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In this heartfelt episode of Catching You, co-host Rusty Ham sits down with his daughter, Lacie Ham, for one final conversation as a collegiate softball pitcher. After wrapping up her NCAA career at San Jose State, Lacie opens up about the emotional weight of watching teams she competed against—and even beat—advance to the postseason, while her own team missed out on regionals.

They reflect on the bittersweet nature of senior year, especially after a bounce-back season that saw Lacie and her teammates finish 6th in the Mountain West after being predicted to finish dead last. Despite a first-round tournament exit, Lacie shares how proud she is of the team’s progress, while also acknowledging the sting of knowing her college career is officially over.

But the journey isn't finished. Lacie talks about her next steps—heading to Puerto Rico for a summer semi-pro season, and then off to Australia for a full year of international play. Rusty and Lacie also share some key advice for young softball players watching the Women’s College World Series, including lessons on dugout etiquette, base running IQ, and maintaining a team-first mentality—even from the bench.

If you're a player, parent, or coach navigating the end of a chapter—or the beginning of a new one—this episode offers candid insight, encouragement, and a reminder that the love of the game doesn’t end when the innings do.

📣 Subscribe and follow for more real stories from the diamond.

#CatchingYou #SoftballJourney #SeniorSeason #CollegeSoftball #WomensSports #NextChapter

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 Episode 76 of Catching You, Rusty Ham sits down with powerhouse recruiting advisor Cheri Naudin, founder of Collegiate Sports Advocate, to have one of the most honest conversations about the evolving landscape of college softball recruiting. With Lacie Ham finishing her NCAA career and heading to play in Puerto Rico and potentially Australia, Rusty reflects on the ups and downs of her journey—and what he wished he’d known earlier.

Cheri pulls no punches as she shares how the recruiting process has shifted dramatically with NIL, the transfer portal, and post-COVID rule changes. From the early days of scouting 6th graders to today’s cutthroat, portal-heavy system, she offers powerful insight into why “adapt or die” isn’t just a quote from Moneyball—it’s the reality for players, parents, and coaches.

They talk candidly about false expectations, overlooked talent, and how too many families confuse big-name teams with the right fit. Cheri breaks down how she builds custom recruiting strategies, teaches life skills like time management, and tells the hard truths most people are afraid to hear.

If you're a softball family trying to navigate the process—or a parent wondering if you’re doing the right thing for your athlete—this episode is a must-listen.

🎙️ Visit collegiatesportsadvocate.com and mention Catching You for a personal follow-up from Cheri.

#CatchingYou #CollegeSoftball #RecruitingTruths #AdaptOrDie #NCAARecruiting

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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Ever wonder what a week in the life of a college athlete is really like? From intense training to balancing academics and games, this Podcast gives you an inside look at the grind of a student-athlete's final year. If you're a recruit, playing D1 sports, or just curious about the life of a college athlete, this video is a must-watch!

This milestone 75th episode of Catching You marks a powerful reflection point in Lacie Ham’s journey as a Division I college softball pitcher. With over 10,000 downloads and a loyal listener base, Rusty and Lacie dive deep into what could be their most emotional and insightful conversation yet.

Coming off a sweep of Boise State to clinch a postseason berth, Lacie and the San Jose State Spartans were predicted to finish dead last at the beginning of the year. Instead, they ended the regular season ranked #1 in pitching and defense, proving how far hard work, belief, and team chemistry can take you.

Rusty and Lacie discuss their final series at San Diego State, the grind of D1 softball, the recruiting mistakes they want others to avoid, and what the mental and emotional demands of college athletics really look like. From thoughts on the transfer portal and NIL to day-in-the-life advice for young athletes, this is a must-listen for any parent or player navigating the road to college sports.

Plus, Lacie previews her next adventure—graduating cum laude and heading off to Puerto Rico and then Australia to continue her playing career while exploring grad school options.

It's been a ride full of lessons, love, growth, and grit—and it's far from over.

Catch Lacie’s final games this week and follow the podcast for what comes next in the Catching You 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 special solo episode of Catching You, Rusty Ham recaps a monumental senior weekend for his daughter and co-host, Lacie Ham, and the San Jose State softball team. Facing a must-win series against Boise State, the Spartans rose to the challenge—sweeping all three games, clinching a spot in the Mountain West Conference tournament, and exceeding preseason expectations that had them picked to finish last.

Rusty shares the emotional highs of Senior Day, from walking Lacie onto the field to hearing her name etched into San Jose State history for career innings pitched and strikeouts. He reflects on Lacie’s incredible journey from a six-plus ERA a year ago to becoming one of the conference’s top pitchers in her final season, leading with resilience, heart, and grit.

He also looks ahead to the team’s final regular season series at San Diego State and touches on Lacie’s exciting plans beyond college, including her upcoming summer playing semi-pro softball in Puerto Rico.

This heartfelt episode captures the bittersweet emotions of watching a dream come full circle—and the hope and excitement that come with the next chapter. Whether you're a softball parent, an athlete, or just someone who appreciates stories of perseverance and growth, you’ll feel the pride and gratitude that radiates from every word.

Catch the Spartans in action this weekend and keep cheering Lacie and her teammates on through their final stretch!

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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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