In The Circle Fastpitch News

We stay in the SEC (by choice, not by commandment) on this episode of In The Circle. Today, we head to Gainesville to catch-up with Florida Head Coach Tim Walton. Coach Walton looks back on his time with Team USA this summer and how it served to recharge him. He also reflects back on a successful fall & the building blocks laid for 2024. He also discusses the return of Francesca Enea along with what her experiences have brought to the table. The guys look at the Gators' 2024 schedule plus somehow have their Mount Rushmore of Gator Softball. 

ICYMI, Alabama made some news this weekend. We keep the party going on today's episode as we chat with Crimson Tide Head Coach Patrick Murphy. After leading Bama U to another WCWS appearance in 2023, he chats about building out this year's ballclub. He also shares the extra significance of having Kayla Braud back in Tuscaloosa and what topics could be on the table this week at the NFCA Convention in Louisville. Coach Murphy also discusses their summer trip to Italy and the experiences learned. The guys breakdown Alabama's schedule including Victor looking at a three week stretch leading into SEC play. Plus, the guys look at what topics should be discussed in Louisville and what a future guest has to offer on the subject. 

It's always fun to have someone appear on In The Circle for the first time. When you have TWO first-time guests, then start throwing a parade. We wrap up November with two new assistants to schools with lofty expectations in 2024. First, we caught new Georgia Assistant Coach Chelsea Wilkinson on returning back to her alma mater. She reflected on her journey from playing for the Bulldogs to now coaching them and all stops in between. Plus, Coach Wilkinson shares her thoughts on this year's roster which will have Georgia fans excited. 
 
Next, we travel north to Bloomington for a conversation with Indiana Assistant Coach Kendra Kirkhoff. She shares her thoughts on working with Head Coach Shonda Stanton and her role on the staff. She also reflects on her All-American playing career as well as her coaching journey which includes stops at Florida State, UCF, and most recently UNC-Greensboro. 
 
We wrap up the show discussing Delaware's move to CUSA in 2026 and what it could possibly mean for the Blue Hens' remaining tenure in the CAA 

Now that you're fully rested from Thanksgiving, it's back to business here on In The Circle. Our tour of the Big Ten continues as we focus on two schools looking to make their way back to the postseason. First, we had to Happy Valley for a chat with Penn State Head Coach Clarisa Crowell. After another 30+ win season and back-to-back years at .500 or better in conference, optimism is high for her fourth season. She chats about how her team will look entering 2024, life without lefty ace Bailey Parshall, and the changing landscape in her league. 
 
Next, we head to Champagne and catch up with Illinois Head Coach Tyra Perry. While the Fighting Illini finished with a winning record, 2023 fell short of their expectations. Coach Perry shares how things went in the fall, what players to look for, and her optimism for her squad heading into February. 

When it comes to rivalries, few compare to Michigan-Ohio State or Ohio State-Michigan depending on your allegiance. On today's episode, we provide our own little spin on The Game. First, we head to Ann Arbor for a conversation with Michigan Assistant Coach Amanda Chidester. She chats with Eric Lopez about her time back at her alma mater and being on the coaching staff. She also looks back at her playing career as well as her final weekend last year at Athletes Unlimited including homering in her final at-bat. We then travel to Columbus for a chat with Ohio State Associate Head Coach Whitney Jones. After a successful first season which saw significant offensive improvements, Coach Jones shares what's on the horizon for the Buckeyes in 2024 and the changing landscape of the Big Ten. Plus, Victor provides an announcement on our Friendsgiving Live Stream this Wednesday night. 

Nebraska Softball has plenty to be thankful for and look forward to. On our latest episode, we chat with one and only Head Coach Rhonda Revelle who looks back on another regional final appearance and the changing landscape of the Big Ten. Oh yea, we'll ask her about that new transfer pitcher of hers and the excitement generated around Nebraska softball with Jordy Bahl's return home. Plus, the guys share their thoughts on National Signing Day, Eric reflects on how close he was to NOT being on the show, and another guest announcement.