In The Circle

Today's episode kicks off our series AU Thursdays as we bring on players from Athletes Unlimited. On our inaugural edition, Eric is joined by former Michigan Wolverine and current Chicago Bandit Abby Ramirez. She shares with Eric stories about playing for Coach Hutch in Michigan, what led her to join Athletes Unlimited and much more.

Victor comes on with our Throwback Thursday, featuring another Wolverine in Amanda Chidester about her coming on board to AU.

In this edition of In The Circle, Eric Lopez talks with Concordia Irvine Head Coach and Athletic Director Crystal Rosenthal about how the Fall DII Championships being canceled affect softball programs and schools in general. Rosenthal also discusses her new permanent role as Athletic Director and her passion for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Lakers.

In this edition of In The Circle, Eric Lopez, and Victor Anderson discuss what the DII and DIII cancelations of the Fall Championships could mean for Softball next season? Also, Eric talks with Former UCF pitching great Mackenzie Audas-Packrall. The two discuss here new pitching lessons "Pitching With Purpose." Mackenzie talks about her philosophy, mental vs. physical, and even if height is a factor in pitching. Also, Mackenzie shares what you can expect from Pitching with Purpose and more.

In this episode of In The Circle, we are joined by new Tulsa Assistant Coach and two-time National Champion with Oklahoma Paige Parker. She shares with Eric Lopez what got her into coaching and learning from Patty Gasso, Melissa Lombardi, and Jen Rocha. She also talks about her decorated career with the Sooners, including winning back-to-back national titles and much more. We also share news about coaching hires at Florida A&M and Penn State.

In this edition of In The Circle, Eric Lopez talks with Georgia All-American and two time NPF Champion Kristyn Sandberg. Sandberg discusses her career at Georgia, playing in the NPF, and her plans in softball. Sandberg also discusses the obstruction rule from a catcher perspective, being on Beth Torina staff at LSU, and catching Cat Osterman.

In the episode, we playback an interview with Alisa Goler, who was Sandberg's teammate at Georgia

In this edition of In The Circle, Eric Lopez talks with new Belmont Head Coach Laura Matthews about her homecoming to Nashville, where she grew up. Matthews discusses how she landed at Belmont and what the most significant thing she learned from her time at Wright State.

Also, in the episode, Eric and Victor Anderson discuss Ken Eriksen officially being back as the South Florida Head Coach. Finally, they look at how the NCAA decision of the fall championships could impact softball in 2021.

In this edition of In The Circle, Eric Lopez talks with Emily Carosone about becoming Auburn's new assistant coach. Carosone describes her journey, Working with Mickey Dean and her offense and defense philosophy; she also discusses being part of the Italian national team that qualified for the Summer Olympics.

In this edition of In The Circle, Eric Lopez talks with new Houston assistant coach Lacey Waldrop about returning to coaching DI softball. Waldrop discusses why Houston was the right fit, her coaching philosophy, and what she learned from Patty Gasso and Lonni Alameda.

In the episode, Eric and Victor Anderson talk with Gray Robertson about the FGCL All-Star weekend and playoffs, which players have stood out that could make an impact in the 2021 college softball season and beyond.

In this edition of In The Circle, Eric Lopez talks with UCF Softball Head Coach Cindy Ball-Malone about seniors Alea White, Jazmine Esparza, and Kyra Klarkowski returning for the 2021 season. Ball-Malone discusses her culture and significant progress at UCF in 2020 as the Knights were ranked in top 25 with a 21-5-1 record when the season shut down.

In This edition of In The Circle, Eric Lopez talks with Arizona State's Head Coach Trisha Ford about her recent hiring of Jimmy Kolaitis. Ford discusses what Kolaitis brings to the staff and working with Jeff Harger, who runs the Sun Devils offense.

Ford also discusses the 2020 season and what fans can look foreword to in 2021 and beyond and several other topics as well. Eric Lopez and Victor Anderson also recap some coaching news, including a UAB coaching hire and more.