Advertise on podcast: In The Circle

We're back on the road for another episode of In The Circle. On today's edition, powered by SixFour3, we're heading back to the Big West. Our show today takes us to the reigning Big West champions, Cal State Fullerton. Head Coach Gina Oaks Garcia returns the bulk of last year's championship squad and has added some talent via the transfer portal. She chats about putting that talent together in a new-look Big West in 2027. Plus, Eric and Victor explain why they haven't been on the podcast together recently. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After a brief trip to the West Coast, we're returning to the Missouri Valley (Conference, that is) on today's episode of In The Circle, powered by SixFour3.  Our latest stop takes us to the defending MVC champions, the Belmont Bruins. We chat with head coach Laura Matthews about what 2027 will look like with Maya Johnson on her coaching staff and what it will take for the Bruins to defend their MVC crown.  We'll also hear from Scott Wright of GoPokes.com about Oklahoma State and its prospects for the upcoming season. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new week has begun, and it's time for a little trip to the beach, Long Beach that is. On today's episode of In The Circle, powered by SixFour3, we catch up with Long Beach State head coach Kendall Fearn about what she learned in her first year as head coach. She also shares her outlook for the team heading into 2027 and discusses a new addition to her coaching staff. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our Missouri Valley Conference Fall Tour rolls along in today's episode of In The Circle. Our next stop takes us to Carbondale for a look at Southern Illinois. We chat all things Salukis with Head Coach Jen Sewell as she returns plenty of firepower for 2027. So much so that Victor makes a bold statement about SIU at the end of the show. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new week has begun, and it's time for a new edition of In The Circle, powered by SixFour3. We continue our look at the Missouri Valley Conference as we chat with Northern Iowa Head Coach Ryan Jacobs. As he enters his 20th season at UNI, he reflects on his journey and looks ahead to 2027. Coach Jacobs also shares his thoughts on his record-breaking offense from 2026 and finding the pitching to complement it in 2027. You'll also hear a brief interview Eric did with ESPN's Morgan Uber and more realignment news that had Victor in his feels. 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 month, and it's a new episode of In The Circle, powered by SixFour3. On today's episode, we're heading to the Bluegrass State, where 2027 looks to be a banner season. We chat with Murray State Head Coach Kara Amundson about how her Racers are building off their MVC Finals appearance last year. She also shares the significance of their new home, Owens Family Field, to the growth of the program and athletic department. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Another episode of In The Circle, powered by SixFour3, is here. Today, it's a family affair as we're joined by Sam Houston Head Coach Garrett Valis and Houston great Jessica Valis. On Friday, Jessica will join Angel Shamblin as the only Cougar softball players to be inducted into the UH Athletics Hall of Honor. They reflect on the honor as well as their respective journeys in the game. You'll also hear our conversation with Angel Shamblin from 2021 prior to her induction. We wrap up the podcast with a look at Conference USA's schedule for 2027. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

To say we have another full episode of In The Circle coming your way would be correct. Today's episode kicks off with a conversation with USC Upstate head coach Chris Hawkins. Fresh off the program's first regional final appearance, Coach Hawkins received a contract extension this summer. He chats about his legendary career, the outlook for 2027, and what current player has him thinking about one of his greatest players. Afterwards, the guys share their thoughts on the NFCA Leadoff Classic field and the new incentives for 2027. They'll even guess which games will likely air on MLB Network during Opening Weekend. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mondays are for In The Circle, and today is no exception. On today's episode, we're joined by two-time AUSL champion and Utah Softball great Hannah Flippen. She chats about playing this past AUSL season at her college stadium in Salt Lake City and winning another AUSL title. She also discusses playing for Team USA and shares some ideas she has for the sport. We'll also share our thoughts on the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Group Stage in Oklahoma City and who will represent Team USA in the Japan All-Star Cup in November. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thursday is set for another jam-packed episode of In The Circle, powered by SixFour3. On today's episode, we catch up with new Texas Tech assistant coach Shelby Pendley about her return to coaching. She also reflects on reuniting with Gerry Glasco and discusses her role on the Texas Tech staff. Afterwards, the guys share their thoughts on the Big Ten softball schedule and some of the marquee series set to take place in 2027. What is Nebraska's path to repeating as Big Ten champions? Which team has the toughest schedule? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With fall ball just around the corner, it's time to evaluate the 2026 Coaching Carousel. We do just that today on the latest edition of In The Circle, powered by SixFour3. Eric Lopez and Justin McLeod discuss all the major hires from this year's Carousel. They'll also look at some under-the-radar hires that will impact your favorite program entering 2027. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The guys decide to take just one episode off, and plenty happens in the meantime, mainly within the SEC. On today’s episode, Eric and Victor give their thoughts on the 2027 SEC softball schedule, along with which games AREN’T on the schedule. They’ll also share their thoughts on the latest between LSU and the SEC. In between, you’ll hear from new Dartmouth head coach Hillary Smith on her journey from UCF to Dartmouth. 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 good to have friends of the podcast on the show, especially when they add a family member to their staff. On today's episode, powered by SixFour3, we catch up with Arkansas head coach Courtney Deifel on how things are going so far and one of her new additions to the staff, Executive Director of Softball Operations/Program Strategy and sister Amanda Scott. The two share stories about working together, as well as playing against each other in the WCWS when Courtney was at Cal and Amanda was an All-American at Fresno State. It's an episode you don't want to miss. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We already had a jam-packed episode lined up for you. Then Sunday night in Rosemont happened.  Victor shares his immediate thoughts on the AUSL All-Star Cup finish. Afterwards, new Liberty Associate Head Coach Kevin Fagan reflects on his journey from Super Bowl champion to softball coach. He also discusses his decision to leave Radford and join Liberty’s staff.  We wrap up the show with the matchups that Victor and Eric want to see at the upcoming Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.