The Car Ride Home with the Alliance Fastpitch

The Standard is the Standard: The Family Story behind Impact Gold with Jazz Jackson Vesely

In this episode of The Car Ride Home Podcast, host Jami Lobpries sits down with Jazz Jackson Vesely—President of Impact Gold, former LSU standout, and one of the most influential leaders in youth fastpitch—to talk about the moments that shaped her journey from player to program leader. Impact Gold, led by Jazz, is a two-time Club Champion with the Alliance Fastpitch (2025, 2023 seasons) and has produced numerous college and professional players from their program. Jazz opens up about growing up with a hard-driving softball dad (bucket dad), reliving hour-long car rides breaking down one missed play, and how those moments shaped her standards, resilience, and leadership style. She shares what she’s learned running one of the nation’s top youth softball organizations, why and how recruiting has changed, and her decision to coach at the 16u age division."The standard is the standard." Jazz tells the story of her dad KC (head coach of the Impact Gold 18u Jackson) driving all night to sit in on her college practice after her college coach said she wasn’t focused.This conversation is a must-listen for:Softball dads coaching their daughtersYouth athlete moms navigating pressure & expectationsParents confused by the recruiting processAnyone raising confident girls through sportsImpact Gold is one of the longest tenured travel softball organizations and led by one of the few female club directors with Jazz. This episode is a great story about growing up in Texas as a youth player and growing into a female business leader leading at the highest level—this episode is about doing youth sports the right way and remembering that sometimes the most important coaching happens after the game is over.

Dear Travel Ball Parents: A Pep Talk from CJ Beatty in the Car Ride Home

Join the car ride home with CJ Beatty — The Baseball & Softball Motivator, former college and professional athlete, music artist, and proud girl dad — for a powerful, heart-driven ride on this episode of The Car Ride Home Podcast. Hosted by Jami Lobpries, this conversation dives deep into what fuels today’s youth athletes — from confidence-building and family connection to the mindset that turns players into leaders -- and speaks to the hearts of parents wanting to support their young athlete. Hear CJ’s journey from the minor leagues to motivational stages and concert arenas as he shares how his mission evolved from baseball fields to empowering young female athletes in softball through his brand TSM (The Softball Motivator) and viral walkout anthems like “Row My Boat” and “Dem Catchers.”Parents, coaches, and athletes alike will be inspired by topics like:💪 How car rides home can shape character and confidence.👧 The power of girl dads and lessons on raising strong, grounded daughters.🎶 The story behind “Row My Boat” — the No.1 softball walkout song — and how CJ uses music to build mindset.⚾ Why he left baseball to champion softball and what that means for the next generation of players.🧠 Real talk on motivation, social media, NIL, and how to help your athlete “walk the road less traveled.”Whether you’re a travel ball mom, softball dad, or youth athlete chasing big dreams, this episode will leave you fired up for your next tournament weekend — and every car ride home after.

From AFCS National Champion to College Softball Star - The Car Ride Home with Jordan Woolery

UCLA star infielder Jordan Woolery joins the Car Ride Home to give youth softball parents and travel-ball athletes real, actionable advice on the journey from travel softball in the Alliance Fastpitch to elite college softball. An Alliance alum, AFCS National Champion and Alliance All-Star, Jordan explains how the habits she built in travel ball translate to success in college softball —plus the routines, reps, and mindset she uses against the nation’s best. Jordan shares her own journey from starting softball in Northern California to community over 6 hours to Southern California to play for the Athletics Mercado organization. We discuss what it means to be a great teammate, playing multiple positions, and how Jordan and her UCLA teammate Megan Grant power each other to lead the country in homeruns. This is a fun car ride home for youth players and parents to hear actionable advice from one of the game's best hitters....and best teammates! What you’ll learn:- Jordan's intro to the game and how she first fell in love with softball- Jordan's transition to travel ball and the evolution from competing locally to commuting hours to compete for one of the nation's best 18u teams in Athletics Mercado - Competing in the Alliance Fastpitch, from winning the first 18u National Championship to competing and now coaching in the Alliance All-Star Game- Teammate lessons - changing positions and a friendly teammate homerun competition- Jordan's recruiting journey and playing for one of the most historic college softball programsThis episode is perfect for: youth softball parents, travel softball coaches, and athletes searching for college softball advice from a current star. Learn how Jordan’s travel ball roots power her UCLA career and how your family can apply the same principles today.

From Boutique to National Brand - inside the Tampa Mustangs organization with Rene Ciccarello

Buckle up! In this Car Ride Home, host Jami Lobpries chats with Coach Rene Ciccarello of the Tampa Mustangs about how a small, boutique club in Florida grew into a travel ball powerhouse in the Southeast. We talk about the history of the Tampa Mustangs organization, the culture and coaching philosophy inside the organization which started with Ray Seymour, and player development inside their organization. Rene recently took over the Tampa Mustangs organization and also led his 18u team to a 3rd place finish at the Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series in 2025. We share stories from their national championship run and Rene shares insights to his coaching strategy at the AFCS. What you’ll hear inside the interview:The culture of Florida's oldest and most successful travel ball organizationHow to set team standards and simple daily habits that winCoaching strategy at National Championships What “travel-ball ready” looks like from 12U to 18UPractice planning that builds skills and confidenceTryouts, roster construction, and picking the right familiesStaff roles, communication, and keeping the culture strongCompeting on the national stage from a Florida base About our guestRene Ciccarello Jr. has spent 12 years coaching inside the Tampa Mustangs organization. What started as a 12u team building a national schedule has led to the Tampa Mustangs Rene as one of the top 18u teams in the country. Now Rene is leading the entire Florida-based organization as the President of the Tampa Mustangs, an organization founded by Ray Seymour in 1981.

Developing elite fastpitch players to compete on the biggest stage - Interview with Ray McDonald of the Warrior Academy

Buckle up! In this Car Ride Home, host Jami Lobpries talks with Ray McDonald, the leader of Warrior Academy in the San Francisco Bay Area. Ray shares how his club trains hitters, sharpens defense, and builds strong mindsets so players can grow on and off the field, and teams can compete at the highest level. Ray's 16u Warrior team won the 2025 AFCS National Championship, the second AFCS National Championship for their program. Ray talks about his background growing up in a baseball family, his passion for developing players and hitters, and the legends of Nor Cal softball, including Megan Grant and Olivia DiNardo who were part of the 2021 AFCS National Championship team.What you’ll hear (simple + useful):Hitting: swing path, timing, bat speed, approach at the plateDefense: infield footwork, glove work, game reps that feel realMindset: confidence, routine, “next pitch” focusPractice design: small-group sessions, quality reps, competition, and availabilityPathway talk: NorCal travel softball, showcases, and being ready for big events like the Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series (AFCS) Who is Ray?Coach and program builder behind Warrior Academy, a top Northern California fastpitch organization known for competitive training and national-level success. Warrior Softball AcademyPerfect for:Players, parents, and coaches in Northern California (Bay Area, Silicon Valley, San Mateo) searching for softball training, player development, and travel softball insights. Follow The Car Ride Home: new conversations with the best minds in fastpitch—clear takeaways you can use today.