Dropping Diamonds with AJ Andrews

Olympian and OKC Sparks Bubba Nickles shares how faith, surrender, and a childlike love for the game have shaped her mindset on and off the field, helping her thrive through pressure, adversity, and championship moments. From winning a national title at UCLA to helping grow the future of professional softball with the AUSL, Bubba reflects on the power of playing for something bigger than yourself....

Kelly Torres joins the show to talk about the mindset behind winning, from Duke's Women's College World Series run to the Portland Cascade's inaugural season, and why being unapologetically yourself can become your greatest competitive advantage.   Looking for more diamonds?  Follow Dropping Diamonds with AJ Andrews on Instagram . For more on the latest with AJ, catch her on Instagram &n...

From leading Oregon State to the Women's College World Series to embracing the unique culture of the Portland Cascade, pro softball pitcher Mariah Mazon shares how mindfulness, positive self-talk, and the mantra that helped her overcome mental hurdles and perform at the highest level.    Looking for more diamonds?  Watch the show on YouTube and follow on Instagram . For more on the...

AJ chats it up with the Blaze Baddie McKenzie Clark to discuss overcoming adversity, thriving after unexpected setbacks, helping build the foundation of Clemson Tigers softball, and the mindset, confidence, and resilience required to succeed at the highest levels of the game.   Looking for more diamonds?  Watch the show on YouTube and follow on Instagram . For more on the latest with AJ,...

As professional softball enters an exciting new season, Sis Bates joins the show to discuss the growth of the game, the momentum behind AUSL, and what it means to help build the Portland Cascade from the ground up. The Team USA gold medalist and defensive standout shares her perspective on leadership, culture, and why the future of softball has never looked brighter for the next generation of play...

This season, we’re diving headfirst into the biggest bat and ball stories across the diamond! Listen weekly and stay up to date with the latest by following the show on  Instagram .   Dropping Diamonds with AJ Andrews is in partnership with the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this final part of the college tour, AJ sits down with Florida State softball head coach and Hall of Famer Lonni Alameda,  better known as “Coacha,” for a conversation that goes far beyond the game. Coach Alameda opens up about her journey through softball, building a championship culture at Florida State, navigating one of the toughest seasons of her life, and what it truly me...

Before the first pitch of the 2026 season, Florida State pitcher Jazzy Francik reflects on her freshman All-American season, the mindset behind her “silent fire” competitiveness, and the confidence driving her into this season with championship expectations. Looking for more diamonds?  Watch the show on YouTube and follow on Instagram . For more on the latest with AJ, catch h...

AJ and FSU shortstop Isa Torres talk about what is to come within the 2026 season. Isa also opens up about the “cannonball mentality” that transformed her game and helped shape the fearless, family-driven culture behind Florida State Softball’s Team 43.   Looking for more diamonds?  Watch the show on YouTube and follow on Instagram . For more on the latest with AJ, catc...

Ahead of FSU's 2026 season, AJ sat down with standout outfielder Kennedy Harp. Kennedy shares her experience overcoming an ACL injury, building confidence, and what Team 43 is bringing to each game.    Looking for more diamonds?  Watch the show on YouTube and follow on Instagram . For more on the latest with AJ, catch her on Instagram  and  X . Share the diamonds you...

On AJ's last stop of her college tour, she sits down with freshman catcher Anna Hinde. Anna opens up about embracing failure, building confidence, and discovering the championship culture driving Florida State Seminoles softball into the 2026 season. Looking for more diamonds?  Watch the show on YouTube and follow on Instagram . For more on the latest with AJ, catch her on Instagram &nbs...

LSU freshman Gradie Appling shares how embracing failure, trusting her team, and making key adjustments on and off the field are helping her grow into the most confident and passionate version of herself. Looking for more diamonds?  Watch the show on YouTube and follow on Instagram . For more on the latest with AJ, catch her on Instagram  and  X . Share the diamonds you receive...

LSU pitcher Paytn Monticelli opens up about rediscovering her love for the game, embracing honest coaching, and finding a team culture that lets her truly be herself. From elite pitching development to the chemistry it takes to win it all, she shares why passion, accountability, and “filling each other’s cups” could carry LSU to the Women’s College World Series. Lookin...

In this episode, LSU’s team captains, Maci Bergeron, Jalia Lassiter, and Tori Edwards, open up about what leadership really looks like, and they break down their team philosophy of “roots.” With unfinished business last season, the Tigers reveal how mindset, accountability, and belief in each other are fueling their push toward the World Series.   Looking for more diamonds?&...

On AJ’s third stop of the college tour, she sits down with LSU head coach Beth Torina. Torina breaks down the innovative training methods, player development philosophy, and rising stars shaping a gritty, hard-working LSU Tigers softball team poised to leave a lasting legacy.   Looking for more diamonds?  Watch the show on YouTube and follow on Instagram . For more on the late...

Texas tested, Venezuela tops the world, and AUSL stars eye the Olympics. AJ breaks down the latest in softball and baseball, plus she shares her electrifying experience at the World Baseball Classic.    Looking for more diamonds?  Watch the show on YouTube and follow on Instagram . For more on the latest with AJ, catch her on Instagram  and  X . Share the diamonds you...

AJ swings by the Stuff Your Mom Never Told You podcast to talk about representation, failure, and empowering women in sports. She also shares her personal history and journey as a woman in sports, offering insight into the challenges she’s faced and the progress she’s witnessed along the way, while imparting some affirmations with Anney and Samantha.   Looking for more diamonds?&n...

In this episode, AJ sits down with Kyla Stroud and Thalia Martin to talk about the mindset behind the Auburn Tigers’ upcoming season. From team chemistry and viral dugout celebrations to the “dog mentality” needed to survive Southeastern Conference softball competition, the duo gives an inside look at what makes this team different.   Looking for more diamonds...

Stop two on the College Tour takes us to Auburn University, where AJ sits down with Auburn outfielder Kylie Shaw inside the Tigers’ locker room. Kylie shares how embracing the mindset of “failing aggressively” is helping shape her confidence and performance heading into the 2026 season. She also reflects on transferring from the University of Florida, evolving into a tr...

As AJ concludes her time at Duke University, she sits down with Associate Head Coach Taylor White to unpack the power of a simple mantra. From building a culture rooted in consistency and competitive fire to developing hitters through motor preference and individualized freedom, White shares how simplicity fuels elite performance.    Looking for more diamonds?  Watch the show on You...

AJ sits down with Duke Associate Head Coach Olivia Watkins to talk culture, confidence, and the Blue Devils relentless pursuit of the Oklahoma Sooners. From why representation matters, inspired by trailblazer Natasha Watley, and why slapping is still a game-changing weapon. Coach Liv breaks down the standards that drive Duke softball.   Looking for more diamonds?  Watch the show on YouTu...

Today, AJ sits down with Marissa Young, head coach of Duke Blue Devils softball. Coach Young shares what it took to build the Blue Devils from the ground up and lead the program to its first Women's College World Series. She also reflects on the joy of coaching her daughter and watching her players advance to the professional ranks.   Looking for more diamonds?  Watch the show on YouTube...

AJ makes her rounds at Duke University, catching up with All-American center fielder D'Auna Jennings. From committing during COVID sight unseen to leading the Blue Devils to their first Women’s College World Series appearance, D'Auna shares the mindset that makes her game. She opens up about overcoming injury, battling self-doubt, and the mindset that makes her game.   Looking for more...

AJ continues the college tour at Duke University with Blaze Baddie Jala Wright to talk full-circle moments and fearless faith. From record-breaking strikeouts at Duke University to being drafted by the AUSL Blaze, Jayla shares how preparation, resilience, and belief carried her to the pros. Now returning to Durham as both an assistant coach and pro athlete, she’s embracing a new chapter...

This week, AJ begins her college tour at Duke University with superstar senior Aminah Vega. The back-to-back ACC MVP and Defensive Player of the Year reflects on her journey from early infield struggles to becoming one of the nation’s most dominant players, driven by preparation, confidence, and faith. She shares how Duke’s 2024 Women’s College World Series run in Oklahoma C...