The Car Ride Home with the Alliance Fastpitch

In possibly the funniest episode yet of The Car Ride Home, host Jami Lobpries engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Sam Fischer and Haylie McCleney. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of pursuing a career in professional softball, with Sam and Haylie sharing their experiences and insights on the importance of adaptability, personal growth, and the continuous pursuit of improvement.

Throughout the episode, the two athletes discuss the mental and physical demands of the sport, the sacrifices they've made to reach the highest levels of competition, and the strategies they employ to maintain longevity in their careers. They also touch on the exciting growth of women's sports and the impact of recent media attention on the future of softball.

Sam and Haylie offer valuable advice for aspiring athletes, emphasizing the significance of self-motivation, embracing change, and developing a strong support system. The conversation also explores the concept of finding purpose and identity beyond the game, as well as the role of resilience and perseverance in overcoming setbacks.

Get ready to laugh, learn and grow a little with Haylie, Sam and Jami.

In this episode of The Car Ride Home, host Jami Lobpries is joined by Maria Jennings, the mother of softball stars Tiare and Tele Jennings. Maria shares her experiences as a dedicated softball mom, discussing the sacrifices and joys that come with supporting her daughters' athletic careers.

Throughout the conversation, Maria reflects on her daughters' unique journeys, from their early days in youth sports to their current success at the collegiate level. She offers insights into the challenges of balancing family life with the demands of travel ball and the importance of allowing each child to forge their own path.

Maria also shares advice for parents navigating the competitive world of youth softball, emphasizing the significance of being a supportive presence and encouraging young athletes to enjoy the moment. With a mix of heartfelt anecdotes and practical wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for any parent involved in their child's athletic pursuits.

In this episode of the Car Ride Home Podcast, we sit down with Morgan Stuart, the powerhouse behind Defense Club and a renowned infield coach. Stuart, a national champion from the University of Washington with a rich professional and international playing background, examines her passion for developing softball players and how her own experiences shaped her coaching philosophy. From the fundamentals of defense to the mental and emotional aspects of coaching young athletes, Morgan shares invaluable insights and inspiring stories.

In this episode of the Car Ride Home Podcast, we buckle up with Suzy Willemssen, a trailblazer in women’s fastpitch softball, as we navigate her influential roles as the founder of Glory Fastpitch, head coach of the 18u and under Virginia Glory team, and a hall of fame inductee.

We delve into Suzy’s early experiences in softball, starting off in baseball, and the evolution of her passion into a coaching philosophy that's impacted countless athletes. Suzy’s college days at the University of Iowa under the shadow of Title IX and her views on the monumental shifts in women’s sports provide a historical backdrop to the advancements and challenges faced by female athletes.

Suzy emphasizes the critical role of coaches and parents in shaping an athlete's journey, advocating for a supportive and understanding approach to nurturing talent.

Through stories of building the Virginia Glory organization and navigating the complexities of youth sports, Suzy offers invaluable advice on leadership, team building, and creating a purpose-driven softball community. Join us as we explore the intersections of personal growth, leadership, and the unifying power of sports on the Car Ride Home Podcast.

In this episode of the Car Ride Home, join host Jami Lobpries as she rides shotgun with Amanda Lorenz.

As they cruise through conversations about confidence, preparation, and memorable car rides, Amanda shares insights from her time as a four-time All-American at the University of Florida and her journey in professional softball.

From breaking down her 'see ball, hit ball' philosophy to discussing the development of her relationships with teammates, Amanda delves into the mental and physical aspects of her game.

Listen in for a peek into her life, lessons learned from driving through LA traffic for practice, and how she has made an impact in the game of softball. With the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, Amanda also reflects on her aspirations to compete on home soil.

In this episode, our host Jami goes deep into the world of competitive softball with Jeremy Higdon - a figure synonymous with excellence in youth sports coaching and events with his organizations Fury Platinum and Connect Sports.

Jeremy highlights the intricacies of building a successful sports organization and the art of crafting memorable events.

From discussing the soundtrack of a championship season to the fine line between coaching and mentorship, this conversation is a look into the life of a man who helps shape athletes into champions on and off the field.

In this week's episode of "The Car Ride Home," host Jami Lobpries sits down with Ashlie Rowley.

As the founder and CEO of the Colorado Softball Academy and General Manager of the Alliance Performance Center, NOCO, Ashlie shares her multifaceted journey from a collegiate athlete at the University of Florida to a revered coach and softball mom.

This conversation delves into the transformative power of positive self-affirmation in young athletes, the nostalgic trips to favorite post-game restaurants, and the eclectic pre-game music that fuels the competitive spirit.

Ashlie's personal story of overcoming injuries and her unorthodox route to college softball highlights resilience and determination.

Rowley also discusses the AFFL, Alliance Futures Fast Pitch League, a program designed to nurture confidence and competence in young female athletes, setting them up for success both on and off the field.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion on empowering the next generation, the significance of accessible, high-quality softball opportunities, and the impact of community and family in shaping young athletes' futures.

Welcome to another thrilling episode of "The Car Ride Home" with your host, Jami Lobpries! In this week's installment, Jami is joined by the immensely talented Jade Hewitt, a force to be reckoned with in the realm of sports photography (and an authentic storyteller.)

Jade's journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring. From her early days with the Dallas Charge to her time with the Scrap Yard Dawgs, to the incredible moment of capturing the Silver Medal-winning scenes of Team USA Softball at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

But the narrative doesn't conclude there. Jade continues to make waves in the sports photography scene as the Director of Photography for Athletes Unlimited, overseeing four women's professional sports leagues: softball, volleyball, lacrosse, and basketball.

Join Jami Lobpries and Jade as they delve into her extraordinary journey—from her D3 collegiate softball days to her remarkable transition into the world of sports photography. Brace yourself for a ride filled with triumphs, a little bit of tears, and the product that unfolds when passion meets talent.

Today, we have with us Sierra Romero, a softball legend with a list of accolades that speak volumes about her dedication to the game.

Sierra Romero is not just a 4-time All-American, 3-time Big 10 Player of the Year, and the 2016 National Player of the Year; she's a University of Michigan Hall of Famer. With numerous single-season and career records for NCAA, Big 10, and Michigan under her belt, Romero's impact on the softball field is nothing short of legendary.

In this episode, Sierra takes us on a journey through her remarkable career, from her college days to her impressive four seasons in the NPF and her current time with AU. Beyond her on-field achievements, Sierra shares her passion for fostering a strong softball community, emphasizing her family's impact on her approach to the game.

But Sierra's contributions to softball extend far beyond the playing field. As the founder of The 32 Approach, she dives into the motivation behind creating the app as a way to understand players' unique needs, catering to their strengths, and addressing weaknesses to elevate their performance.

Sierra Romero is on a mission to revolutionize softball training, and her vision shines through as she discusses her aspiration to make her softball app the best and number one in the industry. Join us for a captivating conversation with a softball icon who continues to inspire on and off the field. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Sierra Romero's journey and passion for the game! 🥎✨

Cat Osterman shares insights from her softball journey - from little league to the Olympics. She discusses her experience playing travel ball and the differences from when she played to now, including more focus on development through practice.

Cat also dives into the relationships between pitchers and catchers, calling pitches, and using data. She explains her viewpoint on dominant pitchers versus pitching staffs and implementing new pitches.

Looking ahead, Cat talks about her excitement for the Athletes Unlimited Stars of Tomorrow Games to showcase youth talent and give them valuable experience. With softball back in the Olympics, she discusses what it might take for the sport to stay permanently.

Throughout the wide-ranging conversation Cat provides wisdom from her standout playing career as well as coaching. She aims to grow the game and develop well-rounded athletes.