In The Circle

On our latest episode, we head to Stillwater, where expectations are high for the Cowgirls after another Women's College World Series appearance in 2022. Oklahoma State Head Coach Kenny Gajewski talks to In The Circle about the Cowgirls coming within one game of having a Bedlam Battle in the Champ Series and the outlook of the 2023 season. Coach Gajewski also shares his thoughts on the Big 12, Bedlam, and much more.

 The guys shared their thoughts on last week's Big 12 and American Athletic Conference preseason polls. Victor Anderson then breaks down the WPF Expansion Draft and the new homes for some of softball's popular players. The show wraps up with a schedule change (good for you) and a few words about Eric Lopez blaming Victor for not seeing the No. 1 team in the nation. That somehow led us to the "altercation" in Los Angeles involving Shannon Sharpe, and you'll have to listen to how the show ends.

We're less than a month away from the start of the season, and it's full speed ahead here at In The Circle. In this episode, we return to the Big 10 with two coaches who had spectacular 2022 seasons. First, we travel to Evanston to chat with Northwestern Head Coach Kate Drohan. The Wildcats made it to Oklahoma City last year for the first time since 2007 and have their Super Senior core returning for one last ride. Coach Drohan caught up with Eric Lopez about their impact on the program and their run to the WCWS last year. She also talks about the retirement of Coach Hutch and the Big 10 landscape in 2023.

 We then travel to Lincoln to catch up with Nebraska Head Coach Rhonda Revelle. 2022 was a big season for Big Red as Nebraska took home their first Big 10 Tournament championship. Coach Revelle spoke about that run to the tournament title and how it will provide more confidence heading into the new season. She shares her thoughts on playing Coach Hutch for the final time last year in the tournament and the landscape of the Big 10 heading into 2023.

Our march towards February continues on this episode of In The Circle as we head toward the ACC. First, we travel to Blacksburg and catch up with Virginia Tech Head Coach Pete D'Amour. The Hokies, in 2022, won the ACC regular season crown with their highest league winning percentage in school history (21-2, .913), but are looking for more in 2023. Coach D'Amour catches up with Eric Lopez about his team heading into 2023, life without Keely Rochard, navigating through the ACC, and much more.

 Afterward, we travel south to the ATL, where Georgia Tech looks to continue its momentum after making the NCAA Tournament for the first time in a decade last year. Head Coach Aileen Morales, an assistant on their previous trip in 2012, joins the show to recap a banner year for Georgia Tech. She reflects on the night the streak officially ended for her alma mater, her team heading into 2023, competing in the deep and loaded ACC, and much more.

We're officially less than a month away from Opening Day in Division 1 Softball. That means full speed ahead here on In The Circle. Today's episode discusses the Division 1 Council's decision to make volunteer assistants full-time coaches. We discuss what it means for the sport and whether all schools can afford three full-time assistants.

Afterward, our Pac-12 journey continues in Corvallis as we talk with Oregon State Head Coach (and friend of the podcast) Laura Berg. Last year saw the Beavers crash the Women's College World Series party, and they're ready to show that was just the beginning. Coach Berg talks to In The Circle about the Beavers' run to Oklahoma City, her outlook for this year's team, the Pac-12, some NFL talk, and more.

Victor and Eric have some thoughts on the possible expansion of the NCAA Tournament (and it isn't positive) and make their Super Wild Card Weekend predictions.

We're making our way out west for our latest episode, specifically the two schools battling for "The Axe." First, we head to Palo Alto to catch up with Stanford Head Coach Jessica Allister. The Cardinal made history last season when they became the first team to advance out of the Tuscaloosa Regional as they knocked off the Crimson Tide twice en route to Super Regionals. She chats with Eric Lopez about Stanford's 2022 and the Cardinal season outlook in 2023. She also shares her thoughts on the Pac-12 implementing a conference tournament starting this year and her pitch (pun intended) to a pair of former teammates and famous alums. 

Afterward, we travel to Berkley and chat with Cal Head Coach Chelsea Spencer. The Golden Bears finished with a winning record in 2022, which included series wins over #7 Washington and then #24 Stanford. Coach Spencer talks with In The Circle about how things are looking for her alma mater in 2023, coaching under Mike White, and much more. 

The show wraps up with announcements about our annual LIVE season preview show and Victor's exclusive segment on our YouTube channel. 

On our latest edition of In The Circle, we continue our venture into the Patty Gasso coaching tree. First, we head to Durham and chat with new Duke assistant coach Sydney Romero. She catches up with Eric Lopez about what led her to join Marissa Young's staff, what she learned while at Oklahoma, and the possibility of still playing professionally.

 Afterward, we head west for a conversation with Utah Associate Head Coach D.J Gasso as he shares his outlook for the Utes, who just missed the NCAA Tournament last year. He also talks about growing up around the sport, the Pac-12 landscape, and much more

Before the New Year, ring up a new edition of In The Circle. In this episode, we head to San Marcos, Texas, and catch up with Texas State Head Coach Ricci Woodard. Her Bobcats had another successful season in 2022 but are looking for more in the upcoming season. Coach Woodard chats about using last year's loss in the Sun Belt Championship and a snub from the NCAA Tournament as motivation for this year. She also shares her outlook on a loaded Sun Belt and more.

 We then have Part 2 of our Year in Review as Eric, Justin, and Victor look at the top stories in 2022.

Now that all the gifts are open. Santa slid down the chimney, and you've had another Christmas cookie. It's time to unwrap another episode of In The Circle. Today, we traveled to Tempe, where temperatures were much warmer than we were for the holidays. Eric Lopez caught up with Arizona State Head Coach Megan Bartlett about becoming the Sun Devils' new coach. Bartlett discusses her time at Texas, making the WCWS, and learning from Mike White.

Victor Anderson returns with his annual Softball Festivus Grievance and strong message for schools that don't have dedicated radio broadcasts. We wrap up the show with Part One of our Year in Review. Justin McLeod of Extra Innings Softball joins Eric to look at the top coaching hires and moves in 2022.

It's the final In The Circle before Christmas and we have a gift for you Texas A&M fans. We have new Aggie Head Coach Trisha Ford joining the podcast to talk about how she ended up in College Station from Tempe. She talks about how the transition has gone so far, her expectations for the upcoming season, coaching in the SEC, and more. She also shares her love for the San Francisco Giants. We wrap up the show by reviewing the viewership for the volleyball championships and where it stands with softball.