Out of Left Field

Out of Left Fieldhttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/out-of-left-field--6762995
🎙️ Player-first interviews that give athletes the mic.
🎬 Mic’d up highlightd bringing you inside the action.
🥎 Softball storytelling you won’t find anywhere else.
⚡ Bold takes + explainers that break the box and keep you in the game.

From the Athletes Unlimited Softball League to the next wave of women’s sports like flag football, OLF is here to capture the moments, amplify the voices, and bring fans closer to the stories that matter.

📲 Subscribe for new videos every week.
📧 Business inquiries: outofleftfieldmedia@gmail.com
🌐 Follow us on:
Instagram: @OLFmedia
TikTok: @outofleftfieldmedia]]>enSportsCopyright Abby Alonzohttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/96f8e1dd18d48aab0153b19c5b90dfdf.jpgOut of Left Fieldhttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/out-of-left-field--6762995Thu, 24 Sep 2026 21:57:27 +0000Abby AlonzoAbby Alonzooutofleftfieldmedia@gmail.comWelcome to Out of Left Field (OLF) — a new media platform dedicated to growing the game of softball through interviews, stories and coverage. 🎙️ Player-first interviews that give athletes the mic. 🎬 Mic’d up highlightd bringing you inside the action....
🎙️ Player-first interviews that give athletes the mic.
🎬 Mic’d up highlightd bringing you inside the action.
🥎 Softball storytelling you won’t find anywhere else.
⚡ Bold takes + explainers that break the box and keep you in the game.

From the Athletes Unlimited Softball League to the next wave of women’s sports like flag football, OLF is here to capture the moments, amplify the voices, and bring fans closer to the stories that matter.

📲 Subscribe for new videos every week.
📧 Business inquiries: outofleftfieldmedia@gmail.com
🌐 Follow us on:
Instagram: @OLFmedia
TikTok: @outofleftfieldmedia]]>true3290bcfa-dfef-5d1f-a919-85cd768bb085episodicJala Wright: Two Tattoos, One Mindset for Getting Through Anythinghttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/jala-wright-two-tattoos-one-mindset-for-getting-through-anything--75338089https://api.spreaker.com/episode/75338089Thu, 24 Sep 2026 21:55:47 +0000Abby AlonzoJala Wright started the season as a hometown pick for the Carolina Blaze. She ended it traded to the Utah Talons. Jala joins Abby Alonzo to talk through the pressure she put on herself, a defining conversation with her father, and the two tattooed...1982false45fullAmanda Scarborough on the Question Every Athlete Eventually Faces: Now What?https://www.spreaker.com/episode/amanda-scarborough-on-the-question-every-athlete-eventually-faces-now-what--75197753https://api.spreaker.com/episode/75197753Thu, 17 Sep 2026 22:45:13 +0000Abby AlonzoESPN lead softball analyst Amanda Scarborough joins Abby Alonzo to talk about calling the first-ever pro softball game on network TV, the career-ending injury that forced her to ask "now what?", and how that question became Pitching Angel — the...2015false44fullSarah Willis Drops Olympic Bombshell: Her Windup, Failure & Team Venezuelahttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sarah-willis-drops-olympic-bombshell-her-windup-failure-team-venezuela--75080920https://api.spreaker.com/episode/75080920Sat, 12 Sep 2026 00:23:25 +0000Abby AlonzoSarah Willis built one of the most unique pitching windups in the AUSL from scratch — no blueprint, no influence. She joins Abby Alonzo to talk about the mental block that nearly derailed her college career, finding a coach who believed in her when...2260false43fullSkylar Wallace on Confidence: "If You Have Haters, You're Doing Something Right"https://www.spreaker.com/episode/skylar-wallace-on-confidence-if-you-have-haters-you-re-doing-something-right--74907093]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74907093Fri, 04 Sep 2026 19:26:06 +0000Abby AlonzoSkylar Wallace has led the AUSL in batting average and on-base percentage, made three All-American teams, and won Team USA gold — but this one's about what happens off the field. She talks discipline vs. motivation, building a following by being...]]>2245true42fullSydney Romero Made AUSL History — And Her Sister Called It in Spring Traininghttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sydney-romero-made-ausl-history-and-her-sister-called-it-in-spring-training--74725202
▶️ IN THIS EPISODE:
- The first-ever Rawlings Gold Glove in AUSL history — and finding out with everyone else
- Sierra's spring training prediction that became a running joke, then reality
- The footwork and glove work she takes the most pride in
- Sierra's final season: the Texas farewell, the family in the stands & the line drive right at her
- The batgirl years: full uniform, on deck, never allowed to hit
- Setting yourself apart in the Romero dynasty — softball, baseball & four different perspectives
- Her brother Mikey grinding through Triple-A with the Red Sox
- Coming back to Oklahoma City with the Spark & the OU fans who never stopped following
- What Patty Gasso instilled: standing your ground & finding her voice
- "You have everything to gain and nothing to lose"
- Peaking at 29: balancing pro ball with coaching & the hot start she promised her boss
- Training with a teammate before they were teammates
- Coach Ro: becoming associate head coach at Oregon & building tough-minded hitters
- Confidence, preparation & staying open to feedback
- "Are you committed to seeing it through?"
- The legacy she wants: the teammate who makes everyone around her better

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS (raw times — shift for cold open):
00:00 – Cold Open: Sierra called it
00:30 – Welcome to Out of Left Field
01:00 – The first Gold Glove in AUSL history
02:40 – The defensive craft: footwork over perfection
03:20 – Sierra's final season & the farewell in Texas
05:45 – The batgirl in full uniform
06:45 – What their dad would say
07:40 – The Romero dynasty: four athletes, four perspectives
08:55 – Mikey in Triple-A with the Red Sox
10:45 – Back to Oklahoma City: the Spark & the fans who remembered
12:55 – What Patty Gasso taught her about standing her ground
14:20 – Finding her voice & the lessons only sport teaches
15:05 – "Everything to gain and nothing to lose"
15:50 – The thought-provoking stories & the power of listening
17:55 – Peaking at 29 & the hot start she promised
19:20 – Training with Lindsay before they were teammates
20:30 – Coach Ro: playing with the athletes she coaches
21:45 – Associate head coach at Oregon & building confident hitters
22:45 – Where confidence comes from
23:55 – When feedback got hard
25:35 – "Are you committed to seeing it through?"
26:55 – The legacy: making everyone around her better

🥎 ABOUT SYDNEY ROMERO:
Sydney Romero is the shortstop for the Oklahoma City Spark of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) and the first player in league history to win the Rawlings Gold Glove Award, leading all AUSL shortstops in 2026 with 45 assists, five double plays, and a .974 fielding percentage. A two-time national champion at Oklahoma under Patty Gasso, she serves as associate head coach at Oregon and comes from one of softball and baseball's great family dynasties — including sister Sierra Romero, one of the most decorated players in college softball history, and brother Mikey Romero of the Boston Red Sox organization.

🎙️ ABOUT OUT OF LEFT FIELD:
Out of Left Field is a softball podcast telling the real stories behind the game — long-form conversations with the players, coaches, and personalities shaping pro softball, college softball, and the AUSL. Hosted by Abby Alonzo.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE for new episodes every Thursday at 7PM ET

📲 FOLLOW OUT OF LEFT FIELD:
Instagram: @olfmedia
TikTok: @outofleftfieldmedia

📲 FOLLOW ABBY ALONZO:
Instagram: @abbigailalonzo
TikTok: @abbyalonz0
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74725202Thu, 27 Aug 2026 20:57:26 +0000Abby AlonzoWhen the AUSL handed out the first Rawlings Gold Glove in league history, it went to Oklahoma City Spark shortstop Sydney Romero — and her sister Sierra called it back in spring training. In this episode of Out of Left Field, recorded during All-Star...
▶️ IN THIS EPISODE:
- The first-ever Rawlings Gold Glove in AUSL history — and finding out with everyone else
- Sierra's spring training prediction that became a running joke, then reality
- The footwork and glove work she takes the most pride in
- Sierra's final season: the Texas farewell, the family in the stands & the line drive right at her
- The batgirl years: full uniform, on deck, never allowed to hit
- Setting yourself apart in the Romero dynasty — softball, baseball & four different perspectives
- Her brother Mikey grinding through Triple-A with the Red Sox
- Coming back to Oklahoma City with the Spark & the OU fans who never stopped following
- What Patty Gasso instilled: standing your ground & finding her voice
- "You have everything to gain and nothing to lose"
- Peaking at 29: balancing pro ball with coaching & the hot start she promised her boss
- Training with a teammate before they were teammates
- Coach Ro: becoming associate head coach at Oregon & building tough-minded hitters
- Confidence, preparation & staying open to feedback
- "Are you committed to seeing it through?"
- The legacy she wants: the teammate who makes everyone around her better

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS (raw times — shift for cold open):
00:00 – Cold Open: Sierra called it
00:30 – Welcome to Out of Left Field
01:00 – The first Gold Glove in AUSL history
02:40 – The defensive craft: footwork over perfection
03:20 – Sierra's final season & the farewell in Texas
05:45 – The batgirl in full uniform
06:45 – What their dad would say
07:40 – The Romero dynasty: four athletes, four perspectives
08:55 – Mikey in Triple-A with the Red Sox
10:45 – Back to Oklahoma City: the Spark & the fans who remembered
12:55 – What Patty Gasso taught her about standing her ground
14:20 – Finding her voice & the lessons only sport teaches
15:05 – "Everything to gain and nothing to lose"
15:50 – The thought-provoking stories & the power of listening
17:55 – Peaking at 29 & the hot start she promised
19:20 – Training with Lindsay before they were teammates
20:30 – Coach Ro: playing with the athletes she coaches
21:45 – Associate head coach at Oregon & building confident hitters
22:45 – Where confidence comes from
23:55 – When feedback got hard
25:35 – "Are you committed to seeing it through?"
26:55 – The legacy: making everyone around her better

🥎 ABOUT SYDNEY ROMERO:
Sydney Romero is the shortstop for the Oklahoma City Spark of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) and the first player in league history to win the Rawlings Gold Glove Award, leading all AUSL shortstops in 2026 with 45 assists, five double plays, and a .974 fielding percentage. A two-time national champion at Oklahoma under Patty Gasso, she serves as associate head coach at Oregon and comes from one of softball and baseball's great family dynasties — including sister Sierra Romero, one of the most decorated players in college softball history, and brother Mikey Romero of the Boston Red Sox organization.

🎙️ ABOUT OUT OF LEFT FIELD:
Out of Left Field is a softball podcast telling the real stories behind the game —...]]>1720false41fullSydney Supple Committed at 13, Built a $100K Field & Found Her Voice in a Room Full of Menhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sydney-supple-committed-at-13-built-a-100k-field-found-her-voice-in-a-room-full-of-men--74414096
▶️ IN THIS EPISODE:
- Committing to Northwestern in eighth grade — and why she'd make the same choice at 25
- Pitching in abandoned warehouses & church basements to train year-round in Wisconsin
- "Lower your daughter's dreams" — the travel ball moment that lit the fire
- The Beverly Bandits, Bill Conroy & getting to the biggest stages
- The strong women who taught her to walk into any room with her head high
- The Syracuse press conference where a football coach made her find her voice
- Northwestern's 2022 run: the ASU Super Regional, the WCWS & her parents' season-ticket seats
- Her parents, the restaurant business & dreaming big with a work ethic to match
- Preparing for games and interviews she never got to do — and why it made her ready
- The blog that started her media career & telling the stories broadcasts miss
- The field with no locks: raising $100,000+ at seventeen so kids could dream for free
- Her dad's handwritten good-luck notes — from her lunchbox to every big broadcast
- Her message to every girl watching: there's only one of you in this world

🥎 ABOUT SYDNEY SUPPLE:
Sydney Supple is a softball broadcaster and former Northwestern pitcher from Oshkosh, Wisconsin. A three-time Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year (2017–19) who committed to Northwestern in eighth grade, she led Oshkosh North to a state title, won a PGF 16U National Championship with the Beverly Bandits, and helped Northwestern to a Big Ten title and the 2022 Women's College World Series. Before graduating high school, she raised more than $100,000 to build a public softball field in her hometown — a field that remains unlocked to this day. She earned her master's degree at Syracuse and now works in softball media.

🎙️ ABOUT OUT OF LEFT FIELD:
Out of Left Field is a softball podcast telling the real stories behind the game — long-form conversations with the players, coaches, and personalities shaping pro softball, college softball, and the AUSL. Hosted by Abby Alonzo.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE for new episodes every Thursday at 7PM ET

📲 FOLLOW OUT OF LEFT FIELD:
Instagram: @olfmedia
TikTok: @outofleftfieldmedia

📲 FOLLOW ABBY ALONZO:
Instagram: @abbigailalonzo
TikTok: @abbyalonz0

This episode is presented by Triple Crown Jewelry. 💎]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74414096Thu, 20 Aug 2026 19:53:38 +0000Abby AlonzoWhen Sydney Supple was ten, the head of her small-town program told her mom to lower her daughter's dreams before they broke her heart. Then she committed to Northwestern at thirteen, won Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year three times, raised more...
▶️ IN THIS EPISODE:
- Committing to Northwestern in eighth grade — and why she'd make the same choice at 25
- Pitching in abandoned warehouses & church basements to train year-round in Wisconsin
- "Lower your daughter's dreams" — the travel ball moment that lit the fire
- The Beverly Bandits, Bill Conroy & getting to the biggest stages
- The strong women who taught her to walk into any room with her head high
- The Syracuse press conference where a football coach made her find her voice
- Northwestern's 2022 run: the ASU Super Regional, the WCWS & her parents' season-ticket seats
- Her parents, the restaurant business & dreaming big with a work ethic to match
- Preparing for games and interviews she never got to do — and why it made her ready
- The blog that started her media career & telling the stories broadcasts miss
- The field with no locks: raising $100,000+ at seventeen so kids could dream for free
- Her dad's handwritten good-luck notes — from her lunchbox to every big broadcast
- Her message to every girl watching: there's only one of you in this world

🥎 ABOUT SYDNEY SUPPLE:
Sydney Supple is a softball broadcaster and former Northwestern pitcher from Oshkosh, Wisconsin. A three-time Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year (2017–19) who committed to Northwestern in eighth grade, she led Oshkosh North to a state title, won a PGF 16U National Championship with the Beverly Bandits, and helped Northwestern to a Big Ten title and the 2022 Women's College World Series. Before graduating high school, she raised more than $100,000 to build a public softball field in her hometown — a field that remains unlocked to this day. She earned her master's degree at Syracuse and now works in softball media.

🎙️ ABOUT OUT OF LEFT FIELD:
Out of Left Field is a softball podcast telling the real stories behind the game — long-form conversations with the players, coaches, and personalities shaping pro softball, college softball, and the AUSL. Hosted by Abby Alonzo.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE for new episodes every Thursday at 7PM ET

📲 FOLLOW OUT OF LEFT FIELD:
Instagram: @olfmedia
TikTok: @outofleftfieldmedia

📲 FOLLOW ABBY ALONZO:
Instagram: @abbigailalonzo
TikTok: @abbyalonz0

This episode is presented by Triple Crown Jewelry. 💎]]>1446false40fullHope Trautwein-Valdespino on the 21-Strikeout Perfect Game & Bringing Pro Softball to KChttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/hope-trautwein-valdespino-on-the-21-strikeout-perfect-game-bringing-pro-softball-to-kc--73928646
▶️ IN THIS EPISODE:
- Kansas City's reaction to pro softball — grocery store thank-yous & sold-out energy
- Who Hope is outside the circle: family, faith & having fun
- Her husband Dom catching every bullpen (and the dislocated thumb to prove it)
- Growing up in Pflugerville near Dell Diamond & looking up to Cat Osterman
- Full circle: from the Little Leaguer on the field to the pro signing autographs
- The perfect game: April 11, 2021 — 21 batters, 21 strikeouts & why she says it wasn't her
- "It's a game of failure" — what team chemistry really means
- The teammates who shaped her, from North Texas to Oklahoma
- Her advice for young pitchers: dive into the mental game & command the field
- Oklahoma: the 22-1 national championship season & the program that changed her life
- "I was ready to hang up the cleats" — and the phone call she still makes to Patty Gasso
- Faith, self-doubt & doing something with what you're given
- Her five-year vision for pro softball

🥎 ABOUT HOPE TRAUTWEIN-VALDESPINO:
Hope Trautwein-Valdespino is a professional softball pitcher for the KC Diamonds of the Pro Softball League (PSL). At North Texas, she became the first pitcher in NCAA Division I history to throw a seven-inning perfect game with all 21 outs by strikeout, and was the 2021 Conference USA Pitcher of the Year. She transferred to Oklahoma and went 22-1 with a 0.77 ERA to help the Sooners win the 2022 national championship. Over five college seasons she compiled an 82-25 record with 850 strikeouts, and has since pitched professionally in the WPF (All-WPF Team, 2023) and Athletes Unlimited.

🎙️ ABOUT OUT OF LEFT FIELD:
Out of Left Field is a softball podcast telling the real stories behind the game — long-form conversations with the players, coaches, and personalities shaping pro softball, college softball, and the AUSL. Hosted by Abby Alonzo.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE for new episodes every Thursday at 7PM ET

📲 FOLLOW OUT OF LEFT FIELD:
Instagram: @olfmedia
TikTok: @outofleftfieldmedia

📲 FOLLOW ABBY ALONZO:
Instagram: @abbigailalonzo
TikTok: @abbyalonz0
This episode is presented by Solaro Shades. 🕶️]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73928646Thu, 13 Aug 2026 17:57:54 +0000Abby AlonzoOn April 11, 2021, Hope Trautwein-Valdespino did something no one in NCAA Division I softball history had ever done: a seven-inning perfect game where all 21 outs were strikeouts. Ask her about it, and she'll tell you it wasn't her. In this episode of...
▶️ IN THIS EPISODE:
- Kansas City's reaction to pro softball — grocery store thank-yous & sold-out energy
- Who Hope is outside the circle: family, faith & having fun
- Her husband Dom catching every bullpen (and the dislocated thumb to prove it)
- Growing up in Pflugerville near Dell Diamond & looking up to Cat Osterman
- Full circle: from the Little Leaguer on the field to the pro signing autographs
- The perfect game: April 11, 2021 — 21 batters, 21 strikeouts & why she says it wasn't her
- "It's a game of failure" — what team chemistry really means
- The teammates who shaped her, from North Texas to Oklahoma
- Her advice for young pitchers: dive into the mental game & command the field
- Oklahoma: the 22-1 national championship season & the program that changed her life
- "I was ready to hang up the cleats" — and the phone call she still makes to Patty Gasso
- Faith, self-doubt & doing something with what you're given
- Her five-year vision for pro softball

🥎 ABOUT HOPE TRAUTWEIN-VALDESPINO:
Hope Trautwein-Valdespino is a professional softball pitcher for the KC Diamonds of the Pro Softball League (PSL). At North Texas, she became the first pitcher in NCAA Division I history to throw a seven-inning perfect game with all 21 outs by strikeout, and was the 2021 Conference USA Pitcher of the Year. She transferred to Oklahoma and went 22-1 with a 0.77 ERA to help the Sooners win the 2022 national championship. Over five college seasons she compiled an 82-25 record with 850 strikeouts, and has since pitched professionally in the WPF (All-WPF Team, 2023) and Athletes Unlimited.

🎙️ ABOUT OUT OF LEFT FIELD:
Out of Left Field is a softball podcast telling the real stories behind the game — long-form conversations with the players, coaches, and personalities shaping pro softball, college softball, and the AUSL. Hosted by Abby Alonzo.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE for new episodes every Thursday at 7PM ET

📲 FOLLOW OUT OF LEFT FIELD:
Instagram: @olfmedia
TikTok: @outofleftfieldmedia

📲 FOLLOW ABBY ALONZO:
Instagram: @abbigailalonzo
TikTok: @abbyalonz0
This episode is presented by Solaro Shades. 🕶️]]>1021false39fullKayla Kowalik Had to Start Over as a Hitter. Then She Rewrote Kentucky's Record Bookhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/kayla-kowalik-had-to-start-over-as-a-hitter-then-she-rewrote-kentucky-s-record-book--73573440
Kayla Kowalik might be the busiest person in softball: reigning AUSL All-Star Cup champion, catcher in the USA Softball National Team pool, and a Division I assistant coach at Texas Tech under Gerry Glasco — all at the same time. And none of it was a straight line. In this episode of Out of Left Field, Kayla opens up about growing up a twin, being so overmatched as a right-handed hitter that she started over from the left side, the identity crisis of being "just a slapper" while her sister hit the home runs — and how betting on being herself rewrote Kentucky's record book.

▶️ IN THIS EPISODE:
- Coaching at Texas Tech while playing pro — and calling herself the "emotional support coach"
- Why she waits until the cage is empty to try her own drills (and the one Gerry Glasco had to step in on)
- Coaching on instinct, playing on a hunch & the coaches who let her be herself
- Growing up a twin: sharing everything with her sister Gabbie, then choosing different colleges
- Starting over as a lefty slapper & the identity crisis that followed
- "You're going to go farther being you than trying to be somebody else" — her answer to comparison
- Her Kentucky legacy: the record book, bleeding blue & the people in her corner
- How the USA Softball National Team pool actually works & the road to the 2028 Olympics
- The perspective flip: what pro softball players get that other pro athletes don't
- How she went from dodging the All-Star Cup format to falling in love with it

🥎 ABOUT KAYLA KOWALIK:
Kayla Kowalik is a professional softball catcher for the Carolina Blaze of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) and the reigning AUSL All-Star Cup champion, winning the 2025 individual title while leading the league in batting average (.486), hits, and RBIs. At Kentucky (2019–23), she set the program's all-time records in hits, triples, runs, and total bases with a school-record .424 career average, earning First Team All-America honors and the Johnny Bench Award as the nation's top catcher. The 2023 WPF Rookie of the Year, she serves as an assistant coach at Texas Tech under Gerry Glasco and is a member of the USA Softball National Team pool.

🎙️ ABOUT OUT OF LEFT FIELD:
Out of Left Field is a softball podcast telling the real stories behind the game — long-form conversations with the players, coaches, and personalities shaping pro softball, college softball, and the AUSL. Hosted by Abby Alonzo.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE for new episodes every Thursday at 7PM ET

📲 FOLLOW OUT OF LEFT FIELD:
Instagram: @olfmedia
TikTok: @outofleftfieldmedia

📲 FOLLOW ABBY ALONZO:
Instagram: @abbigailalonzo
TikTok: @abbyalonz0]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73573440Thu, 06 Aug 2026 19:17:34 +0000Abby AlonzoThis episode was recorded in Durham during All-Star Cup weekend, before the news that Kayla would miss this year's Cup. Kayla Kowalik might be the busiest person in softball: reigning AUSL All-Star Cup champion, catcher in the USA Softball National...
Kayla Kowalik might be the busiest person in softball: reigning AUSL All-Star Cup champion, catcher in the USA Softball National Team pool, and a Division I assistant coach at Texas Tech under Gerry Glasco — all at the same time. And none of it was a straight line. In this episode of Out of Left Field, Kayla opens up about growing up a twin, being so overmatched as a right-handed hitter that she started over from the left side, the identity crisis of being "just a slapper" while her sister hit the home runs — and how betting on being herself rewrote Kentucky's record book.

▶️ IN THIS EPISODE:
- Coaching at Texas Tech while playing pro — and calling herself the "emotional support coach"
- Why she waits until the cage is empty to try her own drills (and the one Gerry Glasco had to step in on)
- Coaching on instinct, playing on a hunch & the coaches who let her be herself
- Growing up a twin: sharing everything with her sister Gabbie, then choosing different colleges
- Starting over as a lefty slapper & the identity crisis that followed
- "You're going to go farther being you than trying to be somebody else" — her answer to comparison
- Her Kentucky legacy: the record book, bleeding blue & the people in her corner
- How the USA Softball National Team pool actually works & the road to the 2028 Olympics
- The perspective flip: what pro softball players get that other pro athletes don't
- How she went from dodging the All-Star Cup format to falling in love with it

🥎 ABOUT KAYLA KOWALIK:
Kayla Kowalik is a professional softball catcher for the Carolina Blaze of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) and the reigning AUSL All-Star Cup champion, winning the 2025 individual title while leading the league in batting average (.486), hits, and RBIs. At Kentucky (2019–23), she set the program's all-time records in hits, triples, runs, and total bases with a school-record .424 career average, earning First Team All-America honors and the Johnny Bench Award as the nation's top catcher. The 2023 WPF Rookie of the Year, she serves as an assistant coach at Texas Tech under Gerry Glasco and is a member of the USA Softball National Team pool.

🎙️ ABOUT OUT OF LEFT FIELD:
Out of Left Field is a softball podcast telling the real stories behind the game — long-form conversations with the players, coaches, and personalities shaping pro softball, college softball, and the AUSL. Hosted by Abby Alonzo.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE for new episodes every Thursday at 7PM ET

📲 FOLLOW OUT OF LEFT FIELD:
Instagram: @olfmedia
TikTok: @outofleftfieldmedia

📲 FOLLOW ABBY ALONZO:
Instagram: @abbigailalonzo
TikTok: @abbyalonz0]]>1706false38fullCarley Hoover Became Japan's MVP. Now She's Back for American Softball's New Erahttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/carley-hoover-became-japan-s-mvp-now-she-s-back-for-american-softball-s-new-era--73257558
▶️ IN THIS EPISODE:
- Full circle: winning the Little League World Series in Portland at 12 — host families, Pop-Tarts & all
- Her parents being honored by Little League
- LSU at "peak college time" — Beth Torina's lessons & how you do one thing is how you do everything
- The JMU Supers & winning on the road when you're not supposed to
- The rain-delay regional: 8 hours in the locker room, 3 food orders & "give me the ball"
- Building a career in Japan: respect, gratitude & the JD League
- "They study you, they watch you, they learn you" — reinvent or get your teeth knocked out
- The injury that ended her first AUSL season with the Blaze before it started
- Joining Portland late & the "stay available" mindset
- Her extra-inning, complete-game walk-off & the sold-out crowd in Hillsboro
- "I didn't know that many people cared about softball" — coming home to a changed sport
- Her message to the next generation: there's a place for everybody
- Why she still plays: when you stop learning, you die

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS (adjust to final cut):
00:00 – Cold Open: Reinvent yourself — or get your teeth knocked out
00:35 – Welcome to Out of Left Field
01:00 – The Little League World Series in Portland at 12
03:30 – Her parents' Little League honor
05:00 – LSU, Beth Torina & how you do one thing is how you do everything
07:45 – The JMU Supers: winning where you're not supposed to
09:30 – The rain-delay regional & "give me the ball"
11:30 – Japan: they study you, they watch you, they learn you
14:00 – The injury year with the Blaze
15:30 – Joining Portland late & staying available
17:45 – "I didn't know that many people cared about softball"
19:45 – What 12-year-old Carley would think
21:45 – There's a place for everybody
22:45 – Her why: when you stop learning, you die

🥎 ABOUT CARLEY HOOVER:
Carley Hoover is a professional softball pitcher for the Portland Cascade of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL). After starting her college career at Stanford, she became an LSU legend — ranking fifth in program history with 754 strikeouts, throwing three no-hitters, and earning two NFCA All-America honors. She built a professional career in Japan's JD League, where she was named 2022 Player of the Year after a league-record 198 strikeouts for Denso Bright Pegasus, and enters 2026 ranked eighth on the league's career strikeout list. She joined the Cascade via the 2026 Expansion Draft.

🎙️ ABOUT OUT OF LEFT FIELD:
Out of Left Field is a softball podcast telling the real stories behind the game — long-form conversations with the players, coaches, and personalities shaping pro softball, college softball, and the AUSL. Hosted by Abby Alonzo.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE for new episodes every Thursday at 7PM ET

📲 FOLLOW OUT OF LEFT FIELD:
Instagram: @olfmedia
TikTok: @outofleftfieldmedia

📲 FOLLOW ABBY ALONZO:
Instagram: @abbigailalonzo
TikTok: @abbyalonz0
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73257558Thu, 30 Jul 2026 23:00:02 +0000Abby AlonzoCarley Hoover left American softball after LSU and became one of the best pitchers in the world — 2022 Player of the Year in Japan's JD League, a league-record 198 strikeouts in a season, and a career that made her a legend overseas. Then she came...
▶️ IN THIS EPISODE:
- Full circle: winning the Little League World Series in Portland at 12 — host families, Pop-Tarts & all
- Her parents being honored by Little League
- LSU at "peak college time" — Beth Torina's lessons & how you do one thing is how you do everything
- The JMU Supers & winning on the road when you're not supposed to
- The rain-delay regional: 8 hours in the locker room, 3 food orders & "give me the ball"
- Building a career in Japan: respect, gratitude & the JD League
- "They study you, they watch you, they learn you" — reinvent or get your teeth knocked out
- The injury that ended her first AUSL season with the Blaze before it started
- Joining Portland late & the "stay available" mindset
- Her extra-inning, complete-game walk-off & the sold-out crowd in Hillsboro
- "I didn't know that many people cared about softball" — coming home to a changed sport
- Her message to the next generation: there's a place for everybody
- Why she still plays: when you stop learning, you die

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS (adjust to final cut):
00:00 – Cold Open: Reinvent yourself — or get your teeth knocked out
00:35 – Welcome to Out of Left Field
01:00 – The Little League World Series in Portland at 12
03:30 – Her parents' Little League honor
05:00 – LSU, Beth Torina & how you do one thing is how you do everything
07:45 – The JMU Supers: winning where you're not supposed to
09:30 – The rain-delay regional & "give me the ball"
11:30 – Japan: they study you, they watch you, they learn you
14:00 – The injury year with the Blaze
15:30 – Joining Portland late & staying available
17:45 – "I didn't know that many people cared about softball"
19:45 – What 12-year-old Carley would think
21:45 – There's a place for everybody
22:45 – Her why: when you stop learning, you die

🥎 ABOUT CARLEY HOOVER:
Carley Hoover is a professional softball pitcher for the Portland Cascade of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL). After starting her college career at Stanford, she became an LSU legend — ranking fifth in program history with 754 strikeouts, throwing three no-hitters, and earning two NFCA All-America honors. She built a professional career in Japan's JD League, where she was named 2022 Player of the Year after a league-record 198 strikeouts for Denso Bright Pegasus, and enters 2026 ranked eighth on the league's career strikeout list. She joined the Cascade via the 2026 Expansion Draft.

🎙️ ABOUT OUT OF LEFT FIELD:
Out of Left Field is a softball podcast telling the real stories behind the game — long-form conversations with the players, coaches, and personalities shaping pro softball, college softball, and the AUSL. Hosted by Abby Alonzo.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE for new episodes every Thursday at 7PM ET

📲 FOLLOW OUT OF LEFT FIELD:
Instagram: @olfmedia
TikTok: @outofleftfieldmedia

📲 FOLLOW ABBY ALONZO:
Instagram: @abbigailalonzo
TikTok: @abbyalonz0
]]>1228false37fullAmber Fiser Spent 5 Years in Indy Ball...One Phone Call Changed Everythinghttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/amber-fiser-spent-5-years-in-indy-ball-one-phone-call-changed-everything--73129842
▶️ IN THIS EPISODE:
- Small-town Iowa roots & the Midwest underdog mentality
- Why players from cold-weather states have to make every opportunity count
- The rookies teaching her lessons: Ailana Agbayani, Taryn Kern & more
- "The phone works both ways" — what COVID taught her about one-sided friendships
- Five years in Indy Ball: losing the spotlight & finding herself
- The lowest point of her life after college — and who helped her love the game again
- The Bandits' "with you" motto & the culture in Chicago
- Opening Day starter for the Bandits & the 136-pitch complete game
- Pinch running for the first time since high school — in a lefty helmet
- The story behind #13: her dad's 3, her mom's 11 & a number that follows her everywhere

🥎 ABOUT AMBER FISER:
Amber Fiser is a right-handed pitcher for the Chicago Bandits of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL). An All-American at Minnesota, she pitched in the 2021 Athletes Unlimited Championship Season, spent five years in independent professional softball, and returned to the pro spotlight in 2026 after being selected from the AUSL Reserve Athlete Pool — starting Opening Day for the Bandits and throwing a 136-pitch complete game win over the Carolina Blaze.

🎙️ ABOUT OUT OF LEFT FIELD:
Out of Left Field is a softball podcast telling the real stories behind the game — long-form conversations with the players, coaches, and personalities shaping pro softball, college softball, and the AUSL. Hosted by Abby Alonzo.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE for new episodes every Thursday at 7PM ET

📲 FOLLOW OUT OF LEFT FIELD:
Instagram: @olfmedia
TikTok: @outofleftfieldmedia

📲 FOLLOW ABBY ALONZO:
Instagram: @abbigailalonzo
TikTok: @abbyalonz0

This episode is presented by Solaro Shades]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73129842Thu, 23 Jul 2026 17:41:28 +0000Abby AlonzoAmber Fiser pitched for Athletes Unlimited in 2021 — then spent five years in independent ball, out of the spotlight, learning to love the game in a whole new way. In May, one phone call from the Chicago Bandits reserve pool changed everything. In...
▶️ IN THIS EPISODE:
- Small-town Iowa roots & the Midwest underdog mentality
- Why players from cold-weather states have to make every opportunity count
- The rookies teaching her lessons: Ailana Agbayani, Taryn Kern & more
- "The phone works both ways" — what COVID taught her about one-sided friendships
- Five years in Indy Ball: losing the spotlight & finding herself
- The lowest point of her life after college — and who helped her love the game again
- The Bandits' "with you" motto & the culture in Chicago
- Opening Day starter for the Bandits & the 136-pitch complete game
- Pinch running for the first time since high school — in a lefty helmet
- The story behind #13: her dad's 3, her mom's 11 & a number that follows her everywhere

🥎 ABOUT AMBER FISER:
Amber Fiser is a right-handed pitcher for the Chicago Bandits of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL). An All-American at Minnesota, she pitched in the 2021 Athletes Unlimited Championship Season, spent five years in independent professional softball, and returned to the pro spotlight in 2026 after being selected from the AUSL Reserve Athlete Pool — starting Opening Day for the Bandits and throwing a 136-pitch complete game win over the Carolina Blaze.

🎙️ ABOUT OUT OF LEFT FIELD:
Out of Left Field is a softball podcast telling the real stories behind the game — long-form conversations with the players, coaches, and personalities shaping pro softball, college softball, and the AUSL. Hosted by Abby Alonzo.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE for new episodes every Thursday at 7PM ET

📲 FOLLOW OUT OF LEFT FIELD:
Instagram: @olfmedia
TikTok: @outofleftfieldmedia

📲 FOLLOW ABBY ALONZO:
Instagram: @abbigailalonzo
TikTok: @abbyalonz0

This episode is presented by Solaro Shades]]>1137false36fullPaige Sinicki Beat Cancer the Same Way She Plays: One for Onehttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/paige-sinicki-beat-cancer-the-same-way-she-plays-one-for-one--72999162
▶️ IN THIS EPISODE:
- Growing up in Henderson, Nevada & chasing her brother into softball
- 4-hour drives every Friday to play for the Corona Angels
- Derek Jeter, defense wins championships & the first Gold Glove in Oregon softball history
- The values that ground her: growth, heart & gratitude
- Being 5'3" and overlooked — "the game doesn't know how big you are"
- November 11: the breast cancer diagnosis at 22
- "One for One" — the sticky note that got her through 8 rounds of chemo
- Why chemo felt like a softball season
- The teammates who showed up to every single infusion
- How faith carried her through treatment
- Her return with the Portland Cascade — replacing Sis Bates & the at-bat that brought the crowd to its feet

🥎 ABOUT PAIGE SINICKI:
Paige Sinicki is a professional softball infielder for the Portland Cascade of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL). At Oregon, she became the first player in program history to win the NFCA Rawlings Gold Glove (2024), was named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, and helped lead the Ducks to a Big Ten championship and the 2025 Women's College World Series. Diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer at age 22, she returned to professional softball just eight months later.

🎙️ ABOUT OUT OF LEFT FIELD:
Out of Left Field is a softball podcast telling the real stories behind the game — long-form conversations with the players, coaches, and personalities shaping pro softball, college softball, and the AUSL. Hosted by Abby Alonzo. Sponsored by Triple Crown Jewelry.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE for new episodes every Thursday at 7PM ET]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72999162Thu, 16 Jul 2026 23:00:02 +0000Abby AlonzoPaige Sinicki won the first Gold Glove in Oregon softball history, a Big Ten championship, and played in the Women's College World Series. Then, at 22, with no family history and no symptoms, she was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. In this...
▶️ IN THIS EPISODE:
- Growing up in Henderson, Nevada & chasing her brother into softball
- 4-hour drives every Friday to play for the Corona Angels
- Derek Jeter, defense wins championships & the first Gold Glove in Oregon softball history
- The values that ground her: growth, heart & gratitude
- Being 5'3" and overlooked — "the game doesn't know how big you are"
- November 11: the breast cancer diagnosis at 22
- "One for One" — the sticky note that got her through 8 rounds of chemo
- Why chemo felt like a softball season
- The teammates who showed up to every single infusion
- How faith carried her through treatment
- Her return with the Portland Cascade — replacing Sis Bates & the at-bat that brought the crowd to its feet

🥎 ABOUT PAIGE SINICKI:
Paige Sinicki is a professional softball infielder for the Portland Cascade of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL). At Oregon, she became the first player in program history to win the NFCA Rawlings Gold Glove (2024), was named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, and helped lead the Ducks to a Big Ten championship and the 2025 Women's College World Series. Diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer at age 22, she returned to professional softball just eight months later.

🎙️ ABOUT OUT OF LEFT FIELD:
Out of Left Field is a softball podcast telling the real stories behind the game — long-form conversations with the players, coaches, and personalities shaping pro softball, college softball, and the AUSL. Hosted by Abby Alonzo. Sponsored by Triple Crown Jewelry.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE for new episodes every Thursday at 7PM ET]]>1212false35fullErin Coffel on Winning the First-Ever AUSL MVP, Delusional Belief & Small-Town Roots | OLFhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/erin-coffel-on-winning-the-first-ever-ausl-mvp-delusional-belief-small-town-roots-olf--72860930https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72860930Wed, 15 Jul 2026 19:53:17 +0000Abby AlonzoErin Coffel made history as the first-ever AUSL MVP — and in this episode of Out of Left Field, recorded in Chicago just hours before first pitch on the 4th of July, she opens up about the mindset that got her there. From small-town Illinois and a...799false34fullJazmyn Jackson on Her Historic Triple Crown, Atlanta Smoke & Pro Softball Around the Worldhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/jazmyn-jackson-on-her-historic-triple-crown-atlanta-smoke-pro-softball-around-the-world--72778220

Why Jazmyn fell in love with softball — and why it's really about the people

What it's like playing for the Atlanta Smoke in the AUSL

Pro softball in the Netherlands vs. Italy vs. Mexico — culture, coaching & competition

Playing in front of tens of thousands of fans in Mexico's MLB-like atmosphere

Her Triple Crown season: .519 batting average, 10 home runs, 32 RBIs

Hitting .857 with 4 home runs in the championship series

The Rickey Henderson influence and unlearning the fear of being "too much"

"I'm a professional athlete" — the identity shift that changed everything

Reimagining Resistance Through Radical Love: Jazmyn's advocacy and mission

Creating the first Manager of Civic Leadership role at Athletes Unlimited

Her message for young girls: show up exactly as who you are

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – Intro from Kansas City (PSL tour stop)
00:42 – Falling in love with softball & the people behind it
02:41 – Playing for the Atlanta Smoke
04:42 – Netherlands vs. Italy vs. Mexico: pro softball around the world
06:36 – Mexico's fans & the most MLB-like season of her career
08:15 – KC Diamonds & communities rallying around women's sports
09:09 – Realizing her impact on women's sports
10:39 – The historic Triple Crown season in Mexico
12:43 – The story behind #24 & Rickey Henderson
15:42 – Unlearning the box: "I'm a professional athlete"
19:03 – Reimagining Resistance Through Radical Love
21:14 – Where her advocacy comes from & Athletes Unlimited
23:38 – Advice for the next generation of girls in sports ABOUT JAZMYN JACKSON:
Jazmyn Jackson is a professional softball player for the Atlanta Smoke. A former Cal Bears standout, she has played professionally in the Netherlands, Italy, Mexico, and Athletes Unlimited. In Liga Mexicana de Softbol, she made history as a Triple Crown winner, hitting .519 with 10 home runs and 32 RBIs. Off the field, Jazmyn is an advocate and business owner whose mission is "Reimagining Resistance Through Radical Love." ABOUT OUT OF LEFT FIELD:
Out of Left Field is a softball podcast and media platform telling the real stories of the athletes growing the game. Hosted by Abby Alonzo, OLF features long-form conversations with professional softball players, college stars, and the voices shaping women's sports. This episode is part of the Summer of Softball tour — 10 stops covering the WCWS, all six AUSL markets, the PSL, and the AUSL Championship Series. This episode is presented by Triple Crown Jewelry and Solaro Shades. SUBSCRIBE for new episodes all summer long]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72778220Wed, 01 Jul 2026 20:05:35 +0000Abby AlonzoJazmyn Jackson on Her Historic Triple Crown, Atlanta Smoke & Pro Softball Around the World DESCRIPTION Jazmyn Jackson has played professional softball all over the world — the Netherlands, Italy, Mexico, Athletes Unlimited, and now the Atlanta...

Why Jazmyn fell in love with softball — and why it's really about the people

What it's like playing for the Atlanta Smoke in the AUSL

Pro softball in the Netherlands vs. Italy vs. Mexico — culture, coaching & competition

Playing in front of tens of thousands of fans in Mexico's MLB-like atmosphere

Her Triple Crown season: .519 batting average, 10 home runs, 32 RBIs

Hitting .857 with 4 home runs in the championship series

The Rickey Henderson influence and unlearning the fear of being "too much"

"I'm a professional athlete" — the identity shift that changed everything

Reimagining Resistance Through Radical Love: Jazmyn's advocacy and mission

Creating the first Manager of Civic Leadership role at Athletes Unlimited

Her message for young girls: show up exactly as who you are

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – Intro from Kansas City (PSL tour stop)
00:42 – Falling in love with softball & the people behind it
02:41 – Playing for the Atlanta Smoke
04:42 – Netherlands vs. Italy vs. Mexico: pro softball around the world
06:36 – Mexico's fans & the most MLB-like season of her career
08:15 – KC Diamonds & communities rallying around women's sports
09:09 – Realizing her impact on women's sports
10:39 – The historic Triple Crown season in Mexico
12:43 – The story behind #24 & Rickey Henderson
15:42 – Unlearning the box: "I'm a professional athlete"
19:03 – Reimagining Resistance Through Radical Love
21:14 – Where her advocacy comes from & Athletes Unlimited
23:38 – Advice for the next generation of girls in sports ABOUT JAZMYN JACKSON:
Jazmyn Jackson is a professional softball player for the Atlanta Smoke. A former Cal Bears standout, she has played professionally in the Netherlands, Italy, Mexico, and Athletes Unlimited. In Liga Mexicana de Softbol, she made history as a Triple Crown winner, hitting .519 with 10 home runs and 32 RBIs. Off the field, Jazmyn is an advocate and business owner whose mission is "Reimagining Resistance Through Radical Love." ABOUT OUT OF LEFT FIELD:
Out of Left Field is a softball podcast and media platform telling the real stories of the athletes growing the game. Hosted by Abby Alonzo, OLF features long-form conversations with professional softball players, college stars, and the voices shaping women's sports. This episode is part of the Summer of Softball tour — 10 stops covering the WCWS, all six AUSL markets, the PSL, and the AUSL Championship Series. This episode is presented by Triple Crown Jewelry and Solaro Shades. SUBSCRIBE for new episodes all summer long]]>1551false33fullJess Clements: UCLA & Cal Poly Star on Identity, Pressure & Her Dad's Letters | Out of Left Fieldhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/jess-clements-ucla-cal-poly-star-on-identity-pressure-her-dad-s-letters-out-of-left-field--72590844https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72590844Thu, 18 Jun 2026 23:14:07 +0000Abby AlonzoJess Clements — UCLA & Cal Poly outfielder and AUSL Chicago Bandits rookie — joins Out of Left Field for a raw, honest conversation about identity beyond the sport, processing disappointment as a pro, the dad letters that shaped her, and what...1217false32fullSharlize Palacios on Growing Up in a Baseball Family, Transferring to UCLA, and Her Vision for Professional Softball | AUSL Utah Talonshttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sharlize-palacios-on-growing-up-in-a-baseball-family-transferring-to-ucla-and-her-vision-for-professional-softball-ausl-utah-talons--72489051

Growing up around elite athletes and how her family shaped her career
The travel ball days with Jadelyn Allchin, Maya Brady and the Orange County Batbusters
The fear of entering the transfer portal and how UCLA changed her life personally and professionally
Imposter syndrome, mental health, and what it really takes to compete at the highest level
What it's like being one of 90 elite athletes in the AUSL — and the culture they're building together
The origin of her nickname "La Chispa" — and her connection to Fernando Tatis Jr.
Her vision for professional softball in the next five to ten years

Growing up around elite athletes and how her family shaped her career
The travel ball days with Jadelyn Allchin, Maya Brady and the Orange County Batbusters
The fear of entering the transfer portal and how UCLA changed her life personally and professionally
Imposter syndrome, mental health, and what it really takes to compete at the highest level
What it's like being one of 90 elite athletes in the AUSL — and the culture they're building together
The origin of her nickname "La Chispa" — and her connection to Fernando Tatis Jr.
Her vision for professional softball in the next five to ten years

This episode is brought to you by Solaro Shades — the official eyewear of the Out of Left Field Summer of Softball Tour. Use code OLF for free shipping at solaroshades.com. Out of Left Field is an independent softball podcast built around telling the human stories behind the game. New episodes every week. Subscribe so you don't miss a stop on the tour.

🎙️ Follow Out of Left Field:
Instagram: @olfmedia
TikTok: @outofleftfieldmedia
YouTube: youtube.com/@OutOfLeftFieldOfficial

📍 Timestamps: 0:00 — Introduction & Salt Lake City opening day energy 2:15 — Growing up in Chula Vista with a baseball and softball family 6:30 — Her dad and sister as her hitting and catching coaches 10:00 — Travel ball days with Jadelyn Allchin and the Orange County Batbusters 15:30 — The decision to transfer and entering the portal 21:00 — Losing her grandma and the personal side of the transfer to UCLA 25:00 — Imposter syndrome and mental health in elite athletics 30:00 — What it's like competing alongside the best 90 softball players in the world 36:00 — The culture of the AUSL and what they're building together 41:00 — The origin of "La Chispa" and Fernando Tatis Jr. 46:00 — Her vision for professional softball in five to ten years 50:00 — The dodgeball tournament and closing thoughts]]>1246false31fullHow Chelsay Day Became Softball's Go-To Sports Agent | Legacy Creators Managementhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-chelsay-day-became-softball-s-go-to-sports-agent-legacy-creators-management--72353778https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72353778Thu, 04 Jun 2026 21:47:51 +0000Abby AlonzoThis week on Out of Left Field, Abby Alonzo sits down in person in Oklahoma City at the Women's College World Series (WCWS) — the first in-person episode of the Summer of Softball Tour — with Chelsay Day, founder of Legacy Creators Management, for a...1357false30fullMaya Johnson Opens Up on Chemo, Loyalty, NIL & What It Actually Took to Get to the AUSLhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/maya-johnson-opens-up-on-chemo-loyalty-nil-what-it-actually-took-to-get-to-the-ausl--72209989
Maya Johnson (Belmont University) sits down with Abby Alonzo on Out of Left Field for her most personal interview yet.

In this episode:
- How Maya was medically disqualified at Pitt and told she'd never play — then heard the same thing at Bowling Green
- What it was like going through chemotherapy for lupus while still training three to four days a week
- Why she turned down $380,000 in NIL money to stay at Belmont
- The moment she almost quit chemo — and what stopped her
- The Jessica Mendoza golden ticket surprise and what she actually said when she walked out
- Her identity outside of softball, working in the pediatric cardiac ICU, and why she chose nursing
- Advice for young athletes on recruiting, the transfer portal, and when to follow your heart over the money
- What it means to be the first mid-major player drafted in AUSL history — and what she wants that to say to the next generation

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🎙️ ABOUT MAYA JOHNSON
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
Maya Johnson is a redshirt senior left-handed pitcher from Columbia Station, Ohio. A four-year starter at Belmont University, she is a two-time Missouri Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year, two-time NFCA First Team All-American, and the NCAA's active career strikeout leader. In 2026 she led Division I in ERA (0.57), strikeouts (381), shutouts (14), and strikeout-to-walk ratio (11.91). She was selected 3rd overall by the Oklahoma City Spark in the 2026 AUSL College Draft — the first mid-major player in league history to receive a Golden Ticket. She is also pursuing a doctorate in nursing.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
0:00 – Intro & Welcome
0:37 – Season ending at the Tuscaloosa Regional — how she's processing it
1:35 – Maya tells her full story: Pitt, Bowling Green, finding Belmont
4:15 – Being medically disqualified twice and refusing to accept it
5:53 – How she found Belmont and committed less than a month before school started
7:21 – The transfer portal this offseason — why she almost left again
9:38 – Seeing the Instagram ad for Belmont's hybrid doctoral program and pulling out of the portal
11:30 – The lupus flare, 10 rounds of chemo, and training through it
12:57 – Abby shares her own experience with her dad's lymphoma and chemo
14:01 – What softball gave her during chemotherapy — community, purpose, and a reason to keep going
16:17 – Writing handwritten letters to every teammate at the end of the season
17:28 – How rejection made her better and what her parents instilled in her
18:53 – The loyalty to Belmont and turning down $380K in NIL
20:39 – What coaches said in the portal that made her cry and realize she needed to go back
22:28 – Advice for young athletes on recruiting and the transfer portal
25:32 – The importance of identity outside of softball and the illness narrative
27:24 – Why she chose nursing and the nurses who changed her life during her diagnosis
28:11 – Her tattoo: "If you can't see the sunshine, be the sunshine"
29:13 – What it means to be the first mid-major AUSL draft pick and growing the game
31:32 – Fear as a lie and the gut feeling she still gets before medical clearance calls
34:21 – Work ethic, intentionality, and what she'd tell a 12-year-old
36:42 – Fighting competitively as a kid and winning a bronze medal at the world championships
38:49 – What she's most proud of in her entire journey
39:18 – What 15-year-old Maya would say looking at where she is now
40:11 – Outro

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🎙️ ABOUT OUT OF LEFT FIELD
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
Out of Left Field is a softball and baseball media podcast hosted by Abby Alonzo. We go beyond the highlight reel — real conversations with real athletes about the journey, the grind, and everything the box score doesn't show. New episodes dropping regularly.
📲 Follow Out of Left Field:
Instagram: @olfmedia
TikTok: @outofleftfieldmedia
YouTube: @outofleftfieldmedia

📲 Follow Abby:
Instagram: @abbigailalonzo
TikTok: @abbyalonz0

📲 Follow Maya:
Instagram: @johnson_maya

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode.
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

#OutOfLeftField #MayaJohnson #Softball #AUSL #CollegeSoftball #BelmontSoftball #SoftballPodcast #LupusWarrior #MidMajor #OklahomaCitySpark #SoftballLife #AthleteStory #NIL #TransferPortal #GoldenTicket
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72209989Thu, 28 May 2026 15:28:39 +0000Abby AlonzoShe was told she couldn't play college softball — twice. She went through 10 rounds of chemotherapy this fall. Then she threw a perfect game 21 days after her last infusion, went 21-1 with a 0.57 ERA, and was drafted 3rd overall by the Oklahoma City...
Maya Johnson (Belmont University) sits down with Abby Alonzo on Out of Left Field for her most personal interview yet.

In this episode:
- How Maya was medically disqualified at Pitt and told she'd never play — then heard the same thing at Bowling Green
- What it was like going through chemotherapy for lupus while still training three to four days a week
- Why she turned down $380,000 in NIL money to stay at Belmont
- The moment she almost quit chemo — and what stopped her
- The Jessica Mendoza golden ticket surprise and what she actually said when she walked out
- Her identity outside of softball, working in the pediatric cardiac ICU, and why she chose nursing
- Advice for young athletes on recruiting, the transfer portal, and when to follow your heart over the money
- What it means to be the first mid-major player drafted in AUSL history — and what she wants that to say to the next generation

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🎙️ ABOUT MAYA JOHNSON
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
Maya Johnson is a redshirt senior left-handed pitcher from Columbia Station, Ohio. A four-year starter at Belmont University, she is a two-time Missouri Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year, two-time NFCA First Team All-American, and the NCAA's active career strikeout leader. In 2026 she led Division I in ERA (0.57), strikeouts (381), shutouts (14), and strikeout-to-walk ratio (11.91). She was selected 3rd overall by the Oklahoma City Spark in the 2026 AUSL College Draft — the first mid-major player in league history to receive a Golden Ticket. She is also pursuing a doctorate in nursing.

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⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
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0:00 – Intro & Welcome
0:37 – Season ending at the Tuscaloosa Regional — how she's processing it
1:35 – Maya tells her full story: Pitt, Bowling Green, finding Belmont
4:15 – Being medically disqualified twice and refusing to accept it
5:53 – How she found Belmont and committed less than a month before school started
7:21 – The transfer portal this offseason — why she almost left again
9:38 – Seeing the Instagram ad for Belmont's hybrid doctoral program and pulling out of the portal
11:30 – The lupus flare, 10 rounds of chemo, and training through it
12:57 – Abby shares her own experience with her dad's lymphoma and chemo
14:01 – What softball gave her during chemotherapy — community, purpose, and a reason to keep going
16:17 – Writing handwritten letters to every teammate at the end of the season
17:28 – How rejection made her better and what her parents instilled in her
18:53 – The loyalty to Belmont and turning down $380K in NIL
20:39 – What coaches said in the portal that made her cry and realize she needed to go back
22:28 – Advice for young athletes on recruiting and the transfer portal
25:32 – The importance of identity outside of softball and the illness narrative
27:24 – Why she chose nursing and the nurses who changed her life during her diagnosis
28:11 – Her tattoo: "If you can't see the sunshine, be the sunshine"
29:13 – What it means to be the first mid-major AUSL draft pick and growing the game
31:32 – Fear as a lie and the gut feeling she still gets before medical clearance calls
34:21 – Work ethic, intentionality, and what she'd tell a 12-year-old
36:42 – Fighting competitively as a kid and winning a bronze medal at the world championships
38:49 – What she's most proud of in her entire journey
39:18 – What 15-year-old Maya...]]>2471false29fullDallas Escobedo Magee on Winning a Natty as a Freshman, Representing Mexico, the Tokyo Olympics & Betting on the AUSL | Out of Left Fieldhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dallas-escobedo-magee-on-winning-a-natty-as-a-freshman-representing-mexico-the-tokyo-olympics-betting-on-the-ausl-out-of-left-field--72091214

How Dallas fell in love with softball in Glendale, Arizona — and why pitching found her at age 9
What it was like to win a national championship as a college freshman at Arizona State
The real story behind switching from Team USA to representing Team Mexico
Throwing the pitch that qualified Mexico for their first-ever Olympic softball appearance
Losing her grandfather two days before her Olympic debut — and taking the mound anyway
What 7 seasons of pro softball in Japan taught her about the game, discipline, and life
How her master's degree in autism and behavior analysis shapes her coaching approach
Why she left Japan and bet on the AUSL — and what it felt like to pitch in Times Square
Her message to the 18-year-old girl stepping into her college career: don't put a ceiling on yourself

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 — Intro & welcome
0:28 — Dallas introduces herself: NPF, Japan, AUSL
1:18 — The origin story: Glendale, Arizona, and falling in love with softball
2:28 — How pitching found her at age 9
3:07 — Going to Arizona State and winning a national championship as a freshman
4:20 — What winning a Natty in year one does to the rest of your college career
5:21 — Her relationship with pressure — and what "being prepared" actually means
7:01 — Advice for young pitchers on preparation and the bullpen
8:39 — Playing for Team USA juniors, then making the decision to represent Mexico
10:24 — Mexico reaches out, her first tournament, and the moment she was hooked
11:36 — On pivoting gracefully when things don't go your way
13:07 — Throwing the qualifying pitch that sent Mexico to the Tokyo Olympics
14:20 — Losing her Tata two days before her Olympic debut
15:48 — What she thinks her grandfather would have said watching her pitch
16:43 — The decision to play pro softball in Japan — seven seasons with Toyota Shoki
19:44 — How her husband Chris made it work across time zones and visa windows
21:01 — What Japan taught her about respect for the game
23:26 — Getting a master's degree in autism and behavior analysis while playing overseas
25:16 — How special education training translates directly to coaching
28:21 — Coming home: signing with the Utah Talons and the AUSL
30:29 — What it means to be part of the moment softball has been waiting for
31:43 — The ESPNW Summit, the Sephora Times Square billboard, and pitching in NYC
33:36 — Words of advice to the 18-year-old stepping into college softball

👤 ABOUT DALLAS ESCOBEDO MAGEE:

2011 NCAA National Champion | Arizona State University
2011 WCWS Co-Most Outstanding Player
2011 First-Team All-American | Pac-10 Freshman of the Year
Career record at ASU: 115–26 | 1,222 strikeouts (2nd all-time in program history)
NPF #1 Overall Draft Pick (2014) — Pennsylvania Rebellion
Team USA Junior National Team | Team Mexico National Team (2016–present)
2020 Tokyo Olympian 🇲🇽 — First pitcher in Mexico's Olympic softball history
Threw the pitch that qualified Mexico for their first-ever Olympic appearance (2019)
7 seasons with Toyota Shoki — Japan Diamond League
M.S. Autism & Behavior Analysis | Pitching Coach, Cal State Fullerton
2026 AUSL — Utah Talons

📱 Follow Dallas: @dalpal12 on Instagram 📻 ABOUT OUT OF LEFT FIELD: Out of Left Field is the softball podcast that goes deep on the players, coaches, and stories growing this game. Hosted by Abby Alonzo, OLF covers professional softball, women's sports, NIL, and the culture of the game — from the field to the business side. 🔔 Subscribe so you don't miss an episode. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72091214Thu, 21 May 2026 22:27:43 +0000Abby AlonzoDallas Escobedo Magee joins Out of Left Field for a full career deep dive — from winning a national championship as an ASU freshman, to switching flags and representing Team Mexico, to throwing the qualifying pitch that sent Mexico to the Olympics for...

How Dallas fell in love with softball in Glendale, Arizona — and why pitching found her at age 9
What it was like to win a national championship as a college freshman at Arizona State
The real story behind switching from Team USA to representing Team Mexico
Throwing the pitch that qualified Mexico for their first-ever Olympic softball appearance
Losing her grandfather two days before her Olympic debut — and taking the mound anyway
What 7 seasons of pro softball in Japan taught her about the game, discipline, and life
How her master's degree in autism and behavior analysis shapes her coaching approach
Why she left Japan and bet on the AUSL — and what it felt like to pitch in Times Square
Her message to the 18-year-old girl stepping into her college career: don't put a ceiling on yourself

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 — Intro & welcome
0:28 — Dallas introduces herself: NPF, Japan, AUSL
1:18 — The origin story: Glendale, Arizona, and falling in love with softball
2:28 — How pitching found her at age 9
3:07 — Going to Arizona State and winning a national championship as a freshman
4:20 — What winning a Natty in year one does to the rest of your college career
5:21 — Her relationship with pressure — and what "being prepared" actually means
7:01 — Advice for young pitchers on preparation and the bullpen
8:39 — Playing for Team USA juniors, then making the decision to represent Mexico
10:24 — Mexico reaches out, her first tournament, and the moment she was hooked
11:36 — On pivoting gracefully when things don't go your way
13:07 — Throwing the qualifying pitch that sent Mexico to the Tokyo Olympics
14:20 — Losing her Tata two days before her Olympic debut
15:48 — What she thinks her grandfather would have said watching her pitch
16:43 — The decision to play pro softball in Japan — seven seasons with Toyota Shoki
19:44 — How her husband Chris made it work across time zones and visa windows
21:01 — What Japan taught her about respect for the game
23:26 — Getting a master's degree in autism and behavior analysis while playing overseas
25:16 — How special education training translates directly to coaching
28:21 — Coming home: signing with the Utah Talons and the AUSL
30:29 — What it means to be part of the moment softball has been waiting for
31:43 — The ESPNW Summit, the Sephora Times Square billboard, and pitching in NYC
33:36 — Words of advice to the 18-year-old stepping into college softball

👤 ABOUT DALLAS ESCOBEDO MAGEE:

2011 NCAA National Champion | Arizona State University
2011 WCWS Co-Most Outstanding Player
2011 First-Team All-American | Pac-10 Freshman of the Year
Career record at ASU: 115–26 | 1,222 strikeouts (2nd all-time in program history)
NPF #1 Overall Draft Pick (2014) — Pennsylvania Rebellion
Team USA Junior National Team | Team Mexico National Team (2016–present)
2020 Tokyo Olympian 🇲🇽 — First pitcher in Mexico's Olympic softball history
Threw the pitch that qualified Mexico for their first-ever Olympic appearance (2019)
7 seasons with Toyota Shoki — Japan Diamond League
M.S. Autism & Behavior Analysis | Pitching Coach, Cal State Fullerton
2026 AUSL — Utah Talons

📱 Follow Dallas: @dalpal12 on Instagram 📻 ABOUT OUT OF LEFT FIELD: Out of...]]>2152false28fullWhat Is the PSL? | Professional Softball League 2026 with Florida Vibe Owner Ryan Moorehttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-is-the-psl-professional-softball-league-2026-with-florida-vibe-owner-ryan-moore--72010917

What is the Professional Softball League (PSL) and how it was formed
PSL 2026 inaugural season — 7 teams, opening day June 12, 2026
Florida Vibe selection show — May 22nd at 7PM on True TV
How Ryan Moore founded the Florida Gulf Coast League (FGCL), the first summer collegiate softball league in the country
Building the American Collegiate League (ACL) as a national platform for collegiate summer softball
How the Florida Vibe became the longest-tenured independent pro softball team in the country
PSL vs. previous pro softball leagues — what makes this structure sustainable
PSL broadcast deal — AWSN, Amazon Prime, Pluto TV, DirecTV
Three PSL expansion teams already approved for 2027
UMR Sports complex in Bradenton, Florida — softball stadium, five-plex fields, grand opening Memorial Day 2027
Pro softball player salaries and the five-year vision for six-figure pay
The PSL's minor league feeder system — the APCL
Michelle Smith, Dot Richardson, Lonnie Alameda, Kenny Jeske — building trust in the softball community
Danielle Watson, Riley Boone, Michaela Enfield, Taylor Pleasants — Florida Vibe player connections
Growing women's professional sports and extending careers post-college

What is the Professional Softball League (PSL) and how it was formed
PSL 2026 inaugural season — 7 teams, opening day June 12, 2026
Florida Vibe selection show — May 22nd at 7PM on True TV
How Ryan Moore founded the Florida Gulf Coast League (FGCL), the first summer collegiate softball league in the country
Building the American Collegiate League (ACL) as a national platform for collegiate summer softball
How the Florida Vibe became the longest-tenured independent pro softball team in the country
PSL vs. previous pro softball leagues — what makes this structure sustainable
PSL broadcast deal — AWSN, Amazon Prime, Pluto TV, DirecTV
Three PSL expansion teams already approved for 2027
UMR Sports complex in Bradenton, Florida — softball stadium, five-plex fields, grand opening Memorial Day 2027
Pro softball player salaries and the five-year vision for six-figure pay
The PSL's minor league feeder system — the APCL
Michelle Smith, Dot Richardson, Lonnie Alameda, Kenny Jeske — building trust in the softball community
Danielle Watson, Riley Boone, Michaela Enfield, Taylor Pleasants — Florida Vibe player connections
Growing women's professional sports and extending careers post-college

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – Intro 0:25 – Ryan Moore's background: baseball, dairy farm, no softball roots 1:24 – The moment that started everything — softball players sitting in the stands 3:19 – Googling "college summer softball" and finding zero results 3:46 – Founding the FGCL in 2020 with one tweet and no contacts 5:13 – COVID, the USSSA Pride, and discovering the softball world 9:02 – Earning trust as a softball outsider — Michelle Smith, Dot Richardson, Lonnie Alameda 13:43 – Why the PSL was formed and how independent teams unified 15:01 – The grassroots community model behind the Florida Vibe 18:26 – PSL ownership structure — equal shares, no top-heavy control 19:44 – What makes the PSL sustainable where past pro softball leagues failed 22:48 – Building UMR Sports on family farmland in Bradenton, Florida 25:38 – Softball stadium, five-plex fields, Memorial Day 2027 grand opening 27:04 – What it means to create professional opportunity for women athletes 29:24 – Spending the night in the hospital with an injured player during COVID 32:50 – Five-year vision: six-figure salaries and a minor league pipeline for pro softball 33:39 – PSL Opening Day June 12 + Florida Vibe selection show May 22nd on True TV 👤 ABOUT RYAN MOORE: Ryan Moore is the founder and owner of UMR Sports and the Florida Vibe — the longest-tenured independent professional softball team in the country, based in Bradenton, Florida. He founded the Florida Gulf Coast League (FGCL), the first summer collegiate softball league in the United States, and the American Collegiate League (ACL), a national network of regional collegiate summer softball leagues. He serves as spokesperson for the Professional Softball League (PSL), a seven-team professional fastpitch softball league launching its inaugural season in June 2026. 📅 KEY DATES: Florida Vibe Selection Show: May 22, 2026 at 7PM on True TV PSL Opening Day: June 12, 2026 UMR Sports Complex Grand Opening: Memorial Day Weekend 2027 🎙️ ABOUT OUT OF LEFT FIELD: Out of Left Field is the softball podcast interviewing the players, coaches, and builders growing the...]]>2270false27fullAmari Harper Opens Up About the AUSL Golden Ticket, the Transfer Portal & Going Pro | Oregon Softballhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/amari-harper-opens-up-about-the-ausl-golden-ticket-the-transfer-portal-going-pro-oregon-softball--71792483future head coach. She transferred across the country, had a
breakout junior year, and this spring — she got the call that
her softball career isn't ending after college.
Amari Harper, Oregon Ducks utility player and 2026 AUSL Golden
Ticket recipient, sits down with Abby to talk about what it
really means to forge your own path in a sport that's in
your DNA.
In this episode:
→ Growing up in a full athletic household & playing with her
mom's former teammate as her head coach
→ What she actually felt the moment Natasha Watley called
her name
→ The super regional loss at Texas A&M that completely
changed her competitive mindset
→ Why she entered the portal — and what she wants young
players to know about trusting themselves
→ The best advice her parents gave her when choosing a school
→ How she thinks about versatility and stacking her tool belt
→ Her plans to become a sports agent — and why dating a
pro athlete gave her a head start
→ What growing the game of softball actually looks like
to someone living it right now
The 2026 AUSL College Draft airs May 4th at 7PM ET on ESPN2.
🎙️ Out of Left Field is dedicated to growing the game of
softball by amplifying the voices of the players building it.
🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode.
📲 Follow OLF: @olfmedia
#softball #AUSLsoftball #AmariHarper #OregonDucks
#GoldenTicket #softballpodcast #OutOfLeftField
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71792483Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:46:52 +0000Abby AlonzoShe grew up watching her mom play college ball alongside her future head coach. She transferred across the country, had a breakout junior year, and this spring — she got the call that her softball career isn't ending after college. Amari Harper,...future head coach. She transferred across the country, had a
breakout junior year, and this spring — she got the call that
her softball career isn't ending after college.
Amari Harper, Oregon Ducks utility player and 2026 AUSL Golden
Ticket recipient, sits down with Abby to talk about what it
really means to forge your own path in a sport that's in
your DNA.
In this episode:
→ Growing up in a full athletic household & playing with her
mom's former teammate as her head coach
→ What she actually felt the moment Natasha Watley called
her name
→ The super regional loss at Texas A&M that completely
changed her competitive mindset
→ Why she entered the portal — and what she wants young
players to know about trusting themselves
→ The best advice her parents gave her when choosing a school
→ How she thinks about versatility and stacking her tool belt
→ Her plans to become a sports agent — and why dating a
pro athlete gave her a head start
→ What growing the game of softball actually looks like
to someone living it right now
The 2026 AUSL College Draft airs May 4th at 7PM ET on ESPN2.
🎙️ Out of Left Field is dedicated to growing the game of
softball by amplifying the voices of the players building it.
🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode.
📲 Follow OLF: @olfmedia
#softball #AUSLsoftball #AmariHarper #OregonDucks
#GoldenTicket #softballpodcast #OutOfLeftField
]]>2526false26fullFrom UVA Catcher to Pro Pioneer | Leah Boggs on the PSL, Building KC Diamonds From Scratch & the Future of Women's Softballhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/from-uva-catcher-to-pro-pioneer-leah-boggs-on-the-psl-building-kc-diamonds-from-scratch-the-future-of-women-s-softball--71638506https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71638506Sat, 25 Apr 2026 17:44:16 +0000Abby AlonzoThe Professional Softball League is here — and Leah Boggs is building it from the ground floor. In this episode of Out of Left Field, we sit down with the first player ever signed by the Kansas City Diamonds to talk about what it takes to go from a...2071false25fullFrom the Transfer Portal to 40+ NIL Deals | Geanice Morales on Softball, Mindset & Building a Brandhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/from-the-transfer-portal-to-40-nil-deals-geanice-morales-on-softball-mindset-building-a-brand--71380819

The transfer portal experience — anxiety, uncertainty, and starting over

How a new coach not recruiting you can end your playing time

Going from 1,000 to 22,000 Instagram followers in under a year

Working with Nike, Meta, NCAA & 40+ brands through NIL

Why vulnerability on social media builds the strongest communities

Speed, footwork, and softball IQ tips for young infielders & first basemen

The mental game of softball and learning to be your own cheerleader

How the growth of softball is changing everything for the next generation

The transfer portal experience — anxiety, uncertainty, and starting over

How a new coach not recruiting you can end your playing time

Going from 1,000 to 22,000 Instagram followers in under a year

Working with Nike, Meta, NCAA & 40+ brands through NIL

Why vulnerability on social media builds the strongest communities

Speed, footwork, and softball IQ tips for young infielders & first basemen

The mental game of softball and learning to be your own cheerleader

How the growth of softball is changing everything for the next generation

🥎 Subscribe to Out of the Field for weekly episodes with college and professional softball players and coaches. We're here to grow the game.
📲 Follow Geanice Morales: Instagram: @geanice_18 TikTok: @geanice_18
📲 Follow Out of the Field: @olfmedia
#softball #NIL #collegesoftball #transferportal #softballpodcast #OutoftheField #GeaniceMorales #WagnerCollege #softballmindset #collegeathlete]]>2173false24fullConstance Quinn on LSU Softball's Culture, Playing For Beth Torina, Jayden Heavener's Wave & Building Quinn Fit Performancehttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/constance-quinn-on-lsu-softball-s-culture-playing-for-beth-torina-jayden-heavener-s-wave-building-quinn-fit-performance--71214940https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71214940Thu, 09 Apr 2026 19:12:54 +0000Abby Alonzosecond baseman Constance Quinn — a three-time Women's College World Series participant, the self-described "heart and soul" of LSU softball under head coach Beth Torina, and one of the rare college athletes to play two sports at the Division I level....2189false23fullWhat College Softball Coaches Look For in Recruits ft. Southeastern Louisiana Softball Coach Matt Uhlehttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-college-softball-coaches-look-for-in-recruits-ft-southeastern-louisiana-softball-coach-matt-uhle--71071968• What college softball coaches look for in players
• Why mid-major softball programs are rising
• How softball is growing through ESPN exposure and pro leagues
• The importance of team culture in college softball
• Recruiting advice for youth softball players
• How athletes stand out to college coaches
• Life lessons learned through softball About Out of Left Field: Out of Left Field is a softball podcast focused on growing the game through real conversations with players, coaches, and leaders shaping the future of softball. Subscribe for weekly softball interviews, college softball insights, and stories from across the game. Follow Out of Left Field: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olfmedia
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@outofleftfieldmedia Follow Abby: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abigailalonzo
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@abbyalonzo]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71071968Thu, 02 Apr 2026 22:29:50 +0000Abby AlonzoCollege softball is growing faster than ever — but what does it actually take to play at the next level? In this episode of Out of Left Field, Abby sits down with Southeastern Louisiana assistant softball coach Matt Uhle to break down what college...• What college softball coaches look for in players
• Why mid-major softball programs are rising
• How softball is growing through ESPN exposure and pro leagues
• The importance of team culture in college softball
• Recruiting advice for youth softball players
• How athletes stand out to college coaches
• Life lessons learned through softball About Out of Left Field: Out of Left Field is a softball podcast focused on growing the game through real conversations with players, coaches, and leaders shaping the future of softball. Subscribe for weekly softball interviews, college softball insights, and stories from across the game. Follow Out of Left Field: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olfmedia
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@outofleftfieldmedia Follow Abby: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abigailalonzo
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@abbyalonzo]]>2225false22fullSam Fischer on Building Pro Softball, AUSL Growth & Life After Playing | Out of Left Fieldhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sam-fischer-on-building-pro-softball-ausl-growth-life-after-playing-out-of-left-field--70902334• Sam Fischer’s pro softball journey (NPF, AU, international play)
• The growth of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL)
• Working with Kim Ng and building a player-first league
• The reality of early pro softball salaries vs today
• Transitioning from athlete identity into a career
• How social media is changing softball exposure
• Advice for athletes after their playing career ends
• Growing the game and the future of women’s sports If you care about the future of softball, women’s sports, or what it really takes to build a professional league, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Subscribe for more athlete interviews, softball stories, and conversations growing the game. 🎙️ Out of Left Field Podcast
Hosted by Abby Alonzo Follow Out of Left Field:
Instagram: @abbigailalonzo
TikTok: @abbyalonz0
Follow Sam Fischer:
TikTok: @samfischer52 #Softball #AUSL #AthletesUnlimited #WomensSports #ProSoftball]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70902334Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:40:22 +0000Abby AlonzoWelcome back to Out of Left Field ⚡🥎 In this episode, Abby Alonzo sits down with Sam Fischer, Manager of Softball Operations for the AUSL, former professional player, Athletes Unlimited history maker, and one of the voices helping shape the future of...• Sam Fischer’s pro softball journey (NPF, AU, international play)
• The growth of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL)
• Working with Kim Ng and building a player-first league
• The reality of early pro softball salaries vs today
• Transitioning from athlete identity into a career
• How social media is changing softball exposure
• Advice for athletes after their playing career ends
• Growing the game and the future of women’s sports If you care about the future of softball, women’s sports, or what it really takes to build a professional league, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Subscribe for more athlete interviews, softball stories, and conversations growing the game. 🎙️ Out of Left Field Podcast
Hosted by Abby Alonzo Follow Out of Left Field:
Instagram: @abbigailalonzo
TikTok: @abbyalonz0
Follow Sam Fischer:
TikTok: @samfischer52 #Softball #AUSL #AthletesUnlimited #WomensSports #ProSoftball]]>2224false21fullSahvanna Jaquish: LSU Legend, Team USA Gold Medalist & AUSL Champion | Out of Left Fieldhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sahvanna-jaquish-lsu-legend-team-usa-gold-medalist-ausl-champion-out-of-left-field--70765252• What LSU softball taught her about competing at an elite level
• The transition from college softball to professional softball
• Playing for Team USA and winning gold medals
• How pro softball is growing with AUSL and MLB investment
• The mentality required for longevity in professional sports
• Why loving the game is what keeps athletes going
• Advice for young softball players trying to reach the next level Jaquish also tells behind-the-scenes LSU stories, talks about winning the AUSL inaugural championship, and explains why softball’s future is brighter than ever. If you love college softball, pro softball, LSU softball, or want to learn what it takes to build a career in sports, this episode is for you. Subscribe for more softball interviews, athlete stories, and conversations growing the game.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70765252Thu, 19 Mar 2026 23:00:02 +0000Abby AlonzoSahvanna Jaquish joins Out of Left Field to break down her incredible softball journey from LSU superstar to professional softball veteran, Team USA gold medalist, and AUSL champion. In this episode, Jaquish shares what it takes to succeed at the...• What LSU softball taught her about competing at an elite level
• The transition from college softball to professional softball
• Playing for Team USA and winning gold medals
• How pro softball is growing with AUSL and MLB investment
• The mentality required for longevity in professional sports
• Why loving the game is what keeps athletes going
• Advice for young softball players trying to reach the next level Jaquish also tells behind-the-scenes LSU stories, talks about winning the AUSL inaugural championship, and explains why softball’s future is brighter than ever. If you love college softball, pro softball, LSU softball, or want to learn what it takes to build a career in sports, this episode is for you. Subscribe for more softball interviews, athlete stories, and conversations growing the game.]]>2316false20fullFrom Software Engineer To Pro Softball: Sami Williams’ Journey To The Chicago Banditshttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/from-software-engineer-to-pro-softball-sami-williams-journey-to-the-chicago-bandits--70611065• Her journey through pro softball leagues (AU, WPF, AUSL)
• Working in Major League Baseball as a software engineer
• Overcoming injuries and setbacks
• How networking helped extend her career
• Advice for young softball players chasing big dreams
• What it means to play pro softball in Chicago Out of Left Field is a softball podcast focused on the stories behind the athletes, the business of softball, and growing the game. Make sure to subscribe for more interviews with top softball players, coaches, and leaders in women’s sports. #Softball #AUSL #AthletesUnlimited #ChicagoBandits #WomensSports #CollegeSoftball #ProSoftball]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70611065Thu, 12 Mar 2026 23:00:02 +0000Abby AlonzoSami Williams has one of the most unique stories in professional softball. From playing at Iowa State to competing in Athletes Unlimited, the WPF, and now the AUSL with the Chicago Bandits, Sami’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, networking,...• Her journey through pro softball leagues (AU, WPF, AUSL)
• Working in Major League Baseball as a software engineer
• Overcoming injuries and setbacks
• How networking helped extend her career
• Advice for young softball players chasing big dreams
• What it means to play pro softball in Chicago Out of Left Field is a softball podcast focused on the stories behind the athletes, the business of softball, and growing the game. Make sure to subscribe for more interviews with top softball players, coaches, and leaders in women’s sports. #Softball #AUSL #AthletesUnlimited #ChicagoBandits #WomensSports #CollegeSoftball #ProSoftball]]>1830false19fullSEC Softball Opening Weekend Preview | Tennessee vs LSU, Texas, Alabama, Florida Storylineshttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sec-softball-opening-weekend-preview-tennessee-vs-lsu-texas-alabama-florida-storylines--70515029

Tennessee softball pitching dominance led by Karlyn Pickens
LSU trying to challenge the No. 1 team in the country
Arkansas emerging as a Women’s College World Series contender
Texas riding a 17-game winning streak
Alabama entering SEC play undefeated
Florida looking to build momentum in the SEC standings
Mississippi State’s strong pitching performance from Raelin Goold

Tennessee softball pitching dominance led by Karlyn Pickens
LSU trying to challenge the No. 1 team in the country
Arkansas emerging as a Women’s College World Series contender
Texas riding a 17-game winning streak
Alabama entering SEC play undefeated
Florida looking to build momentum in the SEC standings
Mississippi State’s strong pitching performance from Raelin Goold

SEC softball is widely considered the deepest conference in the sport, and opening weekend will give us our first real look at the national championship contenders. Subscribe to Out of Left Field for interviews with the biggest players in softball and weekly breakdowns of the biggest storylines in the sport.]]>716false18fullEmma Lemley: Virginia Tech Legend, AUSL “Golden Ticket” History + Mindset, Yips & Playing Free | OLFhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/emma-lemley-virginia-tech-legend-ausl-golden-ticket-history-mindset-yips-playing-free-olf--70304103• The behind-the-scenes story of her AUSL Golden Ticket moment
• Playing for the Blaze and entering pro softball
• The illegal pitch controversy and handling social media criticism
• Overcoming the yips as a college pitcher
• Mental health in college softball and professional sports
• Mindfulness routines, breath work, and athlete mindset training
• Competing under pressure on ESPN and national stages
• Growing the game of women’s sports and pro softball
• Finding your “why” as an athlete Emma Lemley’s story is one of resilience, self-awareness, and evolution — from learning pitching alongside her dad to becoming one of the faces of the next era of professional softball. If you’re a softball player, coach, parent, or fan of Virginia Tech softball, AUSL, or women’s sports growth, this episode is packed with insight into what it really takes to succeed at the elite level. Subscribe for more in-depth interviews with AUSL athletes, college softball stars, and leaders shaping the future of women’s professional sports. #EmmaLemley #VirginiaTechSoftball #AUSL #ProSoftball #CollegeSoftball #AthletesUnlimited #SoftballPodcast #WomenInSports #Pitching #MentalHealthInSports]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70304103Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:20 +0000Abby AlonzoEmma Lemley — Virginia Tech softball legend and AUSL Golden Ticket history maker — joins Out of Left Field for a deep dive into her journey from Forest, Virginia to professional softball. In this full interview, Emma Lemley opens up about her time at...• The behind-the-scenes story of her AUSL Golden Ticket moment
• Playing for the Blaze and entering pro softball
• The illegal pitch controversy and handling social media criticism
• Overcoming the yips as a college pitcher
• Mental health in college softball and professional sports
• Mindfulness routines, breath work, and athlete mindset training
• Competing under pressure on ESPN and national stages
• Growing the game of women’s sports and pro softball
• Finding your “why” as an athlete Emma Lemley’s story is one of resilience, self-awareness, and evolution — from learning pitching alongside her dad to becoming one of the faces of the next era of professional softball. If you’re a softball player, coach, parent, or fan of Virginia Tech softball, AUSL, or women’s sports growth, this episode is packed with insight into what it really takes to succeed at the elite level. Subscribe for more in-depth interviews with AUSL athletes, college softball stars, and leaders shaping the future of women’s professional sports. #EmmaLemley #VirginiaTechSoftball #AUSL #ProSoftball #CollegeSoftball #AthletesUnlimited #SoftballPodcast #WomenInSports #Pitching #MentalHealthInSports]]>2844false17full2x WCWS Champion Taryne Mowatt-McKinney on Mississippi State Softball & AUSL Pitchinghttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/2x-wcws-champion-taryne-mowatt-mckinney-on-mississippi-state-softball-ausl-pitching--70152125• Playing behind Olympic pitcher Alicia Hollowell
• The reality of failure in softball and pitching development
• Coaching her own sister at Cal Baptist
• Balancing identity outside of sports
• Raising a son around elite women athletes
• Mississippi State softball pitching staff development
• What excites her most about coaching in the AUSL
• The growth of professional softball and viewership records This episode is about more than wins and records — it’s about development, identity, leadership, and growing the game of softball at every level. If you love college softball, the Women’s College World Series, the AUSL, Mississippi State softball, Arizona softball history, or pitching development — this one is for you. 🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with elite softball players, coaches, and leaders in the game. Follow Out of Left Field:
Instagram: @OLFMedia
Host: Abby Alonzo #Softball #CollegeSoftball #WCWS #AUSL #MississippiStateSoftball #ArizonaSoftball]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70152125Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:20:02 +0000Abby AlonzoTaryne Mowatt-McKinney has done it all in college softball. In this episode of Out of Left Field, Abby Alonzo sits down with 2x Women’s College World Series champion and Arizona softball legend Taryne Mowatt-McKinney to talk about her journey from...• Playing behind Olympic pitcher Alicia Hollowell
• The reality of failure in softball and pitching development
• Coaching her own sister at Cal Baptist
• Balancing identity outside of sports
• Raising a son around elite women athletes
• Mississippi State softball pitching staff development
• What excites her most about coaching in the AUSL
• The growth of professional softball and viewership records This episode is about more than wins and records — it’s about development, identity, leadership, and growing the game of softball at every level. If you love college softball, the Women’s College World Series, the AUSL, Mississippi State softball, Arizona softball history, or pitching development — this one is for you. 🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with elite softball players, coaches, and leaders in the game. Follow Out of Left Field:
Instagram: @OLFMedia
Host: Abby Alonzo #Softball #CollegeSoftball #WCWS #AUSL #MississippiStateSoftball #ArizonaSoftball]]>1706false16fullLSU Softball’s Jayden Heavener on Perfect Game, Pitching Mindset & Freshman Seasonhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lsu-softball-s-jayden-heavener-on-perfect-game-pitching-mindset-freshman-season--70016074• Throwing a perfect game in her LSU debut
• The mindset behind competing at the highest level of college softball
• Learning from teammates like Sydney Berzon
• Competing in the SEC as a freshman
• Staying confident while being completely different from other pitchers
• What young softball players need to hear about failure
• The sacrifices her parents made to get her here

Jayden opens up about leadership, family, mental toughness, and what it means to wear LSU across her chest. From Pace High School to Tiger Park, this is the story behind one of the most exciting young arms in NCAA softball. If you're a softball player, pitcher, parent, or LSU fan — this one is for you.

Make sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more LSU Softball interviews, SEC coverage, and in-depth conversations from Out of Left Field.
#LSUSoftball #JaydenHeavener #CollegeSoftball #NCAASoftball #SECSoftball #SoftballPitcher #LSUTigers #SoftballInterview #WomensSports #OutOfLeftField]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70016074Thu, 12 Feb 2026 23:05:02 +0000Abby AlonzoLSU Softball pitcher Jayden Heavener made history in her college debut — throwing a PERFECT GAME with 13 strikeouts in her first appearance in the circle for the Tigers. In this episode of Out of Left Field, host Abby Alonzo sits down with the Pace,...• Throwing a perfect game in her LSU debut
• The mindset behind competing at the highest level of college softball
• Learning from teammates like Sydney Berzon
• Competing in the SEC as a freshman
• Staying confident while being completely different from other pitchers
• What young softball players need to hear about failure
• The sacrifices her parents made to get her here

Jayden opens up about leadership, family, mental toughness, and what it means to wear LSU across her chest. From Pace High School to Tiger Park, this is the story behind one of the most exciting young arms in NCAA softball. If you're a softball player, pitcher, parent, or LSU fan — this one is for you.

Make sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more LSU Softball interviews, SEC coverage, and in-depth conversations from Out of Left Field.
#LSUSoftball #JaydenHeavener #CollegeSoftball #NCAASoftball #SECSoftball #SoftballPitcher #LSUTigers #SoftballInterview #WomensSports #OutOfLeftField]]>1049false15fullTori Edwards On LSU Softball, SEC Pressure & Pride And Preparing For The Season | Out of Left Fieldhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tori-edwards-on-lsu-softball-sec-pressure-pride-and-preparing-for-the-season-out-of-left-field--69722105https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69722105Thu, 05 Feb 2026 12:35:02 +0000Abby AlonzoTori Edwards is one of the most decorated players in college softball and an asset for LSU Softball. The 2025 SEC Freshman of the Year joins host Abby Alonzo to talk about her journey to Baton Rouge, the pressure and pride that come with wearing...1073false14fullAUSL Reporter Savanna Collins on Softball’s Boom, Kim Ng, MLB Partnership + Media Advice | OLFhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ausl-reporter-savanna-collins-on-softball-s-boom-kim-ng-mlb-partnership-media-advice-olf--69671214https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69671214Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:07 +0000Abby AlonzoToday on Out of Left Field, Abby Alonzo sits down with Savanna Collins — one of the leading storytellers and on-camera reporters covering the AUSL (Athletes Unlimited Softball League). This episode is a must-watch if you love pro softball, care about...2973false13fullGeorgina Corrick on Why She Loves to Fail, How AUSL Changed Pro Softball & Building an Identity Beyond Sporthttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/georgina-corrick-on-why-she-loves-to-fail-how-ausl-changed-pro-softball-building-an-identity-beyond-sport--69547138

What really happens in elite bullpens with pitchers like Montana Fouts and Megan Faraimo
How Athletes Unlimited changed the professional softball model
Why AUSL’s athlete-first structure matters for sustainability
Coaching at Cornell and learning how to teach the game
Why marine biology and sustainability are core to who she is
The importance of having an identity outside of softball

This episode is about more than pitching mechanics — it’s about growth, learning, independence, and longevity in sport and life.

🎧 Watch the full conversation and subscribe for more interviews with pro, college, and international softball athletes.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69547138Thu, 22 Jan 2026 23:06:08 +0000Abby AlonzoIn this episode of Out of Left Field, Georgina Corrick joins Abby Alonzo for a deep, honest conversation about failing to get better, professional softball, international play, and building an identity beyond the sport. Georgina opens up about growing...

What really happens in elite bullpens with pitchers like Montana Fouts and Megan Faraimo
How Athletes Unlimited changed the professional softball model
Why AUSL’s athlete-first structure matters for sustainability
Coaching at Cornell and learning how to teach the game
Why marine biology and sustainability are core to who she is
The importance of having an identity outside of softball

This episode is about more than pitching mechanics — it’s about growth, learning, independence, and longevity in sport and life.

🎧 Watch the full conversation and subscribe for more interviews with pro, college, and international softball athletes.]]>3344false12fullMegan Faraimo On Growing Softball Globally, Playing For Team USA, Pitching Mindset & Journalinghttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/megan-faraimo-on-growing-softball-globally-playing-for-team-usa-pitching-mindset-journaling--69384632https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69384632Sat, 10 Jan 2026 22:13:44 +0000Abby AlonzoFirst episode of 2026 — and we’re kicking it off with Megan “Meg” Faraimo. 🔥 UCLA alum, Team USA pitcher, pro standout (AU/AUSL), and an international hooper who’s played overseas (Japan + Mexico). In this episode, Meg breaks down what it actually...3137false11fullJadelyn Allchin On The AUSL Reserve Pool, UCLA Softball & Being Drafted By The Talonshttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/jadelyn-allchin-on-the-ausl-reserve-pool-ucla-softball-being-drafted-by-the-talons--69125500https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69125500Thu, 18 Dec 2025 22:38:00 +0000Abby AlonzoJadelyn Allchin’s softball journey is one every athlete — and parent — needs to hear. In this episode of Out of Left Field, host Abby Alonzo sits down with professional softball player Jadelyn Allchin to unpack one of the most powerful stories in the...3405false10fullTori Vidales on AUSL Draft, Team Mexico & Being An ESPN Analyst While Playing Professionallyhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tori-vidales-on-ausl-draft-team-mexico-being-an-espn-analyst-while-playing-professionally--68994403

Her rise from Texas A&M to international softball

Playing for Team Mexico, battles behind the scenes, and qualifying for the Olympics

The wild early years of Athletes Unlimited/AUSL, the “Buy In or Retire” era

What really happens in the AUSL draft room

The mental side of softball: pressure, identity, confidence, and resilience

Why she believes softball is finally in its breakthrough era

How being an analyst makes her a better player (and vice versa)

The importance of athletes building their own brand

Her message to the next generation of softball players

Her rise from Texas A&M to international softball

Playing for Team Mexico, battles behind the scenes, and qualifying for the Olympics

The wild early years of Athletes Unlimited/AUSL, the “Buy In or Retire” era

What really happens in the AUSL draft room

The mental side of softball: pressure, identity, confidence, and resilience

Why she believes softball is finally in its breakthrough era

How being an analyst makes her a better player (and vice versa)

The importance of athletes building their own brand

Her message to the next generation of softball players

This is one of the most insightful and honest conversations we’ve ever had on OLF — and if you’re a softball fan, player, parent, or coach, this one will stick with you.

FOLLOW US
➡️ Abby Alonzo
Instagram: @abbigailalonzo
TikTok: @aalonz0
➡️ Tori Vidales
Instagram: @vidalestori
➡️ Out of Left Field (OLF)
Instagram: @olfmedia
TikTok: @outofleftfieldmedia

CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro
00:32 – Who Is Tori Vidales?
02:00 – Identity Beyond Softball
02:50 – Tori’s Origin Story
05:40 – Travel Ball, Impact Gold & Recruiting at 14
08:40 – Committing to Texas A&M
10:50 – Building A&M Back to the Women’s College World Series
12:40 – Going Undrafted & Finding Pro Softball
14:50 – Team Mexico, Behind-the-Scenes Turmoil & Olympic Qualifying
18:40 – COVID Season, AU Year One & “Buy In or Retire”
23:20 – Playing Without Fans & Creating Team Culture
26:40 – AUSL Growth, Media, & What Makes This League Different
31:30 – Media Team Appreciation + Why Storytelling Matters
35:00 – Tori’s Life as an ESPN/SEC Network Analyst
37:40 – Balancing Broadcast & Being a Pro Athlete
41:00 – The Mental Side of Broadcasting
45:00 – Mentoring Younger Players
47:00 – Draft Night, Being Selected by the Cascade
52:00 – Leaving the Talons & Building Something New
55:30 – The Mindset That Saved Her Career
01:00:20 – Tori’s Message to Young Athletes
01:02:30 – Closing, Gratitude, and Next Steps]]>3767abby,alonzo,athletes,ausl,espn,field,interview,left,media,mexico,of,olf,out,podcast,sec,softball,team,tori,unlimited,vidalesfalse9fullMichaela Edenfield On Her FSU Roots, Confidence, Identity, Mental Health & AUSL Expansionhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/michaela-edenfield-on-her-fsu-roots-confidence-identity-mental-health-ausl-expansion--68665490https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68665490Fri, 21 Nov 2025 00:19:08 +0000Abby AlonzoAUSL catcher and former Florida State standout Michaela Edenfield sits down for one of the most honest conversations Abby Alonzo has had on Out of Left Field. We dive into topics athletes rarely feel safe talking about publicly: • confidence vs....3936falsefullPayton Gottshall On Pro Softball Life, Mexico League, AUSL ESPN Deal & Tennessee Softball Culturehttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/payton-gottshall-on-pro-softball-life-mexico-league-ausl-espn-deal-tennessee-softball-culture--68665464https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68665464Fri, 07 Nov 2025 00:17:00 +0000Abby AlonzoFormer Tennessee Lady Vol Payton Gottshall pulls back the curtain on what professional softball actually looks like: bouncing between leagues and countries (Mexico, Netherlands, Taiwan), 60-hour travel days, and why Mexico’s fan culture is unmatched....2071false7fullUCLA National Champion Paige Halstead Being Present & Teaching Athletes to Grow Their Brandhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ucla-national-champion-paige-halstead-being-present-teaching-athletes-to-grow-their-brand--68665451https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68665451Thu, 30 Oct 2025 23:15:00 +0000Abby AlonzoUCLA national champion, Team USA alum, and entrepreneur Paige Halstead joins Out of Left Field to talk about her journey from winning a natty at UCLA to building her own lane in softball — as a broadcaster, creator, and business owner. Paige opens up...1939false6fullTennessee Softball’s Karlyn Pickens on Breaking The College Softball Velo Records & Team USAhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tennessee-softball-s-karlyn-pickens-on-breaking-the-college-softball-velo-records-team-usa--68665446https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68665446Thu, 23 Oct 2025 23:13:00 +0000Abby AlonzoTennessee Softball star Karlyn Pickens — the two-time SEC Pitcher of the Year, Team USA athlete, and owner of the fastest pitch in college softball (79.4 MPH) — joins Abby Alonzo on Out of Left Field to talk about breaking records, leadership, NIL,...1146false3fullOlympic Medalist Natalie Wideman on Fear, Authenticity & the Future of Women’s Softballhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/olympic-medalist-natalie-wideman-on-fear-authenticity-the-future-of-women-s-softball--68096627
A 14-year veteran, Olympic medalist, and founder of Unedited Self Co, Natalie opens up about:
-The early days of chasing an Olympic dream
-Overcoming fear and self-doubt as a female athlete -Building her brand and community through vulnerability
-The growth of women’s softball and MLB’s investment in AUSL
-Balancing entrepreneurship, marriage, and Team Canada life
-Her upcoming journey to play pro ball in Mexico

This episode is about more than softball. It’s about self-belief, balance, and embracing the uncomfortable to become your best self.

Hosted by Abby Alonzo, Editor-in-Chief of Business of Ball and founder of Out of Left Field.

📍 Watch more episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_WhvD442iLTgIRgR6NfbVJX5R7tEURRM&si=RbNSINI53sQulwhl
Follow Natalie: @nataliewideman
Follow Abby: @abbigailalonzo
Follow Out of Left Field: @olfmedia
#OutOfLeftField #Softball #WomenInSports #NatalieWideman #TeamCanada #AUSL #MLB #WomenEmpowerment #UneditedSelf #Fearless #SportsMedia #AthleteMindset]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68096627Sat, 11 Oct 2025 02:01:46 +0000Abby AlonzoTeam Canada catcher Natalie Wideman joins Abby Alonzo for a powerful, unfiltered conversation on Out of Left Field. A 14-year veteran, Olympic medalist, and founder of Unedited Self Co, Natalie opens up about: -The early days of chasing an Olympic...
A 14-year veteran, Olympic medalist, and founder of Unedited Self Co, Natalie opens up about:
-The early days of chasing an Olympic dream
-Overcoming fear and self-doubt as a female athlete -Building her brand and community through vulnerability
-The growth of women’s softball and MLB’s investment in AUSL
-Balancing entrepreneurship, marriage, and Team Canada life
-Her upcoming journey to play pro ball in Mexico

This episode is about more than softball. It’s about self-belief, balance, and embracing the uncomfortable to become your best self.

Hosted by Abby Alonzo, Editor-in-Chief of Business of Ball and founder of Out of Left Field.

📍 Watch more episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_WhvD442iLTgIRgR6NfbVJX5R7tEURRM&si=RbNSINI53sQulwhl
Follow Natalie: @nataliewideman
Follow Abby: @abbigailalonzo
Follow Out of Left Field: @olfmedia
#OutOfLeftField #Softball #WomenInSports #NatalieWideman #TeamCanada #AUSL #MLB #WomenEmpowerment #UneditedSelf #Fearless #SportsMedia #AthleteMindset]]>2211abby,alonzo,ausl,canada,co,field,in,left,mlb,natalie,of,olympic,out,self,softball,team,unedited,wideman,women,women’sfalse4fullAli Newland on MLB's Home Run Derby X, AUSL Leadership and Chasing Your Best Selfhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ali-newland-on-mlb-s-home-run-derby-x-ausl-leadership-and-chasing-your-best-self--68665434https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68665434Fri, 03 Oct 2025 23:11:00 +0000Abby AlonzoIn this deep-dive interview, Abby Alonzo sits down with Ali Newland (former LSU outfielder, current AUSL player and Nationals Home Run Derby X team member) to talk about her path, mindset, and experiences. What's covered: • How MLB's Home Run Derby X...2019false3fullSierra Sacco Talks Transfer Portal, AUSL Championship & Perfect Defensive Seasonshttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sierra-sacco-talks-transfer-portal-ausl-championship-perfect-defensive-seasons--68665419https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68665419Thu, 18 Sep 2025 23:08:00 +0000Abby AlonzoSierra Sacco has one of the most remarkable journeys in softball. In this exclusive Out of Left Field interview, Sierra opens up about her path from Louisiana Tech to Mississippi State, why she chose to bet on herself in the transfer portal, and how...383false2fullSam Landry on First AUSL Season, Breaking Mental Health Stigma & Influencing the Next Generationhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sam-landry-on-first-ausl-season-breaking-mental-health-stigma-influencing-the-next-generation--68665378https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68665378Thu, 11 Sep 2025 23:04:00 +0000Abby AlonzoSam Landry has quickly become one of the most recognizable names in AUSL softball — and for good reason. In this exclusive Out of Left Field interview, Sam opens up about her journey on and off the field. She shares how pitching with glasses has...505collegesoftball,podcast,prosoftball,samlandry,softball,womenssportsfalse1full