Catching You: A Dad And Daughter's Dive Into Softball podcast

36:47

Send us a text 🌟 From Puerto Rico to Australia: Playing Free & Loving the Game 🌟 In this episode of Catching You, co-hosts Rusty and Lacie Ham dive into Lacie’s incredible journey from NCAA softball to competing internationally. Fresh off her summer season in Puerto Rico’s Softball Superior Nacional Femenino with the Valencianas out of the city of Juncos, Lacie reflects on how playing abroad reignited her passion for the game. From intense semifinal matchups against pitchers she once idolized, to the electric energy of Puerto Rican fans with drums and horns, Lacie shares how this experience felt different—more free, more fun, and without the heavy pressures of college athletics. She talks about cultural immersion, building bonds with her team in Juncos, and the honor of earning First Team All-League recognition. But the adventure doesn’t stop there. Lacie is now preparing for her next big chapter—moving to Adelaide, South Australia, to play for the Port Adelaide Magpies. She discusses the challenges ahead, from coaching a 12U team to adapting to a new country (and driving on the other side of the road!). This conversation is more than just about softball—it’s about growth, mindset, and rediscovering why you love what you do. Whether you’re an athlete, a parent, or just someone chasing a passion, you’ll find inspiration in Lacie’s story of resilience, adaptability, and joy for the game. 🎧 Listen in to hear: The difference between college pressure and playing free Lessons from competing against world-class talent The unique culture of Puerto Rican softball Preparing for life and softball in Australia 📍 Catching You – Where the game is only the beginning. A couple of years ago, as a family, we created family core values. One of them is, "We face challenges with optimism while displaying a growth mindset." We wanted to tell our story so others, who relate, can navigate through these challenges better. Contributing to our Podcast will show we're on the right track and we're making a difference to those who have similar stories. Buy Us A Coffee Follow Us: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook TikTok X Threads…

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85 | Catching Her Dreams: From College Softball to Puerto Rico and Beyond 🌎 23:47

il y a environ 16 jours23:47

23:47

Send us a text In this solo episode, Rusty reflects on an unforgettable week in Puerto Rico watching his daughter Lacie pitch in the semifinals of her summer league. From intense games and Caribbean beaches to heartfelt talks and future dreams, Rusty shares a father's perspective on the evolution of his daughter's softball journey—from youth ball to college, and now to the world stage. He opens up about the emotions, the lessons, and the joy of watching your child chase their dreams with grit and grace. Lacie is now preparing for her next adventure—playing softball in Australia! 🇦🇺 Whether you're a sports parent, a softball fan, or just love a good story of perseverance and family, this one’s for you. 🎙️ Highlights: What it's like to pitch in Puerto Rico’s electric atmosphere Reflections on senior year and college recruiting pressures Life lessons for parents navigating travel ball and college sports What’s next for Lacie as she heads to Australia 📍 If you're new here, Catching You is a father-daughter podcast that follows the journey of college softball, life transitions, and everything in between. Subscribe for more episodes, interviews, and raw reflections. 🎧 Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube 👉 Leave a comment below if you’ve followed your child through sports—or want to share your own family story. #SoftballLife #CatchingYou #PuertoRicoSoftball #FamilyPodcast #AthleteJourney #ParentPerspective #CollegeSoftball #australiabound A couple of years ago, as a family, we created family core values. One of them is, "We face challenges with optimism while displaying a growth mindset." We wanted to tell our story so others, who relate, can navigate through these challenges better. Contributing to our Podcast will show we're on the right track and we're making a difference to those who have similar stories. Buy Us A Coffee Follow Us: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook TikTok X Threads…

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84 | From Puerto Rico to Australia: My New Softball Life 🇵🇷➡️🇦🇺 25:38

il y a environ 24 jours25:38

25:38

Send us a text In this solo episode of Catching You , Lacie takes us behind the scenes of her life as a pro softball player in Puerto Rico—just as playoffs kick off—and shares the exciting news of her next big adventure: playing in Australia! She talks about... What it's like living in Puerto Rico (beaches, Bad Bunny, and beach volleyball!) How she's managing knee pain and mental fatigue Why taking a true break matters The truth about becoming elite (inspired by Skylar Wallace's viral TikTok) - CLICK HERE Her personal journey from 58 MPH to 67 MPH and what it really took This one is honest, raw, and packed with motivation for anyone chasing a big dream—on or off the field. 👉 Like, subscribe, and share this with a teammate who needs to hear it. #CatchingYouPodcast #SoftballLife #ProSoftball #SkylarWallace #PuertoRicoSoftball #AustraliaBound #MentalHealthInSports #PitcherLife #SoftballMotivation A couple of years ago, as a family, we created family core values. One of them is, "We face challenges with optimism while displaying a growth mindset." We wanted to tell our story so others, who relate, can navigate through these challenges better. Contributing to our Podcast will show we're on the right track and we're making a difference to those who have similar stories. Buy Us A Coffee Follow Us: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook TikTok X Threads…

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83 | REPLAY Episode 31: Hard Truths About Softball Dads, Travel Ball & Coaching with Sam Banister 34:01

il y a 5 weeks34:01

34:01

Send us a text What happens when a former NCAA champ, a current college pitcher, and a high school softball dad sit down to talk parenting, pressure, and playing the game? Fireworks, laughs, and some real talk. In this full-length episode of Catching You , Rusty and Lacie Ham are joined by the outspoken and inspiring Sam Banister —a two-time national champion turned travel ball coach and private instructor. Together, they unpack the realities most people are afraid to say out loud, including: When “helping” becomes pressure—and how dads can do better How Sam’s own pitching journey ended in the eighth grade (and why she never looked back) Coaching red flags: why Sam picks parents over talent The cost of chasing every tournament and the myth of "national" teams NIL deals, the transfer portal, and what college softball is really like now What happens when TikTok goes viral and softball turns into a platform You’ll laugh, shake your head, and maybe even cry as Sam shares stories that every softball parent, coach, or athlete needs to hear. This episode is packed with teachable moments, raw truths, and a ton of heart. 👀 Part 2 drops next week! 📍 To learn more about Sam’s camps and private instruction, visit BasesLoadedFlorida.com 👇 Like, comment, and subscribe for more behind-the-scenes journeys from softball’s front lines. #CatchingYou #SoftballPodcast #SamBanister #TravelBallTruths #FatherDaughterPodcast #CollegeSoftball #SoftballParenting A couple of years ago, as a family, we created family core values. One of them is, "We face challenges with optimism while displaying a growth mindset." We wanted to tell our story so others, who relate, can navigate through these challenges better. Contributing to our Podcast will show we're on the right track and we're making a difference to those who have similar stories. Buy Us A Coffee Follow Us: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook TikTok X Threads…

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82 | REPLAY Episode 30: From Petaluma to Arizona: Sam Banister’s Softball Journey & Beyond 28:26

il y a 6 weeks28:26

28:26

Send us a text Two-time NCAA Champion. Travel ball veteran. Softball lifer. Sam Banister joins Rusty and Lacie Ham for a brutally honest and hilarious ride through her softball story—from backyard fields in Petaluma to the national stage at Arizona. In this special Part 1 of our Catching You conversation, Sam opens up about: Getting scouted at age 3 (yes, really… a fairground throwing contest!) Playing for her dad… and why her mom finally said “enough” Don Ford’s “order of importance” tryouts (you’ve got to hear this) How a VCR-era recruiting video landed her in front of Coach Candrea Winning two national championships—and the injuries no one saw coming The reality of being sidelined with a collapsed lung as a freshman Why post-college life was so disorienting (and how softball saved her) We also dive into the evolving recruiting landscape, the rise of mental health awareness in sports, and how Lacie and Sam compare notes on life after softball. 💥 Raw, relatable, and ridiculously fun, this episode is for every softball player, parent, and coach navigating the highs and lows of the game—and life. 🎧 New episode next week: Part 2 – Coaching, Mindset, and What’s Next for the Game 👇 Follow & Subscribe for more real-deal father-daughter softball stories. #CatchingYou #SoftballPodcast #SamBanister #CollegeSoftball #MentalHealth #FatherDaughterPodcast A couple of years ago, as a family, we created family core values. One of them is, "We face challenges with optimism while displaying a growth mindset." We wanted to tell our story so others, who relate, can navigate through these challenges better. Contributing to our Podcast will show we're on the right track and we're making a difference to those who have similar stories. Buy Us A Coffee Follow Us: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook TikTok X Threads…

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81 | Skull Fractures, Panic Attacks & Puerto Rican Pitching Dreams 🇵🇷 21:30

il y a 7 weeks21:30

21:30

Send us a text She survived a skull fracture, battled panic attacks, and just pitched against College World Series legends in Puerto Rico. In this powerful and raw episode of Catching You , Lacie Ham surprises Rusty for Father's Day—right after flying back from pitching in Puerto Rico—and they sit down for an unfiltered conversation about her mental health journey in softball, her pro debut, and what’s next in Australia. Rusty and Lacie rewind to the summer she was hit in the head by a comebacker—seven years ago, to the day. That one moment shaped her recruiting path, sent her into a whirlwind of anxiety and panic attacks, and almost derailed her career. Lacie shares how long it took to feel like herself again, and how her senior year of college softball was the first time she played panic-free. They also dive into: Her current experience as the only non-Puerto Rican player on her team Facing off against big names like Taran Alvelo Learning new terms like “Ponche” (strikeout = punchout!) Getting chirped in Spanish she can’t understand 😂 Upcoming adventures in Australia and plans to pursue a master’s in sports psychology This one has laughs, life lessons, and love —everything Catching You is all about. 🎧 New episodes every week 📺 Subscribe for more father-daughter deep dives #CatchingYou #SoftballPodcast #MentalHealth #PuertoRicoSoftball #SportsPsychology #FatherDaughter Follow Us: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook TikTok X Threads…

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80 | Why Did Keirstin Roose Transfer to Georgia? 32:36

il y a 8 weeks32:36

32:36

Send us a text Join Rusty and Lacie as they chat with Kirstin Roose about her experience as a university transfer student. Keirstin shares her story time, discussing her experiences transitioning from Coastal Carolina University (CCU) to Georgia. They touch on various challenges and funny moments along the way. What happens when your dream school never calls—and then you end up playing against the team you committed to? 💥 In this inspiring and unfiltered episode, Rusty Ham chats with Keirstin Roose about her rollercoaster recruiting journey—from getting ghosted on September 1st, to switching travel teams, recovering from injury, navigating the transfer portal, being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, and finally landing at the University of Georgia. 🥎 💬 They talk: Early recruiting drama (yes, 6th grade verbals!) Dealing with rejection and disappointment Mental health, impostor syndrome, and perseverance The truth behind “trusting the process” Facing off against her future team in regionals Why she started her podcast, Like a Girl This episode is packed with honesty, laughs, and moments every softball family can relate to. Get Mentored by Keirstin. Fill out this FORM 🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations about the road to college softball! 🎧 Listen to Keirstin's podcast: Like a Girl 📱 Follow her on Instagram & TikTok: @keirstin.roose A couple of years ago, as a family, we created family core values. One of them is, "We face challenges with optimism while displaying a growth mindset." We wanted to tell our story so others, who relate, can navigate through these challenges better. Contributing to our Podcast will show we're on the right track and we're making a difference to those who have similar stories. Buy Us A Coffee Follow Us: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook TikTok X Threads…

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79 | Junkyard Softball to D1 College Softball: Keirstin Roose’s Wild Ride 29:46

il y a 9 weeks29:46

29:46

Send us a text In this episode, Rusty and Lacie chat with Keirstin Roose about her transfer from Coastal Carolina (CCU) to UGA. She shares her softball highlights and what she's looking forward to with the lady bulldogs. This is a great episode for anyone interested in college softball. Keirstin takes us from her first swings in T-ball to building a junkyard-inspired rec ball team called the "Little Scrappers" (yes, seriously). You’ll laugh, cringe, and maybe cry as she and Lacie bond over growing up softball-tough under the watchful eye of demanding—but loving—dads. They cover: Playing through injury (literally on a torn ACL!) Surviving early recruiting chaos and rule changes The gritty reality of travel ball life (3AM drives, gas station hot dogs, and all) Balancing 5 sports, student government, and academics… at a school with 98 kids Why mental health matters in youth sports—especially after major injuries Rusty shares behind-the-scenes moments from Lacie’s playing days and draws uncanny parallels with Keirstin's journey. From competitive travel teams to emotional comebacks, this episode is packed with real stories, raw laughs, and relatable lessons for athletes, parents, and coaches alike. 🎧 BONUS: Keirstin's podcast Like A Girl is now live on all platforms—go subscribe and support this rising voice in the softball world. Get Mentored by Keirstin. Fill out this FORM 📌 Stay tuned for Part 2 next week, where we dive into her decision to transfer, how she advocates for female athletes, and what’s next in her evolving career. #CatchingYou #SoftballPodcast #KeirstinRoose #D1Softball #LikeAGirl #FatherDaughterPodcast A couple of years ago, as a family, we created family core values. One of them is, "We face challenges with optimism while displaying a growth mindset." We wanted to tell our story so others, who relate, can navigate through these challenges better. Contributing to our Podcast will show we're on the right track and we're making a difference to those who have similar stories. Buy Us A Coffee Follow Us: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook TikTok X Threads…

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78 | New Country, New Team, Same Grit: Lacie’s Puerto Rican Softball Debut 🇵🇷 20:39

il y a 10 weeks20:39

20:39

Send us a text Lacie Ham is officially a pro! In this raw and hilarious episode of Catching You, Rusty and Lacie catch up from opposite sides of the map—Rusty in California, Lacie now living and pitching in Puerto Rico. She’s traded textbooks for sun, sand, and Spanish—making her pro softball debut just days after graduating college. But as always, nothing’s ever that smooth. From dragging furniture down three flights of stairs to gate-hopping with a U-Haul in a sketchy neighborhood, Rusty relives the chaos of Lacie’s post-grad move-out. Now in San Juan, Lacie opens up about the culture shock, the loneliness, and the curveballs of adjusting to a brand new life with a team where English is not the first language. And right in the middle of the episode? Her coach texts: “Be ready in 5.” You’ll hear her bolt mid-recording. Real life, real time. Rusty wraps it up with reflections on Lacie’s growth, her rough junior year, and why being “uncomfortable” might be the best gift she could get right now. Also: sneak peek into her next big move—Australia! 🇦🇺 🎙️ Plus, Rusty teases upcoming guests, including pro softballer Kirsten Ruse from the Like a Girl podcast. 📺 Watch Lacie’s games LIVE ( https://www.youtube.com/@CanchaLiveDeporte ) 🧡 Rate, share, and review the podcast—it helps more than you know. #CatchingYou #SoftballPodcast #PuertoRicoSoftball #PostGradLife #ProSoftball #FatherDaughter Follow Us: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook TikTok X Threads…

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77 | Bittersweet Goodbye: Lacie’s Last NCAA Game & What Comes Next 26:56

il y a 11 weeks26:56

26:56

Send us a text In this heartfelt episode of Catching You , co-host Rusty Ham sits down with his daughter, Lacie Ham , for one final conversation as a collegiate softball pitcher. After wrapping up her NCAA career at San Jose State, Lacie opens up about the emotional weight of watching teams she competed against—and even beat—advance to the postseason, while her own team missed out on regionals. They reflect on the bittersweet nature of senior year, especially after a bounce-back season that saw Lacie and her teammates finish 6th in the Mountain West after being predicted to finish dead last. Despite a first-round tournament exit, Lacie shares how proud she is of the team’s progress, while also acknowledging the sting of knowing her college career is officially over. But the journey isn't finished. Lacie talks about her next steps—heading to Puerto Rico for a summer semi-pro season, and then off to Australia for a full year of international play. Rusty and Lacie also share some key advice for young softball players watching the Women’s College World Series, including lessons on dugout etiquette , base running IQ , and maintaining a team-first mentality—even from the bench . If you're a player, parent, or coach navigating the end of a chapter—or the beginning of a new one—this episode offers candid insight, encouragement, and a reminder that the love of the game doesn’t end when the innings do. 📣 Subscribe and follow for more real stories from the diamond. #CatchingYou #SoftballJourney #SeniorSeason #CollegeSoftball #WomensSports #NextChapter A couple of years ago, as a family, we created family core values. One of them is, "We face challenges with optimism while displaying a growth mindset." We wanted to tell our story so others, who relate, can navigate through these challenges better. Contributing to our Podcast will show we're on the right track and we're making a difference to those who have similar stories. Buy Us A Coffee Follow Us: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook TikTok X Threads…

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76 | Adapt or Die: The New Truth About College Softball Recruiting 36:21

il y a 12 weeks36:21

36:21

Send us a text In Episode 76 of Catching You , Rusty Ham sits down with powerhouse recruiting advisor Cheri Naudin , founder of Collegiate Sports Advocate, to have one of the most honest conversations about the evolving landscape of college softball recruiting. With Lacie Ham finishing her NCAA career and heading to play in Puerto Rico and potentially Australia, Rusty reflects on the ups and downs of her journey—and what he wished he’d known earlier. Cheri pulls no punches as she shares how the recruiting process has shifted dramatically with NIL , the transfer portal , and post-COVID rule changes . From the early days of scouting 6th graders to today’s cutthroat, portal-heavy system, she offers powerful insight into why “adapt or die” isn’t just a quote from Moneyball —it’s the reality for players, parents, and coaches. They talk candidly about false expectations, overlooked talent, and how too many families confuse big-name teams with the right fit . Cheri breaks down how she builds custom recruiting strategies, teaches life skills like time management, and tells the hard truths most people are afraid to hear. If you're a softball family trying to navigate the process—or a parent wondering if you’re doing the right thing for your athlete—this episode is a must-listen. 🎙️ Visit collegiatesportsadvocate.com and mention Catching You for a personal follow-up from Cheri. #CatchingYou #CollegeSoftball #RecruitingTruths #AdaptOrDie #NCAARecruiting A couple of years ago, as a family, we created family core values. One of them is, "We face challenges with optimism while displaying a growth mindset." We wanted to tell our story so others, who relate, can navigate through these challenges better. Contributing to our Podcast will show we're on the right track and we're making a difference to those who have similar stories. Buy Us A Coffee Follow Us: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook TikTok X Threads…

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75 | What Really Happens In A College Athlete's Week? 30:43

il y a 13 weeks30:43

30:43

Send us a text Ever wonder what a week in the life of a college athlete is really like? From intense training to balancing academics and games, this Podcast gives you an inside look at the grind of a student-athlete's final year. If you're a recruit, playing D1 sports, or just curious about the life of a college athlete, this video is a must-watch! This milestone 75th episode of Catching You marks a powerful reflection point in Lacie Ham’s journey as a Division I college softball pitcher. With over 10,000 downloads and a loyal listener base, Rusty and Lacie dive deep into what could be their most emotional and insightful conversation yet. Coming off a sweep of Boise State to clinch a postseason berth, Lacie and the San Jose State Spartans were predicted to finish dead last at the beginning of the year. Instead, they ended the regular season ranked #1 in pitching and defense, proving how far hard work, belief, and team chemistry can take you. Rusty and Lacie discuss their final series at San Diego State, the grind of D1 softball, the recruiting mistakes they want others to avoid, and what the mental and emotional demands of college athletics really look like. From thoughts on the transfer portal and NIL to day-in-the-life advice for young athletes, this is a must-listen for any parent or player navigating the road to college sports. Plus, Lacie previews her next adventure—graduating cum laude and heading off to Puerto Rico and then Australia to continue her playing career while exploring grad school options. It's been a ride full of lessons, love, growth, and grit—and it's far from over. Catch Lacie’s final games this week and follow the podcast for what comes next in the Catching You journey. A couple of years ago, as a family, we created family core values. One of them is, "We face challenges with optimism while displaying a growth mindset." We wanted to tell our story so others, who relate, can navigate through these challenges better. Contributing to our Podcast will show we're on the right track and we're making a difference to those who have similar stories. Buy Us A Coffee Follow Us: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook TikTok X Threads…

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74 | How A Grueling Weekend Changed Everything! 17:11

il y a 14 weeks17:11

17:11

Send us a text In this special solo episode of Catching You, Rusty Ham recaps a monumental senior weekend for his daughter and co-host, Lacie Ham, and the San Jose State softball team. Facing a must-win series against Boise State, the Spartans rose to the challenge—sweeping all three games, clinching a spot in the Mountain West Conference tournament, and exceeding preseason expectations that had them picked to finish last. Rusty shares the emotional highs of Senior Day, from walking Lacie onto the field to hearing her name etched into San Jose State history for career innings pitched and strikeouts. He reflects on Lacie’s incredible journey from a six-plus ERA a year ago to becoming one of the conference’s top pitchers in her final season, leading with resilience, heart, and grit. He also looks ahead to the team’s final regular season series at San Diego State and touches on Lacie’s exciting plans beyond college, including her upcoming summer playing semi-pro softball in Puerto Rico. This heartfelt episode captures the bittersweet emotions of watching a dream come full circle—and the hope and excitement that come with the next chapter. Whether you're a softball parent, an athlete, or just someone who appreciates stories of perseverance and growth, you’ll feel the pride and gratitude that radiates from every word. Catch the Spartans in action this weekend and keep cheering Lacie and her teammates on through their final stretch! Follow Us: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook TikTok X Threads…

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73 | I Spent 17 Years Playing Softball And Now It's Ending 26:35

il y a 15 weeks26:35

26:35

Send us a text In this emotionally rich and insight-packed episode of Catching You, Rusty and Lacie Ham catch up after a big weekend. After 17 years of playing softball, it's finally coming to an end. Watch as I reflect on my senior weekend, final game, defensive plays, ERA, and conference tournament experience. They break down her latest games, including another gutsy performance on the mound against UNLV, a massive home run surrendered, and how she’s refined her mindset around pressure situations—no longer pitching scared, but pitching smart. Lacie dives into pitch strategy, her in-game connection with her teammates, and the importance of energy and presence on the field. They also reflect on Lacie’s growth from a 10-year-old with a dream of playing college ball to a senior with her best season yet. With ERA numbers down, confidence up, and leadership taking center stage, Lacie talks about journaling, visualization, and the tough lessons she’s learned about performance, effort, and responsibility. The episode also zooms out to talk about what it means to finish strong—both personally and as a team. Lacie offers heartfelt advice to underclassmen about showing up for their seniors on Senior Day and the lasting value of small gestures like writing a card or offering support. It’s part scouting report, part life talk, and part tearjerker as father and daughter gear up for an emotional Senior Day—and potentially Lacie’s final home game. Don’t miss this raw, real, and inspiring episode as the Hams close in on the last innings of a remarkable journey. A couple of years ago, as a family, we created family core values. One of them is, "We face challenges with optimism while displaying a growth mindset." We wanted to tell our story so others, who relate, can navigate through these challenges better. Contributing to our Podcast will show we're on the right track and we're making a difference to those who have similar stories. Buy Us A Coffee Follow Us: Website YouTube Instagram Facebook TikTok X Threads…

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72 | REPLAY Episode 25: FAMILY Secrets You Won't Believe 32:10

il y a 16 weeks32:10