The OGX Podcast

In this Halloween-themed episode of the OGX Podcast, Krista Stoker and Ashley Sunshine delve into the eerie aspects of hitting and pitching training, exposing common misconceptions that can haunt athlete development. They discuss the need for variability in training, the pressures of travel ball, and how college camps can impact young athletes’ mechanics. Krista and Ashley also emphasize the role...

In this episode of the OGX Podcast, Krista Stoker, Ashley Sunshine, and Laura McDonald reunite to discuss their viral clip and dive into the complexities of youth pitching development. They explore the misconceptions surrounding young athletes and the development of pitching craft, emphasizing the importance of age and developmental stages in understanding the skill. The team discusses the transit...

In this episode of the OGX Podcast, Krista Stoker and Ashley Sunshine celebrate 12 years in business and share the valuable lessons they’ve learned about biomechanics, hitting and pitching mechanics, and athlete development. They discuss how energy transfer, timing, and stretch balance contribute to performance in youth sports. The team reflects on the importance of clear communication in coaching...

In this episode of the OGX Podcast, Ashley Sunshine and Coach Jamnes break down the complex balance between power and endurance in pitcher training. They explore the significance of workload management, the role of strength and conditioning, and the need for individualized programs tailored to each athlete’s unique capabilities. With insights into volume management, fatigue prevention, and foundat...

In this episode, Krista, Ashley, and Laura are back to break down the challenges freshmen athletes—especially pitchers—face as they transition to college sports. They dive into the impact of youth coaching, movement quality issues, and the common fatigue seen in incoming players. The team discusses how college coaches can better understand the unique backgrounds of their recruits, adjust their coa...

In this episode of The OGX Podcast, Krista Stoker, Ashley Sunshine, and Laura McDonald dive into the evolution of college assessments, exploring the transition from mere data collection to meaningful application within coaching systems. They discuss the increasing openness to new information among coaches and the influence of expanded staff sizes. The conversation addresses the challenges of imple...

In this episode, Ashley and Jamnes take a deep dive into the relationship between velocity, power, and movement quality in pitching. They break down common misconceptions about speed and agility training and highlight why a more comprehensive approach is necessary to increase pitching velocity. From strength and stability to rest and recovery, they outline the key factors every athlete should cons...

In this episode, Krista Stoker, Ashley Sunshine, and Laura McDonald tackle a question from Liz Jagielski, Head Coach of DePaul Softball: "How much and how often should college pitchers throw live?" The team explores the balance between live pitching and training, sharing strategies to maximize performance while minimizing injury risk. They dive into pitch assessments, the role of intent, and how d...

In Episode 25 of the OGX Podcast, Krista, Ashley, and Laura dive deep into the complexities of pitching training. The conversation centers around the balance between power and endurance, with insights into how traditional training methods often neglect power development. They highlight the importance of periodization and strength conditioning, explaining how energy systems affect performance on th...

In this episode of The OGX Podcast, Krista Stoker and Kealia Wysocki explore the art and science of hitting in softball. They discuss the transition from player to coach, highlighting the importance of allowing athletes to lead and fostering adaptability in hitters. Learn about the role of adjustability in responding to different pitch shapes and spins, the use of weighted bats in training, and th...

In this episode of The OGX Podcast, Krista Stoker, Ashley Sunshine, and Laura McDonald reflect on the transformative experiences at Pitchstock 2024. They discuss the event’s emphasis on community and connection, fostering an authentic environment for open dialogue. The hosts highlight standout presentations from Laura and Jordan, who inspired attendees by communicating complex topics effectively....

In this special live episode recorded at Pitchstock 2024, Krista Stoker and the OGX directors field questions on the fundamentals of softball player development. Covering topics like tracking data, improving core stability, and high-speed video analysis, this Q&A session provides an in-depth look at the tools and techniques that drive player growth. Learn about in-game data applications, plyom...

In this episode of The OGX Podcast, Laura McDonald and Ashley Sunshine dive into the world of Pitchstock, the annual conference dedicated to advancing softball pitching and player development. Since its inception in 2019, Pitchstock has grown into a collaborative community where coaches, players, and parents come together to share knowledge, challenge traditional coaching methods, and foster a cul...

In this episode of The OGX Podcast, Laura McDonald sits down with strength and conditioning expert Jamnes Cameron to discuss optimized training for softball athletes. They explore the nuances of building rotational power, efficient in-season workout strategies, and debunking the “grind” mentality. Jamnes emphasizes the importance of structured training, rest, and recovery in preventing injuries an...

In this episode of The OGX Podcast, Krista Stoker, Ashley Sunshine, and Laura McDonald address the physical and mental challenges faced by athletes and families during the intense travel ball season. They emphasize the need for improved management, realistic expectations, and a supportive environment for youth softball players. Special guest Kris Ganeff, Head Coach of Notre Dame Softball, poses an...

In this episode of The OGX Podcast, Krista Stoker and the team are joined by Pro Softball Pitcher Alyssa Denham from Athletes Unlimited to discuss the intricacies of the pitching motion, including the impact of arm length in delivery. Together, they explore player development in college athletics, the evolving perspectives in coaching, and the influence of the transfer portal. The conversation als...

In Episode 13 of The OGX Podcast, Krista Stoker and Ashley Sunshine discuss the evolving landscape of athlete development in light of the transfer portal and NIL, emphasizing the importance of athletes making values-based decisions with parental guidance. Special guest Trisha Ford from Texas A&M brings up a critical topic in youth softball: the size of the softball and pitching distance. Toget...

In this solo episode of The OGX Podcast, Krista Stoker examines the intense pressures surrounding competitive youth sports, especially in travel baseball and softball. She discusses the impact of pushing kids into structured, high-stakes environments before they’re ready and the value of unstructured play in fostering creativity and a natural feel for the game. Krista also addresses the challenges...

In this episode of The OGX Podcast, Krista Stoker, Ashley Sunshine, and Laura McDonald recap the most memorable moments from the recent Women’s College World Series (WCWS). They break down standout pitcher performances, strategic decisions on the mound, and the incredible defensive plays that defined the games. The hosts also discuss the growing importance of data in understanding spin rates, brea...

In this episode of The OGX Podcast, hosts Krista Stoker, Ashley Sunshine, and Laura McDonald dive into the evolving role of technology in optimizing sports performance. They discuss strategies for preparing hitters to adjust to different pitch shapes and the importance of data-driven insights in player development. Special guest Kirsten Verdun brings a key question on transitioning from low-intens...

In this episode, Krista Stoker, Laura McDonald, and Ashley Sunshine dive into the excitement of postseason softball and the transformative role of data in player development. They discuss the value of data ownership, especially in recruiting, and explore how athletes can harness this knowledge to advocate for themselves. Special guest Natalie Wideman joins to pose the question: what does it take t...

In this episode of The OGX Podcast, the hosts take you on a journey through the excitement of Super Regionals and the World Series, sharing their unique experiences and the critical role of pitching under pressure. The conversation shifts to youth player development, emphasizing the importance of natural movement patterns, individuality, and addressing performance and pain concerns responsibly. Sp...

In this episode, Krista Stoker, Laura McDonald, and Ashley Sunshine tackle the complexities of college softball rankings and regional seeding, addressing the discrepancies that frustrate fans and teams alike. They advocate for more transparent and consistent criteria to bring clarity to the ranking process. Shifting focus, the hosts discuss the high school-to-travel ball transition, emphasizing ho...

In this episode of The OGX Podcast, Krista Stoker and Laura McDonald explore the empowerment of athletes through data, storytelling, and personal growth. They address the unique challenges female athletes face in transitions, the importance of building an identity beyond the game, and the journey of holistic development. Tune in for valuable insights, personal experiences, and advice for athletes...

In this episode of The OGX Podcast, Krista Stoker, Laura McDonald, and Ashley Sunshine explore why tech companies and other industries are missing valuable opportunities by not fully investing in softball. They also discuss Michigan’s rise in the Big 10, reflecting on the program’s commitment to improvement and the pride of representing the “Go Blue” legacy. Finally, the hosts respond to a questio...