Sports
Barbra Banda Wins Heineken Star of the Match, Orlando Pride Advance to First NWSL Championship
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Orlando Pride secured their spot in the NWSL Championship with a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Current at Inter&Co Stadium on Sunday. Star forward Barbra Banda was named the Heineken Star of the Match after a standout performance that included a goal and an assist, solidifying her position as one of the team’s most valuable players this postseason.
Match Highlights
The Pride delivered a strong performance, overcoming the defensive challenges posed by Kansas City to clinch the historic win:
- Haley McCutcheon’s equalizer: Following an early Kansas City lead, McCutcheon struck in the 41st minute, tying the game 1-1 with an assist from Ally Watt.
- Banda’s brilliance: Banda’s 53rd-minute goal showcased her clinical finishing ability, giving the Pride a crucial 2-1 advantage.
- Marta’s magic: In the 82nd minute, Marta demonstrated her legendary skills with a breathtaking goal, sealing the victory for Orlando.
Coach and Player Reactions
Head Coach Seb Hines
On the team’s journey:
“It’s great. Take a deep breath now, but it’s great. You put all the hard work and effort into it, obviously, in the regular season… We’ve done two of it, and there’s one more to go. The spirits are really high right now, and we’re ready to go on Saturday.”
On Kansas City’s tactics:
“No, they sat back, waited for transition moments… I thought in moments we were really good. The first goal was brilliant. Ally Watt dribbling and driving, great cross, and [Haley] McCutcheon scores a goal. She’s two and two right now—what an effort from the players.”
On Marta’s goal:
“It’s up there. She’s chopping, chopping again, and another chop… There are not many players that can do that. She’s worked so hard for this point.”
Barbra Banda Wins Heineken Star of the Match: Orlando Pride vs. Kansas City Current. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News
Forward Barbra Banda
On the team’s achievement:
“It’s amazing, and I think we deserve it as a team. We really worked so hard for it. Our mindset starting from training has been looking to go to the finals.”
On her first NWSL season:
“It has been an amazing season for me. Winning the Shield with the team and going to the finals… I’ve contributed to the team, so I’m happy for that and hoping to continue next season.”
Defender Emily Sams
On the emotional victory:
“I was close to tears out there on the field. Just the fact that Marta scored that third goal and this whole season is for Marta and Luana.”
On the team’s progress:
“It’s so special to be a part of that. To be part of coming in as a rookie and hearing the past and the history of Orlando… and, of course, how we’ve done so well this year. I’m so happy to be able to give back to Orlando.”
Barbra Banda Wins Heineken Star of the Match: Orlando Pride vs. Kansas City Current. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News
Impact of the Victory
The Pride’s win signifies a major milestone for the team, who have risen from league underdogs to championship contenders. With their first NWSL Shield and a chance to claim the Championship title, the Pride are rewriting their history while thrilling fans and inspiring the next generation of players.
What’s Next
The Pride will face the Washington Spirit in the NWSL Championship on Saturday, November 23, at 8 p.m. ET at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City. Fans can catch the game live on CBS and Paramount+.
J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — During Women’s History Month, leaders across the United States are recognized for their contributions to progress, equity and community empowerment. Among them, Florida National News (FNN) recognizes retired U.S. Army Commander Jocelyn Thomas, a military veteran, author, speaker and advocate for women’s sports.
Thomas has built a career defined by service, leadership and storytelling, transitioning from two decades in the U.S. Army to a growing influence in the sports and media industry.
Photo Credit: U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion, Facebook page – Tampa (Captain Jocelyn Thomas speaker)
Commander, United States Army (Retired)
Thomas entered the United States Army at just 19 years old, beginning a distinguished 20-year military career that would take her across the United States and around the world.
During her time in service, she held numerous leadership roles including Company Commander (twice), Battalion S3, Battalion Assistant Support Operations Officer (SPO), Executive Officer, Platoon Leader, Platoon Sergeant and Team Leader.
Her assignments included Georgia, Virginia, South Carolina, Texas, Korea and Florida, along with combat deployments to Afghanistan, Kuwait and Guantanamo Bay.
As a Company Commander, Thomas led a military unit responsible for approximately 100 to 250 soldiers, overseeing mission readiness, operational planning, training and the well-being of service members under her command.
Her responsibilities included:
- Tactical Leadership: Planning and executing company-level operations and maneuvers
- Training and Readiness: Ensuring soldiers were prepared for combat while maintaining equipment and operational standards
- Personnel Management: Mentoring and developing subordinate leaders, including platoon leaders
- Disciplinary Authority: Upholding military discipline and accountability within the unit
“Being a woman in the Army is a unique experience unlike any other,” Thomas said. “I want people to know that beneath the uniform, I am my own person.”
She describes herself as influential, trustworthy and hardworking. In addition to her military accomplishments, Thomas is also a certified personal trainer and wellness coach, reflecting her continued commitment to leadership, discipline and personal well-being.
Crewing Coordinator at ESPN
Following her military retirement, Thomas transitioned into the sports and media industry, where she currently works as a Crewing Coordinator at ESPN.
In this role, she supports live sports productions, managing behind-the-scenes logistics and coordinating on-air talent to ensure seamless broadcasts.
Thomas is also a Disney Military Fellowship Program Ambassador, representing the program that helps military veterans transition into civilian careers within The Walt Disney Company and ESPN.
Her leadership, organization and communication skills have proven valuable in the fast-paced environment of sports broadcasting.
Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports
Prior to joining ESPN, Thomas worked as a Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports, where she helped oversee major sporting events from planning through execution.
Her background as a U.S. Army Operations Officer provided the leadership and logistical expertise needed to manage complex sporting events and coordinate teams working behind the scenes.
Advocate for Women’s Sports
Thomas has also become a passionate advocate for the growth and visibility of women’s sports, particularly women’s flag football.
Her work includes storytelling and coverage for initiatives such as:
- She Is Football Weekend with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Girls Flag Football Week with the Atlanta Falcons
- Coverage of Alabama State University’s Women’s Flag Football Team during the 2026 season
Through these efforts, Thomas continues to amplify opportunities for female athletes and expand awareness of women’s football programs across the country.
Author and Motivational Speaker
Beyond sports media, Thomas is also a best-selling author and national keynote speaker, sharing lessons on leadership, resilience and perseverance.
She has delivered presentations for organizations including:
- Collegiate Sports Management Group
- ESPN Wide World of Sports
- Military Influencer Conference
- The Mayweather brand
- Streaming platform Twitch
Thomas has also spoken at universities and institutions such as Spelman College, Full Sail University and the University of Tampa, along with numerous military programs and high schools.
Her philosophy remains simple yet powerful:
“Success is a marathon, not a sprint.”
Impact on Women and Future Leaders
Thomas’ journey from Army commander to sports media professional reflects the growing influence of women leaders in fields traditionally dominated by men, including military leadership, sports broadcasting and athletics.
Through her advocacy for women’s flag football, leadership mentoring and public speaking, Thomas continues to inspire young women, athletes and veterans pursuing new careers after military service.
Key Achievements and Milestones
- 20-year U.S. Army combat veteran
- Three combat deployments
- Two-time U.S. Army Company Commander
- Leader responsible for more than 10,000 soldiers during her military career
- Disney’s first Military Veteran Intern (Fellow) at Disney Sports
- First Disney Fellow to complete the fellowship program and be hired full-time by ESPN
- Crewing Coordinator at ESPN
- Former Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports
- Best-selling author and national keynote speaker
- Sideline reporter and journalist for the Atlanta Truth Women’s Professional Tackle Football team and Alabama State University Women’s Flag Football team
- Mother to Legend Thomas (8)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
About the Florida National News Women’s History Month Series
Each March, Florida National News proudly celebrates Women’s History Month by highlighting the achievements, leadership, and impact of women across Florida and beyond. This special editorial series spotlights trailblazers in arts, culture, and fashion; business and entrepreneurship; education and academia; government and public service; media and communications; military and veterans; nonprofit and community leadership; philanthropy; and sports and athletics—women whose stories inspire progress and empower future generations.
