In The Circle

Many in the sport feel that the American could be one of the best non power conferences in softball in 2025. Today, we begin our three-episode look at the league and what could be in store. First, we chat with East Carolina Head Coach Shane Winkler who has the Pirates in the ascendency after a 38-win season. Coach Winkler breaks down some of his returners from last year along with a big change to the conference tournament. Then, we catch up with friend of the podcast North Texas Head Coach Rodney DeLong. The Mean Green have reloaded and are ready for another run at a conference title. He chats about embracing another tough schedule as well as the most talked-about schedule release in the sport today. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's officially four weeks until the start of the 2025 D1 Season. On today's episode, we hear from one of our podcast favorites, Western Illinois Head Coach Alisa Goler. She shares her thoughts on Lu Harris-Champer getting inducted into the NFCA Hall of Fame as well as her brother coaching at Illinois with former teammate Laura Trout. Plus, Coach Goler looks ahead to the upcoming season at Western Illinois along with her new role in the AUSL. We also chat with D1Softball's Rhi Potkey about her outlook on the new look of the SEC in 2025. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's the first Monday of 2025 and we are heading out to Auburn to ring in the new year. You'll hear from Auburn Co-Head Coaches Chris and Kate Malveaux about their journey and what they learned from Karen Weekly. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's a New Year, but the same ol' In The Circle you've come to know and love. Eric and Victor kick off 2025 with a trip to Knoxville for their annual chat with Tennessee Head Coach Karen Weekly. After 2024 ended earlier than expected, the Lady Vols are ready to make another run back to Oklahoma City. The Hall of Famer chats about her new leadership on this team, her All-American ace Karlyn Pickens, and much more. Plus, the guys missed a few things from their Year In Review that you reminded them of. They will breakdown those omissions on today's episode as well. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Eric and Victor are ready to ring in 2025. Before they do, they have one more In The Circle for you in 2024. On today's show, Illinois Associate Head Coach Laura Trout shares her thoughts on her former coach Lu Harris-Champer being inducted into the NFCA Hall of Fame. You'll also hear from Maryland Head Coach Lauren Karn talk about Year 2 in College Park and why last year was called Year 0. Plus, the guys share their stories and games of the year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Twas the day after Christmas and all through the land Fans travel to and fro with presents in hand Eric and Victor, in their own special way Have a fresh In The Circle on this post-Christmas Day We head to James Madison, where the Dukes play their ball Hear from Coach Loren LaPorte who will speak to one and all On the fresh new faces on her roster and staff And a couple of fun stories that will make ELo laugh After finishing our chat, it's time to talk more games As head over to Lynchburg to talk the Liberty Flames Head Coach Dot Richardson has another loaded slate As talks about what her roster will bring to the plate But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight— “Happy In The Circle to all, and to all a good night!” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's a Christmas Eve Eve edition of In The Circle. Today, we travel to Tobacco Road for conversations with North Carolina Head Coach Megan Smith Lyon and NC State Head Coach Lindsay Leftwich. Plus, another Tobacco Road rival makes a big splash for 2026. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With Christmas coming next week, the guys look to make it on the Nice list with today's episode. Our latest episode takes us to the ACC. First, we head to Louisville for a conversation with Head Coach Holly Aprile. Afterwards, we travel south to Atlanta for a chat with Georgia Tech HC Aileen Morales. Plus, #ThrowbackThursday returns as we air a portion of our conversation with Courtney Lyle who will call the NCAA Volleyball Championships this weekend. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today's episode of In The Circle, we make our way to College Station where Texas A&M looks to finish what they started in 2024. You'll hear from Head Coach Trisha Ford as well as left-handed ace Emiley Kennedy on what Aggie fans can look forward to in 2025. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's always an honor to have one of the GOATs of the sport on In The Circle. Today, we catch up with Mark Kalmansohn UCLA Softball Associate Head Coach Lisa Fernandez. She talks about her new role as Talons GM of the AUSL and balancing her new duties. Coach also chats about the Bruins' new home in the Big Ten. Victor also looks at a new addition in Fayetteville and what move in softball would equate to Bill Belichick going to North Carolina. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In our latest episode of In The Circle, you'll hear from North Florida Head Coach Jeff Conrad. After making it to the ASUN Tournament finals last year, the Ospreys are primed for another run at the crown in 2025. Coach Conrad breaks down the key returners on his roster as well as the new divisional format within the ASun. You'll also hear about the latest inductees into the NFCA Hall of Fame and why college football copied the one thing from softball which makes the least sense. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As everyone (except ELo and Victor) converge to Dallas, In The Circle made a stop to Happy Valley for today's episode. You'll hear from Penn State Head Coach Clarisa Crowell about their breakout 2024 and speaking at this week's convention. Plus, what does Aliyah Binford transferring to Ole Miss mean for the Rebels? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With Thanksgiving in our rear view, we're full steam ahead toward the upcoming season! Today, we're joined by Nebraska Head Coach Rhonda Revelle to discuss her team's optimism heading into 2025. Plus, the impact of Jess Oakland and Aliyah Binford entering the transfer portal. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As you get ready to spend Thanksgiving with your family, spend some of that time with us on In The Circle. Today we have our first sister-brother guests on the podcast. Eric Lopez is joined by Oregon Softball Associate Head Coach Sam Marder and Oregon Baseball Assistant Coach Jack Marder. They share stories about growing up together, their respective paths to coaching, and getting a chance to be on the same campus together. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's just another Manic Monday for In The Circle. Today, you'll hear from new Ohio State Head Coach Kirin Kumar about her time so far in Columbus and entering the new-look Big Ten. Plus, the guys chat about the upcoming schedule for Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational, Presented by EvoShield See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's time for our annual November to Remember on In The Circle. On today's episode, we chat with Villanova Head Coach Bridget Orchard who had a 2024 to remember with their first regional finals appearance. Plus, the guys give their thoughts on the Big 12 conference slate and what series could end up being on the worldwide leader. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.