In The Circle

By D1SoftballSports

In The Circle episodes

February 16, 2023 Taking Our Talents to Clearwater
On our latest episode of In The Circle, Victor returns to host and share his thoughts on the Texas-Kentucky ending on Sunday. We also hear from Rachel Lawson from an interview she had with Perfect Game Softball earlier in the week. Victor also shares how the story gained national attention when it was discussed on Around The Horn. Victor then shows his love and appreciation for a couple of players who might have flown under the radar including a Sooner who had a breakout weekend in California. Afterwards, Victor catches up with ESPN's Madison Shipman who will be on the call alongside Tiffany Greene as a part of the TaxAct Clearwater Invitational Presented by EvoShield. She shares her thoughts on the loaded schedule of games she and Tiffany will be calling as well as how the tournament has grown over the years. Madison also breaks down the teams she's looking forward to watching and how she is able to watch so many games in preparation for the season.
1 hr 9 min
February 13, 2023 We Play to TIE The Game? Texas vs. Kentucky Softball
Now that the big game is over and the confetti has fallen, we clean up what was a wild opening weekend in Division 1 Softball on this episode of In The Circle. With Victor Anderson recovering from this weekend, Eric Lopez is joined by Justin McLeod from Extra Inning Softball as they break down the very controversial ending to Texas-Kentucky in Clearwater on Sunday, as well as possible changes to be made to the drop-dead time rule. We will also recap the other results from the NFCA Lead-Off Classic. The two chat about some stunning upsets during Opening Weekend involving Lehigh, Longwood, and Stony Brook, as well as a possible new member of the Big Ten and more.
1 hr 12 min
February 08, 2023 One More Sleep Till D1 Softball
We have waited all summer, fall, and winter to start the road to Oklahoma City. We take that final step together on this episode of In The Circle. We get started in Ann Arbor as Michigan will take the field Thursday for the first time in 39 seasons without Coach Hutch leading the way. Eric Lopez talks with Michigan Head Coach Bonnie Tholl as she prepares to lead the Wolverines into battle this weekend in Florida. She reflects on the preparation for this moment, her team heading into 2023, battling in the Big Ten, and more. We also get you ready for the season by talking with D1 Softball's Rhiannon Potkey as she shares her thoughts and predictions for the upcoming 2023 season with Eric Lopez.
1 hr 5 min
February 07, 2023 Team USA Softball Coaching Reunion
We're one day closer to the Division 1 season getting started. We have another full episode ready for you on In The Circle. Today, we caught up with three of the Team USA coaching staff members. First, we chat with Team USA and Washington Head Coach Heather Tarr. She reflects on balancing both roles last year and the busy summer she had. The coach also shares her outlook on the Huskies' 2023 season, led by National Player of the Year candidate Baylee Klinger and the Pac-12 Tournament. Next, we travel down to Gainesville, Florida, for our annual conversation with Gators' Head Coach, Tim Walton. 2022 ended with Florida returning to Oklahoma City, and his team is ready for bigger things in 2023. He talks to In The Circle about being the outlook for the Gators this season, serving as an assistant coach for Team USA this past summer, and more. Finally, a short trip down I-75 and the 408 takes us to Orlando as we catch up with UCF Head Coach Cindy Ball-Mallone. 2022 was a historic season for the Knights as they hosted regionals for the first time and made it to Super Regionals before falling to Oklahoma. She reflects on that magical 2022, the expectations for the Knights in 2023, and a loaded non-conference slate.
2 hr 32 min
February 06, 2023 Our College Softball Season Preview Spectacular..In Bulk
1 Podcast 3 Respected voices in the sport 32 Conferences We have you covered like always on this episode of In The Circle as we officially are in a game week for Division 1. First, we catch up with our great friend ESPN's Amanda Scarborough, who surveys the landscape of the Power 5 conferences. What team in the SEC is catching her eye for 2023? Which teams have the best chance to knock off Oklahoma? Who can make it to Oklahoma City? Afterward, we go through the rest of college softball with Extra Inning Softball National Editor Justin McLeod as he and Eric Lopez hit on each conference in the nation. From the American East to the West Coast and all leagues in between, they share their thoughts on each league with some surprising thoughts.
2 hr 24 min
February 03, 2023 We're All American (Athletic Conference) Softball
On our latest episode of In The Circle, we talk about the American Athletic Conference and two teams who look to knock off the defending champion UCF. First, we travel westbound on I-4 and catch up with USF Head Coach Ken Eriksen. Last year, the Bulls won 45 games and made it to the AAC Championship Game. Coach Eriksen catches up with Eric Lopez about his Bulls heading into 2023, former Bulls player Ronnie Gajownik breaking barriers in Baseball, and hosting the conference tournament this year. Then, we head to Wichita, Kansas, as the Shockers prepare for a huge 2023. Head Coach Kristi Bredbenner talks to In The Circle about the Shocker's season outlook in 2023, led by Sydney McKinney and Addison Barnard. She also shares her thoughts on the AAC, the tough schedule heading into the league, and much more.
1 hr 42 min
February 01, 2023 The Champ Is Here...AGAIN, Patty Gasso Talks Oklahoma Softball
It wouldn't be a season preview here on In The Circle without talking to the National Champions. We take care of that on this episode as we chat with Oklahoma Head Coach Patty Gasso. The Sooners look for their third straight national championship and have another talented roster ready to take the field. Coach Gasso breaks down her team and a pair of freshmen to keep an eye on. She also talks about her defense, the landscape of college softball, and her insane non-conference schedule, which includes ELEVEN teams in the NFCA Preseason Top 25.
48 min
January 30, 2023 Some SEC Softball with Courtney Deifel, Beth Torina, and Rachel Lawson
On this episode of In The Circle, we head deep into the SEC. First, we talk to the reigning SEC Coach of the Year, Arkansas Head Coach Courtney Deifel. The Razorbacks look to make it three straight regular season conference crowns in 2023. Coach talks to In The Circle about the Arkansas program's increased attention and growth. Coach Deifel shares the outlook for her team this year as well as hosting the SEC Tournament at Bogle Park. She also has some thoughts on seeding the NCAA tournament, which has Eric Lopez thinking he might have a new executive producer of the pod (Victor Anderson is not going to be happy hearing that)

Next, we head to Baton Rouge for our yearly preseason conversation with LSU Head Coach Beth Torina. The Tigers head into 2023 with a veteran roster, a Top 10 recruiting class, and visions of a deep run into June. Coach Torina talks with In The Circle about the Tiger's season outlook in 2023 and her thoughts on Instant Replay. She also has ideas on expanding the Tournaments seeding and the ever-growing Torina coaching tree.

We wrap up the show with another yearly tradition; our conversation with Kentucky Head Coach Rachel Lawson as the Wildcats are prime for another deep postseason run. Coach Lawson talks to In the Circle about the Wildcat's season outlook and the Cats returning in 2023. She also talks about expanding the coaching staff full-time, Instant Replay, Seeding the top 32 teams in the Tournament, and more. Also, she has a little suggestion for her long-time SID, Chris Shoals.
2 hr 19 min
January 27, 2023 The Wild, Wild Mountain West Softball Outlook
We wrap up another week here on In The Circle by taking our talents to the Mountain West. Eric Lopez catches up with three of the league's top coaches. First, San Diego State Head Coach Stacey Nuveman-Deniz talks to In The Circle as San Diego State prepares for the upcoming season. After winning the Mountain West one year ago and making the regional final in Tempe, Coach looks back at last year and talks about the Aztecs' season outlook. Coach Nuveman breaks down her star-studded coaching staff as well as hosting the Mountain West Tournament. Next, we head to Boise to talk with Boise State Head Coach Justin Shults. 2022 saw the Broncos win twelve straight to close the year and record a school-record 19 league wins. They are looking to add more, including a postseason berth. Coach Shultz talks to In The Circle about the Broncos 2022 season & the lessons he took from his first season as Coach. He also talks about the strength of the Mountain West. Last, but not least, we head to Vegas to catch up with UNLV Head Coach Kristie Fox. The Rebels look to continue their momentum from a year ago after making the NISC Finals before falling to Baylor. Coach Fox talks to In The Circle about the Running Rebel's outlook in 2023 and the Mountain West adding a conference tournament. She also reflects on the 15-year anniversary of Arizona's 2007 National Championship
1 hr 54 min
January 25, 2023 Heading Back to the ACC to Talk Florida State and Clemson Softball
When we say something will happen on In The Circle, trust that it will happen. On our second of three episodes this week, we travel back to the ACC and talk to two of the favorites to win the league and make it to Oklahoma City. First, we have our annual conversation with Florida State Head Coach Lonni Alameda. The Seminoles are ranked in the Top 5 of multiple preseason polls and have their sights set on the WCWS. Coach talks to In The Circle about the upcoming season and the stunning conclusion of 2022. She also shares her thoughts about being inducted into the NFCA Hall of Fame, the growth of the ACC, and more. Then, we chat with one of the fastest-rising programs in the sport as Clemson Head Coach John Rittman talks to In The Circle. 2022 was another year of firsts for the program as the Tigers hosted and won the program's first regional. With another stacked roster ready in 2023, Coach Rittman reflects on the rapid rise of the program and their season outlook for 2023. He also shares his thoughts on the landscape of the ACC, handling the expectations, and more. The guys share their thoughts on the various pre-season polls, including a new segment on the show called Red's Reflections. Victor Anderso has a few things to say about the rankings. We also announce our first guest confirmed for the LIVE Season Preview show on February 4th.
1 hr 43 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.