2009 Akron Softball podcast homepage

February 06 | Softball

Welcome to the University of Akron baseball podcast homepage, where Andy Harris puts you in the dugout as the Zips resume their quest for a Mid-American Conference championship. From game recaps to in-depth interviews with the coaching staff and players, the softball podcast has all the bases covered. Listen to each session on-line or download to your iPod now!

Check back often as updates will be made on a weekly basis throughout the 2009 Zips' season.

Podcast #1 Week of Feb. 1, 2009 | Listen here!
Take an inside look at the Zips as they get ready to take their first at-bats of the 2009 season. Andy Harris talks with head coach Julie Jones and seniors Lisa McLean and Julie Boyes about expectations, preparations, iPod selections, running and more. Coach Jones explains how her team can carry over the momentum gained from a strong run in last year's MAC Tournament, shines a light on some of the team's new faces and shares how she keeps her competitive edge in the offseason. Then, Lisa and Julie detail their roles in the team's offense, what their goals are for the 2009 season and which of them has been listening to an alarming volume of Swedish pop music lately.

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Podcast #2 Week of Mar.22, 2009 | Listen here!
Andy Harris dissects the first month of the season and looks ahead to the challenges of MAC play with Coach Julie Jones and sophomore Heather Bauer. They chat about the opening weekend in conference, life on the road, spring break, sewing and more. Coach Jones offers her thoughts on what she's seen from her team in five weekends of tournament play, the new-look pitching staff's performance and which subject she always hated in school. Then, Heather talks about making the decision to transfer from Wright State back to Akron, her strong start to the season and who her friend Gypsy is.

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Podcast #3 Week of Mar.29, 2009 | Listen here!
Andy Harris talks with one of the team's most vocal players, shortstop Sarah Earley, and assistant coach Julie Pratt about their tough MAC road trip, learning the shortstop position, patience in dealing with players and much more. Sarah chats about her beloved Pittsburgh Steelers, which part of her game she's not satisfied with so far this season and the experience of getting her motorcycle license. Coach Pratt breaks down the road trip to Northern Illinois and Western Michigan, the strong pitching performance by Heather Bauer in Sunday's win and what electronic troubles made the roadie a little tougher for her.

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Podcast #4 Week of Apr.5, 2009 | Listen here!
Listen in as Andy Harris chats with coach Julie Jones and freshman Andrea Arney about their undefeated homestand, motivational quotes, the team's academic success and talents away from the softball field. Coach Jones details the team's battle against the weather and the setting sun against Central Michigan, the decision to go with one starting pitcher for the three games over this past weekend and which three of her players she thinks would be most helpful in surviving on a deserted island. Then, Andrea talks about the reasons behind her decision to stay close to home for college, what was going through her mind in Sunday's stressful seventh inning against Eastern Michigan and the first stop she makes any time she visits the mall.

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Podcast #5 Week of Apr.12, 2009 | Listen here!
Andy Harris talks with assistant coach JJ Thornberry and sophomore Alex Feltes as they look to get back on track in MAC play, discussing topics including their recent sweep at Buffalo, the team's new-look pitching staff, art, community service and more. J.J. offers her thoughts on working with the team's two new starting pitchers this season, the impact of Amber Lowe's return to the field and the music of her favorite band, Incubus. Alex reflects on the value of starting every game during her freshman season last year, looks ahead to a possible return to Firestone Stadium for the MAC Tournament and talks about her involvement with D.A.R.E. and Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

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Podcast #6 Week of Apr.19, 2009 | Listen here!
Andy Harris welcomes head coach Julie Jones and junior Krista Hansen to the podcast to talk about a big weekend of MAC play that includes "Strike Out Cancer" day against Miami, moon-walking, playing the guitar, being aggressive at the plate and more. Coach Jones shares her thoughts on last weekend's MAC road trip to Toledo and Bowling Green, the details of Saturday's efforts to benefit cancer research and the interesting music medley she arranged and performed for her team after a practice this week. Krista details her offensive surge this year, including her current eight-game hitting streak, along with a challenge issued to the football team from the softball team and her interesting technique for learning to play the guitar.

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Podcast #7 Week of Apr.26, 2009 | Listen here!
Andy Harris is joined by assistant coach JJ Thornberry and sophomore Sarah Stromack to review the Zips' home splits with Miami and Ball State, their tournament preparations, youth football, Mardi Gras beads and a whole lot more. Coach Thornberry talks about the team's ability to bounce back from first-game losses twice over the weekend, what message the coaches are preaching as the MAC Tournament nears and how she thinks those who know her best would describe her. Then, Sarah chats about lessons learned from last year's tournament, the challenge of learning two new pitchers this season and some of the many things decorating the walls of her room.

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Andy Harris spotlights the five outstanding seniors for the Zips with three podcasts touching on the emotions of a senior season, lessons learned on and off the field, meals at Chipotle and much more.

Podcast #8a Week of Apr.26, 2009 | Listen here!
Seniors Lisa McLean and Julie Boyes join Andy to talk about their roles as team leaders, what they've learned about one another in their four years at teammates and what they are each scared to death of. Julie looks back at the ups and downs of her UA career, transitioning from pitcher to designated player and becoming one of the most prolific power hitters in the MAC. Lisa dishes on her fearless attitude on the bases and in the outfield, as well as what she will miss most once her career is over.

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Podcast #8b Week of Apr.26, 2009 | Listen here!
Seniors Amber Lowe and Cali Stratton explain why they didn't always see eye to eye, where they feel the program is at as they prepare to end their senior season and who among the team's five seniors has improved the most on the field during their time on campus. Cali chats about whether she's still a country music fan, what she's learned from living life as a student athlete and what her senior experience has been like. Amber talks about her battles with injury in both of her years with the Zips and also reveals her favorite place to hang out during her time at UA.

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Podcast #8c Week of Apr.26, 2009 | Listen here!
Senior Jaci Brindus has the airwaves all to herself, talking about what it meant to be selected as a co-captain by her teammates despite not being a starter, how she approaches her role as a pinch runner and her various community service projects over the past several years. Jaci also gives the inside scoop on how she has handled her role as a leader, along with the last person to call or text her and the last teammate who borrowed clothes from her.

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Podcast #9 Week of May 31, 2009 | Listen here!
Following a 35-win season, a deep MAC Tournament run and plenty of individual accolades for the Zips, Andy Harris looks back at the 2009 season with head coach Julie Jones. Coach Jones breaks down a grueling tournament run that included a three-game day, an extra-inning finale and a tearful finish to the year for the team's five seniors. Also, look ahead to next season as the Zips look to climb even higher in the MAC and find out how Coach Jones plans to make use of her down time in the offseason.

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Questions, comments or thoughts on the podcast? Email Andy Harris at zipspodcasts@uakron.edu with your input or for information on the music used in each edition of the podcast.