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.

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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.