On this episode of the Vikings Press Pass, Freshman catcher Alaina Diaz joins me following a dominant doubleheader sweep over Wheaton. We dive into her reaction to being named to the NFCA Division III "Player of the Year" Watch List and what it’s like hitting in the heart of a Vikings offense ranked among the nation’s best.

Alaina also talks about her connection with Coach Nelson, the influence of her parents as role models, and how she gives back by coaching young catchers. Plus, we get the story behind the “Queen of the Diamond” belt. A great conversation with one of the CCIW’s brightest young stars!

On Episode 50 of Vikings Press Pass, we celebrate this podcast's 50th Episode milestone with Freshman shortstop Alexis Duke from the Augustana Softball team. Alexis shares what it’s been like making an immediate impact in her first year, including a huge doubleheader performance vs. Wheaton and what it takes to be successful in the leadoff spot (leadoff stats: 11-21, .524 BA, .615 OBP, .857 SLG, 1 HR) We also talk about her path to Augie, why her role model is her older brother, and how her relationship with Coach Nelson solidified her coming to Augustana. From national rankings to team chemistry, it’s a great chat with one of the rising stars in the CCIW!

On this episode of the Vikings Press Pass, I’m joined by Junior 3B Emma Evans from the Augustana Softball team. We break down a jam-packed week on the diamond that included three doubleheaders and the start of conference play. Emma reflects on key moments from wins over Buena Vista and Millikin, the slugfest with Carthage, and how the team is holding strong at 13-3 overall.

We also explore Emma’s journey from Farmington, Illinois, and how her ACL injury led her down the path of her double major in Kinesiology and Communication. She gives us a preview of her glove, dishes out her hottest "hot chocolate" take, and helps us cast the Augustana softball team as characters from Grey’s Anatomy—yes, seriously. It’s a fun, insightful conversation with one of the Vikings’ most genuine voices—don’t miss it!