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Like I said -- I don't fit in a box.
INTERVIEWS
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03:16
Aubrey Leach on AUSL Softball, Team USA, and Coaching at Tennessee
Aubrey Leach has worn a lot of jerseys — from Tennessee orange to Team USA red, white, and blue, and now, the AUSL's Blaze orange, pink and black. In this exclusive interview, Leach opens up about the reality of long, demanding days in the new women’s pro softball league and how she prepares physically and mentally to compete at the highest level. She dives into what it means to represent Team USA on the global stage and shares how her current role as Director of Player Development at the University of Tennessee impacts her approach to the game — and vice versa. Leach also talks about growing the sport, being a role model for younger players, and how she's balancing coaching and playing in this new era of professional softball. Whether you’re a softball fan, a young athlete, or just following the rise of women’s sports in America, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
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05:21
Aliyah Andrews Talks Air Aliyah, LSU in the AUSL, and Growing Women’s Pro Softball
Aliyah Andrews has become one of the most recognizable faces in professional softball — not just because of her highlight-reel catches, but because of her brand. Known as "Air Aliyah" for her acrobatic plays in the outfield, the former LSU standout has helped elevate the visibility of the AUSL since its launch. In this in-depth interview, Andrews reflects on her journey from Baton Rouge to the national stage, the power of LSU’s presence in the AUSL, and how Major League Baseball’s investment has helped grow opportunities for female athletes in softball. She opens up about what her nickname means to her, how it plays into her personal brand and league marketing, and gives real talk for the next generation on staying coachable, working hard, and staying grounded in a fast-changing sports landscape. If you care about the future of women’s sports, athlete branding, or the rise of softball as a major pro sport in America, Aliyah’s insights are must-hear.
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02:15
Danieca Coffey on Golden Ticket, LSU Softball Legacy & Going Pro in AUSL | Volts Interview
Volts infielder and former LSU Tigers star Daneica Coffey sits down with me to talk about her journey from Tiger Park to the AUSL Golden Ticket Draft, where she was handed a golden ticket by Jennie Finch herself. Coffey dives into LSU's growing legacy in the AUSL (Athletes Unlimited Softball League), her experience transitioning to professional softball, and what it means to represent her alma mater at the next level. Topics Covered: -Getting a Golden Ticket from Jennie Finch at Tiger Park -Being part of the first-ever AUSL Draft class -LSU’s deep pipeline to pro softball -Adjusting to AUSL’s pace and competition -Playing for the Volts and adapting to team culture
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02:50
Ciara Briggs on Historic AUSL Trade, LSU Coaching & Volts Debut
Ciara Briggs, standout outfielder turned LSU coach and AUSL player, talks about making history in pro softball as the first athlete traded in AUSL history—from the Blaze to the Volts. She shares how she balances coaching at LSU while competing at the pro level, and what drives her relentless work ethic both on and off the field. Topics Covered: -Being part of the first AUSL trade in league history -Coaching the next generation of Tigers while still playing -Transitioning from college athlete to pro + coach -Inside the AUSL’s unique team structure -Competing for the Volts and adapting to midseason change
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18:12
How LSU Women’s Basketball Became the NIL Blueprint | Joe Schwartz Interview On After Further Review
LSU Women’s Basketball isn’t just winning games—they’re building brands. In this exclusive clip from when I hosted After Further Review on ESPN 104.5 with Anthony Ranaudo, we talk with Joe Schwartz, LSU's Assistant Director of Basketball Operations, about how the program is leading the way in NIL, brand development, and personal empowerment. Joe shares how Coach Kim Mulkey encourages her players—like Flau’jae Johnson, who’s balancing a rap career, and Angel Reese, who recently attended the Met Gala—to own their image and career both on and off the court. From gameday fits to glam days, LSU Women’s Basketball is redefining what it means to be a student-athlete. 🔗 Don’t forget to subscribe for more interviews, stories, and behind-the-scenes coverage. #LSUWomensBasketball #JoeSchwartz #KimMulkey #FlaujaeJohnson #AngelReese #NIL #WomensSports #MetGala #GamedayFits #LSU #AbbyAlonzo #AfterFurtherReview
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02:16
Pittsburgh Pirates First-Round Draft Pick Konnor Griffin Shares Why He Loves LSU
LSU Baseball Opening Day is just a week away, and while Konnor Griffin won't be suiting up in purple and gold, his love for LSU runs deep. The first-round pick of the Pittsburgh Pirates sat down with Abby Alonzo at Cards And Culture to talk about his decision to go pro, his respect for the LSU staff, and why he'll always be a Tiger Fan.
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23:46
Steven "MONSTER" Milam, LSU Baseball Second Baseman, Hitting Challenge + Exclusive Interview
Steven Milam, LSU Baseball's freshman second baseman, was a HUGE asset to the team, especially in the 2024 college baseball post season. Monster Milam talks about being named a 2024 Freshman First-Team All-American, where he got the nickname "Monster," what it was like being locker buddies with Tommy White and Josh Pearson, what it felt like to hit walk-offs in both the SEC Tournament and NCAA Regionals and what kind of legacy he wants to leave at LSU. Steven also agreed to a hitting challenge with Abby Alonzo, while Michael Braswell fed the machine. Tune in the this episode of Valley Vision to learn more about Steven Milam! #StevenMilam #LSUBaseball #MonsterMilam
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30:16
LSU Gymnastics Legend D-D Breaux Q&A w/ Abby Alonzo
LSU Gymnastics' legendary coach, D-D Breaux, joined Valley Vision host Abby Alonzo at Cards And Culture for a special event for women in sports. D-D Breaux, a Hall of Fame Coach, left a phenomenal legacy at Louisiana State University. During her 43 seasons as head coach of the gymnastics team, there wasn’t a day that she didn’t fight for her program and for all women’s programs. Breaux coached the Tigers from 1978-2020. In her 43 seasons as head coach, she accumulated honors such as eight NCAA Championship Finals appearances, 22 SEC champions with 44 SEC titles, six SEC championships, 35 consecutive NCAA Regional appearances with 19 Regional titles, and much more. She is a nine-time SEC Coach of the Year, the 2017 Louisiana and National Coach of the Year, and a 2017 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame inductee. While she was successful in her gymnastics career, it was bigger than that for Breaux. Every battle she fought wasn’t just for gymnastics, but for all of women’s athletics. Breaux always believed that gymnastics could be at the pinnacle of not just women’s sports, but the pinnacle of sports in Louisiana. Breaux carried the LSU flag in one hand and a sword for battle in the other. It was that fighter mentality that established and maintained LSU’s reputation as one of the premier collegiate gymnastics programs in the country. Q&A: -As one of the longest-tenured female head coaches in NCAA Gymnastics, what challenges did you face early in your career as a woman in a male-dominated field? -What advice would you give to young women who aspire to become leaders in sports, especially in male-dominated environments? -How do you navigate the balance between being a strong, authoritative leader and maintaining the empathy and connection that women are often expected to demonstrate in leadership roles? -As someone who's spent over four decades in coaching, how do you feel your role has contributed to paving the way for future generations of female coaches and athletes? #DDBreaux #LSUGymnastics #AbbyAlonzo
STORYTELLING
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01:50
Behind The Swap | Dylan Crews' POV Of His Jersey Swap With Jayden Daniels At The Saints Game In NOLA
Dylan Crews and Jayden Daniels -- two of the best to ever pass through LSU swapped jerseys and changed the Louisiana sports culture in the process on Sunday in the Superdome. The Dylan Crews and Jayden Daniels jersey swap didn't last more than a minute, but it was a moment that will be remembered in Louisiana sports history forever. Pictures, autographs, custom jerseys, interviews, radio shows -- Dylan Crews was welcomed back in grand fashion, giving him one of the best experiences of his life. #DylanCrews #JaydenDaniels #DylanCrewsJerseySwap
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02:21
Embracing The Hobby | How Dylan Crews & Gavin Dugas Got Into Collecting
2023 LSU Baseball National champions and current members of the Washington Nationals organization, Dylan Crews and Gavin Dugas have signed their fair share of sports memorabilia… But lately, they’ve been exploring the collecting side of things. Teaming up with Anthony Ranaudo, the guys have been hunting their own cards, building their Fanatics Collect vaults and breaking boxes on Fanatics Live. #DylanCrews #GavinDugas #TheHobby
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01:57
The Story Behind Josh Jung's Famous "Doodle Card"
Topps declared New Year’s Day “1/1” day in The Hobby, so we had to shed light on the story of one of the most unique 1/1s— “The Doodle Card” Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung was in the middle of a signing session for Heritage when he called his agent and asked if he could get creative with his card inscriptions. After getting the green light, Josh Jung created one of the coolest, most unique 1/1s in The Hobby. The card was a hit and ended up in the hands of some HUGE Rangers fans. This is the story of Josh Jung's Doodle Card.
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02:31
The Story Behind Joe Burrow’s Cleats For The NFL’s “My Cause, My Cleats”
The NFL’s “My Cause, My Cleats” initiative is one of the coolest way the league encourages players to share their missions in a creative, artistic way. With the help of Brad Duncan, Burrow was able to create TWO pairs of cleats for The Joe Burrow foundation, one pair for his Bengal family and one pair for his Tiger family. Each pair will be signed and auctioned off to benefit the underprivileged and underserved in the Athens and Baton Rouge communities. So while collectibles are cool, the stories and purpose behind them are even cooler. #lsu #joeburrow #mycausemycleats
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02:40
2024 Beach Volleyball Olympians Taryn Kloth & Kristen Nuss Host Holiday Charity Event
Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss are the No.1 women's beach volleyball team in the country and represented the U.S. in the 2024 Paris Olympics -- but they still make it a priority to give back to the community. TKN hosted their annual holiday charity event, Santa In The Sand, which benefits ten families in Kenner, Louisiana. Through a juniors clinic, co-ed quads tournament, silent auction and much more, TKN manages to give back and connect with the people that have supported them along the way. Abby Alonzo attended the event and stole some of Taryn and Kristen's time to ask about the purpose behind the event. Follow the girls on their journey -- @SmallTalkAndTallTales #TKN #KristenNuss #TarynKloth
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01:36
Cards And Culture - The Ultimate Sports Experience For Fans And Collectors
Cards And Culture is a local collectibles shop in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Owned by former LSU and MLB pitcher Anthony Ranaudo, Cards And Culture was designed to be the ultimate sports fan experience. Whether you collect, watch sports or just enjoy a fun atmosphere, the shop has got something for you. And with LSU in the backyard, players like Jayden Daniels, Paul Skenes, Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson and Dylan Crews are easy to hunt in-shop. #LSU #CardsAndCulture #SportsCardShop
Out Of Left Field
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01:02:47
Tori Vidales on AUSL Draft, Team Mexico & Being An ESPN Analyst While Playing Professionally
Welcome back to Out of Left Field — today I’m joined by one of the most impactful voices in softball, Team Mexico Olympian, AUSL veteran, and ESPN/SEC Network analyst, Tori Vidales. In this episode, Tori opens up about: Her rise from Texas A&M to international softball Playing for Team Mexico, battles behind the scenes, and qualifying for the Olympics The wild early years of Athletes Unlimited/AUSL, the “Buy In or Retire” era What really happens in the AUSL draft room The mental side of softball: pressure, identity, confidence, and resilience Why she believes softball is finally in its breakthrough era How being an analyst makes her a better player (and vice versa) The importance of athletes building their own brand Her message to the next generation of softball players This is one of the most insightful and honest conversations we’ve ever had on OLF — and if you’re a softball fan, player, parent, or coach, this one will stick with you. FOLLOW US ➡️ Abby Alonzo Instagram: @abbigailalonzo TikTok: @aalonz0 ➡️ Tori Vidales Instagram: @vidalestori ➡️ Out of Left Field (OLF) Instagram: @olfmedia TikTok: @outofleftfieldmedia CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro 00:32 – Who Is Tori Vidales? 02:00 – Identity Beyond Softball 02:50 – Tori’s Origin Story 05:40 – Travel Ball, Impact Gold & Recruiting at 14 08:40 – Committing to Texas A&M 10:50 – Building A&M Back to the Women’s College World Series 12:40 – Going Undrafted & Finding Pro Softball 14:50 – Team Mexico, Behind-the-Scenes Turmoil & Olympic Qualifying 18:40 – COVID Season, AU Year One & “Buy In or Retire” 23:20 – Playing Without Fans & Creating Team Culture 26:40 – AUSL Growth, Media, & What Makes This League Different 31:30 – Media Team Appreciation + Why Storytelling Matters 35:00 – Tori’s Life as an ESPN/SEC Network Analyst 37:40 – Balancing Broadcast & Being a Pro Athlete 41:00 – The Mental Side of Broadcasting 45:00 – Mentoring Younger Players 47:00 – Draft Night, Being Selected by the Cascade 52:00 – Leaving the Talons & Building Something New 55:30 – The Mindset That Saved Her Career 01:00:20 – Tori’s Message to Young Athletes 01:02:30 – Closing, Gratitude, and Next Steps
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01:05:36
Michaela Edenfield On Her FSU Roots, Confidence, Identity, Mental Health & AUSL Expansion
AUSL catcher and former Florida State standout Michaela Edenfield sits down for one of the most honest conversations Abby Alonzo has had on Out of Left Field. We dive into topics athletes rarely feel safe talking about publicly: • confidence vs. insecurity • bullying and identity • balancing femininity (makeup, beauty) and elite performance • mental health, emotional regulation, vulnerability • the pressure of early recruiting • NIL chaos and the modern athlete experience • how FSU’s culture shaped her • the AUSL expansion, the Spark joining, and what Kim Ng brings to the sport • why this era is different for women’s softball • how Michaela finally decided she was good enough to play professionally This conversation goes far beyond softball — it’s about growth, self-worth, and learning how to become yourself in a world that tries to shape you. If you care about women’s sports, athlete mental health, softball development, or the future of the AUSL, this episode is a must-watch. New episodes every Thursday. Subscribe for more interviews with AUSL players, NCAA stars, and leaders shaping the future of women’s softball - https://www.youtube.com/@OutOfLeftFieldOfficial?sub_confirmation=1 FOLLOW OLF: Instagram — @olfmedia TikTok — @outofleftfieldmedia YouTube — Out of Left Field FOLLOW ABBY ALONZO: Instagram -- @abbigailalonzo Tiktok -- @abbyalonz0 CONTACT: outofleftfieldmedia@gmail.com #AUSL #MichaelaEdenfield #Softball
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34:31
Payton Gottshall On Pro Softball Life, Mexico League, AUSL ESPN Deal & Tennessee Softball Culture
Former Tennessee Lady Vol Payton Gottshall pulls back the curtain on what professional softball actually looks like: bouncing between leagues and countries (Mexico, Netherlands, Taiwan), 60-hour travel days, and why Mexico’s fan culture is unmatched. We also dive into the AUSL x ESPN/ABC deal and what city-based teams mean for players and fans in 2026. Plus: how the transfer from Bowling Green to Tennessee changed her career, team culture, 1,000 Ks, and the mental switch that unlocked her best pitching. What we cover: -How pro softball works when the U.S. season is short -Playing in Mexico, the Netherlands, and Taiwan (and surviving 60 hours of travel) -Why Mexico’s stadium crowds feel different -AUSL is moving to city-based teams + ESPN multi-year deal (Championship on ABC) -Transferring to Tennessee: culture, “the program,” and hitting 1,000 strikeouts -Advice to the next generation: trust your identity About OLF: Out of Left Field is “softball, unfiltered.” Weekly interviews with the athletes, coaches, and creators growing the game. Subscribe for more: https://www.youtube.com/@OutOfLeftFieldOfficial?sub_confirmation=1 Follow Payton Gottshall on IG: @P.Gott Follow Abby Alonzo on IG: @AbbigailAlonzo #AUSL #PaytonGottshall #Softball
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32:18
UCLA National Champion Paige Halstead Being Present & Teaching Athletes to Grow Their Brand
UCLA national champion, Team USA alum, and entrepreneur Paige Halstead joins Out of Left Field to talk about her journey from winning a natty at UCLA to building her own lane in softball — as a broadcaster, creator, and business owner. Paige opens up about how she helped design gear for All-Star Catching, the company redefining equipment for female athletes, and why she and her fiancé started PrepBranding, a platform teaching athletes how to use social media to build their personal brands and create opportunities beyond the field. Hosted by Abby Alonzo, this episode dives into how today’s players can think like pros — on the business side of softball and beyond. 🎙 Topics Covered: UCLA’s national championship run Paige’s journey from player to entrepreneur The creation of All-Star Catching gear How PrepBranding empowers athletes through social media Balancing identity, purpose, and business after softball #OutOfLeftField #PaigeHalstead #Softball #WomensSports #UCLA #AthleteBranding #AllStarCatching #PrepBranding #SportsBusiness #NIL #FemaleAthletes #SportsMedia
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19:06
Tennessee Softball’s Karlyn Pickens on Breaking The College Softball Velo Records & Team USA
Tennessee Softball star Karlyn Pickens — the two-time SEC Pitcher of the Year, Team USA athlete, and owner of the fastest pitch in college softball (79.4 MPH) — joins Abby Alonzo on Out of Left Field to talk about breaking records, leadership, NIL, and finding her “why.” Recorded inside Tennessee’s Sherri Parker Lee Stadium, Karlyn opens up about growing up in North Carolina, choosing the Lady Vols, working with Aubrey Leach, joining Team USA Softball, and learning how to play free and inspire the next generation of athletes. 🎙️ Out of Left Field dives into the stories and mindsets shaping softball and women’s sports — featuring the game’s biggest names and rising stars. Chapters 00:00 Intro — Knoxville & Tennessee softball vibes 01:02 Growing up in North Carolina & multi-sport roots 02:20 Travel ball memories & dad on the bucket 03:48 Becoming a pitcher & meeting her first coach 05:00 Recruiting through COVID & why Tennessee 07:24 NIL & social media — protecting your peace 09:20 Finding her why & inspiring young players 10:20 Breaking her own velocity record (79.4 MPH) 12:52 Pitching mechanics & control for young arms 13:59 Senior season goals & leadership growth 15:38 Team USA Softball with Aubrey Leach 17:37 Advice for young softball players — play free Follow @olfmedia on Instagram! #KarlynPickens #TennesseeSoftball #CollegeSoftball
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36:51
Olympic Medalist Natalie Wideman on Fear, Authenticity & the Future of Women’s Softball
Team Canada catcher Natalie Wideman joins Abby Alonzo for a powerful, unfiltered conversation on Out of Left Field. A 14-year veteran, Olympic medalist, and founder of Unedited Self Co, Natalie opens up about: -The early days of chasing an Olympic dream -Overcoming fear and self-doubt as a female athlete -Building her brand and community through vulnerability -The growth of women’s softball and MLB’s investment in AUSL -Balancing entrepreneurship, marriage, and Team Canada life -Her upcoming journey to play pro ball in Mexico This episode is about more than softball. It’s about self-belief, balance, and embracing the uncomfortable to become your best self. Hosted by Abby Alonzo, Editor-in-Chief of Business of Ball and founder of Out of Left Field. 📍 Watch more episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_WhvD442iLTgIRgR6NfbVJX5R7tEURRM&si=RbNSINI53sQulwhl Follow Natalie: @nataliewideman Follow Abby: @abbigailalonzo Follow Out of Left Field: @olfmedia #OutOfLeftField #Softball #WomenInSports #NatalieWideman #TeamCanada #AUSL #MLB #WomenEmpowerment #UneditedSelf #Fearless #SportsMedia #AthleteMindset
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33:39
Ali Newland on MLB's Home Run Derby X, AUSL Leadership and Chasing Your Best Self
In this deep-dive interview, Abby Alonzo sits down with Ali Newland (former LSU outfielder, current AUSL player and Nationals Home Run Derby X team member) to talk about her path, mindset, and experiences. What's covered: • How MLB's Home Run Derby X works — setup, format, MLB’s backing, and how Ali got selected • Her time on the Nationals team — her teammates, collaboration, and what made that squad special • The importance of MLB's support for the AUSL and what it means for women’s softball • Her present role at NC State with former LSU assistant Lindsey Leftwich • The power of failure, resilience, and continuously striving to be your best • Playing alongside former LSU Tigers in her first AUSL season If you’re into softball, female athletes, mindset, or just great stories of growth — you’ll want to catch this. Subscribe for more softball interviews, behind-the-scenes sports stories, and mindset content 👍 Like & Share if you enjoy this conversation 💬 Drop a comment below: what’s one lesson from this video that resonates with you? About Ali Newland: Former LSU outfielder turned AUSL pro, Ali recently competed in MLB's Home Run Derby X. She now works at NC State with Lindsey Leftwich and remains a vocal advocate for growth, resilience, and advancing women’s softball. 🎧 Follow us on: • Instagram: @olfmedia • Facebook: @outofleftfield #AliNewland #HomeRunDerbyX #AUSL #WomenInSports #SoftballJourney #AthleteMindset #GrowthMindset #SportsInterview
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06:23
Sierra Sacco Talks Transfer Portal, AUSL Championship & Perfect Defensive Seasons
Sierra Sacco has one of the most remarkable journeys in softball. In this exclusive Out of Left Field interview, Sierra opens up about her path from Louisiana Tech to Mississippi State, why she chose to bet on herself in the transfer portal, and how that decision shaped her career. Sacco reflects on her two perfect defensive seasons at Mississippi State, her relentless work ethic, and how she became a difference-maker in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL). In her rookie year, she earned a coveted golden ticket, won the first-ever AUSL Championship, and was selected to the All-Defensive Team. Abby Alonzo and Sierra also rewind to their days of playing travel ball together and facing off in high school, sharing stories that show just how far she’s come. Off the field, Sierra shares details about her engagement and wedding planning, giving fans a look at the person behind the player. This sit-down captures the full picture of an athlete who embodies resilience, consistency, and personality. Whether you follow Mississippi State softball, track the growth of the AUSL, or just love hearing athletes’ unfiltered stories, Sierra Sacco’s interview is a must-watch. 📺 Watch more softball interviews here:! Subscribe to Out of Left Field for weekly softball interviews, AUSL coverage, and stories from across women’s sports.
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