Southeastern Softball Wire Podcast

Charles Mays
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Sports

Southeastern Softball Wire Podcast brings you real conversations with the players, coaches, and voices shaping the game across the region.

  1. Aug 6

    Bekah Duck Talks Transfer to Marshall, Playing for Coach Morgan Zerkle & More

    Charles Mays of Southeastern Softball Wire interviews Bekah Duck, a pitcher from Maryville, Tennessee, entering her first season at Marshall University under Coach Morgan Zerkle. Duck explains that Marshall’s coaching staff and team dynamic sold her on the program after spending two years at Pitt, and she credits Tennessee Mojo travel ball for much of her recruiting and development while high school ball prepared her for a college-style season routine. She discusses the influence of watching Zerkle compete at a high level, the similarities between Huntington, West Virginia and East Tennessee, and early chemistry with teammates including former Mojo teammate Sydni Burko. Duck outlines goals for fall ball focused on communication, building a mound routine, and improving mental consistency, describes her style as a spin-and-movement pitcher featuring a curveball and rise ball, explains “tunneling,” and shares interests in reading, nature, faith, and future plans in health science and possibly med or PT school. 00:00 Meet Bekah Duck 01:09 Why Marshall 01:59 Travel Ball Roots 04:28 Life With Tennessee Mojo 05:37 Coach Zerkle Impact 08:08 Huntington Feels Like Home 09:30 Team Culture and Chemistry 10:47 Pitching Growth Mindset 12:11 Off Field Reset and Faith 15:46 Life After Softball 18:03 Softball Boom Era 23:53 Fundamentals Win Games 25:30 Two Way and Slapping 30:19 Fall Goals and Pitch Style 32:29 Tunneling Explained 35:33 Wrap Up and Maryville

    Bekah Duck Talks Transfer to Marshall, Playing for Coach Morgan Zerkle & More

  2. Jul 17

    Checking in with Keke Jordan of Boyd-Buchanan School and Impact Gold Jazz 16u

    Charles Mays sat down with Keke Jordan, a class of 2028 catcher/corner from Boyd Buchanan School in Chattanooga, Tenn. They talked about Jordan's mindset on and off the field, what makes Boyd Buchanan a good school, who she looks up to in the game, and more.

    Checking in with Keke Jordan of Boyd-Buchanan School and Impact Gold Jazz 16u

  3. Jul 16

    Chat with Duke Softball assistant coach Grayson Radcliffe

    Charles interviews Grayson Radcliffe about her new role as an assistant coach at Duke Softball, reflecting on a packed AUSL crowd in Durham and the sport’s rapid growth in North Carolina’s Triangle. Grayson discusses why softball draws so many young fans, emphasizing the “see her, be her” effect and expanded collegiate and professional opportunities. She explains what brought her from NC State to Duke, including staying close to family and the chance to learn from head coach Marissa Young, whom she praises for character, personal investment, and winning culture. Grayson also highlights the influence of coach Shonda Stanton on her coaching philosophy, compares college and pro/AU environments, shares that she’s currently focused on coaching rather than playing, and outlines goals at Duke: winning the ACC, developing confident athletes, and elevating defense and aggressive, smart base running. 00:00 Welcome and Game Night 00:41 Durham Crowd Energy 01:41 Triangle Softball Boom 03:27 Why Youth Loves Softball 05:15 Why She Chose Duke 06:16 Inside Duke Program Culture 07:54 Learning From Coach Young 10:09 Coach Stanton Influence 13:15 College vs Pro Softball 15:32 Playing Career Next Steps 16:58 Softball Growth and Respect 21:47 Goals for First Duke Season 24:05 Defense and Baserunning Edge 26:23 Poker Chips Baserunning Mindset 29:39 Wrap Up and Thanks Keep up with softball coverage across the region at southeasternsoftball.com. Also, follow Southeastern Softball Wire across all social platforms.

    Chat with Duke Softball assistant coach Grayson Radcliffe

  4. Jul 14

    Haley Meinen | Southeastern Softball Wire Podcast

    Haley Meinen stopped by to chat with Charles Mays of Southeastern Softball Wire. They dove into the AUSL and the excitement of the season. They also spoke on the sustainability of the league and the smart pace of building. Meinen went into detail about Danielle Lawrie and her new book titled "After the Last Pitch". Tune in to see what else was discussed here. You can find Haley Meinen across social platforms by searching Haley Meinen or Haley Meinen - Pitching & Hitting. Find Southeastern Softball Wire across all social media platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southeasternsoftballwire X (Twitter): https://x.com/SoutheasternSB Threads: https://www.threads.com/@southeasternsbwire?hl=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southeasternsbwire/

    Haley Meinen | Southeastern Softball Wire Podcast

  5. Jul 13

    App State Softball Pitching Update: Coach Whitney Jones on Cam Fisher, New Arms & Fall Schedule

    Charles Mays (Southeastern Softball Wire) interviews Appalachian State head coach Whitney Jones about the Mountaineers’ pitching outlook heading toward fall ball and the February season. Jones reviews 2026, noting a strong start and competitive games vs. Tennessee, but a conference stretch that didn’t meet expectations and highlighted the need to limit free passes and close games. She discusses freshman Cam Fisher’s year, including challenges with inconsistent illegal-pitch calls and offseason mechanical work, plus the risk-reward of her up-spin, strikeout profile. Jones previews the rebuilt staff with transfer Abby Huhn (different down-ball look) and incoming freshmen Avery Ramey and “Slim” Emily King, and explains the fit of new pitching coach Jessica Dreswick (from Tulsa). They also cover catcher depth with Leah Gore and transfer Alexa Brunetti, App State’s fall schedule (Charlotte, Duke, Clemson, and others), and pride in alum Makayla McClain's AUSL opportunity. 00:00 Intro and Pitching Focus 00:51 Reviewing 2026 Staff 03:17 Sun Belt Grind 05:21 Cam Fisher Year One 06:56 Illegal Pitch Explained 08:10 New Arms and Abby Huhn 09:26 Riseball Risk Reward 10:50 Freshman Avery Ramey 12:41 Meet Slim Emily King 14:33 Should Pitchers Hit 16:32 New Pitching Coach Hire 19:12 Cutting Down Free Passes 20:39 Building a Deeper Staff 22:20 Catcher Plans and Brunetti 24:16 Why Boone Appeals 25:29 Fall Ball Schedule 27:47 McClain in the AUSL 30:18 Wrap Up and Thanks

    App State Softball Pitching Update: Coach Whitney Jones on Cam Fisher, New Arms & Fall Schedule

  6. Jul 2

    Malloree Harr: All-State two way softball player from Boyd-Buchanan School, Chattanooga, Tenn.

    Charles Mays of Southeastern Softball Wire interviews Malloree Harr of Boyd Buchanan School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, about her standout season as an eighth-grader competing at the high school level. Harr discusses the work ethic and influence of her mother, a former UTC player, her transition from middle school to high school, and the strong team culture at Boyd Buchanan, including her pitching-catcher bond with Keke Jordan. She reflects on handling pressure during the state championship run, contrasts that with her Team USA experience, and shares goals to grow in confidence and leadership. Mays highlights her two-way production (20–4 pitching with 123 strikeouts; .485 average with 12 home runs) and accolades including Chattanooga Times Best of Preps and TSWA Division II-A All-State. Harr also talks about camp feedback, academics, and prioritizing pitching in future college choices.

    Malloree Harr: All-State two way softball player from Boyd-Buchanan School, Chattanooga, Tenn.

  7. Jun 29

    Carolina Blaze General Manager Dana Sorensen: June 29, 2026

    On June 29, Charles Mays of Southeastern Softball Wire interviews Carolina Blaze GM Dana Sorensen in Oklahoma City as the Blaze begin a series vs. the Spark. Sorensen assesses the team about 11 games into the season, noting missed late chances but strong offensive metrics, lineup depth, and major contributions from rookies Karlyn Pickens, Reese Atwood, and Dakota Kennedy. She attributes their smooth pro transition to SEC competition and recent Women’s College World Series experience, and highlights Atwood’s clutch hitting and leadership handling the pitching staff. Sorensen discusses pitching development from Jala Wright and Emma Lemley, the challenges of a 16-day, nine-game road trip, schedule preferences, and infield defense led by Alyssa Brito and Ana Gold. The episode previews Pickens vs. Maya Johnson on ESPN2 at 7:00 PM ET. 00:00 Interview Kickoff 00:50 Season Start Review 02:03 Rookies Making Impact 04:04 Why SEC Prepares Pros 06:53 Reese Atwood Clutch Bat 08:46 Pitching Staff Finding Groove 12:07 Surviving The Road Trip 14:29 Schedule Format Thoughts 16:55 Infield Defense Spotlight 19:41 Jenna Laird And Bench Depth 22:10 Managing Playing Time Matchups 24:12 Bullpen Catching And ESPN Preview 27:20 Final Thanks And Sign Off

    Carolina Blaze General Manager Dana Sorensen: June 29, 2026

  8. Jun 8

    Coach Lindsay Leftwich | Associate Head Coach Carolina Blaze of the AUSL

    Charles Mays interviews NC State’s Coach Lindsay Leftwich, now associate head coach of the Carolina Blaze in the AUSL, as the season opens with first pitch Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET on CBS Sports Network versus the Portland Cascade, followed by a Wednesday game at 8:00 PM ET on ESPN. Leftwich discusses transitioning from college to the pro ranks, the athletes’ eagerness to learn, and what she can bring back to the Wolfpack. She highlights the Blaze’s roster versatility, key players like Aleshia Ocasio, Kayla Kowalik, Reese Atwood, Jenna Laird, and Devyn Netz, and a deep, varied pitching staff including Karlyn Pickens (scheduled to start Wednesday), Keiilani Ricketts, Jala Wright, and Emma Lemley. They also discuss growing investment, TV deals, and how the league is building a sustainable professional future for softball.

    Coach Lindsay Leftwich | Associate Head Coach Carolina Blaze of the AUSL
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

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Southeastern Softball Wire Podcast brings you real conversations with the players, coaches, and voices shaping the game across the region.

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