In The Circle

By D1SoftballSports

In The Circle episodes

October 05, 2023 Back Home in Chapel Hill
Since we're already on Tobacco Road, we might as well head westward on today's episode. We head to Chapel Hill for a conversation with new North Carolina Head Coach Megan Smith Lyon. After five wonderful years at Marshall, including a school-record 45 wins in 2023, she got the call to return to her alma mater and take over for her former head coach Donna Papa. Coach shares what it means for her to lead the Tar Heel program and her visions for the future. She also talks about the process that led to her taking the job and coaching in the ACC. We then look at the field and schedule for the 2024 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge that was announced on Wednesday. Victor and Eric break down the two sessions as well as which
match-ups they're looking forward to the most.
1 hr 6 min
October 02, 2023 The New Leader of The Pack
It's a new month and another new In The Circle with another new Head Coach as our guest. Today, we catch up with NC State Head Coach Lindsay Leftwich as she begins her first season in Raleigh after twelve years as an assistant at LSU. Coach Leftwich shares her vision for the program and how she's assembled her coaching staff. She also reflects on her time in Baton Rouge with Beth Torina and the lessons she will take with her to NC State. Also, Victor introduces his V.I.P. List as he looks at his favorite matchups in the NFCA Leadoff Classic where Coach Leftwich will make her head coaching debut.
1 hr 3 min
September 28, 2023 We Got Big 4 On It
This weekend marks the yearly Big 4 Classic in Iowa. On today's appearance In The Circle, Eric Lopez catches up with two of the four coaches. First, Iowa State Head Coach Jamie Pinkerton returns to the podcast. He chats about hosting the Big 4 Classic this weekend as well as the outlook of his Cyclones and the new-look Big 12. Coach Pinkerton also discusses some of the changes on his staff & his beloved Kansas City Chiefs. Afterwards, Northern Iowa Head Coach Ryan Jacobs returns to the podcast with his thoughts on the Big 4 Classic. He also shares his early thoughts and expectations for UNI's 2024 as well as navigating through an always difficult Missouri Valley Conference.
1 hr 48 min
September 25, 2023 The New Terp In Town
It's a new day and a new era for Maryland Softball. On this appearance In The Circle, we catch up with new Terrapins Head Coach Lauren Karn as she finishes up her first month in College Park. She shares with Eric Lopez the timberline that led her to taking the job, her successful run at Oakland, and learning about her new team on the fly. We also take our first look at the 2024 Mary Nutter Field and one team who'll be on both coasts the first month of the season. Victor shares what other teams will be both in Cathedral City and Clearwater in February.
1 hr 1 min
September 21, 2023 Can We S-E-C The Schedule?
While Fall Ball is underway, it's never too early to look ahead to 2024. On today's appearance In The Circle, the guys share their thoughts on the 2024 SEC Schedule. What series are they looking forward to the most? Which teams have the "easiest" slate? Eric and Victor will answer some of those questions. Plus, what does ESPN do to replace Francesca Enea and Kayla Braud now that they are coaching at their alma maters?
50 min
September 18, 2023 Braud Back in T-Town
Before Kayla Braud makes her way back to T-Town, she stops by In The Circle. Coach Braud reflects on her time in the booth with ESPN and SEC Network. She also shares what led her to return back to Tuscaloosa to join Patrick Murphy's staff. We wrap up this episode with the Gulf South newest addition to the league.
57 min
September 14, 2023 Things Are Boiler-ing Up
After an extended break (by our standards), we're ready to roll with a new In The Circle. First, we take a brief look at the return of Kayla Braud back to Alabama to join Coach Patrick Murphy's staff in 2024. Afterwards, we begin our annual New Spaces, New Faces series where we chat with the newest head coaches in the sport. Our first guest is new Purdue Head Coach Magali Frezzotti. She steps into the role after serving as an assistant for the past two years for the Boilermakers. Coach Frezzotti shares her vision of Purdue softball, her initial reaction of getting the job, her coaching staff, and much more. We wrap up the show breaking down West Georgia getting the invitation to the Atlantic Sun and Division 1. Victor shares what the move means for both the ASUN and the Gulf South along with what former rival provides a blueprint for success with the transition.
1 hr 20 min
September 05, 2023 So We REALLY Doing This ACC?
Even with Victor making it back from Chicago, there's still more news to break down on the latest edition of In The Circle. Today, the guys look at the ACC's addition of Cal and Stanford to the conference effective July 1st. What does it mean for the conference and their already unbalanced schedule? How will this impact Oregon State and where they find their footing? We address those questions. Plus, we look at Maryland hiring their new head coach and Nevada looking for one of their one. Also, Eric has a few words for Spectrum and the guys pay their own unique tribute to Shannon Sharpe.
39 min
August 28, 2023 Alexander's Odicci to the Championship
In one of the most memorable seasons in AU history, it was an historic performance that took home the crown. On today's episode, Victor recaps Odicci Alexander's historic run to the championship as well as the rest of action during Championship Weekend. He also reflects on the great action he saw all weekend long as well as more history by Alyssa Denham and Jessi Warren. Plus, Victor shares plans for some future guests on the podcast. We also look back on the retirements of Alabama Associate Head Coach Alyson Habetz and Athlete Unlimited stallworth Abby Ramirez.
50 min
August 24, 2023 All In for AU
With one week remaining in Athletes Unlimited, we are primed for another frantic finish. Eric and Victor set the scene on this episode of In The Circle. Who has the best chance to catch Odicci Alexander? Can Danielle Gipson finish off one of the greatest comebacks in AU history? Can Hannah Flippen or Alyssa Denham make one final charge for the title? The guys answer those questions and much more. Plus, comments from ESPN's Brent Magnus about the continuing rise of softball on the worldwide leader. Victor also shares some news that even has Eric caught by surprise.

Opening and Closing Music: Linda Clifford 'Chicago'
44 min

About In The Circle

From the publisher's feed

D1Softball presents In The Circle with Eric Lopez and Victor Anderson. They bring you the latest news, views, previews, & reviews on all things softball from college.