It’s EARLY but things are HAPPENING in the D1 softball world. Huge upsets, pitchers hitting bombs along with throwing no-hitters, walk-off DRAMA, and how you can watch so many games LIVE on TV! Here’s an early take on what you need to know and watch for this (already!) intense 2025 season!

D1 Softball Website - https://d1softball.com/ 

In the Circle Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-circle/id1129600119 

NCAA Softball Twitter (X) - https://x.com/NCAASoftball 

Leave a review of When the Cleats Come Off on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274 

Join our When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/whenthecleatscomeoff/ 

Past episodes mentioned:

Ep. 172 - the life of a softball analyst (where to watch, etc) - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/601b4dd9-2363-4113-9557-11db68ee05d9/ 

Ep. 77 - why you should be watching college softball - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/edf97984-42cf-423c-a279-f75b5352266b/ 

Ep. 126 - 10 things to look for while watching college softball - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/1ad85059-06b9-4dc6-b7e6-e6de2a06f495/ 

Ep. 168 - 5 reasons why college softball should be on your TV this weekend - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9408e58d-45eb-4d76-8bef-c79e08814a48/  

Follow and share with me your favorite parts on social!

Website - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/ 

YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmey7_LOSN8tSia6gcWqtIzTTyTDpOodr 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ 

Twitter (X) - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining

Learn straight from the YouTube and social media coaching sensation, Megan Rembielak, not just all the drills you need to know to become a better competitive softball player on the diamond but also learn the ins and outs of how she’s become one of the most “viral” and respected coaches in the game, how to effectively run a successful practice, throwing tips on how to avoid common arm injuries, and how you can connect better with your athletes to help get their absolute best out of them!

Follow MegRem on:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MegRemSoftball/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megremsoftball/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@megremsoftball 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/MegRem-Softball-100063622779590/ 

Leave a review of When the Cleats Come Off on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274 

Join our When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/whenthecleatscomeoff/ 

Past episodes similar to this one:

Morgan Stuart: Defense wins Championships…. - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/3710341b-2ac7-4b23-9093-107c6b6926c8/ 

Morgan Stuart: Master the art of knowing yourself - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/44e97203-d9a1-4d32-9aee-99823aadf10a/ 

Building a successful at-home practice SYSTEM to achieve your goals - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2228e100-d0ed-4443-92c0-9b1c642ac5d3/ 

JP Nerbun: How coaches can better work with sports parents, and create an extraordinary team culture Part 1 of 2 - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d1d394b5-7cae-43a4-8f90-db63810f7bb9/ 

Follow and share with me your favorite parts on social!

Website - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/ 

YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmey7_LOSN8tSia6gcWqtIzTTyTDpOodr 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ 

Twitter (X) - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining

Without proper habits and concrete SYSTEMS, our goals are so much harder to achieve! In this 30min recorded mental skills workshop with my Virtual Hitting Academy Members, we discussed how to create a S.M.A.R.T. goal and most importantly how to develop a disciplined at-home training system which will help you reach that goal FASTER and create the discipline to show up and train, especially when distractions get in our way,

Read “Atomic Habits” by James Clear - https://amzn.to/3WMpKmM 

View the VHA Membership - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/virtual-hitting-academy-2-0 

Leave a review of When the Cleats Come Off on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274 

Join our When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/whenthecleatscomeoff/ 

Past episodes similar to this one:

Ep. 193 - Your goals should have you OBSESSED - here’s why! - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/288a65d6-1ae5-4387-959a-eb660bbdb63a/ 

Ep. 120 - How to make your goals happen in 2023 - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2f2df7df-9cf8-41df-9ac2-16d66f3b6470/ 

Ep. 72 - GOALS: It’s supposed to be hard - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/48dfe9a6-4199-4d36-8553-6061b021f1fa/ 

Follow and share with me your favorite parts on social!

Website - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/ 

YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmey7_LOSN8tSia6gcWqtIzTTyTDpOodr 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ 

Twitter (X) - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining

There are VERY few baseball players I loved watching as much as Ichiro, so I decided to devote an entire “fangirling” episode to him now that he was just elected into the MLB Hall of Fame this week for being one of the best hitters and respectable players the game has ever seen. 

Learn the “Ichiro Drill” on my YouTube Channel - https://youtu.be/dy0dVzGXdsg 

Leave a review of When the Cleats Come Off on Apple Podcasts (200th giveaway rules below!) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274 

Join our When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/whenthecleatscomeoff/ 

Episodes Mentioned:

Ep. 31 - Natasha Watley: The Art of Slapping - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a75e6c1b-05af-45b7-9568-8be1bb395590/ 

Ep. 63 - Natasha Watley: Baserunning tips and why Japan is SO DOMINANT in softball - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d748e6dc-781a-4868-976b-2e3b66bb834d/ 

Ep. 41: Monica Abbott: Consistency over Intensity - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/dff9c02b-5f2b-4dab-9e84-23c31b2d2a86/ 

Follow and share with me your favorite parts on social!

Website - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/ 

YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmey7_LOSN8tSia6gcWqtIzTTyTDpOodr 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ 

Twitter (X) - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining 

200th Episode Giveaway Rules:

• Subscribe to When the Cleats Come Off wherever you listen to the podcast
• Write a review on Apple Podcasts
• (5 bonus entries if you join the When the Cleats Come Off Facebook group and write in a post which episode was your absolute favorite and why! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/whenthecleatscomeoff/)
• Email me at [email protected] with the username you used in the subject line — if you’ve already written a review, just send me an email with your username!
• Check your emails on Feb. 1st to see if you’ve won! - 10 winners will be chosen at random!
• Entries must be in by Jan 30th at midnight to enter
• **Giveaway is not sponsored by or affiliated with any third-party platforms or brands

Get to know my former professional softball GM for the Dallas Charge, Kevin Shelton, as he shares the ins and outs of the pro softball world back in 2015, how being a “softball dad” turned into building one of the most premier travel ball organizations in the country, the Texas Glory, and how, in 20 years coaching, he and has helped over over 850 athletes live out their dream in college while creating a respected travel ball dynasty.

Leave a review of When the Cleats Come Off on Apple Podcasts (200th giveaway rules below!) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274 

Join our When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/whenthecleatscomeoff/ 

Follow more from the Texas Glory - https://www.texasgloryfastpitch.com/ 

Similar Episodes of When the Cleats Come Off:

Jade Hewitt: Softball’s greatest hype woman - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d7add010-7381-4c27-b7a3-f4c878c062b4/ 

Lauren Haeger: Coaching travel ball, playing with confidence and pro experience - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/16dba9c6-f6e6-4111-9a4c-53a48733b4f4/ 

Scott Burkhardt: What it’s like being a “softball dad”, Part 1 of 2 - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/1827a77c-c6eb-4e23-917f-6e422766ff6b/ 

Follow and share your favorite parts on social media!

Website - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/ 

YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmey7_LOSN8tSia6gcWqtIzTTyTDpOodr 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ 

Twitter (X) - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining 

200th Episode Giveaway Rules:

• Subscribe to When the Cleats Come Off wherever you listen to the podcast
• Write a review on Apple Podcasts
• (5 bonus entries if you join the When the Cleats Come Off Facebook group and write in a post which episode was your absolute favorite and why! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/whenthecleatscomeoff/)
• Email me at [email protected] with the username you used in the subject line — if you’ve already written a review, just send me an email with your username!
• Check your emails on Feb. 1st to see if you’ve won! - 10 winners will be chosen at random!
• Entries must be in by Jan 30th at midnight to enter
• 
  
• **Giveaway is not sponsored by or affiliated with any third-party platforms or brands

Increasing your competitiveness isn’t complicated, but most aren’t willing to do the little things to get there. If you go all-in on even just one of these three mentalities in 2025, I can basically guarantee this will be your best, most competitive year yet on and off the diamond! 

Leave a review of When the Cleats Come Off on Apple Podcasts (200th giveaway rules below!) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274 

Join our When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/whenthecleatscomeoff/ 

“Toughness: Developing true strength on and off the court” by Jay Bilas” - https://a.co/d/0cx1pDO 

Goal and Motivational Episodes Mentioned:

Ep. 3 - Having a goal is the key to everything - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0304c950-9325-4ff6-aef3-fe6083af207b/

Ep. 52 - Season 1 FINALE!: Living The Olympic Dream - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d71acb7a-06cf-4459-b74f-3f4ce84a463f/ 

Ep. 89 - Leadership, influence and how to “keep chopping wood” - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/af28444c-edd9-402a-913f-f5aa22af9ec9/ 

Ep. 125 - Dr. Dot Richardson: How to lead with love and make your dreams become a reality - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/496136e9-6683-4757-8b27-4408469c22b3/ 

Ep. 193 - Your goals should have you OBSESSED - here’s why! - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/288a65d6-1ae5-4387-959a-eb660bbdb63a/ 

Follow and share with me your favorite parts on social!

Website - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/ 

YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmey7_LOSN8tSia6gcWqtIzTTyTDpOodr 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining 

200th Episode Giveaway Rules:

• Subscribe to When the Cleats Come Off wherever you listen to the podcast
• Write a review on Apple Podcasts
• (5 bonus entries if you join the When the Cleats Come Off Facebook group and write in a post which episode was your absolute favorite and why! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/whenthecleatscomeoff/)
• Email me at [email protected] with the username you used in the subject line — if you’ve already written a review, just send me an email with your username!
• Check your emails on Feb. 1st to see if you’ve won! - 10 winners will be chosen at random!
• Entries must be in by Jan 30th at midnight to enter
• 
  
• **Giveaway is not sponsored by or affiliated with any third-party platforms or brands

There have been countless times in my career where I wanted to throw in the towel, give up when it got tough because I was embarrassed by how I looked when I first tried something. We’ve all been there…BUT we don’t have to STAY there! Today I’m sharing a few of those moments I’m most proud of not giving up on, because the person who came out on the other side is pretty dang happy she stuck with it. As we wrap up Season 4 with this episode, I just want to extend a thank you to those who have been on this wild ride with us. 4 years in and 40 more to go ;) 

Leave a review of When the Cleats Come Off on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274 

Join our When the Cleats Come Off Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/whenthecleatscomeoff/ 

Follow and share with me your favorite parts on social!

Website - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/ 

YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmey7_LOSN8tSia6gcWqtIzTTyTDpOodr 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining 

Similar Episodes of When the Cleats Come Off:

Ep 173 - “You can let adversity define you or shape you (you choose!) - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/aa47a5ed-f285-40f1-a3d2-8bb859796e6d/ 

Ep. 171 - “A little Encouragement before tryouts - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c87c8baa-519f-4c1e-8a84-fff882bec5d8/ 

Ep. 145 - “My recruiting story” - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/eee840ec-c41e-4652-956e-5e0b30a64e9d/ 

Ep. 80 - “The time I hated softball” - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/fffdc874-5162-423d-98ef-c2e8bcf33f90/

There aren’t a whole lot of female sports broadcasters out there, but sophomore at UNC Chapel Hill, Anna Laible, is in pursuit of changing the game. Learn her persistent and gritty approach to making her dreams become a reality by starting as a writer for Sports Illustrated Kids, hosting The National Dog Show - Junior and recently being invited to covering the most recent Olympics in Paris!

Follow Anna on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anna_laible?igsh=c3ptcWtrNHQ0cW1p 

Follow her Speak Up Sports Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speak-up-sports/id1555180774 

Read Anna’s top 5 articles from Paris 2024:

• ‘Representing the Wildcats is always special’: Steph Curry on Davidson at the Olympics - https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/olympics/article290690554.html 
• Someone Biles cements “GOAT” label with another gold - https://www.wralsportsfan.com/simone-biles-cements-g-o-a-t-label-with-another-gold/21555165/ 
• A’ja Wilson shouts out home state of SC after Team USA’s quarterfinal win in Olympics - https://www.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/usc-womens-basketball/article290862389.html 
• From Elon to the Olympics: Former college basketball player on NBC broadcast crew in Paris - https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/olympics/article290507574.html 
• Team USA track star Kendall Ellis is back and better than ever for second Olympics - https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/article290650039.html 

Follow and share with me your favorite parts on social!

Website - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/ 

YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmey7_LOSN8tSia6gcWqtIzTTyTDpOodr 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining 

Similar Episodes of When the Cleats Come Off:

Amanda Scarborough: The life of a softball analyst - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000648178950 

Aubree Munro Watson: Softball is back in the Olympics in 2028 but…in Oklahoma City? - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000660284101 

Season 1 FINALE: Living the Olympic Dream! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000529546632

This snippet from a parent session I led at Amanda Schaefer’s Fearless Warrior Retreat breaks down a few key elements to consider to help grow the bond between you and your athlete and help her reach her goals without feeling like you’re overstepping!

Join the Virtual Hitting Academy - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/virtual-hitting-academy-2-0 

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274

Follow and share with me your favorite parts on social media!

Website - https://www.ashleybtraining.com/ 

YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmey7_LOSN8tSia6gcWqtIzTTyTDpOodr 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ashleybtraining 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AshleyBurkhardtTraining/ 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/smashley_4 

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleybtraining 

Similar Episodes of When the Cleats Come Off:

Gaining a “mental edge” as a hitter - Recording from the “Fearless Warrior Podcast” with mental performance coach, Amanda Schaefer - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c3332097-04b1-46ae-9194-55ee630f10b5/  

[Re-Release] Delaney Spaulding: From ACL tear to Olympic Silver Medalist - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000664569798

Sue Enquist: 3 timeless truths parents can use to help your athlete find success - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274?i=1000591469372 

Whether you’re in the recruiting process now, will be in the future, or just want to learn the NECESSARY skills to have a good conversation with someone, this episode is for you! I’m a midwest girl here to teach you how to be a genuinely effective communicator and feel more prepared for (what could be) nerve wracking conversations! You’ve got this!

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-the-cleats-come-off/id1525612274 

More When the Cleats Come Off episodes about recruiting:

My recruiting story - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/eee840ec-c41e-4652-956e-5e0b30a64e9d/ 

Chelsea Suitos: The importance of authentically branding yourself on social media - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d5e67b08-daf7-4d78-9c19-4ce34cdfd049/ 

Recruiting 101 - Communicating with college coaches - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c15d4138-83a7-4159-aaf2-e7689f7ec043/ 

Tisha Mahon: Recruiting talk - Communication and finding your why - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/26b4e092-8ef0-4fc0-8efb-6f005c2f907f/ 

Tisha Mahon: Recruiting talk Part 2 - How to stand out on social media and at camps! - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ebf60417-a984-4ea5-b6e1-3e298a3abdf5/