This week on Softball Speakeasy, Raine and Kelly reunite to break down the Duke vs. Clemson series, analyze what’s behind Duke’s struggles, and debate the best way to prepare for a tough season. They also dive into the rise of UNC and Syracuse, what makes Florida State so dangerous, and the power of belief in softball. Plus, Raine shares a lesson from Coach Alameda, Kelly preps for a freezing weekend in Syracuse, and they both tackle the big question—does softball have an elite team this season?

Chapters:

00:00 - Welcome Back! Raine & Kelly reunite after guest episodes
01:12 - Guest Recap & Listener Feedback Thoughts on Cassidy Curd & Maddie Moore episodes
02:47 - Duke vs. Clemson Breakdown Emotions from both sides of the rivalry
05:54 - What’s Behind Duke’s Struggles? Theories on their performance this year
08:24 - UNC’s Strong Season Are the Tar Heels a tournament team?
10:59 - Strength of Schedule Debate Is it better to play tough opponents early?
14:23 - Syracuse’s Rise Why the Orange could be a dark horse
16:00 - Clemson vs. Syracuse Preview Kelly’s insights before the matchup
17:57 - Taking Teams Lightly The mental challenge of staying locked in
19:22 - The Mental Side of Softball How routines can help or hurt performance
27:06 - The Obstacle is the Way A must-read for athletes
28:49 - Advice for Young Athletes Handling obstacles and staying composed
30:24 - Duke vs. Florida State Preview Why FSU is always a late-season powerhouse
32:19 - The Secret to FSU’s Success A lesson from Coach Alameda
33:50 - The Power of Belief in Softball Why some teams turn it on when it matters most
35:48 - Is There an Elite Team This Year? Breaking down the parity in NCAA softball
37:37 - Syracuse Series Weather Report Kelly preps for a freezing weekend
38:46 - Final Thoughts & Soft Plug Support the show & what’s coming next

Welcome to Softball Speakeasy, your all-access, unfiltered look into the world of elite softball. Hosted by former Duke softball player, current professional softball player and graduate assistant coach Kelly Torres, this podcast brings you behind the scenes with some of the game's biggest names. In this episode, we sit down with Clemson softball star Maddie Moore, one of the most dynamic second basemen in the game. From her journey to Clemson, helping shape a new program, to the leadership and energy that fuels her game, Maddie opens up about her path to success. She shares insights into her growth as a player, her mindset on and off the field, and the goals she’s chasing as she moves forward. Get ready for an honest, inspiring conversation about passion, dedication, and what it truly takes to excel in college softball and beyond.

Insta: sbspeakeasy
Email: softballspeakeasy@gmail.com

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
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Welcome to Softball Speakeasy, the all-access, unfiltered look into the world of elite softball. Hosted by former Duke captain and current broadcaster Raine Wilson, this episode brings you behind the curtain with some of the game’s biggest names. In this episode, we sit down with Duke ace Cassidy Curd, one of the most dominant pitchers in college softball. From her journey to Duke and leading the team to its first-ever Women’s College World Series appearance, to the mental and physical evolution of her game, Cassidy gets real about the highs, the challenges, and everything in between. Get ready for an honest, inspiring, and entertaining conversation about leadership, team culture, and the mindset it takes to compete at the highest level.

Softball Speakeasy - Season 3, Episode 4

Welcome back to Softball Speakeasy! In this episode, Raine Wilson, former Duke softball player turned ESPN analyst, and Kelly Torres, current professional player and Clemson GA, break down the biggest storylines in college softball.

🏆 Inside This Episode:
🔥 Clemson’s dominant home opener: pitching, defense, and The Deep End
🔍 Duke’s standout weekend at the Mary Nutter Classic – what makes their pitching so elite?
📊 ACC rankings shockers – who’s leading in batting average and ERA?
🎙️ The role of analytics in modern softball – how film study and data impact the game
👀 Big matchups ahead: Clemson vs. Georgia & Duke vs. Clemson preview

Don’t miss our special guest next week – one of the best players in the country! Make sure to subscribe and drop a comment with your thoughts on this episode!

📅 New episodes every Friday
🔗 Follow us on [Social Media Links]

#SoftballSpeakeasy #CollegeSoftball #ACC #DukeSoftball #ClemsonSoftball #NCAA #SoftballAnalysis

• (00:00) - - Intro & Episode Tease
• (01:12) - - Welcome to Softball Speakeasy!
• (02:26) - - Clemson’s undefeated weekend & home opener breakdown
• (03:56) - - What made Clemson’s defense stand out?
• (05:00) - - The Clemson fan base & “The Deep End” tailgate crew
• (06:43) - - Previewing Clemson vs. Georgia (pre-recorded)
• (08:57) - - Duke’s dominant weekend at Mary Nutter Classic
• (10:35) - - The Duke-South Carolina rivalry & upcoming series
• (12:11) - - How Duke transformed its defense over the years
• (14:56) - - Guess the ACC leader in batting average!
• (17:29) - - Surprise ACC pitching leader – who’s dominating the circle?
• (20:53) - - National rankings discussion – is Duke a Top 4 team?
• (23:06) - - How film and analytics are changing the game
• (26:22) - - The balance between analytics and player instincts
• (30:37) - - How film study exposed an opponent’s pitch tip
• (32:19) - - Upcoming matchups & special guest preview
• (33:06) - - Closing thoughts – subscribe for more!
• (00:00) - Chapter 18
• (00:00) - Chapter 19
• (00:00) - Chapter 20
• (00:00) - Chapter 21
• (00:00) - Chapter 22
• (00:00) - Chapter 23

This week, the duo discusses Clemson's performance at the Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational, highlighting their resilience against top-tier teams and a decisive victory over Ohio State. They also analyze Duke's challenging matchups in Gainesville, including a tough game against the Florida Gators, strong performances against Providence and Binghamton, and the massive bounce back win in the final game. Additionally, they explore standout games from around the nation, including Texas's thrilling extra-inning victory over Texas Tech and Alabama's surprising setbacks in Clearwater. The episode ends with an emotional discussion about having an identity outside of sport.

Insta: sbspeakeasy
Email: softballspeakeasy@gmail.com

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/overdrive License code: FJ8HLERD2DBASI9D

In this episode, the girls recap Clemson’s new era without the foundation, Duke’s opening weekend challenges in Clearwater, and the biggest surprises and upsets across the league. Jordy Bahl vs. Nija Canady.. but not in the way you think!

They discuss the hardest position to play in softball and what it would look like if Kelly and Raine were in the circle... hint: NOT STOIC. That and so much more on this week's episode!

Insta: sbspeakeasy
Email: softballspeakeasy@gmail.com

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/m... License code: FJ8HLERD2DBASI9D

The wait is over! Kelly and Raine are back with a fresh season of Softball Speakeasy, and they’re kicking it off with a bang! 🚀

In this episode, the girls catch you up on everything that's changed—Raine’s juggling a brand-new full-time job and her role as a broadcaster 🎤, while Kelly shares what the transition has been from player to coach and from Duke to Clemson.

They’re diving into their bold predictions for 2025 with insights from inside the game. From Duke’s rising dominance and Clemson's continued prowess, the girls tackle how conference changes are reshaping the landscape of college softball. And, of course, they’ll reveal their picks for the next National Champion! 🏆

Get ready for the insider scoop you’ve been waiting for. Season 3 starts now! ⚾✨

Insta: sbspeakeasy
Email: softballspeakeasy@gmail.com

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/overdrive License code: FJ8HLERD2DBASI9D

In this season 2 finale of Softball Speakeasy, your host takes the mic solo for the first time! 🎙️ In this brief but packed episode, we go into the ending of the WPF league and how the season wrapped up. Catch up on the latest updates from my personal life, including the exciting new role I've stepped into as a Clemson Tiger and what it means for me. 🐯 Plus, some information on what’s coming in season 3—spoiler alert: it’s going to be epic! 🌟 Tune in for this special wrap-up and get ready for a fantastic new season ahead!