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In The Circle

581 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 94 ratings

D1Softball presents In The Circle with Eric Lopez and Victor Anderson. They bring you the latest news, views, previews, & reviews on all things softball from college.

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Episodes

Megan Bartlett Talks Arizona State Softball, Justin McLeod Talks Coaching Hires

December 26, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 44.9 MB

Now that all the gifts are open. Santa slid down the chimney, and you've had another Christmas cookie. It's time to unwrap another episode of In The Circle. Today, we traveled to Tempe, where temperatures were much warmer than we were for the holidays. Eric Lopez caught up with Arizona State Head Coach Megan Bartlett about becoming the Sun Devils' new coach. Bartlett discusses her time at Texas, making the WCWS, and learning from Mike White. Victor Anderson returns with his annual Softball...

Marching to Aggieland with Trisha Ford and Texas A&M Softball

December 22, 2022 12:00 - 56 minutes - 22.8 MB

It's the final In The Circle before Christmas and we have a gift for you Texas A&M fans. We have new Aggie Head Coach Trisha Ford joining the podcast to talk about how she ended up in College Station from Tempe. She talks about how the transition has gone so far, her expectations for the upcoming season, coaching in the SEC, and more. She also shares her love for the San Francisco Giants. We wrap up the show by reviewing the viewership for the volleyball championships and where it stands wit...

Our Eyes Are Upon The Longhorns

December 19, 2022 12:00 - 43 minutes - 17.3 MB

Twas the week before Christmas, and all through the pod, a new episode is here for you to listen to and nod. We'll spare the rest of the rhymes. On this episode, we're joined by Texas Head Coach Mike White, who looks back at their run to the WCWS Championship Series last year and how things came together in the postseason. He chats about his ever-growing coaching tree, the upcoming 2023 season, and other topics.  We then break down the Longhorns' schedule and some talent looking to elevate...

Chopping It Up with ESPN's Courtney Lyle

December 15, 2022 15:48 - 43 minutes - 17 MB

We have a very special guest joining us on our latest episode of In The Circle. In this episode, we're joined by ESPN's Courtney Lyle, who will lead the coverage of the NCAA Women's Volleyball National Semifinals starting at 7 pm Thursday and the National Championship match Saturday night on Saturday night ESPN2 at 730pm. She chats with Eric Lopez about calling the NCAA Volleyball Final Four and her preparation for the event. Lyle breaks down calling various sports, comparing different sport...

Catching up with Mississippi and Mississippi State Softball

December 12, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 36.2 MB

On our latest edition of In The Circle, we head to the Magnolia State with two teams who had pretty good seasons last year. First, Mississippi State's Samantha Ricketts returns to In The Circle after her Bulldogs made it to Super Regionals one year ago. Coach Ricketts chatted with Eric Lopez about the Bulldog's run to the Supers last season and the momentum they will carry into the 2023 season.  Afterward, we catch up with Ole Miss Head Coach Jamie Trachsel. Fresh off a second straight reg...

Talking Louisville and Virginia Softball

December 08, 2022 11:48 - 1 hour - 42.4 MB

We're traveling back to the ACC on this episode of In The Circle. Eric Lopez first catches up with Louisville Head Coach Holly Aprile about her ball club after being one of the First Four out of last year's tournament. Coach Aprile previews the upcoming season and who will be asked to step up in 2023. She reflects on the growth of the ACC since her time in Louisville, the implementation of instant replay, and more.  Afterward, we are joined by Virginia Head Coach Joanna Hardin, who led t...

BIG Softball with Illinois and Wisconsin Softball and a Cool List

December 05, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 47.5 MB

On our latest episode of In The Circle, we travel back to the Big Ten and two programs looking to make it back to the NCAA Tournament in 2023. First, Illinois Associate Head Coach Laura Trout returns to the podcast. The Fighting Illini had a breakout in 2022 under Head Coach Tyra Perry, winning 34 games and making the tournament for the fourth time under Coach Perry. Eric Lopez caught up with Coach Trout to reflect on last year's success. They also discussed the outlook for Fighting Illini i...

Will NCAA Softball Go to 32 Seeds and We are Going to Waco

December 01, 2022 12:50 - 46 minutes - 18.8 MB

We're officially in December, which means time for Christmas music (if you're not already blasting it), trimming the tree, and one month closer to softball. In this episode of In The Circle, we look at the probability that softball seeds the Top 32 teams for the NCAA Tournament, similar to volleyball and women's soccer. We analyze some pros and cons and discuss how it will impact the 400-mile rule.  Then, we travel to Waco as Eric Lopez catches up with Baylor Head Coach Glenn Moore. Fresh ...

We're Geauxing To Clearwater, Ragin' Cajuns Softball

November 28, 2022 13:00 - 1 hour - 25.2 MB

Now that the leftovers are finished, your in-laws have left, and your sanity has been restored, it's time for a new edition of In The Circle. We break down the schedule for the 2023 TaxAct Clearwater Invitational Presented by EvoShield and some of the marquee matchups each day taking place. Later in the show, Victor Anderson selects his VIP Match-Up for the event, which surprises some. Afterward, we are joined by one of the coaches who'll be in Clearwater in February. Eric Lopez chats with...

Giving Thanks for the Thanksgiving Softball Draft

November 23, 2022 12:00 - 40 minutes - 16.3 MB

Thanksgiving has arrived, and we have a special edition of In The Circle for all to be thankful for. Victor Anderson hosts this special podcast with our 1st annual In The Circle Thanksgiving Fantasy Feast Draft. Victor is joined by ESPN+ and Gator Radio voice Ryan Urquhart and Extra Inning Softball National Softball Editor Justin McLeod to draft their ideal Thanksgiving spread. Who's dish will be the best? Listen and find out for yourself.

Looking at Indiana Softball and Queens University Softball

November 21, 2022 12:30 - 1 hour - 32.9 MB

We enter the week of Thanksgiving and provide a small sampling of quality with our latest episode of In The Circle.  First, Eric Lopez chats with Indiana Head Coach Shonda Stanton and Associate Head Coach Chanda Bell. The Hoosiers recorded another winning season in 2022 (27-22 Overall) and look to improve on that total in 2023. The three discuss the Hoosiers' season outlook in 2023, the landscape of the Big Ten, their time coaching with one another, and more.  Afterward, the Fall Tour ...

Another Place In The ASUN

November 17, 2022 12:30 - 1 hour - 34.2 MB

We're full steam ahead into Thanksgiving as we continue our In The Circle Fall Tour. Victor hosts today's episode as we head back to the ASUN Conference with a pair of coaches on different paths.   First, Eric Lopez chats with Liberty Head Coach Doctor Dot Richardson. The Flames look to cap off their final season in the ASUN with a third straight tournament championship and potentially more with a very-difficult non-conference schedule. Coach chats about the process behind that schedulin...

Traveling Down Tobacco Road with North Carolina and North Carolina State Softball

November 14, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 37.8 MB

On our latest episode of In The Circle, our Fall Tour travels down Tobacco Road with two programs looking to back a big jump in 2023. First, North Carolina Head Coach Donna Papa talks with In The Circle about her Tar Heels and the team's outlook for 2023. Coach Papa shares her thoughts on Carol Hutchins retirement, the continued rise of the ACC, and more.  Next, we chat with North Carolina State Head Coach Jennifer Patrick-Swift about the Wolfpack. NC State won 33 games last season, and wi...

Under The Golden Dome

November 10, 2022 12:00 - 51 minutes - 20.7 MB

Our latest episode of In The Circle takes us to the Atlantic Coast Conference and South Bend, Indiana, to be specific, as our Fall Tour rolls along. Eric Lopez caught up with Notre Dame Head Coach Deanna Gumpf, who led the Fighting Irish to another 40-win season and NCAA Tournament selection. Coach talks with In The Circle about her outlook for the 2023 team led by ACC Player of the Year Karina Gaskins and veteran ace Payton Tidd. Coach Gumpf discusses the addition of Amanda Eberhart to her ...

Dreaming of Big Ten Softball

November 07, 2022 12:30 - 1 hour - 32.8 MB

Our In The Circle Fall Tour rolls along into the Big Ten for this episode with two programs that made significant strides in 2022. First, Eric Lopez catches up with Maryland Head Coach Mark Montgomery. After settling in College Park, the Terps finished with their most wins (29) since 2013 and their best Big Ten finish since joining the league. Coach Montgomery talks with In The Circle about the Terrapin's growth from last year, the outlook in 2023, playing in the Girls with Game Experience ...

Beasts of The Big East Softball

November 03, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 39.9 MB

Now that you've shopped for that discounted Halloween candy put up your holiday decorations, and griped about some football rankings, relax with a new episode of In The Circle. Our Fall Tour continues our "Big" portion of the journey as we travel to talk Big East Softball,  First, Eric Lopez talks with Villanova Head Coach Bridget Orchard about making it back to the NCAA Tournament last season and winning another Big East crown. She talks about being part of a historic Orlando regional whe...

Big Things In Big 12 Softball

October 31, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 40.2 MB

We have plenty of treats for you on this episode of In The Circle as our Fall Tour rolls into the Big XII. The guys break down the latest reports of the new TV deal for the conference and what it means for its future members and softball. Could this lead to more Big 12 softball on ESPN once the new deal kicks in?  After our TV talk, Texas Tech Head Coach Craig Snider talks with In The Circle about becoming the new Red Raider in charge. Snider discusses his journey in softball and his time ...

Always Tip Your Stetson Before Getting Pied

October 27, 2022 11:00 - 47 minutes - 18.9 MB

Our In The Circle Fall Tour heads back to the Sunshine State and back into the ASUN for this episode. We welcome Stetson Head Coach Shellie Robinson back to the podcast as her Hatters get ready for their first Fall Ball matchup with UCF this weekend. Coach Robinson reflects on last season, where Stetson doubled their win total and made the ASUN Tournament on the season's final day. She shares her thoughts on being the head of the program, what to expect from her team in 2023, and getting pi...

Rodney DeLong Previews North Texas Softball and Conference Move

October 24, 2022 11:00 - 43 minutes - 17.2 MB

Our In The Circle Fall Tour stays in Conference USA as we head west to Denton, TX, as the defending tournament champion Mean Green of North Texas prepares for their swan song in C-USA. After capturing the Crown in 2022 and making the Stillwater Regional Finals. Head coach Rodney DeLong gives the outlook for the upcoming season and the program's move from CUSA to The American after this season. He also shares his thoughts on various topics, including the transfer portal.  Victor Anderson al...

It's A Party in C-USA!!!

October 20, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 31.7 MB

We'll spare you the lyrics of the catchy tune to which our podcast episode is titled. You can thank us later for having the song in your head all day. Nonetheless, we press forward as our Fall Tour heads to Conference USA. A league set for a seismic shift in 2024, but with plenty of storylines heading into 2023.  First, Eric Lopez goes one-on-one with Western Kentucky Head Coach Amy Tudor. Coach reflects on the 2022 season, where they just missed making the NCAA Tournament despite a 38-w...

Getting Back To Some Normal FGCU Softball

October 17, 2022 11:30 - 43 minutes - 17.2 MB

Some coaches have to focus on what their lineup will look like during Fall Ball. Our guest on our latest episode of In The Circle had to handle much more essential matters. On this episode, we hear from FGCU Head Coach David Derios in his first extensive interview since Hurricane Ian struck Southwest Florida nearly two weeks ago. Coach Derios walks through with Eric Lopez, the timeline of this team from getting ready for Fall Ball to preparing for Hurricane Ian and everything in between. Coa...

WCC Softball with LMU's Tairia Flowers and BYU's Gordon Eakin

October 13, 2022 11:30 - 1 hour - 30.7 MB

We're another week closer to the 2023 season, and we are full steam ahead with our continuing look at the West Coast Conference on the latest edition of In The Circle.  First, Loyola Marymount Head Coach Tairia Flowers talks with In The Circle about the Lions and their landmark 2022 season. A talented, veteran-laden roster propelled LMU to win the WCC and make the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2007. Coach Flowers gives her outlook for the 2023 season, including new additions to ...

West Coast Connections

October 10, 2022 11:46 - 1 hour - 34.9 MB

No TMZ video was leaked ahead of today's episode, but it packs a lot of punch. On today's episode of In The Circle, we head out to the West Coast Conference,  Before we do, Eric Lopez and Victor Anderson react to the pending reports of Kennesaw State leaving the ASUN to join Conference USA. They share what it means for all parties involved and what is next for the ASUN regarding potential expansion.  We then chat with one of the sport's true legends as Pacific Head Coach Brian Kolze make...

More of The Big 4

October 06, 2022 11:30 - 1 hour - 40.7 MB

It's another Thursday so it's time for a fresh edition of In The Circle. It's so fresh that Eric Lopez is actually back to help host the show with Victor this week. This episode serves as Part 2 of our Big 4 Iowa Classic Preview.   First, Eric Lopez goes one on one with Iowa State Head Coach Jamie Pinkerton. After another winning season in Ames, Coach Pinkerton has the Cyclones primed for another big season in 2023. He chats with E-Lo about the outlook for his team, the Bgg 12 landscape,...

Back To The Big 4

October 03, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 25.3 MB

It's a new month and a new episode of In The Circle. Today's episode is our look at the upcoming Big 4 Classic, which will take place this weekend in Iowa City. First, we chat with Northern Iowa Head Coach Ryan Jacobs, who has UNI near the top of the MVC for the past three seasons. Coach Jacobs talks with Eric Lopez about the Panthers' outlook in 2023, the ever-changing look of The Valley, and the current outlook of softball within the state of Iowa. He also shares what players to watch for ...

New Valley, New Horizons

September 29, 2022 11:30 - 1 hour - 26.4 MB

We continue our journey into the Missouri Valley Conference on our latest edition of In The Circle   First, Eric Lopez chats with Murray State Head Coach Kara Amundson. Fresh off an historic 2022 season where they won 40 games, Coach talks with In the Circle about Murray State making the move from the Ohio Valley to the Missouri Valley Conference, She also reflects back on the history making 2022 season, her outlook heading into this upcoming season as well as her playing career at DePau...

As We Walk In The Missouri Valley

September 26, 2022 11:30 - 1 hour - 28 MB

We are approaching the peak of Fall Ball, and In The Circle will make its way into The Valley; the Missouri Valley Conference, that is.  We begin in Carbondale, Illinois, as we speak with new Southern Illinois Head Coach Jen Sewell. After serving as a longtime assistant under legendary coach Kerri Blaylock, Coach Sewell reflects on her opportunity to lead the Saluki program. She talks about SIU, the outlook for her team in 2023, an always competitive MVC, and much more.  Afterward, we ch...

Return of The (Hall of Fame) Mack

September 22, 2022 11:00 - 54 minutes - 22 MB

After we sang about the 21st night of September, it's time to belt out the latest episode of In The Circle (preferably in the privacy of your quarters). Our latest episode starts with our analysis of the 2023 Mary Nutter Classic schedule, announced earlier in the week. The schedule includes a Sunday Funday showdown between Oklahoma and UCLA. We look at some of the notable games on the slate, and Victor Anderson teases an old show favorite coming back soon.  Afterward, we will play a portio...

Bradley's New Leader and Patty's New Deal

September 19, 2022 11:16 - 50 minutes - 20.4 MB

It's Monday; You know what that means. It's time for a fresh episode of In The Circle, and Eric Lopez and Victor Anderson have plenty to say. In this episode, we break down Patty Gasso's new extension deal with the Sooners and why Victor feels she's worth much more. The guys share thoughts on where this could go for increasing coaching salaries and who Victor thinks should be the next coach to make seven figures. We then discuss the first signing for the OKC Spark in the WPF. After we wr...

Staying Along The Bayou

September 15, 2022 12:00 - 54 minutes - 21.7 MB

It's time to bring you another edition of In The Circle that will be full of Bayou flavor. We start our episode with the latest news from the SEC and how it could impact Oklahoma and Texas' timeline on when they could join the league. In their television rights negotiations, we also mention a potential new suitor for the Pac-12.  Afterward, Eric Lopez chats with new McNeese State pitching coach Shelbi Sunseri. The former All-American and two-way sensation joins the podcast to discuss the...

Walking In Memphis: The Softball Version

September 12, 2022 12:00 - 47 minutes - 18.9 MB

It's about the new Tiger in town on this episode of In The Circle. Eric Lopez chats with new Memphis Head Coach Stephanie VanBrakle Prothro about what led her to come to Memphis and help reshape the program. She shares her vision for the Tigers program and the difficult decision to leave Alabama, where she has been associated with the Crimson Tide for over a decade.  Victor Anderson reflects on a busy weekend (six broadcasts in three days) and how he still has his voice in check, unlike a ...

Leading Off and Rolling Humps

September 08, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 28.3 MB

It's been a long time since we provided a podcast for the fans. Well, that changes today with our new episode of In The Circle. After an eventful week off, the boys break down the field for the NFCA Lead Off Classic, including WCWS participants Texas and Northwestern. We also analyze some of the marquee match-ups in Clearwater during the season's opening weekend.  After that, Eric Lopez chats with new Campbell Head Coach Trena Prater. After being an assistant in Iowa for the last four ye...

Michigan Softball Women and A New Era Beginning

September 01, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 29.9 MB

It's been over a week since the news came from Ann Arbor, and we're still reeling from it. On our latest edition of In The Circle, we will hear from new Michigan Head Coach Bonnie Tholl during the show's opening segment from Monday's press conference. Also, Eric Lopez has some developing news about potential new foes joining Michigan in the Big 10 and what it could mean for the Pac-12.  Eric then chats with former Wolverine and Rawlings Gold Glove winner Kristina Burkhardt about her reac...

Crowning A Champion, Waiting for a Plane, and Softball Retirements

August 30, 2022 12:30 - 51 minutes - 20.7 MB

It took a little longer than usual (thanks, Mother Nature), but alas, we have a new champion in Athletes Unlimited. Today's episode will break down one of the most dramatic weekends in AU history. Eric Lopez has hosting duties, while Victor Anderson recorded this episode while waiting for his flight back to Orlando. No, seriously, Victor did the show at O'Hare International Airport. Nonetheless, he had PLENTY to discuss with his time in Rosemont, and he gives a day-by-day analysis of how we...

Down the Stretch The Come, Athletes Unlimited Softball Championship Week

August 26, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 28.2 MB

We have reached Championship Week in Season three of Athletes Unlimited, and there's still a lot to play for the week. We will look at all of the storylines in this AU-themed edition of In The Circle. The show starts with Eric Lopez and Victor Anderson recapping the leaderboard heading into the final week and who has the inside track to take home the title. We also discuss the potential of an all-Wildcat Top 4 at the end of Sunday.    Afterward, we chat with AU Broadcaster Eric Collins, wh...

Carol Hutchins Retires from Michigan Softball #ThankYouHutch

August 25, 2022 13:00 - 59 minutes - 23.9 MB

When breaking news happens, In The Circle will be ready to talk about it (even when one of us is flying into an airport when it happens). Very few things will make us scrap our whole schedule and work on a new show. What happened in Ann Arbor on Wednesday Afternoon was one of those things. When "THE" Adam Schefter tweets about it, then it's a big freaking deal. In this emergency episode, Eric Lopez and Victor Anderson break down the surprising and sudden news of legendary Michigan Head Coach...

Bleav In...Our Guest Co-Host

August 22, 2022 13:00 - 1 hour - 33.2 MB

Something feels a little different on today's episode of In The Circle. Maybe it's because schools are back in session? Maybe it is because football is starting back up soon? Or maybe SOMEONE doesn't want to show their face after Eric Lopez embarrassed them in this past week's AU Fantasy Draft? Depending on your preference, we have you covered as Jenna Becerra joins the podcast. She reflects on Bleav In Softball reaching their 100th episode. She also talks about what she has learned about ho...

HEY YO!!! The Latest with Scott Hall

August 18, 2022 13:00 - 1 hour - 27.4 MB

Thursday usually means two things; one day closer to Friday and a new edition of In The Circle. Today's show is full of announcements, storylines, and much more. We begin the show recapping Week 3 of Athletes Unlimited and have our weekly draft. Eric took the W last week and finds himself leading 2-1 in the best of five series. Can Victor pull out a victory and set-up a winner-take-all Week 5 next week?   Plus. Eric Lopez catches up with a longtime friend of the podcast Scott Hall who re...

News, Media, and Golden Mics

August 15, 2022 12:00 - 2 hours - 50.6 MB

Just when you thought we would have a quiet weekend in softball....there's really no such a thing. We have plenty to discuss on this episode of In The Circle. The guys are joined by Justin McLeod from Extra Inning Softball who broke the news of Stephanie VanBrakle Prothro set to be named the next head coach at Memphis. They break down what it means for both programs and where Coach Murphy goes to fill out his staff.   Eric and Victor take a look at the NJCAA's new deal with ESPN starting...

Gwen Svekis Is Back and Week 3 of Athletes Unlimited

August 11, 2022 16:06 - 53 minutes - 21.3 MB

It's all Athletes Unlimited on this edition of In The Circle. Victor is back after resting up his voice on Monday's show and he has plenty to talk about with Week 3 getting going. He chats about the rise of Haylie McCleney in Week 2 and the consistent play of Dejah Mulipola & Sahvanna Jaquish.   Eric comes on the show for a chat with friend of the podcast and AU Athlete Gwen Svekis. She chats with E-Lo about the growth of Athletes Unlimited which includes the debut of AUX in San Diego in...

Coaching Carousel Continues, Hear From Yale's Laura Ricciardone

August 08, 2022 01:57 - 1 hour - 27.5 MB

There's plenty of movement in the Coaching Carousel, and we'll break it all down in this new episode of In The Circle. While Victor Anderson recovers from his week-long trip to his summer residence in Viera, Eric Lopez welcomes Extra Inning Softball National Editor Justin McLeod. They discuss the blockbuster announcement of Jo Evans being named the new Head Coach of UC-Santa Barbara. They discuss the impact of Coach Evans coming to the program and what it means for the Big West.  Afterward...

Jessica Bracamonte Talks Toledo, Victor Talks Pro Softball

August 04, 2022 03:38 - 48 minutes - 19.6 MB

As we continue this month, we keep chatting with new head coaches on In The Circle. Today's episode has Victor Anderson joining us from Viera, FL, as he is broadcasting the final week of the WPF Exhibition Season. Before we hear from him, we'll hear from new Toledo Head Coach Jessica Bracamonte on her new job. Bracamonte also discusses her playing career at Michigan State, returning to the MAC after spending time in the league as an assistant coach at Central Michigan, and what she learned a...

Introducing the KPI in Softball, Can it Replace RPI?

August 01, 2022 01:58 - 1 hour - 24.1 MB

After witnessing a SummerSlam for the ages, Eric Lopez and Victor Anderson are fired up for the newest episode of In The Circle. Today's episode is all about The KPI. KPI was recently brought up during the NCAA Division I Softball Council's meeting in Indianapolis. We chatted with the man who introduced the metric, Michigan State Associate AD Kevin Pauga. He shares with In The Circle about his creation, its nuances, and how it is different from the RPI. He and Eric explain how the formula wo...

Kara Dill Talks New Job at Texas-Arlington, We Talk Athletes Unlimited

July 28, 2022 02:54 - 49 minutes - 19.9 MB

Another Thursday means we have a fresh episode of In The Circle. We continue our #NewFacesNewPlaces series with our conversation with the next Texas-Arlington Head Coach, Kara Dill. She talks about becoming the new UTA Head Coach and her vision for the program. Coach Dill discusses playing for Kentucky and eventually learning from Head Coach Rachel Lawson while becoming a pitching coach. She also talks about what she learned from Beth Torina at LSU and Jo Evans at Texas A&M.   We also lo...

Alea White Talks North Georgia, UCF and Playing Career

July 25, 2022 12:30 - 1 hour - 24.1 MB

It's Monday, and You know what that means! It's a new episode of In The Circle, and another new coach is joining the podcast. In this episode, we're joined by new North Georgia Assistant Coach Alea White. She talks with Eric Lopez about what led her to North Georgia and working for Head Coach Mike Davenport. Coach White discusses the influences she learned throughout her career and being a Grad Assistant under Cindy Ball-Malone at UCF in 2022. Alea reflects on her decorated UCF career, what ...

Apologies and Looking Forward

July 21, 2022 12:30 - 51 minutes - 20.7 MB

On our latest episode of In The Circle, Victor and Eric address their comments on Monday's episode and the passionate response from the Oklahoma fanbase. They apologize for their Kevin Durant comparison and clear up on the issues going on with college sports as well as the transfer portal.   Plus, Eric Lopez welcomes back Rhiannon Potkey from D1 Softball to the podcast. She recently wrote about a recent meeting in Indianapolis between the NCAA Division I Softball Committee and NFCA where...

Krista Wood Talks Creighton Softball, Oklahoma Get's Richer, USA Wins

July 18, 2022 13:00 - 1 hour - 25.3 MB

While Major League Baseball and everyone else is on an All-Star Break, we're still going strong here on In The Circle. Cue the Bill Belichick "No Days Off" meme, please. In this episode, we break down Hailey Lee's announcement to transfer to Oklahoma and its potential impact on the sport of softball. We chat about how the fans and social media are worried how college softball could turn into something similar to when UConn dominated college basketball. Plus, this might signify things to come...

New UNF Head Coach Jeff Conrad

July 14, 2022 12:30 - 1 hour - 27.7 MB

Another Thursday means another new edition of In The Circle and another new head coach joining us on the podcast. Today, we chat with new UNF Head Coach Jeff Conrad in his first extensive interview since taking over the program earlier this month. Coach Conrad chatted with Eric Lopez about becoming the new head coach, taking over for Marcie Higgs, and the biggest changes he'll make from being an assistant to the #1 in command. He also reflects on his journey into coaching, his Hall of Fame s...

Jordan Clark Talks Taking Over the FAU Softball Program, More Transfer News

July 11, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 25.8 MB

On today's episode of In The Circle, we head down south to Boca Raton as Eric Lopez talks with new FAU Head Coach Jordan Clark in her first national interview since taking over the reins last month. She talks about taking over the Owls program for the late Joan Joyce, her journey into coaching, and the influence Tim Walton and Courtney Deifel have had on her. She also discusses what she envisions for the FAU program as they begin their final season in Conference USA before joining the Americ...

Erin Edmoundson Talks Tennessee Softball, Changing Schools and Future

July 07, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 24.6 MB

Another Thursday means another new episode of In The Circle. Today, we continue conversations with pitchers who found and thrived in new homes via the transfer portal. Eric Lopez chats with Lady Vol hurler Erin Edmoundson about her journey from Houston to Lubbock to Knoxville and all points in between. She shares her thought process on entering the portal and winding up in Tennessee. She also talks about her journey into softball, this past season, and what's next for her post-softball.   ...