In The Circle

On our latest episode of In The Circle, our Fall Tour travels down Tobacco Road with two programs looking to back a big jump in 2023. First, North Carolina Head Coach Donna Papa talks with In The Circle about her Tar Heels and the team's outlook for 2023. Coach Papa shares her thoughts on Carol Hutchins retirement, the continued rise of the ACC, and more.

 Next, we chat with North Carolina State Head Coach Jennifer Patrick-Swift about the Wolfpack. NC State won 33 games last season, and with a highly touted recruiting class coming, they appear ready to take that next step. Coach shares her thoughts for the 2023 season, her players, the continuing growth of the ACC, and more.

Our latest episode of In The Circle takes us to the Atlantic Coast Conference and South Bend, Indiana, to be specific, as our Fall Tour rolls along. Eric Lopez caught up with Notre Dame Head Coach Deanna Gumpf, who led the Fighting Irish to another 40-win season and NCAA Tournament selection. Coach talks with In The Circle about her outlook for the 2023 team led by ACC Player of the Year Karina Gaskins and veteran ace Payton Tidd. Coach Gumpf discusses the addition of Amanda Eberhart to her coaching staff and the process behind it. She also talks about hosting the ACC Tournament this year, using Instant Replay, and more.

 Victor takes over to break down the latest WPF News as the OKC Spark has their new home ballpark and the newest franchise set in Dallas with some familiar faces taking over.

Our In The Circle Fall Tour rolls along into the Big Ten for this episode with two programs that made significant strides in 2022. First, Eric Lopez catches up with Maryland Head Coach Mark Montgomery. After settling in College Park, the Terps finished with their most wins (29) since 2013 and their best Big Ten finish since joining the league. Coach Montgomery talks with In The Circle about the Terrapin's growth from last year, the outlook in 2023, playing in the Girls with Game Experience in Williamsport, the process that went into it, and much more.

Afterward, Penn State Head Coach Clarisa Crowell talks with In the Circle about her program heading into 2023. The Nittany Lions made a dramatic improvement in 2022, increasing their win total by 25 wins from 2021. Coach chats with Eric Lopez about her team's outlook for 2023, playing at Williamsport, and more.

Now that you've shopped for that discounted Halloween candy put up your holiday decorations, and griped about some football rankings, relax with a new episode of In The Circle. Our Fall Tour continues our "Big" portion of the journey as we travel to talk Big East Softball,

 First, Eric Lopez talks with Villanova Head Coach Bridget Orchard about making it back to the NCAA Tournament last season and winning another Big East crown. She talks about being part of a historic Orlando regional where she played new conference rival Krista Wood and former Michigan coach Carol Hutchins. Orchard also discusses the outlook for the 2023 season, the landscape of the Big East, changes to the Big East Tournament, and more.

Next, we're joined by UConn's Head Coach Laura Valentino who led the Huskies to their first Big East regular season championship since 1997. She reflects on that season and the hunger they have heading into 2023. Coach shares her outlook for the 2023 season, hosting a revamped Big East Tournament at Burrill Family Field, and much more.

 The guys discuss which team right now has the best chance to take home the league crown (well, one of them answered the question) and the importance of getting a bye in the now six-team Big East tournament. We wrap up the show by asking if the guys are Ucey enough. YouTube it fans; you'll thank us later.

We have plenty of treats for you on this episode of In The Circle as our Fall Tour rolls into the Big XII. The guys break down the latest reports of the new TV deal for the conference and what it means for its future members and softball. Could this lead to more Big 12 softball on ESPN once the new deal kicks in?

 After our TV talk, Texas Tech Head Coach Craig Snider talks with In The Circle about becoming the new Red Raider in charge. Snider discusses his journey in softball and his time working with great coaches like Mark Montgomery, Lonni Alameda, and Jo Evans.

Next, we head to Lawrence, Kansas, and talk with Jayhawks Head Coach Jennifer McFalls as her team looks to continue their upward march after a third place finish in the NISC last year. She talks with In The Circle about the outlook for Kansas in 2023, the changing landscape with the Big 12, experiencing College Gameday (the football edition) on campus, and more.

 We wrap up the show by previewing some upcoming guests, and Victor Anderson shares some stories from the booth this past weekend in DeLand.

Our In The Circle Fall Tour heads back to the Sunshine State and back into the ASUN for this episode. We welcome Stetson Head Coach Shellie Robinson back to the podcast as her Hatters get ready for their first Fall Ball matchup with UCF this weekend. Coach Robinson reflects on last season, where Stetson doubled their win total and made the ASUN Tournament on the season's final day. She shares her thoughts on being the head of the program, what to expect from her team in 2023, and getting pied in the face. FYI, it won't be the last time it happens.

 After the interview, Victor Anderson breaks down some of the names to look for with Stetson this upcoming season and his perspective on seeing the marked improvement from the program under Coach Robinson in her first season. He also confided what led to all three Stetson coaches getting pied. He might have talked himself into getting one as well. You'll have to listen to find out what Victor said.

Our In The Circle Fall Tour stays in Conference USA as we head west to Denton, TX, as the defending tournament champion Mean Green of North Texas prepares for their swan song in C-USA. After capturing the Crown in 2022 and making the Stillwater Regional Finals. Head coach Rodney DeLong gives the outlook for the upcoming season and the program's move from CUSA to The American after this season. He also shares his thoughts on various topics, including the transfer portal.

 Victor Anderson also breaks down the addition of Kennesaw State to C-USA in 2024 and what the new look league will look like once the game of musical realignment ends....for now.

We'll spare you the lyrics of the catchy tune to which our podcast episode is titled. You can thank us later for having the song in your head all day. Nonetheless, we press forward as our Fall Tour heads to Conference USA. A league set for a seismic shift in 2024, but with plenty of storylines heading into 2023.

 First, Eric Lopez goes one-on-one with Western Kentucky Head Coach Amy Tudor. Coach reflects on the 2022 season, where they just missed making the NCAA Tournament despite a 38-win season and a strong resume. She also shares her outlook for the upcoming 2023 season. Coach Tudor talks about the changes within the program as the Head Coach now versus when she took over the program versus when she was a player, as well as the changes in C-USA

 After our chat with Coach Tudor, Louisiana Tech Head Coach Josh Taylor talks with In The Circle about the incredible turnaround in 2022 that led to the C-USA regular season title. Coach shares his thoughts on that unforgettable Senior Day comeback that led them to the title and a look back at 2022. Coach also shares his outlook for the upcoming season, what drew him to La Tech, a deep C-USA schedule, and more.

Some coaches have to focus on what their lineup will look like during Fall Ball. Our guest on our latest episode of In The Circle had to handle much more essential matters. On this episode, we hear from FGCU Head Coach David Derios in his first extensive interview since Hurricane Ian struck Southwest Florida nearly two weeks ago. Coach Derios walks through with Eric Lopez, the timeline of this team from getting ready for Fall Ball to preparing for Hurricane Ian and everything in between. Coach also talks about the recovery prospects and how the campus has served the Fort Myers community in the aftermath. He also talks about adjusting to 14 newcomers to the team, a new coaching staff, and getting ready to get back to the softball field in 2023.

We're another week closer to the 2023 season, and we are full steam ahead with our continuing look at the West Coast Conference on the latest edition of In The Circle.

 First, Loyola Marymount Head Coach Tairia Flowers talks with In The Circle about the Lions and their landmark 2022 season. A talented, veteran-laden roster propelled LMU to win the WCC and make the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2007. Coach Flowers gives her outlook for the 2023 season, including new additions to the roster and coaching staff. She also talks about watching Team USA from a distance this summer after being involved as a player & coach for many years.

 Then, we head over to Provo as we welcome back BYU Head Coach Gordon Eakin to the podcast. Coach chats with In The Circle about the Cougar's final season in the West Coast Conference and their prospects heading into the Big 12 next year. Coach breaks down what players to look out for, BYU's season outlook for 2023, and a wide array of topics.

 We wrap up the show by breaking down Team USA's roster for the Pan American Championships in November and if the roster is built to take home the title.