In this episode of Up The Hearts: The Podcast, Kurt Graser and Ross Webber sit down with Sheila Brennan Nee of the Maine Sports Commission to talk about her role in helping bring the Portland Hearts of Pine and the United Soccer League to Maine.

We go back to the early conversations, including a memorable meeting with Hearts founder Gabe Hoffman-Johnson, and explore the years of work it took to turn the dream of professional soccer in Portland into a reality.

We also talk about the arrival of Maine Wildness, the state's new women's soccer team, what it means for the future of women's soccer in Maine, and the growing impact of the sport on our community.

A great conversation with someone who helped make professional soccer in Maine possible.

⚽ Up The Hearts: The Podcast Hosted by Kurt Graser and Ross Webber.

Big thanks to our sponsor ‪@rosemontmarket‬ www.rosemontmarket.com

Produced by ‪@theknackfactory‬ www.knack-factory.com

Watch more episodes, explore our documentary series, and follow the stories behind the Hearts at UpTheHearts.com.

#UpTheHearts #HeartsOfPine #MaineWildness #USLLeagueOne #MaineSoccer #PortlandMaine

In this episode of Up The Hearts: The Podcast, Kurt Graser and Ross Webber sit down to talk about the USL's plans to introduce promotion and relegation — a major shift that could change the landscape of professional soccer in the United States.

We also take some time to look back at the Hearts' 2026 season, sharing a few of the moments, matches, and memories that stuck with us along the way.

Watch more episodes of Up The Hearts: The Podcast and our documentary series at UpTheHearts.com.