Megan Faraimo On Growing Softball Globally, Playing For Team USA, Pitching Mindset & Journaling

First episode of 2026 — and we’re kicking it off with Megan “Meg” Faraimo. 🔥 UCLA alum, Team USA pitcher, pro standout (AU/AUSL), and an international hooper who’s played overseas (Japan + Mexico). In this episode, Meg breaks down what it actually feels like to wear USA on your chest, why international softball matters, and the mindset tools she uses to stay locked in — including her journaling system for processing performance without spiraling. If you’re a pitcher (or just trying to level up mentally in sports + life), this one’s for you. 🎧 Topics we cover: Team USA trip to Australia + the mission to grow softball ahead of 2032 Olympics Why global softball needs support (and why “Team USA is too dominant” misses the point) Meg’s mental prep for high-pressure moments in the circle Vulnerability vs. “oversharing” — how to build team chemistry fast The journaling routine Meg uses after games to learn without guilt Curiosity, focus, and how she’s learned what works for her Playing overseas + how Japan changed her perspective AUSL culture… including the book club 👀 ⏱️ Chapters 0:00 Intro + Megan’s resume 1:30 Meg’s path (UCLA, pro, overseas, Team USA) 2:00 Team USA in Australia + growing the game for 2032 6:30 Why international softball matters 9:10 Wearing “USA” + handling pressure 13:00 Team chemistry + vulnerability (without oversharing) 15:10 Guilt, reflection, and the postgame journaling system 22:30 Curiosity + learning yourself as an athlete 30:00 Family, culture, and community 40:20 Game day routine + staying locked in 46:00 Playing overseas + perspective shift 47:45 Kindle story + AUSL book club 52:05 One piece of advice: “Bet on yourself” Subscribe for more unfiltered softball conversations, athlete mindset, and pro + Team USA stories. 👇 Drop a comment: What part of Meg’s routine are you stealing? #Softball #AUSL #TeamUSA #Pitching #WomensSports #UCLAsoftball #Fastpitch