Emma Lemley — Virginia Tech softball legend and AUSL Golden Ticket history maker — joins Out of Left Field for a deep dive into her journey from Forest, Virginia to professional softball. In this full interview, Emma Lemley opens up about her time at Virginia Tech, becoming the first player to receive an AUSL college Golden Ticket, navigating pressure at the highest level of college softball, and transitioning into professional softball with Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL). We break down: • Emma Lemley’s Virginia Tech softball career and legacy
• The behind-the-scenes story of her AUSL Golden Ticket moment
• Playing for the Blaze and entering pro softball
• The illegal pitch controversy and handling social media criticism
• Overcoming the yips as a college pitcher
• Mental health in college softball and professional sports
• Mindfulness routines, breath work, and athlete mindset training
• Competing under pressure on ESPN and national stages
• Growing the game of women’s sports and pro softball
• Finding your “why” as an athlete Emma Lemley’s story is one of resilience, self-awareness, and evolution — from learning pitching alongside her dad to becoming one of the faces of the next era of professional softball. If you’re a softball player, coach, parent, or fan of Virginia Tech softball, AUSL, or women’s sports growth, this episode is packed with insight into what it really takes to succeed at the elite level. Subscribe for more in-depth interviews with AUSL athletes, college softball stars, and leaders shaping the future of women’s professional sports. #EmmaLemley #VirginiaTechSoftball #AUSL #ProSoftball #CollegeSoftball #AthletesUnlimited #SoftballPodcast #WomenInSports #Pitching #MentalHealthInSports

Taryne Mowatt-McKinney has done it all in college softball. In this episode of Out of Left Field, Abby Alonzo sits down with 2x Women’s College World Series champion and Arizona softball legend Taryne Mowatt-McKinney to talk about her journey from dominant pitcher to Division I pitching coach and AUSL coach. Mowatt-McKinney won back-to-back Women’s College World Series titles with Arizona (2006, 2007), holds WCWS pitching records for wins and strikeouts, and was named the 2007 Honda Award winner for softball. She went on to play professionally in the NPF before transitioning into coaching — including stops at Cal Baptist and now Mississippi State softball. Now, she’s headed to the AUSL this summer with the Chicago Bandits, coaching elite professional pitchers like Taylor McQuillin, Lexi Kilfoyle, and Kat Sandercock. In this conversation, we dive into: • Winning the Women’s College World Series at Arizona
• Playing behind Olympic pitcher Alicia Hollowell
• The reality of failure in softball and pitching development
• Coaching her own sister at Cal Baptist
• Balancing identity outside of sports
• Raising a son around elite women athletes
• Mississippi State softball pitching staff development
• What excites her most about coaching in the AUSL
• The growth of professional softball and viewership records This episode is about more than wins and records — it’s about development, identity, leadership, and growing the game of softball at every level. If you love college softball, the Women’s College World Series, the AUSL, Mississippi State softball, Arizona softball history, or pitching development — this one is for you. 🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with elite softball players, coaches, and leaders in the game. Follow Out of Left Field:
Instagram: @OLFMedia
Host: Abby Alonzo #Softball #CollegeSoftball #WCWS #AUSL #MississippiStateSoftball #ArizonaSoftball

LSU Softball pitcher Jayden Heavener made history in her college debut — throwing a PERFECT GAME with 13 strikeouts in her first appearance in the circle for the Tigers. In this episode of Out of Left Field, host Abby Alonzo sits down with the Pace, Florida native and former Gatorade Player of the Year to talk about:
• Throwing a perfect game in her LSU debut
• The mindset behind competing at the highest level of college softball
• Learning from teammates like Sydney Berzon
• Competing in the SEC as a freshman
• Staying confident while being completely different from other pitchers
• What young softball players need to hear about failure
• The sacrifices her parents made to get her here

Jayden opens up about leadership, family, mental toughness, and what it means to wear LSU across her chest. From Pace High School to Tiger Park, this is the story behind one of the most exciting young arms in NCAA softball. If you're a softball player, pitcher, parent, or LSU fan — this one is for you. 

Make sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more LSU Softball interviews, SEC coverage, and in-depth conversations from Out of Left Field.
#LSUSoftball #JaydenHeavener #CollegeSoftball #NCAASoftball #SECSoftball #SoftballPitcher #LSUTigers #SoftballInterview #WomensSports #OutOfLeftField

Tori Edwards is one of the most decorated players in college softball and an asset for LSU Softball. The 2025 SEC Freshman of the Year joins host Abby Alonzo to talk about her journey to Baton Rouge, the pressure and pride that come with wearing purple and gold, and the personal growth that’s shaped her both on and off the field. From confidence and mindset to team chemistry and expectations for the upcoming season, Tori gives an honest look at what it’s really like inside an elite SEC program. This conversation goes beyond box scores and highlight reels — it’s about identity, trust, preparation, and embracing your role within a championship culture. In this episode, we talk about: Tori Edwards’ path to LSU Softball What playing in the SEC truly demands Confidence, consistency, and growth as an athlete The culture inside LSU softball Expectations and goals for the season ahead Life beyond the field and staying grounded 🎧 New episodes of Out of Left Field drop weekly, featuring college and pro softball players, coaches, and voices growing the game. 👉 Subscribe for more softball interviews, behind-the-scenes conversations, and stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

Today on Out of Left Field, Abby Alonzo sits down with Savanna Collins — one of the leading storytellers and on-camera reporters covering the AUSL (Athletes Unlimited Softball League). This episode is a must-watch if you love pro softball, care about growing women’s sports, or want a real look at what it takes to build a career in sports media. Savanna shares her journey from being a coach’s kid in Florida, to discovering broadcasting as a teenager, to covering pro softball with the Pride in the NPF, and eventually “banging down the door” to work for Athletes Unlimited — where she’s now entering her sixth season and has seen the league evolve into what AUSL is becoming. We also get into what’s happening behind the scenes of softball’s growth: why having the right people in the room matters, the impact of names like Jennie Finch, Lisa Fernandez, Kat Osterman, Natasha Watley, and why commissioner Kim Ng has been a true game-changer — plus how the MLB partnership is shifting what’s possible for the sport. Savanna breaks down the craft too: how she prepares, why trust with athletes is everything, how stories get built (sometimes from two-hour coffee shop conversations), and what she’s learned from failures — including why she’s stepping into play-by-play now and encouraging more women to do the same. 🔥 Topics include: How Savanna got started in sports broadcasting Why she chose softball and why she stayed AU ➝ AUSL: what’s different and what’s driving the momentum Kim Ng’s leadership and the power of legitimacy Trust, vulnerability, and telling athletes’ stories the right way Practical advice for women breaking into sports media The personalities in pro softball and why women’s sports hits different What she wants to see in AUSL Year 2 (2026): packed city crowds + real community roots 📍Follow Savanna: @savvyco 📰 Read AUSL features: AUSL.com #AUSL #Softball #AthletesUnlimited #WomensSports #SportsMedia #OutOfLeftField #AbbyAlonzo

In this episode of Out of Left Field, Georgina Corrick joins Abby Alonzo for a deep, honest conversation about failing to get better, professional softball, international play, and building an identity beyond the sport. Georgina opens up about growing up with English parents in the U.S., how independence shaped her mindset, and why she believes loving failure is essential to elite performance. From her time pitching for Team Great Britain to winning a championship with the AUSL Utah Talons, Georgina explains how peer learning, experimentation, and curiosity have fueled her success. The conversation also dives into:

• What really happens in elite bullpens with pitchers like Montana Fouts and Megan Faraimo
• How Athletes Unlimited changed the professional softball model
• Why AUSL’s athlete-first structure matters for sustainability
• Coaching at Cornell and learning how to teach the game
• Why marine biology and sustainability are core to who she is
• The importance of having an identity outside of softball

This episode is about more than pitching mechanics — it’s about growth, learning, independence, and longevity in sport and life.

🎧 Watch the full conversation and subscribe for more interviews with pro, college, and international softball athletes.

First episode of 2026 — and we’re kicking it off with Megan “Meg” Faraimo. 🔥 UCLA alum, Team USA pitcher, pro standout (AU/AUSL), and an international hooper who’s played overseas (Japan + Mexico). In this episode, Meg breaks down what it actually feels like to wear USA on your chest, why international softball matters, and the mindset tools she uses to stay locked in — including her journaling system for processing performance without spiraling. If you’re a pitcher (or just trying to level up mentally in sports + life), this one’s for you. 🎧 Topics we cover: Team USA trip to Australia + the mission to grow softball ahead of 2032 Olympics Why global softball needs support (and why “Team USA is too dominant” misses the point) Meg’s mental prep for high-pressure moments in the circle Vulnerability vs. “oversharing” — how to build team chemistry fast The journaling routine Meg uses after games to learn without guilt Curiosity, focus, and how she’s learned what works for her Playing overseas + how Japan changed her perspective AUSL culture… including the book club 👀 ⏱️ Chapters 0:00 Intro + Megan’s resume 1:30 Meg’s path (UCLA, pro, overseas, Team USA) 2:00 Team USA in Australia + growing the game for 2032 6:30 Why international softball matters 9:10 Wearing “USA” + handling pressure 13:00 Team chemistry + vulnerability (without oversharing) 15:10 Guilt, reflection, and the postgame journaling system 22:30 Curiosity + learning yourself as an athlete 30:00 Family, culture, and community 40:20 Game day routine + staying locked in 46:00 Playing overseas + perspective shift 47:45 Kindle story + AUSL book club 52:05 One piece of advice: “Bet on yourself” Subscribe for more unfiltered softball conversations, athlete mindset, and pro + Team USA stories. 👇 Drop a comment: What part of Meg’s routine are you stealing? #Softball #AUSL #TeamUSA #Pitching #WomensSports #UCLAsoftball #Fastpitch

Jadelyn Allchin’s softball journey is one every athlete — and parent — needs to hear. In this episode of Out of Left Field, host Abby Alonzo sits down with professional softball player Jadelyn Allchin to unpack one of the most powerful stories in the modern game. From starring at Washington, transferring home to UCLA Softball, navigating the transfer portal, and grinding through the AUSL reserve pool, Jadelyn’s path to becoming a drafted professional athlete was anything but linear. She opens up about: -The real reason she transferred from Washington to UCLA -Why the transfer portal isn’t just about NIL money -What it’s like to play professional softball without a guaranteed roster spot -Competing for weeks with her name Velcroed onto her jersey -Playing through a broken rib during the AUSL season -Going from reserve pool to officially drafted — “Velcro to stitches” -Mental toughness, pressure moments, and betting on yourself -Why community, family, and teammates matter more than ever -How pro softball is growing — and why young athletes belong in this sport This episode is a raw, honest look at professional softball, athlete development, and the mental side of chasing a dream when nothing is guaranteed. If you’re a young softball player, a parent navigating the current youth sports landscape, or someone who believes in growing the game, this conversation is for you. 🎧 Subscribe for more athlete stories, behind-the-scenes pro softball conversations, and real talk about the business and future of women’s sports. #OutOfLeftField #AUSL #JadelynAllchin

Welcome back to Out of Left Field — today I’m joined by one of the most impactful voices in softball, Team Mexico Olympian, AUSL veteran, and ESPN/SEC Network analyst, Tori Vidales. In this episode, Tori opens up about:

• Her rise from Texas A&M to international softball
• Playing for Team Mexico, battles behind the scenes, and qualifying for the Olympics
• The wild early years of Athletes Unlimited/AUSL, the “Buy In or Retire” era
• What really happens in the AUSL draft room
• The mental side of softball: pressure, identity, confidence, and resilience
• Why she believes softball is finally in its breakthrough era
• How being an analyst makes her a better player (and vice versa)
• The importance of athletes building their own brand
• Her message to the next generation of softball players

This is one of the most insightful and honest conversations we’ve ever had on OLF — and if you’re a softball fan, player, parent, or coach, this one will stick with you.

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Instagram: @vidalestori
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CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro
00:32 – Who Is Tori Vidales?
02:00 – Identity Beyond Softball
02:50 – Tori’s Origin Story
05:40 – Travel Ball, Impact Gold & Recruiting at 14
08:40 – Committing to Texas A&M
10:50 – Building A&M Back to the Women’s College World Series
12:40 – Going Undrafted & Finding Pro Softball
14:50 – Team Mexico, Behind-the-Scenes Turmoil & Olympic Qualifying
18:40 – COVID Season, AU Year One & “Buy In or Retire”
23:20 – Playing Without Fans & Creating Team Culture
26:40 – AUSL Growth, Media, & What Makes This League Different
31:30 – Media Team Appreciation + Why Storytelling Matters
35:00 – Tori’s Life as an ESPN/SEC Network Analyst
37:40 – Balancing Broadcast & Being a Pro Athlete
41:00 – The Mental Side of Broadcasting
45:00 – Mentoring Younger Players
47:00 – Draft Night, Being Selected by the Cascade
52:00 – Leaving the Talons & Building Something New
55:30 – The Mindset That Saved Her Career
01:00:20 – Tori’s Message to Young Athletes
01:02:30 – Closing, Gratitude, and Next Steps

AUSL catcher and former Florida State standout Michaela Edenfield sits down for one of the most honest conversations Abby Alonzo has had on Out of Left Field. We dive into topics athletes rarely feel safe talking about publicly: • confidence vs. insecurity • bullying and identity • balancing femininity (makeup, beauty) and elite performance • mental health, emotional regulation, vulnerability • the pressure of early recruiting • NIL chaos and the modern athlete experience • how FSU’s culture shaped her • the AUSL expansion, the Spark joining, and what Kim Ng brings to the sport • why this era is different for women’s softball • how Michaela finally decided she was good enough to play professionally This conversation goes far beyond softball — it’s about growth, self-worth, and learning how to become yourself in a world that tries to shape you. If you care about women’s sports, athlete mental health, softball development, or the future of the AUSL, this episode is a must-watch. New episodes every Thursday. Subscribe for more interviews with AUSL players, NCAA stars, and leaders shaping the future of women’s softball - https://www.youtube.com/@OutOfLeftFieldOfficial?sub_confirmation=1 FOLLOW OLF: Instagram — @olfmedia TikTok — @outofleftfieldmedia YouTube — Out of Left Field FOLLOW ABBY ALONZO: Instagram -- @abbigailalonzo Tiktok -- @abbyalonz0 CONTACT: [email protected] #AUSL #MichaelaEdenfield #Softball