It's a new month and a new episode of In The Circle. Today's episode is our look at the upcoming Big 4 Classic, which will take place this weekend in Iowa City. First, we chat with Northern Iowa Head Coach Ryan Jacobs, who has UNI near the top of the MVC for the past three seasons. Coach Jacobs talks with Eric Lopez about the Panthers' outlook in 2023, the ever-changing look of The Valley, and the current outlook of softball within the state of Iowa. He also shares what players to watch for and a strong 2022 that saw UNI make it to the MVC Championship Game.

 We then have our conversation with long-time Drake Head Coach Rich Calvert, who has become one of the most tenured coaches in the MVC. He talks about an improving Bulldog program that picked up several Power 5 wins in 2022, his thoughts on the Big 4 Classic, and the Missouri Valley Conference getting even stronger with the additions of Murray State and Belmont.