In The Circle

On the last In The Circle episode of 2020, we look back on the coaching carousel moves of 2020 with Justin McCleod of Justin's World. What were the top moves of the year and surprising moves in college softball?

In the episode, Eric Lopez and Victor Anderson highlight other top 2020 softball stories of the year.

In this edition of In The Circle, Eric Lopez talks with Taryn Papa about the experience of being on NBC's TV show "The Voice." Papa discusses what she learned from that experience and how she got into singing. Taryn also discussed singing the National Anthem at a North Carolina softball game, her music being used by the NPF, and her aunt North Carolina's Head Coach Donna Papa.

In this episode, Eric talks with Texas assistance coach Megan Bartlett.

In this edition of In The Circle, Eric Lopez has an in-depth interview with New C-SUN Head Coach Charlotte Morgan. Morgan talks about her path from her playing days at Alabama to coaching High School, College, and Professional teams, to now at CSUN, her first college Head Coach position. The two also discuss how Beth Torina got her into coaching, what she learned playing for Patrick Murphy, and playing for Beth Torina and Tim Walton with USSSA Pride.

In this episode, Eric Lopez talks with Oregon Head Coach Melyssa Lombardi about The Ducks, her experience moving from Associate Coach to Head Coach, her time at Oklahoma, and what she learned from Patty Gasso, and more.

In the episode, Eric and Victor Anderson discuss the ACC & SEC decisions on the 2021 schedule and its impact on other conferences.

In this edition of In The Circle, Eric Lopez talks with Oregon State's Head Coach Laura Berg about having the Summer Olympics pushed back from 2020 to 2021 and how Oregon State looks for the upcoming 2021 season. Berg reflected on her experience at the 1996 and 2004 Olympic Games. We also playback an interview with Michele Smith about the 1996 Olympics in our Throw Back Thursday segment.

In this edition of In The Circle, Eric Lopez talks with Northwestern's Head Coach Kate Drohan. She shares her thoughts on the Wildcat's upcoming season and how she came to Evanston over 20 years ago under legendary Head Coach Sharon Drysdale. Drohan talks about being one of six Head Coaches from Big Ten to make it to Oklahoma City.

Tthe latest on 2021 schedules in the ACC, SEC, Pac 12, Big 12, AAC, and Big Ten.

In this edition of In The Circle, Eric Lopez talks with Minnesota Head Coach Piper Ritter. The two discuss her new role as head coach and being part of the staff for the last three Minnesota head coach changes. Ritter also discusses the outlook of the 2021 Gophers season and some of the great pitchers she has helped develop.

In the episode, Eric and Victor Anderson discuss the announcement by the NCCA, stating the DII Tournament in 2021 will be reduced from 64 to 48 teams.

In this edition of In The Circle, Eric Lopez talks with Notre Dame's Head Coach Deanna Gumpf about the outlook for the Irish 2021 season and her 20th as Head Coach of the Irish.

Gumpf discusses how she built the program over the 20 plus years and how it transitioned from Big East to ACC. We also discuss what it is like working at Notre Dame with all the tradition and success in other sports like Women's Basketball, Football, Hockey, and more.

In this edition of In The Circle, Eric and Victor discuss the cancellation of the Mary Nutter Classic and the impact it will have in 2021. Eric talks with Iowa assistant coach Trena Prater about the Hawkeyes. They discuss 2021, rebuilding Iowa, coaching, and her playing career.

In this edition of In The Circle, Eric Lopez talks with New UAB Head Coach Joe Guthrie, who discusses getting promoted from assistant coach to Head Coach taking over for Jimmy Kolaitis, who left for Arizona State. Guthrie outlines how he went from being an MLB Scout for the Florida Marlins to Softball coaching. Guthrie compared working under Gerry Glasco and Jimmy Kolaitis and more.