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In this emotionally rich and insight-packed episode of Catching You, Rusty and Lacie Ham catch up after a big weekend.  After 17 years of playing softball, it's finally coming to an end. Watch as I reflect on my senior weekend, final game, defensive plays, ERA, and conference tournament experience.

They break down her latest games, including another gutsy performance on the mound against UNLV, a massive home run surrendered, and how she’s refined her mindset around pressure situations—no longer pitching scared, but pitching smart. Lacie dives into pitch strategy, her in-game connection with her teammates, and the importance of energy and presence on the field.

They also reflect on Lacie’s growth from a 10-year-old with a dream of playing college ball to a senior with her best season yet. With ERA numbers down, confidence up, and leadership taking center stage, Lacie talks about journaling, visualization, and the tough lessons she’s learned about performance, effort, and responsibility.

The episode also zooms out to talk about what it means to finish strong—both personally and as a team. Lacie offers heartfelt advice to underclassmen about showing up for their seniors on Senior Day and the lasting value of small gestures like writing a card or offering support.

It’s part scouting report, part life talk, and part tearjerker as father and daughter gear up for an emotional Senior Day—and potentially Lacie’s final home game.

Don’t miss this raw, real, and inspiring episode as the Hams close in on the last innings of a remarkable journey.

A couple of years ago, as a family, we created family core values.  One of them is, "We face challenges with optimism while displaying a growth mindset."  We wanted to tell our story so others, who relate, can navigate through these challenges better.  Contributing to our Podcast will show we're on the right track and we're making a difference to those who have similar stories.  Buy Us A Coffee  

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In this episode of Catching You, Rusty and Lacie Ham dig deep into the real-life questions parents and players face in the world of youth travel softball. Inspired by a thoughtful message from listener Josh, the duo reflect on what it was like transitioning into 12U, navigating tryouts, and dealing with the pressure of being on elite teams like the Batbusters.

Lacie opens up about the emotional highs and lows of tryouts, the power of seeing supportive parents beyond the fence, and why closed tryouts might be a red flag. Rusty adds a humorous yet honest take on why he only let 4.0 student-athletes babysit Lacie and Jesse—and why being “prejudiced” about who influences your kid is not a bad thing.

They also talk about middle school transitions, how friend groups shape character, and the all-too-real drama that can start creeping in as girls get older. From clicky teammates to competing coaching philosophies, it’s a raw look at how the travel ball journey isn’t just about performance—it’s about values, relationships, and finding the right fit.

Plus, Lacie gives her perspective on the infamous rivalry between the Batbusters and the Corona Angels, how each program built their culture differently, and why being humble was drilled in from day one.

If you're a softball parent, a player, or a coach, this episode is loaded with practical insights, laughter, and the occasional roast from dad. Catch you on the other side.

A couple of years ago, as a family, we created family core values.  One of them is, "We face challenges with optimism while displaying a growth mindset."  We wanted to tell our story so others, who relate, can navigate through these challenges better.  Contributing to our Podcast will show we're on the right track and we're making a difference to those who have similar stories.  Buy Us A Coffee  

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In this candid and inspiring episode of Catching You, Rusty and Lacie Ham dive into what it takes to push through pressure, self-doubt, and tough losses during a grueling college softball season. With just weeks left in her senior year, Lacie reflects on a recent mindset shift—an intentional return to visualization, journaling, and self-affirmation that helped her deliver one of her best outings of the season against Fresno State.

Rusty opens up about his own journey with abundance thinking in his real estate business, drawing parallels between high-level competition and everyday life. The father-daughter duo explore the power of mental training, the importance of being your own biggest advocate, and why sometimes faking confidence can lead to real results.

There’s plenty of laughs, as always—yes, there’s talk of knee-vage, pitching superstitions, and why Lacie’s rise ball still messes with hitters. But at its heart, this episode is about showing up: for yourself, for your teammates, and for the dreams you’ve worked so hard to chase.

They also chat about the unpredictable Mountain West standings, journaling tips for young athletes, and the full-circle moment of re-listening to a year-old episode on legacy—reminding us all how far Lacie has come.

Oh, and did we mention Puerto Rico? You’ll want to hear what’s next for Lacie after the season ends.

👉 Whether you're a player, parent, or fan of the game, this one’s packed with wisdom, real talk, and that signature Ham family heart.

A couple of years ago, as a family, we created family core values.  One of them is, "We face challenges with optimism while displaying a growth mindset."  We wanted to tell our story so others, who relate, can navigate through these challenges better.  Contributing to our Podcast will show we're on the right track and we're making a difference to those who have similar stories.  Buy Us A Coffee  

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In this heartfelt and revealing episode of Catching You, Rusty and Lacie Ham sit down for one of their most personal conversations yet. Following a tough series loss to Fresno State, Lacie opens up about the emotional highs and lows of her senior season at San Jose State, the weight of expectations, and the pressure of being a leader on a thin pitching staff.

Rusty, ever the proud but reflective dad, nudges Lacie to zoom out from the stats and results to look at the bigger picture—how far she’s come, how much she’s grown, and most importantly, how she wants to be remembered when this chapter ends.

From the realities of postgame self-doubt to finding meaning beyond ERA and strikeouts, this episode explores the unspoken truth many athletes face: what happens when your playing days are nearly over?

With raw honesty, a few jokes, and their signature father-daughter banter, Rusty and Lacie reflect on her softball legacy, her passion for being a great teammate, and her next adventure—playing pro softball in Puerto Rico.

If you’re a parent of an athlete, a young player chasing college dreams, or just someone navigating transitions, this one will hit home.

Lacie may be nearing the end of her college career, but this episode proves she’s just getting started on leaving her mark.

👉 Tune in for reflection, laughs, love, and a whole lot of heart.

A couple of years ago, as a family, we created family core values.  One of them is, "We face challenges with optimism while displaying a growth mindset."  We wanted to tell our story so others, who relate, can navigate through these challenges better.  Contributing to our Podcast will show we're on the right track and we're making a difference to those who have similar stories.  Buy Us A Coffee  

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In this brief solo update, co-host Rusty Ham checks in with listeners of Catching You to explain the temporary pause in episodes. With Lacie deep in the heart of Mountain West Conference play, balancing her role as a student-athlete, founder of Mind Strong, and podcast co-host, life has been non-stop.

Rusty gives a quick rundown of:
 ✅ Why there was no full episode this week
 ✅ Lacie’s packed schedule and accomplishments off the field
 ✅ A huge upcoming series against first-place Fresno State
✅ A preview of next week’s episode and some exciting news on the horizon once Lacey’s college career wraps up

🎙️ New interviews and father-daughter features are in the works — stay tuned!

Thanks for sticking with us. We’re not going anywhere — just catching our breath.
 💙 Catch you on the other side.

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In this solo episode of Catching You, host Rusty Ham takes a heartfelt and introspective dive into the emotions, challenges, and lessons learned as a softball dad, while his daughter, Lacey, prepares to pitch in her senior conference opener.

This episode is a message to all parents—especially softball dads—on how to navigate the highs and lows of their daughter's journey in competitive sports. Rusty shares:
✅ The struggles of balancing support & pressure
✅ The importance of stepping back & letting them enjoy the game
✅ Lessons from Lacey’s journey, from being a top-ranked pitcher in 12U to finding her college home
✅ Why realistic expectations, positivity, and perspective matter
✅ How to handle post-game conversations & the stress of competition

With candid reflections and powerful advice, Rusty reminds parents to cherish the moments, because before you know it—it’s over in a blink.

💙 “Lacie, if you hear this, I love you.” 💙

🎧 Tune in to hear the raw truth about parenting a competitive athlete & how to make the most of this fleeting journey.

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In this special Catching You episode, hosts Rusty and Lacie Ham welcome father-daughter duo Jason and Savannah Jones, diving deep into the intensity, sacrifices, and rewards of competitive softball.

The episode kicks off with nostalgic memories from 10U ASA Nationals, when PGF and Alliance didn’t even exist, and showcases how much the game has evolved. Savannah and Lacie share their journeys—from rec ball team names like "Cotton Candy Crushers" to elite travel teams and grueling seven-hour practices.

Jason and Rusty discuss the challenges of being bucket dads, the pressure of coaching daughters, and the commitment it takes for families to compete at the highest levels—including long-distance travel for the right opportunities. They also dive into the art of pitching, how coaches pick changeups, and the mental toughness required to succeed in elite softball.

This episode is a must-listen for softball parents, players, and fans who want an inside look at what it really takes to go from travel ball to college ball. If you’ve ever had to sacrifice weekends, make long road trips, or balance friendships with athletic goals, this conversation will hit home.

Tune in for raw, insightful, and entertaining stories from the diamond to the dugout!

A couple of years ago, as a family, we created family core values.  One of them is, "We face challenges with optimism while displaying a growth mindset."  We wanted to tell our story so others, who relate, can navigate through these challenges better.  Contributing to our Podcast will show we're on the right track and we're making a difference to those who have similar stories.  Buy Us A Coffee  

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In this special episode of Catching You, Rusty and Lacie Ham welcome their first-ever father-daughter guest duo, Jason and Savannah Jones. Their journey together began on the 10U travel ball fields, and now they share their experiences, lessons, and the sacrifices made along the way to college softball.

The conversation dives into early days of rec ball, unforgettable travel ball team names, and the grind of elite-level competition. Savannah and Lacie reminisce about their legendary 10U national championship showdown, their early pitching struggles, and how they developed their signature changeups. Jason and Rusty discuss the challenges of being bucket dads, balancing the intensity of coaching with encouragement, and how to navigate the recruiting process in today’s game.

They also address the sacrifices families make—long road trips, seven-hour practices, and tough coaching styles that built resilience. Plus, they offer advice to young players and parents who may not have access to powerhouse teams like the Batbusters, Mojo, or Impact Gold.

Whether you’re a softball parent, player, or just love hearing stories about dedication, passion, and the road to college athletics, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and a few nostalgic moments from the fastpitch world.

Tune in for a candid, inspiring discussion about the game that shaped their lives!

A couple of years ago, as a family, we created family core values.  One of them is, "We face challenges with optimism while displaying a growth mindset."  We wanted to tell our story so others, who relate, can navigate through these challenges better.  Contributing to our Podcast will show we're on the right track and we're making a difference to those who have similar stories.  Buy Us A Coffee  

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In this episode, Rusty and Lacie recap an unforgettable weekend at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic, where Lacie experienced a full-circle moment—once a young fan collecting autographs, she is now the one signing for little girls with big dreams. She reflects on what it meant to play on the main field, the energy of facing Nebraska, and the surreal realization of inspiring the next generation.

The duo also breaks down San Jose State’s strong performances, including Lacie’s dominant outings in the circle, key offensive moments, and the team’s resilience in a competitive field. They discuss the mental and physical grind of late-night games, questionable scheduling that underestimated their team, and the motivation that comes with being ranked last in the conference preseason poll.

With a refreshed mindset, strong leadership from the senior class, and a new pitching coach bringing renewed confidence, Lacie explains the shift in team culture and why this season already feels different.

From big wins to tough losses, this episode is filled with honest insights, humor, and motivation as the Spartans gear up for the remainder of their season. Don't miss this behind-the-scenes look at college softball’s biggest tournament and what’s ahead for Lacie and her team!

A couple of years ago, as a family, we created family core values.  One of them is, "We face challenges with optimism while displaying a growth mindset."  We wanted to tell our story so others, who relate, can navigate through these challenges better.  Contributing to our Podcast will show we're on the right track and we're making a difference to those who have similar stories.  Buy Us A Coffee  

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In this episode, Rusty and Lacie recap a huge turnaround weekend for San Jose State softball as the team bounced back from a rough start to go 5-0 in the Silicon Valley Classic. They discuss the importance of offensive run support, the mental game of pitching, and how Lacie adjusted after a tough outing to deliver a nine-strikeout, complete-game gem against UC San Diego.

Lacie shares insights into the strategic pitching rotations used by her team, including being pulled from a game and later sent back in—something uncommon in college softball. She explains how this coaching approach keeps hitters off balance and why having different pitching styles on the staff is an advantage.

The conversation also dives into upcoming challenges at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic, where the team will face Nebraska and other top programs. Lacie reflects on the experience of being predicted last in the conference standings, calling it "disrespectful" given the team's depth and experience.

With humor, honest reflections, and a special tribute to Lacie’s late grandmother, this episode captures the highs and lows of college athletics, the mindset needed to succeed, and the relentless pursuit of improvement. Don't miss this behind-the-scenes look at a pivotal weekend in Lacie’s senior season!

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