ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Charles Mays (Southeastern Softball Wire) interviews Appalachian State head coach Whitney Jones about the Mountaineers’ pitching outlook heading toward fall ball and the February season. Jones reviews 2026, noting a strong start and competitive games vs. Tennessee, but a conference stretch that didn’t meet expectations and highlighted the need to limit free passes and close games.
She discusses freshman Cam Fisher’s year, including challenges with inconsistent illegal-pitch calls and offseason mechanical work, plus the risk-reward of her up-spin, strikeout profile. Jones previews the rebuilt staff with transfer Abby Huhn (different down-ball look) and incoming freshmen Avery Ramey and “Slim” Emily King, and explains the fit of new pitching coach Jessica Dreswick (from Tulsa). They also cover catcher depth with Leah Gore and transfer Alexa Brunetti, App State’s fall schedule (Charlotte, Duke, Clemson, and others), and pride in alum Makayla McClain's AUSL opportunity.
00:00 Intro and Pitching Focus
00:51 Reviewing 2026 Staff
03:17 Sun Belt Grind
05:21 Cam Fisher Year One
06:56 Illegal Pitch Explained
08:10 New Arms and Abby Huhn
09:26 Riseball Risk Reward
10:50 Freshman Avery Ramey
12:41 Meet Slim Emily King
14:33 Should Pitchers Hit
16:32 New Pitching Coach Hire
19:12 Cutting Down Free Passes
20:39 Building a Deeper Staff
22:20 Catcher Plans and Brunetti
24:16 Why Boone Appeals
25:29 Fall Ball Schedule
27:47 McClain in the AUSL
30:18 Wrap Up and Thanks
