Out of Left Field

Every young pitcher wants to know the secret. Hope Trautwein-Valdespino’s answer has two parts.

One: dive into the hard parts of the game. Not around them — into them. That’s where you grow the most, and the mental tools you build there set you up for life, not just softball.

Two: command the field. You’re the only person on it with the ball, and your team looks to you every single pitch. The greats — Monica Abbott, Jennie Finch, Rachel Garcia, NiJaree Canady — all have that presence in common.

Full episode is live on YouTube and anywhere you get your podcasts — link in bio.

This episode is presented by Solaro | Performance Eyewear 🕶️

Sierra Sacco wears No. 12 as a pro to remind herself to play for the little girl she used to be🥹

If your number serves as a reminder, Triple Crown Jewelry is the best way to keep it close

The All-Star Cup doesn’t have its reigning champion this year. That doesn’t change what Kayla Kowalik built there — or how perfectly she explains what makes it special.

Her rookie year, the format scared her off. Then she gave it a chance, and the fear flipped into her favorite question in softball: who do I want to learn from this week?

New pitchers, new catchers, new connections she never would have made — the thing that intimidated her became the thing she loves most about it.

Nobody’s articulated the athlete experience of the Cup better. And nobody set the bar higher — 1,590 points, a .486 average, and the 2025 title.

Full episode presented by Triple Crown Jewelry is live on YouTube and anywhere you get your podcasts — link in bio.

Kayla Kowalik owns Kentucky’s record book — all-time leader in hits, triples, runs, and total bases. Ask about her legacy, and none of that comes up.

“I would hope it was one that was energetic and happy... I hope anyone who ever watched me play knew how much I loved that state. I bled blue.”

And her advice for every recruit trying to pick a school: don’t chase the logo. Find the place that will grow you, invest in you, and care about you as a person. That’s what she found in Lexington — and she says it’s why she’s the player she is now.

Full episode presented by Triple Crown Jewelry is live on YouTube and anywhere you get your podcasts — link in bio.

Comparison is human. Every athlete feels it — teammates, opponents, social media, all of it. Even the best in the world.

Kayla Kowalik grew up with the ultimate comparison built in: a twin sister in the same sport. Her way through it became the foundation of everything she’s done since: recenter on who you are. You have your skills. There’s space for you to do your thing.

“You’re going to go farther being you than you are trying to be somebody else.”

Full episode presented by Triple Crown Jewelry is live on YouTube and anywhere you get your podcasts — link in bio.

This one hits a little different.

Jersey numbers often hold the memories of people we love and allow us to keep a small piece of them with us while we compete.

Jessica Warren thank you for sharing your story with us. We’re so happy to be a small part of you being able to remember your dad.

If you wear a number that honors someone you love, Triple Crown Jewelry is the sweetest way to wear it.

When you stop learning, you die.

It’s a saying from Carley Hoover’s coach in Japan, and it might be the best answer to “how long will you play?” we’ve ever heard.

Not until a certain age. Not until the body gives out. Until there’s nothing left to figure out.

The best careers aren’t fueled by trophies — they’re fueled by curiosity. A new grip. A new pitch. A new lesson every single day.

The moment you think you’ve got it all figured out is the moment it starts slipping.

Episode presented by Triple Crown Jewelry is live on YouTube and anywhere you get your podcasts — link in bio.