Driveline Softball Podcast

In Episode 13 of The OGX Podcast, Krista Stoker and Ashley Sunshine discuss the evolving landscape of athlete development in light of the transfer portal and NIL, emphasizing the importance of athletes making values-based decisions with parental guidance. Special guest Trisha Ford from Texas A&M brings up a critical topic in youth softball: the size of the softball and pitching distance. Together, they explore how these factors influence overhand throwing mechanics and contribute to young...

In this solo episode of The OGX Podcast, Krista Stoker examines the intense pressures surrounding competitive youth sports, especially in travel baseball and softball. She discusses the impact of pushing kids into structured, high-stakes environments before they’re ready and the value of unstructured play in fostering creativity and a natural feel for the game. Krista also addresses the challenges kids face performing under the gaze of crowds and the effects of intense parental involvement. T...

In this episode of The OGX Podcast, hosts Krista Stoker, Ashley Sunshine, and Laura McDonald dive into the evolving role of technology in optimizing sports performance. They discuss strategies for preparing hitters to adjust to different pitch shapes and the importance of data-driven insights in player development. Special guest Kirsten Verdun brings a key question on transitioning from low-intensity to full-effort training, sparking a conversation about the role of strength, conditioning, an...

In this episode of The OGX Podcast, Krista Stoker, Ashley Sunshine, and Laura McDonald recap the most memorable moments from the recent Women’s College World Series (WCWS). They break down standout pitcher performances, strategic decisions on the mound, and the incredible defensive plays that defined the games. The hosts also discuss the growing importance of data in understanding spin rates, break profiles, and pitcher management, considering the impact of chronic fatigue on athlete health. ...

In this episode of The OGX Podcast, the hosts take you on a journey through the excitement of Super Regionals and the World Series, sharing their unique experiences and the critical role of pitching under pressure. The conversation shifts to youth player development, emphasizing the importance of natural movement patterns, individuality, and addressing performance and pain concerns responsibly. Special guest Clarisa Crowell joins with a thought-provoking question: when is the right time to ma...

In this episode, Krista Stoker, Laura McDonald, and Ashley Sunshine dive into the excitement of postseason softball and the transformative role of data in player development. They discuss the value of data ownership, especially in recruiting, and explore how athletes can harness this knowledge to advocate for themselves. Special guest Natalie Wideman joins to pose the question: what does it take to go from good to great? The hosts examine the importance of self-awareness, authenticity, and re...

In this episode, Krista Stoker, Laura McDonald, and Ashley Sunshine tackle the complexities of college softball rankings and regional seeding, addressing the discrepancies that frustrate fans and teams alike. They advocate for more transparent and consistent criteria to bring clarity to the ranking process. Shifting focus, the hosts discuss the high school-to-travel ball transition, emphasizing how athletes can use this season to recalibrate and boost their baseline performance. Chris Malveau...

In this episode of The OGX Podcast, Krista Stoker, Laura McDonald, and Ashley Sunshine explore why tech companies and other industries are missing valuable opportunities by not fully investing in softball. They also discuss Michigan’s rise in the Big 10, reflecting on the program’s commitment to improvement and the pride of representing the “Go Blue” legacy. Finally, the hosts respond to a question from Natalie Ruechel, Appalachian State’s Pitching Coach, about the next big thing in pitching ...

In this episode of The OGX Podcast, Krista Stoker and Laura McDonald explore the empowerment of athletes through data, storytelling, and personal growth. They address the unique challenges female athletes face in transitions, the importance of building an identity beyond the game, and the journey of holistic development. Tune in for valuable insights, personal experiences, and advice for athletes and coaches alike, as well as a special highlight on Amanda Hazer’s impactful work in supporting ...

In this episode of The OGX Podcast, Ashley Sunshine, Krista Stoker, and Laura McDonald dive into Texas’s recent series win over Oklahoma, spotlighting Katie Stewart’s standout performance and the impressive execution of Texas’s pitching staff. The hosts then tackle the new rule allowing teams to review plays for leaving the bag early, debating its potential impact on the game. To close, they’re joined by Williams College Head Coach Kris Herman, who raises an important question: how can Divisi...