In The Circle

Eric Lopez and Victor Anderson breakdown all the latest news within the world of softball. From NCAA to AU and all things in between, In The Circle brings the newsmakers and storytellers from the sport of softball.

Anything Can & Did Happen in College Softball Sunday 03/04/2024

Anything Can & Did Happen in College Softball Sunday Needless to say, A LOT went down this weekend. As always, we'll do our best to break it all down on In The Circle. We recap Louisiana's historic victory in Norman to snap the Sooners' record winning streak. You'll hear from both Coach Glasco and Coach Gasso as well as our thoughts on the game. We then look back at some of the stunning results in Tallahassee and Charlotte as well as Eric thoughts on Victor's first #YeahISaidIt. /episode/index/show/inthecircle/id/30215123

Pulling Up to the Pull It Down Tour 02/29/2024

Pulling Up to the Pull It Down Tour Another weekend of softball awaits us. Get ready for it with today's episode of In The Circle. Our show travels back up to Duval County for a chat with UNF Head Coach Jeff Conrad. The Ospreys had a dominant weekend at the UNF/JU Classic going 3-0, outscoring their foes 24-2. Coach Conrad breaks down their weekend and their season so far as they prepare for their first ever West Coast trip. He also shares adding Amber Fiser to his staff and his outlook for his squad in 2024. We also recap Georgia's walk-off versus Clemson and Texas surviving a road battle against Texas State. Eric then tries to turn Victor into a weatherman and we pay homage to a wrestling legend to end the show. /episode/index/show/inthecircle/id/30162493

Mary Nutter Being Mary Nutter 02/26/2024

Mary Nutter Being Mary Nutter The weekend at Mary Nutter was full of softball. We do our best to break down the important findings on this episode of In The Circle. Eric shares his thoughts on the action he called this weekend on FloSoftball along with the team that made the biggest statement. You'll also hear from Justin McLeod from D1Softball who made the rounds to Clemson and Georgia this weekend. Plus, Victor has thoughts on his trip to Jacksonville and an ASUN who has emerged as his pick to challenge Central Arkansas. /episode/index/show/inthecircle/id/30108513

There's Something About Mary (Nutter) 02/22/2024

There's Something About Mary (Nutter) Another jam-packed week of action is on the horizon. Kick it off with the latest episode of In The Circle. Today's episode focuses on Mary Nutter in Cathedral City with plenty of WCWS-calibur matchups. You'll hear from Oklahoma's Patty Gasso as well as Mizzou Head Coach Larissa Anderson. Victor looks at some of the key games to watch and what teams are in need of a signature weekend. Plus, Eric goes one-on-one with Penn State HC Clarisa Crowell as her Nittany Lions are off to their 2nd straight 7-0 start. You'll also hear from Michigan's Bonnie Tholl and some of the other key games this weekend. The guys also have a few thoughts for the pollsters in lieu of some interesting poll results. /episode/index/show/inthecircle/id/30058588

Rain Rain Go Away (Is This Coors Field or Clearwater) 02/19/2024

Rain Rain Go Away (Is This Coors Field or Clearwater) The two biggest storylines this weekend were the torrential rain and the torrential pouring of offense in Clearwater. Eric and Victor break it down on today's In The Circle. Eric shares his thoughts & theories on why the offenses were on a whole different planet this weekend. Victor provides some numbers that showcase the historic pace the teams in Clearwater were on. After we share the biggest stories on the field, we look at what Power 5 conference might be in trouble already two weeks in. /episode/index/show/inthecircle/id/30008978

Making Our Mark in Clearwater 02/15/2024

Making Our Mark in Clearwater Thursday means another edition of In The Circle. Victor is back after missing Monday's show. He explains that at the start and end of the pod. The guys first look at the devastating news from Lincoln with Jordy Bahl being out for the season. They look at who needs to step up for Nebraska and what it means for the Big Ten. Week #2 of the season means another edition of the Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational Presented by EvoShield. Today, we'll look at the marquee matchups in the event with ESPN's Mark Neely. He also shares stories about his career, working with a diverse cast of partners, and one fateful night in Orlando which involved court storming & a shoe. Eric and Victor (yes, he's back folks) look at some of those matchups along with what teams have the most on the line. Victor then previews The Spring Games in Leesburg along with some of the games he has his Hawkeye on. /episode/index/show/inthecircle/id/29966438

Opening Weekend Observations 02/12/2024

Opening Weekend Observations Now that the first weekend of Division 1 is in the books, it's time to review what we saw on today's episode of In The Circle. With Victor still recovering from this weekend, Eric is joined by D1Softball's Justin McLeod. They look at what happened with UCLA, the ramifications of Jordy Bahl's injury and more. Plus, you'll hear from Larissa Anderson and Ashley Chastain after they recorded signature victories. The guys also look ahead to this week's Clearwater Invitational. /episode/index/show/inthecircle/id/29903008

We've Made It to Opening Day 02/08/2024

We've Made It to Opening Day For the first time in 2024, we can say it. IT'S GAMEDAY FOR D1 SOFTBALL. Kick it off with In The Circle. First, we chat with Wichita State Head Coach Kristi Bredbenner about her Shockers in 2024. How will things look without Syd the Kid in the lineup? What will her team look like in the new-look American? We discuss those things, her returning All-American Addison Barnard, and much more. While the Shockers will spend Week 2 of the season in Mexico, Duke starts their season there against #1 Oklahoma. We talk with new Blue Devils Assistant Taylor Wike about being a part of Coach Young's staff. We also chat about her rise to coaching and the lessons she's learned along the way. The guys look at each teams respective schedules plus Victor looks at the NFCA Division 3 Preseason Poll. Our episode wraps up with the busy week for ELo and Victor. One of the guys will be broadcasting in three venues in four days. /episode/index/show/inthecircle/id/29839638

U Dub and New Additions 02/07/2024

U Dub and New Additions We're on the eve of Opening Day in Division 1. Today, we catch up with the Washington Huskies who will kick off their season in Mexico tomorrow. We chat with Head Coach Heather Tarr about her new-look roster and the return of some of her greatest players to her coaching staff. You'll actually hear one of them make a cameo appearance on the show. Plus, our thoughts on the Huskies schedule and Eric has his own news to share with you. /episode/index/show/inthecircle/id/29821328

Big Things Poppin in Clearwater 02/06/2024

Big Things Poppin in Clearwater We are one day closer to the start of the D1 season. Don't think we're stopping to celebrate after our 800th episode. Show #801 focuses on the NFCA Leadoff Classic and two teams who will be in the spotlight. First, we journey to Clemson to chop it up with Head Coach John Rittman. His Tigers made it to Super Regionals in 2023 and look ready for that breakthrough to Oklahoma City in 2024. He talks about their season opening slate, his reigning Player of the Year Valerie Cagle, and many more topics. After that, we travel to Virginia for our chat with Liberty Head Coach Dr. Dot Richardson. She discusses the Flames' new home in Conference USA and shares some news with Eric. Note, the interview took place prior to MLB Network's announcement. We then look at MLB Network's coverage of the Leadoff Classic along with it's significance for the sport of softball. Victor wraps up the show with two big announcements; one about our next guest and one regarding his weekend plans. /episode/index/show/inthecircle/id/29821258

For The 800th Time, A Tradition Unlike Any Other 02/05/2024

For The 800th Time, A Tradition Unlike Any Other It's an historic day on In The Circle as we are officially in Opening Week in Division 1. It's our 800th episode and it's also our Supersized Season Preview. We talk about all 32 conferences on this Snyder Cut sized episode. First, we're joined for the fourth straight season by ESPN 7 Innings Amanda Scarborough who provides her perspective on the national landscape. She shares what teams she has high hopes for in 2024 and who has the best chance to take down Oklahoma. Then, Justin McLeod from D1Softball looks at the rest of the nation with Eric Lopez as they discuss everything in every conference in America. /episode/index/show/inthecircle/id/29797173

Big 12 Media Week: Oklahoma State Cowgirls 02/02/2024

Big 12 Media Week: Oklahoma State Cowgirls After four days and nine teams, it's time to wrap up our In The Circle Big 12 Media Week. Our week closes in Stillwater as Oklahoma State looks to make it back to Oklahoma City with some new faces leading the way. We look at all things Cowgirl Softball with Head Coach Kenny Gajewski. He also talks about some familiar faces returning to the coaching staff in Carrie Eberle and Vanessa Shippy-Fletcher. Then, we catch up with All-American pitcher Lexi Kilfoyl. After a strong 2023 which saw her record 16 wins and a 1.60 ERA, Lexi is ready for a bigger 2024. She talks with Eric Lopez about her journey to Stillwater and being taught by one of the top pitching coaches in the sport in Kaci Clark-Zerbe. /episode/index/show/inthecircle/id/29745778

Big 12 Media Week: Texas Longhorns 02/02/2024

Big 12 Media Week: Texas Longhorns We're in the home stretch of our Big 12 Media Week on In The Circle. Today's first episode sends us to Austin, Texas as the Longhorns look primed and ready to go. We'll hear from the head man himself, Mike White, to get his outlook on the squad one week away from Opening Day. We also will hear from Sophomore OF Viviana Martinez. 2023 saw her set a new school record for first-year Longhorns with 53 RBIs. She talks about her preparation for 2024 along with what led her to Texas. We wrap up the show with a look at the Longhorns schedule which starts with a showdown with UCLA on ESPN. Plus, our thoughts on the Big 12 TV schedule which was released on Wednesday. Coincidence, we think not. /episode/index/show/inthecircle/id/29745788

Big 12 Media Week: Oklahoma Sooners 02/01/2024

Big 12 Media Week: Oklahoma Sooners Alright Oklahoma fans, it's your turn on Big 12 Media Week. The Sooners once again begin as the #1 team in the country & the pick by many to win it all again. We'll hear from newly minted Associate Head Coach JT Gasso about his new title as well as working with this roster. He also reflects back on his path to get to OU. Someone who has seen the Sooners' rise first hand also joins the podcast. OU Softball PBP man Chris Plank breaks down Oklahoma's roster as well as his thoughts on JT being named Associate Head Coach. Plus, we will play a clip of Head Coach Patty Gasso from her appearance last year on Throwback Thursday. Then, Victor has some thoughts on one particular Sooner who hasn't gotten their proper recognition. /episode/index/show/inthecircle/id/29745598

Big 12 Media Week: UCF Knights 02/01/2024

Big 12 Media Week: UCF Knights Big 12 Media Week kicks off day 4 with a rare home game for the podcast. Today, we start off in Orlando as UCF is loaded with 11 seniors and one of the top recruiting classes in the country. You'll hear from Head Coach Cindy Ball-Malone about her talented team & the move to the Big 12. She also talks about another rugged non-conference schedule plus, she has some questions for Eric. We then hear from two of the aforementioned seniors Jada Cody and Shannon Doherty. These two are approaching some historic numbers individually while closing in on the most wins by a duo in UCF history. You'll hear from them during UCF Media Day last weekend about their final season along with what it means to play for the Knights. Eric then provides some names who will provide support for the Knights in 2024. /episode/index/show/inthecircle/id/29722813

Big 12 Media Week: Houston Cougars 01/31/2024

Big 12 Media Week: Houston Cougars Our Big 12 Media Week stays in Texas with a trip to Houston with a revamped Cougar roster for 2024. We chat with Head Coach Kristin Vesely about the transition into the league and her new-look roster. After that, we have a conversation with one of the more underrated players in the nation; Turiya Coleman. Last season, she made 1st Team All-AAC while setting a UH single-season record with a .503 on-base percentage. She looks back at that season and her new goals returning back to the Big 12. /episode/index/show/inthecircle/id/29722768

Big 12 Media Week: Texas Tech Red Raiders 01/31/2024

Big 12 Media Week: Texas Tech Red Raiders Leading off Day 3 of our Big 12 Media Week are the Red Raiders of Texas Tech. Craig Snider made significant progress in Year 1 in Lubbock. He catches up with Eric Lopez on what fans can look for in 2024 to build off that 31-win season plus a return trip back to Tallahassee to start the year. We then hear from reigning Big 12 Freshman of the Year Kailey Wyckoff. She reflects on her rookie year, playing for Coach Snider, and how she ended up playing at Texas Tech. We wrap the show looking at the Red Raiders' schedule and what we expect from Texas Tech. /episode/index/show/inthecircle/id/29722693

Big 12 Media Week: Kansas Jayhawks 01/30/2024

Big 12 Media Week: Kansas Jayhawks Our afternoon session of Big 12 Media Week sends the focus to Lawrence, Kansas. The Jayhawks made some waves last year, but are hoping experience and health can guide them to more in 2024. We hear from Head Coach Jennifer McFalls on that experience coming back and the lessons learned from 2023. Plus, we chat with senior pitcher Kasey Hamilton about what she's looking forward to this season and something she still has on her bucket list. /episode/index/show/inthecircle/id/29708418

Big 12 Media Week: Iowa State Cyclones 01/30/2024

Big 12 Media Week: Iowa State Cyclones Day 2 of Big 12 Media Week starts off in Ames as Iowa State looks for some #HiltonMagic to rub off on their softball team. First, we chat with Head Coach Jamie Pinkerton about his revamped coaching staff and his roster. He also looks at their non-conference schedule and how it will prepare them for conference play. Afterwards, we'll hear from senior outfielder Milaysia Ochoa. 2023 saw the California native named 2nd Team All-Big 12 after leading the Cyclones in nearly every statistical category. She looks forward to the upcoming season and shares how she ended up in Ames with Iowa State. /episode/index/show/inthecircle/id/29708308

Big 12 Media Week: BYU Cougars 01/29/2024

Big 12 Media Week: BYU Cougars Day 1 of Big 12 Media Week concludes with one of the new kids on the block; the BYU Cougars. 2023 saw BYU win a share of the West Coast Conference title and come outs away from winning the NISC crown. Head Coach Gordon Eakin shares his excitement of being in the Big 12. He also shares how his experiences of moving into different leagues will help benefit his team. Plus, we have Senior OF Maddie Bejarano share her expectations for this year and playing in her third different conference in the last three seasons (American, West Coast, Big 12). She also reflects on playing for her younger brother Tanner, who has down syndrome, and getting him to Norman for UCF's Super Regional in 2022. /episode/index/show/inthecircle/id/29683588

Big 12 Media Week: Baylor Bears 01/29/2024

Big 12 Media Week: Baylor Bears Our first stop is in Waco, Texas where Baylor looks to make a deep postseason run with an experienced and healthier roster. We discuss those expectations with Head Coach Glenn Moore along with his excitement for his team going into this season. Coach Moore also breaks down Baylor's non-conference schedule which includes their first two weekends hosting #2 Tennessee and visiting #22 Louisiana. Next, we chat with Big 12 1st Team Infielder Shaylon Govan. After becoming the 11th All-American in Baylor history last season, Govan looks for more individual and team success in 2024. She chats about her journey to Baylor from Stephen F. Austin along with playing for Coach Moore and navigating through the rugged Big 12 schedule. We wrap up by looking at the Bears' 2024 schedule and other players to look for in Waco. /episode/index/show/inthecircle/id/29682613

Fridays Are For The Tigers and Aggies 01/26/2024

Fridays Are For The Tigers and Aggies Yet another day away from the season and another episode of In The Circle. We wrap up this week with two more guests from the SEC. First, we travel to Columbia, Missouri and chat with Mizzou Head Coach Larissa Anderson who has eyes set on another NCAA Tournament bid in 2024. She breaks down her senior leadership on the team as well as returning back to Hofstra this season. Afterwards, we roll along to College Station for a conversation with Texas A&M Head Coach Trisha Ford. The Aggies are feeling confident after 2023 and are primed for more this season. Coach Ford then does something no other coach has done to Eric Lopez. We analyze each of their schedules and give thoughts on the USA Softball Top 50 Watch List. Plus, Victor has his own blockbuster announcement regarding #D2Tuesday. /episode/index/show/inthecircle/id/29660248

Hog Calls and Huge Announcements 01/25/2024

Hog Calls and Huge Announcements We're officially TWO weeks away from Division 1 softball kicking off. We help get you one day closer with today's episode of In The Circle. We head up to Fayetteville for our yearly chat with Arkansas Head Coach Courtney Deifel. The Hogs have plenty of firepower returning and added some key additions in the transfer portal. Coach Deifel shares how the offense will be asked to step up as her young pitching staff develops. She also looks at the landscape of the SEC and her visit to an old friend opening weekend in Boca Raton. We then look at the SEC Preseason Poll and All-SEC Selections along with the Razorbacks 2024 schedule. Plus, we hear the first comments from new Oklahoma Associate Head Coach JT Gasso and we have a MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT about next week's episodes. Yes, we said episodes. /episode/index/show/inthecircle/id/29640928

Planning for 2024 in Palo Alto 01/24/2024

Planning for 2024 in Palo Alto Certain schools are looking forward to the upcoming season more than others. One of them resides in Palo Alto, California. On today's episode, Eric chats with Stanford Head Coach Jessica Allister about the excitement around the campus for 2024 after their first trip to Oklahoma City in nearly two decades. She talks about the expectations with her team and how young they still are in spite of the success they experienced. Coach also looks at being in the Pac-12 for one final ride and other topics. Victor joins E-Lo to look at Stanford's schedule and where the Cardinal rank in the ESPN/USA Softball Preseason Poll. Plus, Arizona has a new, and very familiar interim AD as well as Nebraska heading into the season without one of their senior leaders. We also announce the date and time for our Season Preview Extravaganza. /episode/index/show/inthecircle/id/29621828

Geauxing Up to Baton Rouge 01/22/2024

Geauxing Up to Baton Rouge We're full speed ahead to the 2024 season on In The Circle. Next stop: Baton Rouge. Today's episode is all about the LSU Tigers who are primed and ready for a run to Oklahoma City. First, we chat with the Head Tiger herself Beth Torina about her roster and using last year's ending as motivation for 2024. She also prepares for life without long-time assistant Lindsey Leftwich in the dugout and another difficult non-conference schedule. Then, we chat with two of the top players in the nation; Taylor Pleasants and 2x Gold Glove winner Ciara Briggs. They each reflect on their paths to Baton Rouge and the excitement each has for the upcoming season. We look at the Tigers' impressive schedule (include one rugged stretch to end the regular season) and read some of your tweets. Plus, Eric asks Victor a very important question from one of our loyal fans. /episode/index/show/inthecircle/id/29584503

Climbing Up The Mountain (West) 01/18/2024

Climbing Up The Mountain (West) We're making our way back out west on today's episode of In The Circle. Specifically, we visit the Mountain West with the two favorites to bring home the championship in 2024. First, Eric chats with San Diego State Head Coach Stacey Nuveman Deniz. The Aztecs won the Mountain West Tournament crown last year en route to their first ever Super Regional appearance. Coach reflects back on that magical season and how her team can build on the momentum gained. She also discusses her non-conference schedule, a new addition to the staff, and various other topics. After that, we roll up to Boise and sit down with Broncos Head Coach Justin Shults. The Broncos won their first regular season championship since 2018 last year, but have their eyes on bigger prizes this year. Coach Shults looks back at the season that was and the steps being taken to win both crowns in 2024. He also looks at the key players returning and an always tricky Mountain West. /episode/index/show/inthecircle/id/29540063

Hokies, Fighting Irish, and Polls (Sounds Like Festivus) 01/17/2024

Hokies, Fighting Irish, and Polls (Sounds Like Festivus) Podcast #2 of the week has two ACC coaches primed and prepared for big seasons in 2024. We first travel to South Bend for a chat with Notre Dame Head Coach Deanna Gumpf. Coach looks back at 2023 and the load of returning talent back in 2024 primed for that Super Regional breakthrough. Afterwards, we roam over to Blacksburg for our interview with Virginia Tech Head Coach Pete D'Amour. After making it to the Athens Regional final last year, Coach shares what he's looking forward to heading into this season. Eric and Victor share their thoughts on the D1 Softball and Softball America Preseason Top 25 as well as other headlines to wrap up the show. /episode/index/show/inthecircle/id/29518643

Tomahawk Talk in Tally 01/15/2024

Tomahawk Talk in Tally We're three weeks out from a new season and one team ready to roll resides in Tallahassee. On today's episode, we chat with one of our favorite and most popular guests. Eric catches up with Florida State Head Coach Lonni Alameda about her induction into the NFCA Hall of Fame. She also discusses working with a talented, yet young pitching staff as well as another difficult schedule and life in the ACC. We also take a look at FSU's non-conference slate which includes a tricky stretch at the start of March before entering ACC play. /episode/index/show/inthecircle/id/29489913

Big Things Bruin in Westwood 01/11/2024

Big Things Bruin in Westwood More Pac-12? Yep, more Pac-12 today on In The Circle. This episode sends us out to Westwood and our conversation with Shelly Carlin UCLA Head Coach Kelly Inouye-Perez. While 2023 ended earlier than many expected, the Bruins remain one of the top threats to make it to Oklahoma City in 2024. She reflects on how last season will serve to fuel her ballclub this year. Coach also looks at the final season of the Pac-12 and their pending move to the Big Ten next season. She also discusses her non-conference schedule which is one of, if not the strongest in the sport in 2024. The guys then reflect on a wild Wednesday that scrambled their recording schedule and how Nick Saban has them thinking about...Coach Hutch? /episode/index/show/inthecircle/id/29438278

You Can Find Us at Club Farrington 01/10/2024

You Can Find Us at Club Farrington We're going to the club. No, not THAT club. Today, we head to Club Farrington for a chat with Arizona State Head Coach Megan Bartlett. She reflects on last year and what she learned about her team. Coach also looks forward to the last year in the Pac-12 as well as their new home in the Big 12. Victor looks at the Sun Devils schedule and who will be visiting Club Farrington in 2024. /episode/index/show/inthecircle/id/29425148

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