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!

Buckle up and get ready for an exciting new episode of The Car Ride Home Podcast hosted by Jami Lobpries. Author, coach, and founder of the Complete Game, Rob Crews joins us for the ride this week. Rob's journey from a deep love for baseball to his transition into softball has shaped his passion for growing the game and fostering a strong community.

Discover his unique approach to connecting players, coaches, and fans, and learn how he has harnessed the power of community to elevate the sport to new heights. He dives into the world of biomechanics and its impact on softball performance. Uncover the secrets behind Rob's innovative use of biomechanical principles to enhance players' skills and take their game to the next level.

But that's not all. Rob draws inspiration from the greats of the game, gleaning valuable lessons from their experiences and applying them to his own coaching and mentorship. Tune in as he shares the wisdom he has gained from studying the masters and how it has shaped his coaching philosophy.

Hop on board "The Car Ride Home" as we embark on this enlightening conversation with Rob Crews. Gain a deeper understanding of his journey from baseball to softball, explore his passion for growing the game through community development, delve into the fascinating world of integrating sport and technology, and learn from the wisdom of the softball legends.

Get ready for an engaging ride filled with knowledge, inspiration, and a love for the game. Don't miss it!

In this episode, we have the privilege of having Derek Allister as our special guest. Derek is a true pioneer in the softball community, renowned for his role in founding OnDeck Softball. Join us as we delve into Derek's remarkable experiences, including his insights on starting OnDeck, the delicate art of balancing being a college coach and parent, and his passion for uncovering talent and revolutionizing the softball community through transformative changes to the recruiting process.

In our conversation, Derek shares the story behind the inception of OnDeck Softball. Discover the vision, determination, and moving pieces that propelled Derek to establish a platform that has redefined talent identification in fastpitch softball and nurtured countless young athletes' dreams.

Balancing the responsibilities of being a college coach and a parent is no small feat. Derek candidly discusses the intricacies and intricacies of these dual roles.But Derek's impact extends beyond his roles as a coach and parent. Tune in as Derek delves into his forward-thinking approaches, challenging traditional norms and his care for athletes on and off the field. He discusses how changes in player recognition are not only shaping the future of the game but also fostering a stronger and more vibrant softball community.

Join us on "The Car Ride Home" as we embark on this enlightening conversation with Derek Allister. Gain a deeper understanding of his journey in starting OnDeck Softball, discover the secrets to balancing multiple roles, and explore the transformative power of changing the recruiting process. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about softball, coaching, parenting, or simply seeking inspiration from a trailblazer dedicated to empowering the dreams of young athletes.

In this episode of The Car Ride Home, Jami Lobpries sits down with a true visionary in the world of softball. Scott Smith is the National Director of the Bombers Fastpitch organization, the Head Coach of Bombers 18u Gold and an owner of Prospect Wire Softball. He’s also a founding member of the Texas Fastpitch League and the Alliance Fastpitch. With a remarkable 28 year career in the Army and the proud titles of Pop-Pop, Softball Dad, and Coach, our guest brings a unique perspective and vision to the table.

Join us as we dive into the significant role of data in growing the sport of softball. From analyzing player statistics to scouting reports and studying trends in other professional sports development, he discusses the significance of data in creating an edge in the sport of softball. We explore the innovative initiatives Smith introduced to the Bombers organization, the TFL, and Alliance Fastpitch which created a supportive environment for young talent to thrive.

Scott Smith’s dedication to the sport and understanding of development makes him a true trailblazer who is helping revolutionize the sport of softball. Prepare to be inspired by heartfelt stories, life lessons, and moments of laughter this week on The Car Ride Home.

This week, two friends Sis Bates and Aliyah Andrews join Jami Lobpries on The Car Ride Home! Bates, a three-time PAC-12 Defensive Player of the year and two-time NFCA First Team All-American, speaks with “Air-Aliyah” about developing the professional game of softball. 

Bates and Andrews share stories of how they both grew as players within their collegiate career through professional development. The two share the complexities of Athletes Unlimited through fun stories of getting to know one another. 

Get to know this special friendship between two teammates, players and friends this week on The Car Ride Home. 

Two-time All-American, Texas A&M Alumni, ESPN analyst and sports broadcaster Amanda Scarborough speaks with former teammate (and roommate) Jami Lobpries this week on the Car Ride Home.

Scarborough tells stories that only her former roommate can ask! Amanda shares stories about her career defining injury, working as a softball analyst and how she developed a love for the personal competition that comes with the game of softball. 

Scarborough shares consequential moments in her college career that helped to grow her passion for the sport and eventually what led her to the ESPN desk and creating pitching angels. 

Jami and Amanda also discuss some hot topics around the youth game important for athletes, parents and coaches to hear. 

Join us to hear incredible stories shared between two teammates and friends this week on The Car Ride Home.