Dropping Diamonds with AJ Andrews

AJ sits down with Duke Associate Head Coach Olivia Watkins to talk culture, confidence, and the Blue Devils relentless pursuit of the Oklahoma Sooners. From why representation matters, inspired by trailblazer Natasha Watley, and why slapping is still a game-changing weapon. Coach Liv breaks down the standards that drive Duke softball.

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Today, AJ sits down with Marissa Young, head coach of Duke Blue Devils softball. Coach Young shares what it took to build the Blue Devils from the ground up and lead the program to its first Women's College World Series. She also reflects on the joy of coaching her daughter and watching her players advance to the professional ranks.

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AJ makes her rounds at Duke University, catching up with All-American center fielder D'Auna Jennings. From committing during COVID sight unseen to leading the Blue Devils to their first Women’s College World Series appearance, D'Auna shares the mindset that makes her game. She opens up about overcoming injury, battling self-doubt, and the mindset that makes her game.

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AJ continues the college tour at Duke University with Blaze Baddie Jala Wright to talk full-circle moments and fearless faith. From record-breaking strikeouts at Duke University to being drafted by the AUSL Blaze, Jayla shares how preparation, resilience, and belief carried her to the pros. Now returning to Durham as both an assistant coach and pro athlete, she’s embracing a new chapter with one goal in mind: dominate.

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This week, AJ begins her college tour at Duke University with superstar senior Aminah Vega. The back-to-back ACC MVP and Defensive Player of the Year reflects on her journey from early infield struggles to becoming one of the nation’s most dominant players, driven by preparation, confidence, and faith. She shares how Duke’s 2024 Women’s College World Series run in Oklahoma City ignited this season’...

In this episode, AJ interviews Stephanie Mock Grubbs, the first female strength and conditioning coach for the Houston Astros. Stephanie shares her journey within professional sports, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with athletes, navigating gender dynamics in a male-dominated field, the significance of confidence and preparation in coaching, and the growing presence of women in baseball.

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This week, Nick Swisher, New York Yankees advisor and co-owner of Home Run Derby X, joins the show to reflect on his career as a former player. He shares insights on the power of confidence, preparation, energy, and teamwork, while also discussing the importance of empowering women in sports, the influence of family, and the lasting lessons shaped by the New York Yankees culture.

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In this episode, AJ Andrews interviews Olympian and professional softball player Erika Piancastelli to explore her journey through the sport. They discuss the role of mindset, confidence, and training in her success, as well as the support systems that have helped shape her career.

Also, Erika reflects on breaking barriers in softball, her experience competing in the Home Run Derby, and the emotional path that led her to the T...

In this episode, Aleshia Ocasio opens up about her journey through the world of softball, from setting personal standards and navigating the college recruiting process to mastering the challenges of pitching. She reflects on balancing beauty and athleticism, staying true to herself, overcoming injuries, and developing the mental toughness necessary to succeed at the highest level.

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AJ continues to unwrap her favorite affirmations and lessons from past guests, including Sam Fischer, Michaela Edenfield, Natasha Watley, Odicci Alexander-Bennett, and Megan Faraimo, in this two-part series. 

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For more on the latest with AJ, catch her on Instagram and X. Share the diamonds you received from this episode by leaving...

In this special holiday episode, AJ unwraps the ultimate gift: mindset. Kicking off a two-part series, AJ revisits some of her favorite affirmations and lessons from past guests, Skylar Wallace, Baylee Klingler, Carley Hoover, Kim NG, and Sharlize Palacios, that shaped the year and continue to give.

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In this conversation, Sahvanna Jaquish discusses the significance of maintaining team culture, the value of hard work, the importance of authenticity, and overcoming personal doubts. She shares her experiences of feeling misunderstood in sports and emphasizes the need for trust between players and coaches. Additionally, she reflects on her time playing in Japan, highlighting the cultural differences and the mental toughness she dev...

This week, AJ is joined by the athlete's go-to brand builder and owner of AthleteCon, Sam Green. Sam shares her journey from competitive dancer to leader in athlete branding and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness). She highlights the importance of personal growth, affirmations, and the life lessons sports provide. Sam explains how athletes can build strong personal brands, use social media effectively, and ove...

Sam Fischer, senior manager of softball operations, rejoins the show to break down the AUSL’s bold next step: two new teams, new talent, and the impact of this major expansion.

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For more on the latest with AJ, catch her on Instagram and X. Share the diamonds you received from this episode by leaving a rating and a review!&...

In this conversation, Justine Siegal shares her journey as a trailblazer in women's baseball, discussing her role as an associate scout for Major League Baseball, her proudest moments as a mother and coach, and the impact of her foundation, Baseball For All. She emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for young girls in sports, the inception of the Women's Professional Baseball League (WPBL), and the significance of bui...

In this conversation, Odicci Alexander-Bennett shares her journey of overcoming adversity, building self-belief, and defining success on her own terms. She emphasizes the importance of determination, the mindset of a champion, and the power of women in sports. Odicci reflects on her experiences, the challenges she faced, and how embracing failure has been a crucial part of her success. 

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This week, AJ is joined by AUSL Senior Manager of Softball Operations, Sam Fischer. Sam shares her journey as a professional softball player, reflecting on the importance of being recognized as more than just an athlete. She opens up about the emotional challenges of retirement, the thoughtful decisions behind it, and her transition into a managerial ro...

In this engaging conversation, AUSL Talons, Sharlize Palacios opens up about her journey as a catcher, the powerful influence of her sister, and the meaningful legacy behind wearing number 13. She also reflects on the evolution of her skills, the art of pitch calling, and the vital role team culture plays in achieving success.

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In this episode, AJ interviews Ana Gold, the rookie of the year and infielder for the AUSL Blaze. Ana shares her journey from a determined young athlete to becoming the Rookie of the Year in professional softball. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance and reflects on her experiences, including the challenges of transitioning to professional sports and the thrill of competing against her idols. 

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