Southeastern Softball Wire Podcast

Charles Mays (Southeastern Softball Wire) interviews Michelle LaCourse in Chattanooga about the Scenic City League’s new identity (now Scenic City League, not Scenic City Collegiate League) and plans for summer 2027. LaCourse explains why she returned to help lead the league with partner Tommy Santiago, emphasizing Chattanooga’s community support and the league’s commitment to growth. They discuss...

Charles Mays of Southeastern Softball Wire interviews Bekah Duck, a pitcher from Maryville, Tennessee, entering her first season at Marshall University under Coach Morgan Zerkle. Duck explains that Marshall’s coaching staff and team dynamic sold her on the program after spending two years at Pitt, and she credits Tennessee Mojo travel ball for much of her recruiting and development while high scho...

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.

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...

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 socia...

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 fr...

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-...

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 smoo...

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 wh...

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.

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 Collegi...

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...

Charles Mays recaps Tennessee softball’s SEC-opening series sweep of No. 17 LSU at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium, highlighting the Lady Vols’ 23-0 start, calm “keep it simple” mindset, and two comeback wins after trailing 4-0 on consecutive days. He features comments from Emma Clarke on visualization and breathing techniques and from Karen Weekly on managing the pitching staff without ace Karlyn Picke...

Charles Mays (Mays Sports Media) interviews Coach Joe Guthrie of the Northeast Alabama Community College Mustang Softball program as the team opens the season 10–0. Guthrie discusses the value of scheduling elite JUCO competition, including a three-game series win over McLennan and wins over Georgia Highlands and Central Alabama, and explains how creating a Division I-style atmosphere (including t...

Join Charles Mays from Mays Sports Media and Ricky Bumgardner Jr. as they sit down with Coach Donnie Danklefson from Trine University, the defending NCAA Division III softball national champions. In this episode, Coach D shares insights into his team's remarkable success, recruiting strategies, and the importance of character and culture in building a winning program. The conversation covers the n...

Join host Charles Mays from Mays Sports Media and co-host Ricky Bumgardner Jr. as they sit down with UCF softball players Carley Jo Penner and Coco Jaimes. This engaging episode dives into what brought these talented athletes to UCF, their experiences with the team's culture under Coach Bear, and the importance of faith and nutrition in their lives. The conversation touches on everything from thei...

Join Charles Mays of Mays Sports Media for an insightful podcast episode featuring reigning AUSL MVP and pro softball star Erin Coffel. Discussing her journey from the University of Kentucky to Team USA and the AUSL, Coffel shares invaluable experiences and perspectives for aspiring athletes. Alongside co-host Ricky Bumgardner Jr., the conversation explores the rigorous training, handling pressure...

Join Charles Mays in this episode of the Mays Sports Media Podcast as he sits down for an in-depth conversation with Bianca Cruz and Ricky Bumgardner Jr. Bianca shares her inspiring journey in the world of softball, from signing with the Florida Heat to becoming an assistant coach at Seminole State Community College. The discussion covers her challenges, the grind of JUCO programs, her passion for...

Join Charles Mays and Ricky Bumgardner Jr. as they sit down with Florida State's left-handed softball pitcher, Makenna Reid. In this captivating episode, Makenna shares insights about her journey from Oregon to Florida State, the challenges and triumphs she's faced, and her growth as a player. Makenna gives a heartfelt account of her freshman breakout year, dealing with injuries and the pressure o...

Join host Charles Mays as he sits down with Meaghan Houk and Ricky Baumgardner Jr. on a Monday afternoon episode of Mays Sports Media Podcast. Megan shares her inspiring journey from a small town in Ravina, New York, through multiple college transfers, to becoming a member of the Florida Heat in the PSL. Meaghan discusses the challenges she faced, including mental and emotional struggles, and how...

Join us for a lively Sunday night chat with as Charles and Ricky discusses a variety of sports topics. They dive into high school softball in Florida, the excitement of the upcoming season, and the advantages of playing in warm weather. The conversation then shifts to the intriguing world of college football, the college playoffs, and the never-before-seen opportunity for a first-time champion. Ad...

Join Charles Mays of Mays Sports Media as he interviews Gracyn Needle, a 2027 University of Tennessee softball commit from King's Academy in West Palm Beach, Florida. In this insightful conversation, Gracyn discusses her commitment to Tennessee, her experiences with the Tampa Mustangs travel organization, and the pivotal role of her faith in her athletic journey. Alongside Ricky Bumgardner Jr., ex...

Join Charles Mays as he sits down with Ricky Baumgardner Jr. to discuss the future of professional softball and the recent developments in the PSL. They delve into the importance of community support, sponsorships, and social media engagement for growing the sport. Ricky also shares insights into the Florida Heat's plans, including roster building and outreach efforts. They highlight the need for...

Join Charles Mays as he talks with Coach Mary Beth Dennison of the Furman Paladins softball program in her first year at the helm. Coach Dennison shares her vision and strategy for revitalizing the Furman softball team, including building a competitive staff, fostering team culture, and working with young yet experienced players. We also discuss the leadership and contributions of key players such...

Join Charles Mays of Fastpitch Wire Softball as he interviews Marissa Trivelpiece, the latest signee of the Florida Heat in the Professional Softball League. Marissa shares her journey from playing at Michigan State and USF, overcoming knee injuries, and her path to signing with the Florida Heat. She also talks about her role as a graduate assistant at the University of Florida and the support she...