The Car Ride Home with the Alliance Fastpitch

Welcome back to another episode of "The Car Ride Home" with your host, Jami Lobpries. This week, Jami is joined by the incredible Holly Pearce, a former NCAA pitcher turned coach with a wealth of experience across all levels of play.

The journey begins with a nostalgic drive down memory lane, as Holly shares her most memorable car ride experiences from college days. The conversation delves into Holly's unique upbringing as the daughter of a Canadian Olympic figure skater, highlighting her early exposure to sports and the decision to pursue softball.

Holly unfolds her transition into pitching, reflecting on the joy of being in control and actively participating in every play. The episode explores her recruiting days, the challenges of social acclimation, and the pivotal moment when she realized her passion for coaching.

Listeners get an exclusive peek into the innovative concept of "range pitching" that Holly helped to develop, aimed at providing value beyond the top-tier pitchers.

Don't miss this episode filled with tales of finding yourself through sport, coaching wisdom, and the transformative power of the game on "The Car Ride Home" podcast!

Welcome back to another episode of The Car Ride Home podcast! The episode kicks off with some stage-setting banter with Ryker Chason, where our host reveals their love for country music and proudly declares themselves a Swiftie, currently jamming to Taylor Swift's 1989. Our host dives into a trip down memory lane, recalling the most memorable car ride – a victorious journey back from a game during their early coaching days. A particularly vivid moment is shared about "that dad" who presumably made a lasting impression.We learn about our Ryker’s experience as a pitching coach at LSU and the desire to forge their own path in life. Chason shares their journey and career shift leaving college and venturing into OGX. They reflect on their original plan to be under a great pitching coach, the enjoyment found in the game and coaching kids, and the challenges of coaching at the college level, especially in the wake of COVID-19.The episode wraps up with a rapid-fire round, covering topics from men's fastpitch pitchers to the best advice for coaches and pitchers, and even a shoutout to current college pitching stars Phelps and Valerie Cagle. Don't miss this episode packed with nostalgia, insights, and a dash of country music!

Austin shares his experiences growing up in New Hampshire and the role that sports, particularly baseball, played in his life. From there, we explore his journey, from aspiring to be an MLB strength coach to his educational pursuits.

Buckle up and get ready for an inspiring ride as newly committed UF Catcher, Jocelyn Erickson, joins us this week on the Car Ride Home. From her early years, Jocelyn's accolades began accumulating from AFCS Champion, USSSA World Champion, MaxPreps All-American etc, leading her to become a national champion with the Sooners.

In this episode, the former Alliance All-Star takes us on a journey through her softball career, sharing her experiences in recruiting, being designated the Triple Crown Winner at the 2022 AFCS, and the profound importance she places on leadership and community within her team.

Embark on Jocelyn's initial commitment journey and discover how it has shaped her perspective on the Transfer Portal. Her determination and drive to push herself further in the sport are evident as she shares the challenges and triumphs of her softball journey.

As the All-Star game approaches, Jocelyn offers an exclusive look into her feelings about the game and how it played a vital role in her first year of collegiate softball at OU.

Join us as we explore the highs and lows of Jocelyn's remarkable softball journey, from her early days on the field to her triumphant moments in the All-Star games and National Championships.

This episode is a testament to the integrity, passion, and inspiration demonstrated by a true champion in the sport. Whether you're a softball enthusiast or simply seeking motivation, hop in and join us on this unforgettable Car Ride Home with Jocelyn Erickson!

On this episode of “The Car Ride Home” podcast as we sit down with David McCorkle, a seasoned softball coach across travel and high school fastpitch and a program director in the world of softball. What started as an accidental detour from his plans to coach baseball, turned into a passion and love for the game of softball.

His twist of fate into becoming head softball coach at Clements High School, all while teaching math, led him to a 21 year high school softball coaching career. McCorkle shares his challenges and triumphs he endured while coaching both high school softball and travel ball teams. 

In 2020, Aces Express, the long time program McCorkle had been a part of, merged with the Bombers. This merger propelled him into the position of Assistant Director of the Bombers. This new role allowed for McCorkle to explore his passion for event directing.  Taking the skills he acquired over the years, he founded Gold Cup Events in 2012 and later merged with 5 Tool Sports & Performance in 2020, contributing to the growth and success of Alliance.

Throughout our conversation, we'll explore McCorkle's dedication to event directing and how he navigated the transition from coaching to managing and organizing tournaments. From mastering Excel sheets to working with applications like Tourney Machine, McCorkle has watched the world of softball event directing transform. His expertise has been instrumental in shaping the success of Alliance. 

Tune in to hear firsthand anecdotes, valuable insights, and lessons learned from David McCorkle's remarkable journey in the world of softball and event directing.

Join us on this captivating episode of The Car Ride Home as we delve into the inspiring journey of Ryan Moore, the visionary behind FGCL and CEO of UMR Sports. With a mission to transform lives through the American Collegiate League, Moore has pioneered a remarkable initiative that intertwines the sport of softball with national summer collegiate play.

From humble beginnings, Ryan shares his remarkable path towards becoming a catalyst for change in the lives of collegiate players. Discover how his dedication and entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of an environment that provides unparalleled value to athletes.

In this episode, we explore the power of athlete interaction and networking within the framework of summer collegiate play. Uncover the transformative impact these experiences have on the personal and professional growth of aspiring athletes. Prepare to be inspired as we delve into the stories of those whose lives have been positively shaped through the invaluable opportunities provided by Ryan Moore's visionary leadership.

Jami Lobpries starts this car ride with Lesley Feldman, an accomplished lawyer, former UCLA softball player, and co-founder of Players Collective. Lesley shares her inspiring story of how her time as a collegiate athlete and her legal career converged, leading her to become a passionate advocate for female athletes.

During her days at UCLA, Lesley experienced firsthand the transformative power of team sports and the importance of collaboration. As she transitioned into her legal profession, Lesley continued to be drawn to the world of sports representation, fueled by her passion for empowering athletes. Through her work, she has been able to combine her legal expertise and love for sports to guide and support athletes in navigating complex contractual landscapes. 

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as we explore the inception of Players Collective, an organization formed in response to the changing landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals in collegiate sports. Lesley and her colleagues recognized the unique challenges faced by female athletes in this evolving environment and set out to protect their rights and provide invaluable resources and guidance.

Tune in as Lesley discusses the pivotal role of Players Collective in advocating for the rights of female athletes, the initiatives they have undertaken, and the impact they have made thus far. 

Join us for an engaging conversation with Lesley Feldman, where we celebrate her journey, delve into the challenges she has faced, and gain valuable insights into the importance of empowering female athletes in today's sporting landscape.

In this episode of The Car Ride Home Podcast, we are thrilled to have Jennie Ritter, a remarkable individual who has left an indelible mark on the world of softball. Jennie's journey is nothing short of inspiring, from being a Michigan Softball Alum to becoming an ESPN Softball Analyst and a USA Softball Player.

As a Wilson Fastpitch Business Manager, Jennie shares her experiences in managing a brand and working with different sectors of the fastpitch industry to continue to develop brand loyalty. A natural networker, she dives into the intricacies of cultivating relationships and how they have played a pivotal role in her personal and professional growth.

Jennie wears her heart on her sleeve when it comes to representing Wilson. She discusses the passion and dedication she pours into her role, highlighting how being a part of the Wilson team has allowed her to contribute to the growth and success of the sport she loves.

Furthermore, Jennie reflects on the invaluable life lessons she learned from Coach Hutch and her time playing at the University of Michigan. She delves into the values instilled within her during her college softball journey and shares how those lessons have shaped her approach to life beyond the field.

Join us on this episode as we uncover the remarkable achievements of Jennie, her dedication to the sport of softball, and the profound impact it has had on her life. Get ready to be inspired by the resilience and passion that drives her every step of the way.

In this episode of "The Car Ride Home," join Jami Lobpries and Kevin Shelton as they embark on a captivating journey into the world of softball, driven by collaboration and pushing boundaries. Shelton, a nuclear engineering major turned passionate figure in softball, opens up about his background, shares anecdotes about setting rules for post-game car conversations, and reveals the secrets behind his success.

Delve into the growth of the Texas Glory brand and uncover the key factors that fueled its expansion. From embracing humility to excelling in their chosen paths, Shelton's story exemplifies determination and finding one's true calling.

Explore Shelton's experiences coaching and working with elite athletes, including the remarkable Jayda Coleman. As the conversation unfolds, Shelton fearlessly examines the vital role elite athletes play within the Texas Glory program, emphasizing the importance of pushing boundaries and creating a consistently competitive environment. Prepare to be inspired by profound insights on nurturing athletes' growth and helping them reach their full potential.

Through Shelton and Lobpries' dynamic conversation, memorable moments come to life, immersing listeners in the essence of unity and progress. Get ready for an episode brimming with intense competition and a passion that fuels the fire.

Tune in to "The Car Ride Home" and embark on a captivating journey filled with incredible stories, valuable insights, and an unwavering drive to ignite and elevate competition in the world of softball.

Join us this week for an exciting collaboration with The Bet on Me Podcast, as we dive into the world of Alliance's new Player Advisory Committee! We're thrilled to have Krista Stoker, the host of The Bet on Me Podcast, joining us to provide a central resource and connection to S2 Breakthrough player development.

At The Bet on Me Podcast, their mission is clear: to empower young women in the sport by equipping them with the best resources and fostering a "Bet on Me" mindset. It's all about encouraging growth and instilling confidence.

In this special episode, Lobpries and Stoker engage in a dynamic conversation, emphasizing the significance of giving athletes a direct voice. The Alliance Fastpitch is committed to putting the player first, which is why they've established the Player Advisory Committee (PAC). This committee allows players to have a seat at the table and actively shape the fastpitch community. Composed of high school junior and senior female athletes who are registered Alliance members, the PAC aims to find solutions for issues in every corner of the softball community.

During our discussion with Jami and Krista, we'll delve into the intentions behind the PAC, highlight the inaugural meeting of this influential group, and explore the goals they've set for the future. This is a conversation you won't want to miss as we champion the voices of athletes and work towards a more inclusive and player-centered softball community. Tune in and be a part of the conversation!