In The Circle

Twas the week before Christmas, and all through the pod, a new episode is here for you to listen to and nod. We'll spare the rest of the rhymes. On this episode, we're joined by Texas Head Coach Mike White, who looks back at their run to the WCWS Championship Series last year and how things came together in the postseason. He chats about his ever-growing coaching tree, the upcoming 2023 season, and other topics. 

We then break down the Longhorns' schedule and some talent looking to elevate Texas this upcoming season. We then discuss the possibility of Texas and Oklahoma moving to the SEC a year early and pull back the curtain on our last episode featuring Courtney Lyle. 

We have a very special guest joining us on our latest episode of In The Circle. In this episode, we're joined by ESPN's Courtney Lyle, who will lead the coverage of the NCAA Women's Volleyball National Semifinals starting at 7 pm Thursday and the National Championship match Saturday night on Saturday night ESPN2 at 730pm. She chats with Eric Lopez about calling the NCAA Volleyball Final Four and her preparation for the event. Lyle breaks down calling various sports, comparing different sports, and the most significant differences from as play-by-play versus hosting. 

She shares her path to ESPN coming from Tennessee, a comparison in the growth of Softball and Volleyball, and working with different analysts. Lyle compared San Diego to Volleyball Final Four to JMU's run into WCWS in 2021. Lastly, she provides her perspective on broadcasting last year's Big 12 Tournament on Instagram when being knocked off the TV airwaves.

On our latest edition of In The Circle, we head to the Magnolia State with two teams who had pretty good seasons last year. First, Mississippi State's Samantha Ricketts returns to In The Circle after her Bulldogs made it to Super Regionals one year ago. Coach Ricketts chatted with Eric Lopez about the Bulldog's run to the Supers last season and the momentum they will carry into the 2023 season.

 Afterward, we catch up with Ole Miss Head Coach Jamie Trachsel. Fresh off a second straight regional final appearance. Coach Trachsel discusses her new look, Rebels, the differences between coaching outdoors versus indoors, and being in Omaha to watch Ole Miss Baseball win the National Championship. Plus, a very special guest makes a cameo during the interview.

 Our episode concludes with thoughts on the latest NFCA Hall of Fame inductees and possible plans for making it out to Louisville in 2023.

We're traveling back to the ACC on this episode of In The Circle. Eric Lopez first catches up with Louisville Head Coach Holly Aprile about her ball club after being one of the First Four out of last year's tournament. Coach Aprile previews the upcoming season and who will be asked to step up in 2023. She reflects on the growth of the ACC since her time in Louisville, the implementation of instant replay, and more.

 Afterward, we are joined by Virginia Head Coach Joanna Hardin, who led the Cavaliers to one of their best seasons in a decade in 2022. Last year saw Virginia post their first winning season since 2012 and tie a program record with 13 ACC wins. Coach Hardin reflected on the success in 2022 and building on that in 2023. She also chats about the growth of Virginia softball under her leadership, her coaching journey, the depth of softball in the state, and more.

 Disclaimer: The Coach Hardin interview was recorded days before the tragic shooting that took place.

On our latest episode of In The Circle, we travel back to the Big Ten and two programs looking to make it back to the NCAA Tournament in 2023. First, Illinois Associate Head Coach Laura Trout returns to the podcast. The Fighting Illini had a breakout in 2022 under Head Coach Tyra Perry, winning 34 games and making the tournament for the fourth time under Coach Perry. Eric Lopez caught up with Coach Trout to reflect on last year's success. They also discussed the outlook for Fighting Illini in 2023, the strength of the Big Ten, Instant Replay, and more.

 Afterward, we head to Madison and talk to Badger Associate Head Coach Kirsten Verdun. Wisconsin also made it to the NCAA Tournament last year, thanks to a 31-win season under Yvette Healey. Coach Verdun talks to In The Circle about her outlook on the Badgers season coming off a regional final in Gainesville. She also reflects on her coaching journey and playing career at DePaul.

 We wrap up the show with our thoughts on some of the best softball stadiums in America and why Victor Anderson has a rule to implement regarding making lists.

We're officially in December, which means time for Christmas music (if you're not already blasting it), trimming the tree, and one month closer to softball. In this episode of In The Circle, we look at the probability that softball seeds the Top 32 teams for the NCAA Tournament, similar to volleyball and women's soccer. We analyze some pros and cons and discuss how it will impact the 400-mile rule.

 Then, we travel to Waco as Eric Lopez catches up with Baylor Head Coach Glenn Moore. Fresh of winning the NISC in 2022 and returning the bulk of their offense, Coach Moore shares his outlook for the upcoming season. He also discusses the landscape of the Big 12 and how winning the NISC will serve his team well in 2023.

 We wrap up the show by discussing the end of the ACC/B1G Challenge in basketball and if the softball version will suffer the same fate.

Now that the leftovers are finished, your in-laws have left, and your sanity has been restored, it's time for a new edition of In The Circle. We break down the schedule for the 2023 TaxAct Clearwater Invitational Presented by EvoShield and some of the marquee matchups each day taking place. Later in the show, Victor Anderson selects his VIP Match-Up for the event, which surprises some.

Afterward, we are joined by one of the coaches who'll be in Clearwater in February. Eric Lopez chats with Louisiana Head Coach Gerry Glasco. Since his arrival, the Ragin' Cajuns have played one of the most demanding non-conference schedules in the country, and this year is no different. Just look at who they're playing during their time in Clearwater. Coach Glasco joins the show to discuss the schedule, the outlook for his ball club in 2023, the new-look Sun Belt, and other topics.

Thanksgiving has arrived, and we have a special edition of In The Circle for all to be thankful for. Victor Anderson hosts this special podcast with our 1st annual In The Circle Thanksgiving Fantasy Feast Draft. Victor is joined by ESPN+ and Gator Radio voice Ryan Urquhart and Extra Inning Softball National Softball Editor Justin McLeod to draft their ideal Thanksgiving spread. Who's dish will be the best? Listen and find out for yourself.

We enter the week of Thanksgiving and provide a small sampling of quality with our latest episode of In The Circle.

 First, Eric Lopez chats with Indiana Head Coach Shonda Stanton and Associate Head Coach Chanda Bell. The Hoosiers recorded another winning season in 2022 (27-22 Overall) and look to improve on that total in 2023. The three discuss the Hoosiers' season outlook in 2023, the landscape of the Big Ten, their time coaching with one another, and more.

 Afterward, the Fall Tour heads to the Queen City of Charlotte and Queens University. The Royals are making their debut in Division I and the ASUN after a 28-21 season one year ago. Victor Anderson caught up with Royals Head Coach Stacey Schramm about the transition into Division 1, her team's expectations for 2023, and what fans can expect with Royals softball.

 We recap Team USA's Gold Medal performance in the Pan American Games, previewing our Thanksgiving Special on Wednesday.

Then, we are joined by one of the newest members of the ASUN in 2023, AS Austin Peay Head Coach Kassie Stanfill talks with In the Circle. Coach Stanfill already has 101 victories as she enters her 5th season as Head Coach. She chats with Eric about Austin Peay's move from the Ohio Valley into the A-SUN and the new rivalries she'll be having. Coach Stanfill discusses her outlook for 2023, her distinguished playing career at Louisville, and her coaching journey.