Advertise on podcast: The D1Softball Podcast

This week, host Jenna Becerra is joined by D1Softball Senior Writer, Rhiannon Potkey, to wrap up the 2026 college softball season. After a thrilling postseason from Mayhem to OKC, they share the final top 25 and mid-major rankings of the year, recap the Women's College World Series, and answer fan questions about this season and next year's outlook. Then, Jenna and Rhiannon are also joined by two special guests. First, Texas shortstop Viviana Martinez joins fresh off the Longhorns' national championship. Vivi talks about the experience in OKC, being on the field for the big moment after recovering from an injury last year, the perspective she gained from that experience, how she and the team played so well through adversity and elimination games, why her and her teammates' early-year decision to play for each other made the difference, how line dancing kept the team's vibes positive, playing behind elite pitchers like Teagan Kavan and Citlaly Gutierrez, being led by (and trying to hit off of) head coach Mike White, what the celebrations were like after winning back-to-back titles, relying on her family and modeling her game after her dad growing up, her summer and future plans, and more.  The next guest has become a cult favorite in the softball world. Superfan Jim Stewart Allen, aka Broccoli Guy, joins to discuss his love for softball, why broccoli dancing spreads joy, his connection with Mississippi State from Regionals to the World Series, his OKC experience from dancing through four games in a day to connecting with teams and fans, how much broccoli he goes through, how he stays in dancing shape and keeps his moves fresh, future plans to head to Starkville and visit other softball facilities, and more.  Lastly, Jenna and Rhiannon share their final Play, Win, and Whiff of the Week from the WCWS. Final Top 25: 2:12 Questions: 4:46 Interview with Viviana Martinez: 15:51 Interview with Jim Stewart Allen aka Broccoli Guy: 40:36 Plays of The Week: 1:04:58 Win and Whiff of Week: 1:11:11 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Live from OKC, it's another special edition of the D1Softball podcast. Host Jenna Becerra is joined by Senior Writer Rhiannon Potkey and In the Circle co-hosts Eric Lopez and Victor Anderson to preview the Women's College World Series finals. Jenna, Rhiannon, Eric and Victor also welcome two guests: Cat Osterman - Texas Hall of Famer, three-time National Player of the Year, three-time Olympic medalist, and General Manager of the Texas Volts in the AUSL - and Brittany McKinney - ESPN analyst, North Carolina alum, and wife of Mississippi State pitching coach, Taryne Mowatt-McKinney. The group discusses the championship series, breaks down both Texas and Texas Tech, recaps the WCWS to this point, touches on the landscape of women's sports, and more.  Overview: 4:05 Interview with Brittany McKinney: 17:10 Interview with Cat Osterman: 38:10 Final Thoughts: 57:26 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 special edition of the D1Softball podcast. Host Jenna Becerra is joined by In the Circle co-hosts Eric Lopez and Victor Anderson to preview the Women's College World Series. Jenna, Eric and Victor also welcome two ESPN analysts as guests: Washington national champion and Olympic bronze medalist, Danielle Lawrie, and Arizona Hall of Famer and All American, Kenzie Fowler.  The group discusses the bracket, all eight teams in OKC, day one matchups, potential outcomes, hot takes, and more.  Interview with Danielle Lawrie: 8:28 Interview with Kenzie Fowler: 29:30 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, host Jenna Becerra is joined by D1Softball Senior Writer Rhiannon Potkey for a Regionals recap and Super Regionals preview. After Regionals, they react to the Big 12's impressive showing, the ACC's underperformance, mid-majors in the finals, upsets across the country, historic moments from Texas Tech's 7th inning comeback to Megan Grant's 40th home run, and more. Ahead of Supers, they answer fan questions and highlight the fresh SEC faceoffs, the most intriguing matchups, potential upsets, and the controversial strike zone (ABS system anyone?). Jenna and Rhiannon also welcome Mississippi State pitcher and SEC Newcomer of the Year, Alyssa Faircloth, to discuss winning on the road at the Eugene Regional, embracing Broccoli Man's fandom in the stands, tossing the program's first no-hitter in the NCAA tournament, how they're preparing to face Oklahoma in the Norman Super Regional, and the team's core values and goals written on their locker room wall. Alyssa also shares insight into her connection with pitching coach Taryne Mowatt-McKinney, being roommates with battery mate Des Rivera, learning from Peja Goold in the bullpen, growing her repertoire and gaining confidence in her stuff, what fostered her love for pitching, family support, and the pregame routines she swears by. Plus, they share the plays, win, and whiff of the week. Regional Recap: 1:35 Interview with Alyssa Faircloth: 10:49 Super Regional Preview: 33:45 Questions: 35:04 Plays of The Week: 47:20 Win and Whiff of Week: 52:39 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, host Jenna Becerra is joined by Eric Lopez, co-host of the In The Circle podcast and D1Softball bracketologist. The two break down conference tournaments, as Jenna was in Virginia for the ACC and Eric was in OKC for the Big 12. They also go through the NCAA bracket, highlight Regionals to watch, answer fan questions about seedings and the path to the WCWS, and welcome guests from each conference’s championship and all-tournament teams. First, Jenna and Eric catch up with ACC tournament MVP and Pitcher of the Year, Jazzy Francik, about sweeping the regular season and tournament championships, being part of the program's legacy with 20 ACC tournament titles, how much fun it is having teammates like Isa Torres play behind her, the Seminole fanbase, reliving the Selection Show, Lonni Alameda's influence, and getting ready to host the Tallahassee Regional. Jazzy also talks about playing internationally for Great Britain, paying it forward to young ones like Travis Wilson's daughter, wearing FSU across her chest as a Florida native, and more. Then, Arizona State's Tanya Windle discusses winning the Big 12 title, playing behind elite pitching like Kenzie Brown, building the Sun Devils' program back up, having a career year and how the offense has clicked, how much fun it is to be coached by Megan Bartlett, playing at Club Farrington, and where the Big 12 championship trophy ended up on their return flight home. Tanya also shares her passion for teaching the next generation, overcoming injury and adversity, playing in three different conferences (the WAC, Pac-12 and Big 12), and graduating representing her home state at ASU. Conference Tournament Recap: 2:23 NCAA Bracket: 10:54 Fan Questions: 12:03 Interview with Jazzy Francik: 30:07 Interview with Tanya Windle: 57:41 Plays of The Week: 1:22:27 Win and Whiff of Week: 1:26:56 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, host Jenna Becerra is joined by Eric Lopez, co-host of the In The Circle podcast, bracketologist, and D1Softball contributor, and they welcome two standout guests in the home stretch of the regular season. First, Alabama junior Jocelyn Briski talks about having a career year in the circle, developing her drop ball with pitching coach Lance McMahon, why the most important adjustment has been her mentality, how missing out on OKC last year pushed her and the team to get better, battling injuries and staying locked in during the long season, becoming one of the veteran leaders, relationships in the bullpen with freshmen Vic Moten and Kaitlyn Pallozi, the meaning behind "mudita" and why it's the program's mantra, what makes Head Coach Patrick Murphy a special leader, why she loves playing at Rhoads Stadium, what the Crimson Tide needs to do to win another national championship, how her family and mom's cancer battle inspire her to play for something bigger, and more. Then, Oregon senior Amari Harper discusses her only year with the Ducks, covering everything from settling in Eugene and wearing Sabrina Ionescu's cleats, to her lifelong relationship with Head Coach Melyssa Lombardi, who played with her mom at Oklahoma. She also shares more about her friendships with teammates and fellow transfer Elon Butler, what it's like playing at The Jane and why Janesanity is real, being part of 60 years of Oregon Softball, reliving the moment she received the AUSL golden ticket to play at the pro level, why versatility is everything, and finishing Big Ten play at UCLA. Plus, she settles important family debates, including whether she got her athleticism from her mom or dad (who also played football), and who the best athlete in the family is. Jenna and Eric also break down the top 25 and mid-major rankings ahead of conference tournaments starting next week. They highlight some factors and upcoming series that could impact NCAA tournament seeding, answer fan questions, and share their Plays of the Week along with the Win and Whiff of the Week. Top 25: 1:39 Fan Questions: 4:16 Interview with Jocelyn Briski: 15:45 Interview with Amari Harper: 42:55 Plays of the Week: 1:14:52 Win and Whiff of the Week: 1:20:26 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, host Jenna Becerra is joined by D1Softball Senior Writer Rhiannon Potkey, and they welcome two outstanding guests. First, Oklahoma State senior pitcher Ruby Meylan discusses the responsibility of being the ace, managing the workload mentally and physically, the Cowgirls' hard fought wins this season from Bedlam to big series, relationships with her catchers and pitching coach Carrie Eberle, playing for head coach Kenny Gajewski, how her athletic family impacted her competitive nature, being a role model for young girls and who made her starstruck as a kid, how OSU changed her life, meeting her fiance and wedding planning in Stillwater (she said yes to the dress!), how her definition of success evolved, why no one loves softball more than her, and more. Then, UCLA freshman shortstop Aleena Garcia joins to talk about being part of the Bruins' record-breaking season, focusing on process over outcome, playing alongside Bruin Bombers Megan Grant and Jordan Woolery, the work she put in her whole life to become one of the top defenders in the country, how her injury last year made her a better player and teammate, prioritizing mental performance, representing Latinas in sports, where Bruin Magic comes from, designing custom Nike cleats and gifting them to her whole team, playing baseball for her dad's team as a young kid, learning from Corona Angels' coach Marty Tyson in travel ball, and more. Jenna and Rhiannon also break down one of the toughest top 25 polls of the season, answer fan questions, highlight mid-major movement in the rankings, and share their Plays of the Week along with the Win and Whiff of the Week. Top 25: 1:31 Fan Questions: 6:06 Interview with Ruby Meylan: 18:46 Interview with Aleena Garcia: 50:23 Plays of the Week: 1:16:53 Win and Whiff of the Week: 1:23:18 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Jenna Becerra and D1Softball Associate Editor, Justin McLeod, welcome two elite guests this week.  First, Florida All American Jocelyn Erickson joins the show to talk about surpassing 200 career RBIs and approaching 200 hits, her Gold Glove defense, being a lefty catcher who also plays first base, whether she'd rather hit a home run or throw a runner out, her competitive mentality and approach to preparation, the Gators' team culture, what makes Florida the right place for her, where her nickname "Saucy Jocey" comes from, learnings from her family and travel ball days, what it means to be a champion, and more.  Then, Olympian and ESPN analyst, Jessica Mendoza, joins the pod to reflect on Week 10, calling the Oklahoma/Texas rivalry series in Austin, Stanford's dramatic sweep over Florida State, and the latest AUSL golden ticket presented to Taryn Kern at her alma mater. She also examines the evolution of TV coverage, looks back on 20 years of broadcasting with Beth Mowins and Michele Smith, breaks down how the AUSL is elevating pro softball and the game overall, shares thoughts on the state of hitting and pitching, and more. Jenna and Justin also discuss the latest Top 25 featuring another new No. 1, answer fan questions about the top of the poll and parity throughout, and break down the mid-major rankings before wrapping up with their Plays of the Week and the Win and Whiff of the Week. Top 25: 1:42 Fan Questions: 2:30 Interview with Jocelyn Erickson: 13:31 Interview with Jessica Mendoza: 43:07 Plays of the Week: 1:17:28 Win and Whiff of the Week: 1:21:56 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, host Jenna Becerra is joined by D1Softball editor, Justin McLeod, to discuss the latest Top 25 poll and mid-major rankings, why both lists have a new No. 1, fan questions, and more. They also share their main takeaways from Week 9: top weekend series from Texas/Alabama and Virginia/Duke to Nevada/Grand Canyon and Saint Mary's ranked wins, weekly national award winners, how teams are managing the grind at this point in the season, the role midweek games play, and key trends. Jenna and Justin also call out fun moments like Megan Grant's national championship celebration with UCLA women's basketball, more AUSL golden tickets, cycles, uniform debuts, and more. Duke's KK Mathis also joins the show to talk about the Blue Devils, recently making her pitching debut as a senior, what brought her back into the circle after so much time off, becoming the ultimate utility player, ranking her favorite positions (and where you could see her next), why her versatility fuels her competitive fire, playing for Head Coach Marissa Young, settling into the program in her second year after transferring, her perspective on ACC softball, growing up with a baseball brother, career aspirations in coaching, and more. Plus, Jenna and Justin wrap with the Plays of the Week, the Win and Whiff of the Week, and what's next. Top 25: 1:21 Fan Questions: 5:51 Interview with KK Mathis: 21:54 Week 9 Recap:51:11 Plays of the Week: 1:10:11 Win and Whiff of the Week: 1:15:29 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, host Jenna Becerra is once again joined by D1Softball Senior Writer Rhiannon Potkey! They discuss the new top 25 and why there are no new entrants for the first time this season, answer fan questions, break down the mid major rankings, and recap a crazy Week 8, from the mind-blowing Stanford/Duke rubber match and record-breaking UCLA/Nebraska series, to the heated Texas A&M/Texas in-state rivalry, and more.  Texas Tech two-way star Kaitlyn Terry also joins the show to talk about what’s behind her offensive tear and pitching approach, being part of the top transfer class in the nation, playing in the Big 12, Gerry Glasco’s leadership, the common mentality she shares with teammate Nija Canady (and seeing her receive the AUSL golden ticket), taking inspiration from her mom who played at Florida State, her off-the-field interests and future goals, how she expresses herself, the special meaning behind some of her tattoos, and more. Plus, Jenna and Rhiannon highlight interesting upcoming matchups, such as Texas/Alabama, Virginia/Duke, and Nevada/Grand Canyon, along with incredible Plays of the Week, the heartwarming Win of the Week, and the frustrating Whiff of the Week. Top 25: 1:36 Fan Questions: 5:34 Interview with Kaitlyn Terry: 25:05 Week 8 Recap:45:29 Plays of the Week: 1:15:35 Win and Whiff of the Week: 1:20:10 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jenna Becerra is joined by Eric Lopez, co-host of the In The Circle podcast, bracketologist, and D1Softball contributor, to discuss the new top 25 featuring a new No. 1 and no more undefeated teams, where things would stand if we had to make a bracket today, how the RPI and DSR data factor in, mid-major rankings, and more.  Jenna and Eric also chat with Texas junior and reigning national champion, Katie Stewart. Katie talks about the Longhorns' historic win streak, her growth from freshman year to now, the SEC, and how the team is preparing for another run to OKC, as well as playing multiple positions, what it's like to hit off Head Coach Mike White, how it felt to hit a homerun off her sister Danielle from NIU, and more.  In the week 7 recap, Jenna and Eric cover the Tennessee/Florida series in Gainesville, Eric's takeaways from calling the Texas Tech/UCF series and seeing Nija Canady and Kaitlyn Terry in person, what happened with Stanford and Anna Brewer in Chapel Hill, Washington's best conference start in program history, and important callouts from around the country from Jo Evans' milestone win to Maya Johnson's dominance and Georgia's defense. Plus, their Plays of the Week, the Win and Whiff of the Week, and what to watch in week 8. Top 25: 2:05 Fan Questions: 5:24 Interview with Katie Stewart: 20:01 Week 7 Recap: 50:20 Plays of the Week: 1:23:25 Win and Whiff of the Week: 1:27:47 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jenna Becerra is joined by D1 Softball Associate Editor, Justin McLeod, to discuss movement in the top 25 and recap week 6 action, including big matchups in the SEC, upsets in the ACC, statements in the Big 12, and impressive showings in the Big Ten and Sun Belt, as teams look for momentum in conference play. Plus, they highlight the Plays, Win and Whiff of the Week. Jenna and Justin are also joined by Nebraska pitcher Alexis Jensen! They discuss her transition to college as a freshman, the pitching staff's bond, the best advice she's received from Jordy Frahm (Bahl) and her teammates, her love for the game and being a two-way player, and the root of her infectious energy. She also shares her pride in being a Husker representing her home state, why she rocks the #99 jersey, why she loves going to practice, playing for Rhonda Revelle, kicking off B1G play, insight into her pre-game meals, and a whole lot of food analogies.  Top 25: 1:48-6:16 Fan Questions: 6:16-19:27 Interview with Alexis Jensen: 19:27-48:25 Week 6 Recap: 48:25-1:19:36 Plays of the Week: 1:19:36-1:23:30 Win and Whiff of the Week: 1:23:30-1:30:14 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, host Jenna Becerra is joined by D1Softball Senior Writer Rhiannon Potkey to talk all things college softball. They dive into the top 25 polls and recap week 5 action, including OU's record-setting homerun pace, Utah's big sweep over ASU, takeaways from some key SEC series, and an underrated UNC/UVA matchup in the ACC, along with some more road victories, upsets, and mid-major highlights from the past week. Plus, upcoming series they're looking forward to. From March Madness to Mayhem, could UCLA's Megan Grant be part of two Big Ten championship teams on the basketball court AND the softball field? Jenna and Rhiannon are also joined by Oklahoma freshman and national homerun leader, Kendall Wells, to discuss the Sooners' record offensive numbers, where the power to hit 300ft bombs comes from, how JT Gasso approaches their hitting mentality, why upperclassman leadership strengthens the OU locker room, the emotions of wearing the Crimson and Cream for the first time, how she picked the #1 jersey, playing at Love's Field, entering her first season in the SEC, playing for Patty Gasso, and more. Top 25: 2:03  Fan Questions: 7:48 Week 5 Recap: 16:42 Interview with Kendall Wells: 54:00 Plays of the Week: 1:14:34 Win and Whiff of the Week: 1:21:38 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jenna Becerra is joined by D1 Softball Associate Editor, Justin McLeod, to discuss Week 4 action, call out teams making moves as conference play approaches, answer fan questions, break down how the D1Softball Top 25 and Mid Major rankings are calculated, highlight weekly national award winners, dive into Justin's softball bingo card, and more. Jenna and Justin are also joined by Arkansas outfielder Dakota Kennedy! They chat about how seamless it's been transferring into the program in Fayetteville, the team's great offensive start this season, their mindset going into SEC play, Head Coach Courtney Deifel's leadership style, and having big goals this year. The Gold Glove winner also talks about her love of defense, what she's learned most throughout her career, her post graduation plans with multiple degrees, and a glimpse into life outside of softball. Plus, Jenna and Justin share their Plays of the Week along with the Win and Whiff of the Week. Top 25: 1:36  Fan Questions: 4:39  Week 4 Recap: 18:50  Interview with Dakota Kennedy: 39:52  Plays of the Week: 1:06:48  Win and Whiff of the Week: 1:11:19 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jenna Becerra is joined by Eric Lopez, host of the In The Circle podcast (@InTheCircleSB), bracketologist, and D1Softball contributor, as guest co-host for this week's episode. Jenna and Eric discuss this week's Top 25 poll and answer fan questions, recap the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic and Jenna's onsite coverage, and break down action cross the country from Long Beach State upsetting Oklahoma, to Bruin Magic, Team Japan's collegiate tour, Virginia Tech's rise, and teams to watch. They also share their Plays of the Week along with their Win and Whiff of the Week.  Jenna and Eric are also joined by Virginia Tech two-way player Emma Mazzarone. They chat about leadership and being the "next one up" after Emma Lemley's graduation, what makes the Hokies so special on the road, the daily grind in the bullpen, mental strength, and expectations for the team this season. Emma also shares that she originally committed to VA Tech as a hitter, and how a pitching performance in a recruiting showcase led to Head Coach Pete D'Amour asking her to throw. Plus, how Emma the Hitter would fare in an at bat against Emma the Pitcher. Top 25: 3:53 Fan Questions: 10:15 Week 3 Recap: 18:49 Interview with  Emma Mazzarone: 44:46 Plays of the Week: 1:09:34 Win and Whiff of the Week: 1:15:47 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.