In The Circle

Big 12 Media Week rolls on with a stop in Ames to highlight Iowa State.

The Cyclones may be young, but they are full of talent and are ready to make some noise. You'll hear from Head Coach Jamie Pinkerton and the importance of getting off to a good start. He also chats about the fresh perspectives brought by the new league members.

Afterwards, D1Softball Preseason All-American Angelina Allen joins the podcast. After one of the best offensive seasons in school history, she shares the story of what led her to Ames. She also talks about her time interning with the New York Yankees.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's a historic edition of In The Circle on D1Softball. First, it's Episode #900. Second, it's the start of Big 12 Media Week Part Deux.

Our full week kicks off in Lubbock, Texas where two of the biggest headlines took place this off-season. First, Head Coach Gerry Glasco comes on to share how things are going and coaching with heavy expectations. Then, NiJaree Canady joins the podcast on her goals with Texas Tech, her approach on being a two-way star, and meeting a certain alum. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You thought we wrapped up SEC Week too, huh? Well, the guys got a call from Mr. McConaughey, and here we are. We OFFICIALLY close out the week heading to Austin as Texas enters 2025 ranked #2 in D1Softball's preseason poll.

You'll hear from Head Coach Mike White on his team's preparation for the SEC and on returning the core of last year's squad.

Two of those returners, Reese Atwood and Teagan Kavan, also join the podcast. Both were named Preseason All-Americans by D1Softball and each shares which SEC series they're looking forward to. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our SEC Tour takes us to Gainesville to talk about the Preseason #1 Florida Gators. After their journey to the WCWS Semifinals last year, the Gators are ready to make another championship run.

Head Coach Tim Walton reflects on his NFCA Hall of Fame Induction and starting his 20th season at Florida. Preseason All-American and 2024 Rawlings Gold Glove Winner Kendra Falby shares what led her to Florida and lessons she's learned from Francesca Enea.

The guys break down the Gators' loaded SEC home schedule and wrap up their SEC Tour...or do they?

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're halfway through our SEC Tour on In The Circle.

Today's tour stop takes us to Fayetteville and our annual visit with Arkansas Head Coach Courtney Deifel. The Razorbacks enter the season ranked at #10 in the D1Softball Preseason Poll and are poised for another postseason run. Coach Deifel reflects on the end of the 2024 season, her highly-touted freshman class, and welcoming Oklahoma and Texas into the SEC.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We continue our march towards Episode #900 today with stop #2 on our SEC Tour.

This stop takes us to Baton Rouge and our most frequent guest, LSU Head Coach Beth Torina. Coach looks ahead to the upcoming season and what the keys will be to have LSU make it back to Oklahoma City.

Afterward, you'll hear from two-time All-American pitcher Sydney Berzon. She enters this season ranked 8th on D1Softball's Top 100 players list and shares what has contributed to her success at LSU.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mondays are for In The Circle and chatting with champions. What better way to start off the week than the one and only Patty Gasso.

After leading the Sooners to an unprecedented fourth straight National Championship, Oklahoma begins a new chapter in the SEC. Coach Gasso chats with Eric Lopez about navigating the new league along with her appearance on College Gameday earlier in the fall. She also talks about the fresh faces ready to make their mark in Norman.

You'll also hear the guys introduce a new segment and discuss what SEC series involving the Sooners they would like to see.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're down to our final day of talking all things American on In The Circle.

In this episode, it's all about the champions. First, we welcome new Charlotte Head Coach Courtney Breault. She shares with Eric what it's like to be a first-time head coach and the lessons she learned at Clemson.

Then, we're joined by FAU Head Coach Jordan Clark. 2024 saw the Owls return back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018 and win the regular season title. Coach Clark looks ahead to what it will take to achieve those same goals in 2025.

You'll also hear the guys chat about UAB's new head coach, Taylor Smartt, and share their final thoughts on The American.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's Day 2 of our look at The American Athletic Conference on In The Circle. Today, we focus our attention on two teams that have played for the conference crown recently.

First, you'll hear from Tulsa Head Coach Crissy Strimple. She enters her 5th season leading the Golden Hurricane and 19th overall coaching for Tulsa. Coach Strimple reflects on her time with the program and discusses handling another tough league schedule.

Afterwards, we catch up with a friend of the podcast, Wichita State Head Coach Kristi Bredbenner. After reaching the conference title game last year at home, Coach Bredbenner gives an early outlook on her ballclub for 2025. The team gets an added boost with the return of All-American Outfielder Lauren Lucas who missed last year due to injury. You'll also hear the guys share their thoughts on Memphis and USF, who will host this year's conference tournament. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Many in the sport feel that the American could be one of the best non power conferences in softball in 2025. Today, we begin our three-episode look at the league and what could be in store. First, we chat with East Carolina Head Coach Shane Winkler who has the Pirates in the ascendency after a 38-win season. Coach Winkler breaks down some of his returners from last year along with a big change to the conference tournament. Then, we catch up with friend of the podcast North Texas Head Coach Rodney DeLong. The Mean Green have reloaded and are ready for another run at a conference title. He chats about embracing another tough schedule as well as the most talked-about schedule release in the sport today.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.