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: 2:12Questions: 4:46Interview with Viviana Martinez: 15:51Interview with Jim Stewart Allen aka Broccoli Guy: 40:36Plays of The Week: 1:04:58Win and Whiff of Week: 1:11:11See 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: 4:05Interview with Brittany McKinney: 17:10Interview with Cat Osterman: 38:10Final Thoughts: 57:26See 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: 8:28Interview with Kenzie Fowler: 29:30See 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: 1:35Interview with Alyssa Faircloth: 10:49Super Regional Preview: 33:45Questions: 35:04Plays of The Week: 47:20Win and Whiff of Week: 52:39See 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: 2:23NCAA Bracket: 10:54Fan Questions: 12:03Interview with Jazzy Francik: 30:07Interview with Tanya Windle: 57:41Plays of The Week: 1:22:27Win and Whiff of Week: 1:26:56See 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: 1:39Fan Questions: 4:16Interview with Jocelyn Briski: 15:45Interview with Amari Harper: 42:55Plays of the Week: 1:14:52Win and Whiff of the Week: 1:20:26See 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: 1:31Fan Questions: 6:06Interview with Ruby Meylan: 18:46Interview with Aleena Garcia: 50:23Plays of the Week: 1:16:53Win and Whiff of the Week: 1:23:18See 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: 1:42Fan Questions: 2:30Interview with Jocelyn Erickson: 13:31Interview with Jessica Mendoza: 43:07Plays of the Week: 1:17:28Win and Whiff of the Week: 1:21:56See 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: 1:21Fan Questions: 5:51Interview with KK Mathis: 21:54Week 9 Recap:51:11Plays of the Week: 1:10:11Win and Whiff of the Week: 1:15:29See 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: 1:36Fan Questions: 5:34Interview with Kaitlyn Terry: 25:05Week 8 Recap:45:29Plays of the Week: 1:15:35Win and Whiff of the Week: 1:20:10See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.