whistle blows, this is where your 5280 Summit journey starts.

Get your first look at Denver’s newest sports chapter. In this trailer, host Kate Hanson introduces The 5280 Pitch — the fan-driven podcast dedicated to Denver Summit FC and the NWSL. You’ll hear what this show is about, why women’s soccer at altitude is something special, and what to expect as Denver builds its first NWSL roster. This isn’t the official team podcast… it’s the place where fans get context, storylines, analysis, and the inside track from day one. If you’re ready for the Sum...