Ever wondered what it takes to go from playing baseball with the boys to becoming a pro softball star? On this episode of 'Car Ride Home,' we talk with Rachel Folden about her unconventional path, the challenges she faced, and the mindset that fueled her success. Rachel shares stories from her childhood in Southern California, her time at Marshall University, and her standout career in the NPF. Get inside the mind of a champion hitter! Rachel shares her unique approach to hitting, developed from years of playing baseball and softball, and how she helps players unlock their full potential. We also explore her mental game, her experiences as a female in baseball, and the car rides that shaped her journey. If you're a player, coach, or parent looking to improve your game, this episode is a must-listen!Get ready for an inspiring conversation about passion, competition, and the drive to excel!

In this history-driven episode of the Car Ride Home Podcast, host Jami Lobpries sits down with Tony Rico, the visionary President of the Firecrackers Softball organization, for an unfiltered deep dive into the heart of youth travel sports from then to now.

Episode Highlights:

Tony Rico brings over two decades of experience transforming young athletes' lives through softball. As the driving force behind the Firecrackers - a program that has won national championships at every level and produced All-American players like Lauren Chamberlain and Sis Bates- Rico offers a unique lens into the challenges and opportunities in youth softball.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about youth sports development and understanding the true meaning of athletic excellence. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that also highlights the coaches of our game who don't get enough credit for the impact they have had on athletes and softball.

In this episode of the Car Ride Home podcast, host Jami Lobpries sits down with Brandon Guyer, a former Major League Baseball player and the founder of Major League Mindset. Join us as we delve into the critical role of mental strength training for youth athletes and their parents. Brandon shares insights from his journey in professional baseball and discusses how mental resilience can significantly impact performance both on and off the field.

Join us as we sit down with three-time All-American pitcher and former USA National Team member, Dana Sorensen. Dana shares her incredible journey from Stanford to her work today as the founder of Sorensen Elite, where she coaches the next generation of athletes.

Dana offers fascinating insights into why softball pitching is unlike any other sport and why overuse in youth pitchers can lead to long-term injuries.

Sorensen also touches on the importance of strength training, pitch metrics, and why there's no "one-size-fits-all" approach to mastering the game.

In this special "National Champions Edition" of The Car Ride Home Podcast, host Jami Lobpries is joined by Scott Smith, head coach of the Texas Bombers 18U, to dive deep into their historic run at the Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series (AFCS).

Fresh off their 18U national championship victory, Scott shares behind-the-scenes insights into the team's journey, recounting everything from the crucial moments on the field to the challenges of preparing for elite competition.

Discover how the Bombers overcame adversity, including playing eight elimination games, and hear Scott's reflections on the strategies, coaching decisions, and key performances that led to their unforgettable win.

Tune in now to relive the excitement and learn from a championship-winning coach!

Chef Megan shares her recipe for success in this latest edition of The Car Ride Home.

Megan Grant, a standout player for UCLA softball, boasts an impressive list of accolades including two-time Pac-12 First Team selection, two-time All-Region honoree, 2023 All-American, Top 10 Finalist for National Freshman of the Year, and member of Team USA program. In this insightful conversation, Megan reflects on her journey from youth baseball to becoming a key player for the UCLA Bruins.

Megan shares her stories of travel ball, the transition into her collegiate career and playing in her first Women's College World Series. Grant emphasizes the importance of hard work, mental toughness, and giving back to the game. She shares her aspirations for leaving a lasting legacy at UCLA and in the softball community, aiming to be remembered as the hardest worker and someone in constant pursuit of her best self.

Teagan Kavan, a standout pitcher for the University of Texas, had an impressive freshman season, earning accolades such as Big 12 Freshman of the Year, Top 10 finalist for National Freshman of the Year, and a spot on the Women's College World Series All-Tournament Team. In this insightful conversation, Teagan reflects on her journey from Iowa travel ball to becoming a key player for the Longhorns.

Kavan reflects on her historic performance in the Women's College World Series, her time in travel ball with Iowa Premier, and her experience as an Alliance All-Star and member of the Player Advisory Committee.

Throughout the Car Ride, Teagan emphasizes the importance of self-belief, hard work, and giving back to the game.

In this episode, we sit down with Eileen Canney Linehan, former Northwestern All-American pitcher and professional player in both Japan and the NPF. Eileen shares her personal journey with the yips. Now, as the founder of ECL Consulting, she helps athletes overcome performance anxiety and mental blocks.

Eileen discusses her struggles and triumphs, emphasizing the importance of resilience, self-acceptance, and mental strategies. Her story is a powerful reminder of how overcoming inner battles can lead to greater achievements both on and off the field.

Dena Tyson-Slye, three-time Women's College World Series participant and All-American at the University of Washington, as well as a successful coach within the Corona Angels organization, shares her insights on softball, personal growth, and leaving a positive legacy.Dena opens up about her own struggles as a college player and how vulnerability has shaped her coaching style. She emphasizes the importance of accountability, self-assessment, and focusing on personal development to become the best version of oneself.Throughout the conversation, Dena's passion for personal growth, accountability, and leaving a positive impact shines through. Her message is clear: by focusing on becoming the best version of yourself and working together as a team, success will follow.

Ali Newland, LSU senior outfielder and catcher, SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year, and outfielder extradordinaire, dives into this episode of The Car Ride Home. In this wide-ranging conversation, Ali shares insights from her softball journey and discusses the importance of serving others and leaving a positive legacy.

Ali jumps into her experience playing travel ball, championship moments with her team, and committing to LSU as a high school freshman. She reflects on her supportive family, especially her dad who coached her growing up.

As a leader at LSU, Ali talks about getting involved with the Student Athlete Advisory Committee to serve others and create change. She explains the importance of utilizing mental health resources and describes how she personally manages the demands of being a student-athlete.

Looking ahead to life after softball, Ali hopes people remember how much she loved the game, her teammates, and LSU. She aims to help lead her team back to the Women's College World Series and leave a legacy defined by fun, love, and service.

Hop right in and enjoy the latest episode of The Car Ride Home