In The Circle

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.

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.

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.

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.