Southeastern Softball Wire Podcast

Southeastern Softball Wire Podcast

by Charles Mays
Sports NewsSports
Season 4
Checking in with Keke Jordan of Boyd-Buchanan School and Impact Gold Jazz 16u
Charles Mays sat down with Keke Jordan, a class of 2028 catcher/corner from Boyd Buchanan School in Chattanooga, Tenn. They talked about Jordan's mindset on and off the field, what makes Boyd Buchanan a good school, who she looks up to in the game, and more.
S4 · E9
Jul 17, 2026
19:07
Chat with Duke Softball assistant coach Grayson Radcliffe
Charles interviews Grayson Radcliffe about her new role as an assistant coach at Duke Softball, reflecting on a packed AUSL crowd in Durham and the sport’s rapid growth in North Carolina’s Triangle. Grayson discusses why softball draws so many young fans, emphasizing the “see her, be her” effect and expanded collegiate and professional opportunities. She explains what brought her from NC State to Duke, including staying close to family and the chance to learn from head coach Marissa Young, whom she praises for character, personal investment, and winning culture. Grayson also highlights the influence of coach Shonda Stanton on her coaching philosophy, compares college and pro/AU environments, shares that she’s currently focused on coaching rather than playing, and outlines goals at Duke: winning the ACC, developing confident athletes, and elevating defense and aggressive, smart base running. 00:00 Welcome and Game Night 00:41 Durham Crowd Energy 01:41 Triangle Softball Boom 03:27 Why Youth Loves Softball 05:15 Why She Chose Duke 06:16 Inside Duke Program Culture 07:54 Learning From Coach Young 10:09 Coach Stanton Influence 13:15 College vs Pro Softball 15:32 Playing Career Next Steps 16:58 Softball Growth and Respect 21:47 Goals for First Duke Season 24:05 Defense and Baserunning Edge 26:23 Poker Chips Baserunning Mindset 29:39 Wrap Up and Thanks Keep up with softball coverage across the region at southeasternsoftball.com. Also, follow Southeastern Softball Wire across all social platforms.
S4 · E8
Jul 16, 2026
30:50
Haley Meinen | Southeastern Softball Wire Podcast
Haley Meinen stopped by to chat with Charles Mays of Southeastern Softball Wire. They dove into the AUSL and the excitement of the season. They also spoke on the sustainability of the league and the smart pace of building. Meinen went into detail about Danielle Lawrie and her new book titled "After the Last Pitch". Tune in to see what else was discussed here. You can find Haley Meinen across social platforms by searching Haley Meinen or Haley Meinen - Pitching & Hitting. Find Southeastern Softball Wire across all social media platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southeasternsoftballwire X (Twitter): https://x.com/SoutheasternSB Threads: https://www.threads.com/@southeasternsbwire?hl=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southeasternsbwire/
S4 · E7
Jul 14, 2026
54:48
App State Softball Pitching Update: Coach Whitney Jones on Cam Fisher, New Arms & Fall Schedule
Charles Mays (Southeastern Softball Wire) interviews Appalachian State head coach Whitney Jones about the Mountaineers’ pitching outlook heading toward fall ball and the February season. Jones reviews 2026, noting a strong start and competitive games vs. Tennessee, but a conference stretch that didn’t meet expectations and highlighted the need to limit free passes and close games. She discusses freshman Cam Fisher’s year, including challenges with inconsistent illegal-pitch calls and offseason mechanical work, plus the risk-reward of her up-spin, strikeout profile. Jones previews the rebuilt staff with transfer Abby Huhn (different down-ball look) and incoming freshmen Avery Ramey and “Slim” Emily King, and explains the fit of new pitching coach Jessica Dreswick (from Tulsa). They also cover catcher depth with Leah Gore and transfer Alexa Brunetti, App State’s fall schedule (Charlotte, Duke, Clemson, and others), and pride in alum Makayla McClain's AUSL opportunity. 00:00 Intro and Pitching Focus 00:51 Reviewing 2026 Staff 03:17 Sun Belt Grind 05:21 Cam Fisher Year One 06:56 Illegal Pitch Explained 08:10 New Arms and Abby Huhn 09:26 Riseball Risk Reward 10:50 Freshman Avery Ramey 12:41 Meet Slim Emily King 14:33 Should Pitchers Hit 16:32 New Pitching Coach Hire 19:12 Cutting Down Free Passes 20:39 Building a Deeper Staff 22:20 Catcher Plans and Brunetti 24:16 Why Boone Appeals 25:29 Fall Ball Schedule 27:47 McClain in the AUSL 30:18 Wrap Up and Thanks
S4 · E6
Jul 13, 2026
31:03
Malloree Harr: All-State two way softball player from Boyd-Buchanan School, Chattanooga, Tenn.
Charles Mays of Southeastern Softball Wire interviews Malloree Harr of Boyd Buchanan School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, about her standout season as an eighth-grader competing at the high school level. Harr discusses the work ethic and influence of her mother, a former UTC player, her transition from middle school to high school, and the strong team culture at Boyd Buchanan, including her pitching-catcher bond with Keke Jordan. She reflects on handling pressure during the state championship run, contrasts that with her Team USA experience, and shares goals to grow in confidence and leadership. Mays highlights her two-way production (20–4 pitching with 123 strikeouts; .485 average with 12 home runs) and accolades including Chattanooga Times Best of Preps and TSWA Division II-A All-State. Harr also talks about camp feedback, academics, and prioritizing pitching in future college choices.
S4 · E5
Jul 2, 2026
20:31
Carolina Blaze General Manager Dana Sorensen: June 29, 2026
On June 29, Charles Mays of Southeastern Softball Wire interviews Carolina Blaze GM Dana Sorensen in Oklahoma City as the Blaze begin a series vs. the Spark. Sorensen assesses the team about 11 games into the season, noting missed late chances but strong offensive metrics, lineup depth, and major contributions from rookies Karlyn Pickens, Reese Atwood, and Dakota Kennedy. She attributes their smooth pro transition to SEC competition and recent Women’s College World Series experience, and highlights Atwood’s clutch hitting and leadership handling the pitching staff. Sorensen discusses pitching development from Jala Wright and Emma Lemley, the challenges of a 16-day, nine-game road trip, schedule preferences, and infield defense led by Alyssa Brito and Ana Gold. The episode previews Pickens vs. Maya Johnson on ESPN2 at 7:00 PM ET. 00:00 Interview Kickoff 00:50 Season Start Review 02:03 Rookies Making Impact 04:04 Why SEC Prepares Pros 06:53 Reese Atwood Clutch Bat 08:46 Pitching Staff Finding Groove 12:07 Surviving The Road Trip 14:29 Schedule Format Thoughts 16:55 Infield Defense Spotlight 19:41 Jenna Laird And Bench Depth 22:10 Managing Playing Time Matchups 24:12 Bullpen Catching And ESPN Preview 27:20 Final Thanks And Sign Off
S4 · E4
Jun 29, 2026
28:09
Coach Lindsay Leftwich | Associate Head Coach Carolina Blaze of the AUSL
Charles Mays interviews NC State’s Coach Lindsay Leftwich, now associate head coach of the Carolina Blaze in the AUSL, as the season opens with first pitch Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET on CBS Sports Network versus the Portland Cascade, followed by a Wednesday game at 8:00 PM ET on ESPN. Leftwich discusses transitioning from college to the pro ranks, the athletes’ eagerness to learn, and what she can bring back to the Wolfpack. She highlights the Blaze’s roster versatility, key players like Aleshia Ocasio, Kayla Kowalik, Reese Atwood, Jenna Laird, and Devyn Netz, and a deep, varied pitching staff including Karlyn Pickens (scheduled to start Wednesday), Keiilani Ricketts, Jala Wright, and Emma Lemley. They also discuss growing investment, TV deals, and how the league is building a sustainable professional future for softball.
S4 · E3
Jun 8, 2026
27:37
Jerzie Nutile Pro Softball player | Florida Breeze - PSL
Charles Mays sat down with Jerzie Nutile of the Florida Breeze. They discussed the upcoming Professional Softball League season, Karlyn Pickens, and softball in general. Nutile is also a coach in the Florida Gulf Coast League.
S4 · E2
Jun 5, 2026
50:31
Southeastern Softball Wire Podcast: Michelle LaCourse talks Scenic City Collegiate League, summer ball and the portal grind
The Southeastern Softball Wire Podcast is here, and so is Charles Mays. After a spring spent covering Vanderbilt baseball at 247Sports, Charles returns with a rebrand from Fastpitch Wire to the Southeastern Softball Wire, focusing on the footprint across region at all levels. Joining him from Chattanooga is Michelle LaCourse, who breaks down everything coming this summer in the Scenic City Collegiate League. Michelle shares her experience broadcasting Tennessee and UTC softball, calling the SoCon Tournament alongside Jill Jelnick, and the chaos of championship week at the TSSAA State Tournament in Murfreesboro. The conversation digs into the transfer portal landscape ahead of the June 8 opening, with Michelle offering candid thoughts on inflated expectations, why mid-major players should weigh every visit, and the value of putting physical evidence in front of coaches at Portal Day on June 19 at LFO High School. Last summer, every one of the league's 20-plus portal athletes found a new home. Michelle also unveils new layers for 2026: a partnership with Inner Grit for player workouts, a welcome jamboree on June 11, and the debut of the Chattanooga Chill, with league athletes lacing up in exhibition games against the Atlanta Smoke on June 18-20 at Northeast Alabama Community College and again July 13-14 in the Kennesaw area. Plus, why Chattanooga is a softball destination worth choosing over Florida or California, the Lookouts' new ballpark, and the bigger message at the heart of the league: come get your spark back and play loose again. Contact Michelle directly at lacoursem15@gmail.com or Coach Tommy at tommytas08@gmail.com. League overview at americancollegiateleague.com.
S4 · E1
May 13, 2026
49:02
Season 3
Why Troy Softball Could Surprise the Sun Belt — Coach Eric Newell Interview
Fastpitch Wire Softball's Charles Mays sits down with Troy Trojans head softball coach Eric Newell to talk about the first 23 games of the season, the Sun Belt Conference outlook, and what makes this roster tick. Coach Newell discusses the loss of Kyye Ricks to injury, Megan Loftis stepping into the starting role, Makaley Boswell's monster season at the plate, and the pitching development of Ella Cunningham and Abby Lovell under pitching coach Elizabeth Hightower. He also gets real about the transfer portal's impact on Troy's culture, the parity across college softball, and why the Sun Belt shouldn't be slept on. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:45 First 23 Games: What Coach Newell Likes About This Team 1:45 Stolen Bases, Doubles & Offensive Identity 2:30 Kyye Ricks Injury & Megan Loftis Stepping Up 4:15 Makaley Boswell's Breakout Season 6:00 Sun Belt Preseason Snubs & Motivation 7:45 Non-Conference Takeaways Heading into League Play 8:30 Sun Belt Conference Depth & Parity 11:00 Pitching Staff: Ella Cunningham, Abby Lovell & Coach Hightower's Impact 13:00 Transfer Portal: How It Built Troy's Culture 16:00 Parity Across College Softball This Season 19:00 South Alabama Rivalry Series Preview 20:30 Closing Thoughts & App State Future Matchup
S3 · E9
Mar 11, 2026
28:35
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