In The Circle

While you're making your list and checking it twice, we know this latest episode will be really nice. Two former teammates and two successful Head Coaches looking to build on 2023 come back to In The Circle. First, we head to Lexington for our annual chat with Kentucky Head Coach Rachel  Lawson. She shares how life without current WPF Rookie of the Year Kayla Kowalik has gone so far. Coach also shares her thoughts on having a healthy Erin Coffel & Stephanie Schoonover plus her challenging non-conference schedule. Afterwards, we head to Louisville for a conversation with Cardinals Head Coach Holly Aprile. After winning a school record 16 ACC games ​a year ago, Coach Aprile. She also looks at her roster coming into 2024 and what the Cardinals will need to do with Taylor Roby now in the WPF. We also take a look at both team's schedules for the year and a pivotal set of games for these two rivals. 

After making it back to the Women's College World Series in 2023, the Utah Utes are ready for a return trip in 2024. On our latest episode, we catch-up with Utah Assistant Coach Paige Parker about last year's run to Oklahoma City. She also shares her thoughts on coaching at the WCWS compared to playing there with Oklahoma. Coach Parker also looks at her work with the pitching staff, the Utes' strong schedule this season and more. We then break down their schedule in more detail including the massive amount of frequent flyer miles they'll earn before February ends. Plus, the guys look at who will be inducted in the 2024 NFCA Hall of Fame which includes a recent guest. Victor then mentions some names of who should be in the HOF in the immediate future. 

We stay in the SEC (by choice, not by commandment) on this episode of In The Circle. Today, we head to Gainesville to catch-up with Florida Head Coach Tim Walton. Coach Walton looks back on his time with Team USA this summer and how it served to recharge him. He also reflects back on a successful fall & the building blocks laid for 2024. He also discusses the return of Francesca Enea along with what her experiences have brought to the table. The guys look at the Gators' 2024 schedule plus somehow have their Mount Rushmore of Gator Softball. 

ICYMI, Alabama made some news this weekend. We keep the party going on today's episode as we chat with Crimson Tide Head Coach Patrick Murphy. After leading Bama U to another WCWS appearance in 2023, he chats about building out this year's ballclub. He also shares the extra significance of having Kayla Braud back in Tuscaloosa and what topics could be on the table this week at the NFCA Convention in Louisville. Coach Murphy also discusses their summer trip to Italy and the experiences learned. The guys breakdown Alabama's schedule including Victor looking at a three week stretch leading into SEC play. Plus, the guys look at what topics should be discussed in Louisville and what a future guest has to offer on the subject. 

When it comes to rivalries, few compare to Michigan-Ohio State or Ohio State-Michigan depending on your allegiance. On today's episode, we provide our own little spin on The Game. First, we head to Ann Arbor for a conversation with Michigan Assistant Coach Amanda Chidester. She chats with Eric Lopez about her time back at her alma mater and being on the coaching staff. She also looks back at her playing career as well as her final weekend last year at Athletes Unlimited including homering in her final at-bat. We then travel to Columbus for a chat with Ohio State Associate Head Coach Whitney Jones. After a successful first season which saw significant offensive improvements, Coach Jones shares what's on the horizon for the Buckeyes in 2024 and the changing landscape of the Big Ten. Plus, Victor provides an announcement on our Friendsgiving Live Stream this Wednesday night. 

Nebraska Softball has plenty to be thankful for and look forward to. On our latest episode, we chat with one and only Head Coach Rhonda Revelle who looks back on another regional final appearance and the changing landscape of the Big Ten. Oh yea, we'll ask her about that new transfer pitcher of hers and the excitement generated around Nebraska softball with Jordy Bahl's return home. Plus, the guys share their thoughts on National Signing Day, Eric reflects on how close he was to NOT being on the show, and another guest announcement. 

Our November to Remember rolls along and heads to Alabama on today's episode. First, we head to Mobile for our chat with South Alabama Head Coach Becky Clark. In spite of winning 39 games, including a school record 20 in Sun Belt play, the Jags just missed the NCAA Tournament a year ago. Coach Clark discusses how that disappointment serves as motivation for the team in 2024. She also talks about her reigning Sun Belt Pitcher of the Year Olivia Lackie, replenishing her roster, and the always competitive Sun Belt. Then, we head to Florence where Ashley Cozart led North Alabama to within one win of their first NCAA Tournament since moving to Division I. She shares how their postseason run started and the decision to stay in DeLand after their series with the Hatters ended. Coach also talks about the experience gained from last year, a change with the ASUN conference scheduling, and other topics. The guys wrap up the show with a couple of announcements.