Thank you, Good-bye and Good Luck Coach Tracie Adix-Zins

Even though I saw it coming, I am sad to see DePaul Softball Head Coach Tracie Adix-Zins was let go by DePaul. The announcement was made last week.

Coach Adix-Zins went 125-133 (.484) in six seasons at DePaul. The Blue Demons finished the 2023-24 season with a 9-38 record. Although those numbers aren't horrible, the trend was not good and the change was not a surprise.

Coach Adix-Zins was a class act, first as a player at DePaul and also for the Chicago Bandits, then as a coach. She had a few stints as assistant coach at other schools, before getting the DePaul position.

I really enjoyed Coach Aix-Zins during her stay at DePaul. She was always good for an interview or quote. She always had time for me when I needed something. Even during the rough last couple seasons, she never shied away from the press or fans. Unfortunately, the results just weren't there the last two seasons. That's the life of a coach. Still, I hate to see her go.

I am sure she will land elsewhere. I hope it is somewhere in the area. Either way, I will follow her career. I also wish her luck and thank her for her time and consideration over the years.

Tracie-Adix-Zins and me in Evanston, IL-April 2024.

Thank You DePaul Softball

The DePaul Blue Demons lost to Villanova and UConn on Saturday to end their season. It was a successful and exciting season.

The Blue Demons finished 29-24 (16-8). They cam on strong to finish the season, winning 11 of 12 near the end.

The season started with Fall Ball in February, where I talked to Coach Tracie Adix-Zins and others. Coach Tracie said they had a good group and she was right. Only one team wins it all, but you can still have a successful season.

For me, it was just great being back out there. DePaul's Cacciatore Stadium is a hidden gem, tucked under the el tracks just east of DePaul's northside campus.

I love every part of the DePaul game day experience. I arrive early and talk to the fans, which usually consist of many parents. I tend to move to different parts of the stadium throughout the game. I just like watching from different angles. Postgame, I chat with the parents and the players, all of whom appreciate the coverage.

I appreciate the hospitality and consideration of the entire DePaul community. I thank them all and look forward to Fall Ball 2022.

Go to DePaulBlueDemons.com for more info. Check back here for my coverage.

Tracie Adix-Zins and me in Rosemont, IL-February 2022.

Welcome Back DePaul Softball

The DePaul Blue Demons softball team was finally back in action. Opening their 2021 season inside the warm confines of the Dome in Rosemont, the Blue Demons started with a big win. The Blue Demons went 3-2 over the weekend but unfortunately ended it with a tough loss.

The weekend started with a big 8-0 victory over Valparaiso. Unfortunately, it ended with an 8-7 loss to Western Illinois, in a game that saw DePaul squander a 7-1 lead. In between, the Blue Demons went 2-1 to make it 3-2 for the weekend series.

There were some nice highlights, including Natalie Halvorson's brilliant pitching performance and some explosive hitting. Some negatives were blowing the lead, occasional shaky defense and spotty pitching. All told though, the good outweighed the bad and things look very positive for the Blue Demons.

DePaul is off until the Coach B Classic on Feb. 26-28 in Carbondale, Illinois. They open their home season on March 20. I'll be covering the team here, on GlobalSportsRadio.com, Patch.com and GlobalTravelerUSA.com.

Fans were not allowed in the Dome over the weekend. Nothing has been announced about fans at DePaul's Cacciatore Stadium. Even if I am not in the stands, I am still happy to have softball back.

Coach Tracie Adix-Zins and me in Rosemont, IL-May 2019

Missing DePaul Softball

The college softball season should be ending about now. The DePaul Blue Demons looked to be favorites in the Big East Conference and presumably would have been in the Women's College World Series tournament.

Coach Tracie Adix-Zins has been a major part of the DePaul program over the years. As a pitcher, Tracie led the team to the 2007 Women's College World Series. She had an outstanding record of 22-4, including being 10-0 against Big East opponents. She also had a 0.89 ERA, threw 10 complete game shutouts and struck out 168 batters on the way to being named the Big East Pitcher of the Year.

After assistant coach stints at Wisconsin, Oklahoma State and North Carolina State, Tracie returned to DePaul as head coach in 2019. She led the Blue Demons to a 35-16 record on the way to their third-consecutive Big East Tournament title and 21st NCAA Tournament appearance in program history.

Big things were expected from DePaul this season and I was very excited to be covering the team again. Unfortunately, the pandemic put a stop to all college sports.

I am still hopeful for Fall Ball. Usually teams play a few games in September. I'm even hoping this year, Fall Ball will be expanded to a few more games.

I appreciate Traci for her time and consideration last season. It was a lot of fun and I hope that fun resumes later this year!

Check DePaulBlueDemons.com for info on all DePaul Sports. Also, be sure to follow DePaul softball on Facebook.

Tracie Adix-Zins and me in Evanston, IL-May 2019.

Thank You DePaul Coach Tracie Adix-Zins

The DePaul women's softball team's season ended with a loss to James Madison in the Michigan Regionals of the NCAA tournament. Despite teh first round exit, it was a successful and fun season for the Blue Demons.

The Blue Demons finished the season with a record of 35-16. They were 11-5 in Big East Conference play and won the Big East tournament, which gave them the automatic berth in the NCAA tourney.

Coach Tracie Adix-Zins did a fantastic job, after taking over for the legendary Eugene Lenti. Following a legend is never easy, but Coach Tracie is off to a great start.

As a player, Coach Tracie earned All-American honors as a pitcher. As a senior, she led DePaul to the 2007 Women’s College World Series with a 22-4 record. She was 10-0 against Big East teams. Before returning to DePaul as Head Coach, she had stints as an assistant at Wisconsin, Oklahoma State and North Carolina State.

The future looks bright for the Blue Demons. The team will only lose four seniors. Sabrina Kuchta (2B), Brianna Viles (OF), Alysia Rodriguez (IF) and Morgan Greenwood (C/3B) have finished their  playing careers at DePaul and will be moving on to their next chapters in their lives.

The six juniors turning seniors will be expected to assume more of a leadership role, while the other underclassmen will also step up. Of course, there is always the infusion of new talent with the incoming freshman class.

Despite the excitement of this season and the future, Coach Tracie has other things on her mind in the immediate future. She will be welcoming a new little one into the Adix-Zins clan.

I had a blast covering the Blue Demons this season. I look forward to even more fun next season.

I thank DePaul's Bob Sakamoto and Alyssa Damato for facilitating my coverage all season.I also thank Coach Tracie and the entire team for their time and consideration along the way.

My online piece for Global Traveler can be found at The Road to the Women's College World Series. Also, go to DePaulBlueDemons.com for info on all of the teams at DePaul. Check back here for recurring coverage of the women's basketball team and the women's softball team.

Tracie Adix-Zins and me in Chicago, IL-May 2019.

On the Beat with DePaul's Coach Tracie Adix-Zins and Natalie Halvorson

Yesterday, DePaul University beat the Providence Friars to advance to the championship game of the Big East tournament for the third straight year. DePaul improved their record to 33-14 overall with the 4-0 victory over Providence. Today, they face Villanova, who beat St. John's earlier yesterday.

DePaul jumped to a quick 3-0 lead in the first inning. Maranda Gutierrez singled, then advanced on a Jessica Cothern ground out. Morgan Greenwood walked and Kate Polucha cleared the bases with a three run home run.

The score remained 3-9 until the bottom of the 4th. Skylor Hilger singled and scored when Brianna Viles struck out, but reached on an error.

Natalie Halverson went the distance for her 20th win of the season. She allowed only 4 hits, while striking out 5 and walking none.

After the game, I talked to both Coach Adix-Zins and Halvorson about the big win and the upcoming championship game. Both were naturally excited and ready for today's game (at 11:30).

Thank you to DePaul's Bob Sakamoto and Alyssa Damato for their assistance as well as Communications Assistant Korey Schrock from the Big East. Also thanks to the Big East and DePaul University.

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