Out of Left Field cover art

Out of Left Field

Out of Left Field

By: Abby Alonzo
Listen for free

About this listen

 Welcome to Out of Left Field (OLF) — a new media platform dedicated to growing the game of softball through interviews, stories and coverage.

🎙️ Player-first interviews that give athletes the mic.
🎬 Mic’d up highlightd bringing you inside the action.
🥎 Softball storytelling you won’t find anywhere else.
⚡ Bold takes + explainers that break the box and keep you in the game.

From the Athletes Unlimited Softball League to the next wave of women’s sports like flag football, OLF is here to capture the moments, amplify the voices, and bring fans closer to the stories that matter.

📲 Subscribe for new videos every week.
📧 Business inquiries: outofleftfieldmedia@gmail.com
🌐 Follow us on:
Instagram: @OLFmedia
TikTok: @outofleftfieldmediaCopyright Abby Alonzo
Episodes
  • From Software Engineer To Pro Softball: Sami Williams’ Journey To The Chicago Bandits

    From Software Engineer To Pro Softball: Sami Williams’ Journey To The Chicago Bandits
    Mar 12 2026
    Sami Williams has one of the most unique stories in professional softball. From playing at Iowa State to competing in Athletes Unlimited, the WPF, and now the AUSL with the Chicago Bandits, Sami’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, networking, and betting on yourself. Off the field, she’s also a senior software engineer with the Chicago Cubs, balancing a career in Major League Baseball while continuing to pursue her professional softball dream. In this episode of Out of Left Field, Sami Williams joins Abby Alonzo to talk about:
    • Her journey through pro softball leagues (AU, WPF, AUSL)
    • Working in Major League Baseball as a software engineer
    • Overcoming injuries and setbacks
    • How networking helped extend her career
    • Advice for young softball players chasing big dreams
    • What it means to play pro softball in Chicago Out of Left Field is a softball podcast focused on the stories behind the athletes, the business of softball, and growing the game. Make sure to subscribe for more interviews with top softball players, coaches, and leaders in women’s sports. #Softball #AUSL #AthletesUnlimited #ChicagoBandits #WomensSports #CollegeSoftball #ProSoftball
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • SEC Softball Opening Weekend Preview | Tennessee vs LSU, Texas, Alabama, Florida Storylines

    SEC Softball Opening Weekend Preview | Tennessee vs LSU, Texas, Alabama, Florida Storylines
    Mar 6 2026
    SEC softball conference play is officially here, and opening weekend features multiple ranked matchups and major storylines across the conference. In this episode of Out of Left Field, Abby Alonzo breaks down the biggest series of the weekend, including No. 1 Tennessee vs No. 16 LSU, Georgia vs Arkansas, and Texas vs South Carolina, while also looking at undefeated Alabama entering SEC play, Florida opening conference action against Missouri, and Mississippi State building momentum behind Raelin Goold’s complete-game shutout. Key topics in this episode:
    • Tennessee softball pitching dominance led by Karlyn Pickens
    • LSU trying to challenge the No. 1 team in the country
    • Arkansas emerging as a Women’s College World Series contender
    • Texas riding a 17-game winning streak
    • Alabama entering SEC play undefeated
    • Florida looking to build momentum in the SEC standings
    • Mississippi State’s strong pitching performance from Raelin Goold
    SEC softball is widely considered the deepest conference in the sport, and opening weekend will give us our first real look at the national championship contenders. Subscribe to Out of Left Field for interviews with the biggest players in softball and weekly breakdowns of the biggest storylines in the sport.
    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • Emma Lemley: Virginia Tech Legend, AUSL “Golden Ticket” History + Mindset, Yips & Playing Free | OLF

    Emma Lemley: Virginia Tech Legend, AUSL “Golden Ticket” History + Mindset, Yips & Playing Free | OLF
    Feb 27 2026
    Emma Lemley — Virginia Tech softball legend and AUSL Golden Ticket history maker — joins Out of Left Field for a deep dive into her journey from Forest, Virginia to professional softball. In this full interview, Emma Lemley opens up about her time at Virginia Tech, becoming the first player to receive an AUSL college Golden Ticket, navigating pressure at the highest level of college softball, and transitioning into professional softball with Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL). We break down: • Emma Lemley’s Virginia Tech softball career and legacy
    • The behind-the-scenes story of her AUSL Golden Ticket moment
    • Playing for the Blaze and entering pro softball
    • The illegal pitch controversy and handling social media criticism
    • Overcoming the yips as a college pitcher
    • Mental health in college softball and professional sports
    • Mindfulness routines, breath work, and athlete mindset training
    • Competing under pressure on ESPN and national stages
    • Growing the game of women’s sports and pro softball
    • Finding your “why” as an athlete Emma Lemley’s story is one of resilience, self-awareness, and evolution — from learning pitching alongside her dad to becoming one of the faces of the next era of professional softball. If you’re a softball player, coach, parent, or fan of Virginia Tech softball, AUSL, or women’s sports growth, this episode is packed with insight into what it really takes to succeed at the elite level. Subscribe for more in-depth interviews with AUSL athletes, college softball stars, and leaders shaping the future of women’s professional sports. #EmmaLemley #VirginiaTechSoftball #AUSL #ProSoftball #CollegeSoftball #AthletesUnlimited #SoftballPodcast #WomenInSports #Pitching #MentalHealthInSports
    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.