Hop in for this special episode of The Car Ride Home, where we sit down with Andrew Biele, founder and CEO of AthletesGoLive-the official live scoring and streaming partner of Alliance Fastpitch. If you’re a parent of a youth softball player, this is the episode you can’t miss!Andrew shares the inspiring story behind why he created AthletesGoLive, tackling the real challenges families face in youth sports-missing out on games, struggling to track stats, and searching for ways to help their athle...
May 19, 2025•55 min
Car Ride Home Podcast: How Ryan Taylor Built a National Softball Powerhouse in the MidwestIn this episode, we sit down with Ryan Taylor, founder of Aces Fastpitch, who shares how he transformed a single softball team into a nationally recognized organization. From his wrestling background to coaching philosophy, Ryan reveals the development strategies that elevated midwestern athletes to compete with coastal powerhouses.You'll discover:The critical "car ride home" conversation every sports paren...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr
Ever wondered what it takes to lead a movement that transforms the world of youth sports? In this special episode of Car Ride Home, we flip the script and interview our usual host, Jami Lobpries, CEO of Alliance Fastpitch. Jami shares her inspiring journey from athlete to leader, diving deep into the challenges and triumphs of building a thriving community in fastpitch softball. Join us as we explore topics like women in sport leadership, the business of youth sports, and the grit it takes to gr...
Apr 07, 2025•1 hr 4 min
In this special Women’s History Month episode of the Car Ride Home Podcast, host Jami Lobpries sits down with Jill Crawford Higdon—former collegiate softball star, co-founder of Connect Sports and Fury Platinum, and a trailblazer in women’s sports leadership. Jill shares her inspiring journey from a local athlete in Louisiana to entrepreneur, detailing how she broke barriers in the male-dominated sports industry and blazed her own trail. Join us as we explore her evolution as a businesswoman, he...
Mar 27, 2025•52 min
Hear some of the most memorable car rides from our guests in Season I. Every episode begins with the question "what is your most memorable car ride home?" Athletes, parents, and coaches share their stories. Can you relate to any of these parents or athletes? Are you THAT Dad as Ryker Chason shares?!Current pro players like Sis Bates, Aliyah Andrews, Sierra Romero and Amanda Lorenz as well as current college players Teagan Kavan and Jocey Erickson, plus legends like Natasha Watley, Cat Osterman, ...
Mar 17, 2025•18 min
Ever wondered what it takes to go from playing baseball with the boys to becoming a pro softball star? On this episode of 'Car Ride Home,' we talk with Rachel Folden about her unconventional path, the challenges she faced, and the mindset that fueled her success. Rachel shares stories from her childhood in Southern California, her time at Marshall University, and her standout career in the NPF. Get inside the mind of a champion hitter! Rachel shares her unique approach to hitting, developed from...
Feb 07, 2025•1 hr 3 min
In this history-driven episode of the Car Ride Home Podcast, host Jami Lobpries sits down with Tony Rico, the visionary President of the Firecrackers Softball organization, for an unfiltered deep dive into the heart of youth travel sports from then to now. Episode Highlights: An insider's perspective on the evolution of travel softball Candid discussion about developing athletes beyond the game Insights into building a championship culture with integrity The importance of character development o...
Dec 14, 2024•48 min
In this episode of the Car Ride Home podcast, host Jami Lobpries sits down with Brandon Guyer, a former Major League Baseball player and the founder of Major League Mindset. Join us as we delve into the critical role of mental strength training for youth athletes and their parents. Brandon shares insights from his journey in professional baseball and discusses how mental resilience can significantly impact performance both on and off the field. Listeners will learn about the tools and techniques...
Nov 22, 2024•48 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Join us as we sit down with three-time All-American pitcher and former USA National Team member, Dana Sorensen. Dana shares her incredible journey from Stanford to her work today as the founder of Sorensen Elite, where she coaches the next generation of athletes. Dana offers fascinating insights into why softball pitching is unlike any other sport and why overuse in youth pitchers can lead to long-term injuries. Sorensen also touches on the importance of strength training, pitch metrics, and why...
Sep 06, 2024•1 hr 8 min
In this special "National Champions Edition" of The Car Ride Home Podcast, host Jami Lobpries is joined by Scott Smith, head coach of the Texas Bombers 18U, to dive deep into their historic run at the Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series (AFCS). Fresh off their 18U national championship victory, Scott shares behind-the-scenes insights into the team's journey, recounting everything from the crucial moments on the field to the challenges of preparing for elite competition. Discover how the Bombe...
Aug 30, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Chef Megan shares her recipe for success in this latest edition of The Car Ride Home. Megan Grant, a standout player for UCLA softball, boasts an impressive list of accolades including two-time Pac-12 First Team selection, two-time All-Region honoree, 2023 All-American, Top 10 Finalist for National Freshman of the Year, and member of Team USA program. In this insightful conversation, Megan reflects on her journey from youth baseball to becoming a key player for the UCLA Bruins. Megan shares her ...
Jul 12, 2024•47 min
Teagan Kavan, a standout pitcher for the University of Texas, had an impressive freshman season, earning accolades such as Big 12 Freshman of the Year, Top 10 finalist for National Freshman of the Year, and a spot on the Women's College World Series All-Tournament Team. In this insightful conversation, Teagan reflects on her journey from Iowa travel ball to becoming a key player for the Longhorns. Kavan reflects on her historic performance in the Women's College World Series, her time in travel ...
Jun 28, 2024•43 min
In this episode, we sit down with Eileen Canney Linehan, former Northwestern All-American pitcher and professional player in both Japan and the NPF. Eileen shares her personal journey with the yips. Now, as the founder of ECL Consulting, she helps athletes overcome performance anxiety and mental blocks. Eileen discusses her struggles and triumphs, emphasizing the importance of resilience, self-acceptance, and mental strategies. Her story is a powerful reminder of how overcoming inner battles can...
Jun 14, 2024•58 min
Dena Tyson-Slye, three-time Women's College World Series participant and All-American at the University of Washington, as well as a successful coach within the Corona Angels organization, shares her insights on softball, personal growth, and leaving a positive legacy.Dena opens up about her own struggles as a college player and how vulnerability has shaped her coaching style. She emphasizes the importance of accountability, self-assessment, and focusing on personal development to become the best...
May 24, 2024•46 min
Ali Newland, LSU senior outfielder and catcher, SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year, and outfielder extradordinaire, dives into this episode of The Car Ride Home. In this wide-ranging conversation, Ali shares insights from her softball journey and discusses the importance of serving others and leaving a positive legacy. Ali jumps into her experience playing travel ball, championship moments with her team, and committing to LSU as a high school freshman. She reflects on her supportive family, especia...
May 10, 2024•48 min
In possibly the funniest episode yet of The Car Ride Home, host Jami Lobpries engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Sam Fischer and Haylie McCleney. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of pursuing a career in professional softball, with Sam and Haylie sharing their experiences and insights on the importance of adaptability, personal growth, and the continuous pursuit of improvement. Throughout the episode, the two athletes discuss the mental and physical demands of ...
Apr 26, 2024•1 hr 7 min
In this episode of The Car Ride Home, host Jami Lobpries is joined by Maria Jennings, the mother of softball stars Tiare and Tele Jennings. Maria shares her experiences as a dedicated softball mom, discussing the sacrifices and joys that come with supporting her daughters' athletic careers. Throughout the conversation, Maria reflects on her daughters' unique journeys, from their early days in youth sports to their current success at the collegiate level. She offers insights into the challenges o...
Apr 12, 2024•50 min
In this episode of the Car Ride Home Podcast, we sit down with Morgan Stuart, the powerhouse behind Defense Club and a renowned infield coach. Stuart, a national champion from the University of Washington with a rich professional and international playing background, examines her passion for developing softball players and how her own experiences shaped her coaching philosophy. From the fundamentals of defense to the mental and emotional aspects of coaching young athletes, Morgan shares invaluab...
Mar 29, 2024•58 min
In this episode of the Car Ride Home Podcast, we buckle up with Suzy Willemssen, a trailblazer in women’s fastpitch softball, as we navigate her influential roles as the founder of Glory Fastpitch, head coach of the 18u and under Virginia Glory team, and a hall of fame inductee. We delve into Suzy’s early experiences in softball, starting off in baseball, and the evolution of her passion into a coaching philosophy that's impacted countless athletes. Suzy’s college days at the University of Iowa ...
Mar 22, 2024•53 min
In this episode of the Car Ride Home, join host Jami Lobpries as she rides shotgun with Amanda Lorenz. As they cruise through conversations about confidence, preparation, and memorable car rides, Amanda shares insights from her time as a four-time All-American at the University of Florida and her journey in professional softball. From breaking down her 'see ball, hit ball' philosophy to discussing the development of her relationships with teammates, Amanda delves into the mental and physical asp...
Mar 15, 2024•1 hr 3 min
In this episode, our host Jami goes deep into the world of competitive softball with Jeremy Higdon - a figure synonymous with excellence in youth sports coaching and events with his organizations Fury Platinum and Connect Sports. Jeremy highlights the intricacies of building a successful sports organization and the art of crafting memorable events. From discussing the soundtrack of a championship season to the fine line between coaching and mentorship, this conversation is a look into the life o...
Mar 01, 2024•45 min
In this week's episode of "The Car Ride Home," host Jami Lobpries sits down with Ashlie Rowley. As the founder and CEO of the Colorado Softball Academy and General Manager of the Alliance Performance Center, NOCO, Ashlie shares her multifaceted journey from a collegiate athlete at the University of Florida to a revered coach and softball mom. This conversation delves into the transformative power of positive self-affirmation in young athletes, the nostalgic trips to favorite post-game restaurant...
Feb 09, 2024•48 min
Welcome to another thrilling episode of "The Car Ride Home" with your host, Jami Lobpries! In this week's installment, Jami is joined by the immensely talented Jade Hewitt, a force to be reckoned with in the realm of sports photography (and an authentic storyteller.) Jade's journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring. From her early days with the Dallas Charge to her time with the Scrap Yard Dawgs, to the incredible moment of capturing the Silver Medal-winning scenes of Team USA Softball at the 20...
Jan 19, 2024•55 min
Today, we have with us Sierra Romero, a softball legend with a list of accolades that speak volumes about her dedication to the game. Sierra Romero is not just a 4-time All-American, 3-time Big 10 Player of the Year, and the 2016 National Player of the Year; she's a University of Michigan Hall of Famer. With numerous single-season and career records for NCAA, Big 10, and Michigan under her belt, Romero's impact on the softball field is nothing short of legendary. In this episode, Sierra takes us...
Dec 04, 2023•1 hr 12 min
Cat Osterman shares insights from her softball journey - from little league to the Olympics. She discusses her experience playing travel ball and the differences from when she played to now, including more focus on development through practice. Cat also dives into the relationships between pitchers and catchers, calling pitches, and using data. She explains her viewpoint on dominant pitchers versus pitching staffs and implementing new pitches. Looking ahead, Cat talks about her excitement for th...
Nov 22, 2023•1 hr 22 min
Welcome back to another episode of "The Car Ride Home" with your host, Jami Lobpries. This week, Jami is joined by the incredible Holly Pearce, a former NCAA pitcher turned coach with a wealth of experience across all levels of play. The journey begins with a nostalgic drive down memory lane, as Holly shares her most memorable car ride experiences from college days. The conversation delves into Holly's unique upbringing as the daughter of a Canadian Olympic figure skater, highlighting her early ...
Nov 17, 2023•55 min
Welcome back to another episode of The Car Ride Home podcast! The episode kicks off with some stage-setting banter with Ryker Chason, where our host reveals their love for country music and proudly declares themselves a Swiftie, currently jamming to Taylor Swift's 1989. Our host dives into a trip down memory lane, recalling the most memorable car ride – a victorious journey back from a game during their early coaching days. A particularly vivid moment is shared about "that dad" who presumably ma...
Nov 10, 2023•1 hr 16 min
Austin shares his experiences growing up in New Hampshire and the role that sports, particularly baseball, played in his life. From there, we explore his journey, from aspiring to be an MLB strength coach to his educational pursuits. You'll discover how Austin's path led him to two years of independent baseball, where he played for the Worcester Tornadoes, and his subsequent return to school to earn a master's degree in clinical nutrition. But his story doesn't stop there! Austin realized the ne...
Oct 27, 2023•58 min
Buckle up and get ready for an inspiring ride as newly committed UF Catcher, Jocelyn Erickson, joins us this week on the Car Ride Home. From her early years, Jocelyn's accolades began accumulating from AFCS Champion, USSSA World Champion, MaxPreps All-American etc, leading her to become a national champion with the Sooners. In this episode, the former Alliance All-Star takes us on a journey through her softball career, sharing her experiences in recruiting, being designated the Triple Crown Winn...
Jul 21, 2023•49 min•Season 1Ep. 16
On this episode of “The Car Ride Home” podcast as we sit down with David McCorkle, a seasoned softball coach across travel and high school fastpitch and a program director in the world of softball. What started as an accidental detour from his plans to coach baseball, turned into a passion and love for the game of softball. His twist of fate into becoming head softball coach at Clements High School, all while teaching math, led him to a 21 year high school softball coaching career. McCorkle shar...
Jul 14, 2023•43 min•Season 1Ep. 15
