Carolina Blaze General Manager Dana Sorensen: June 29, 2026

On June 29, Charles Mays of Southeastern Softball Wire interviews Carolina Blaze GM Dana Sorensen in Oklahoma City as the Blaze begin a series vs. the Spark. Sorensen assesses the team about 11 games into the season, noting missed late chances but strong offensive metrics, lineup depth, and major contributions from rookies Karlyn Pickens, Reese Atwood, and Dakota Kennedy. She attributes their smooth pro transition to SEC competition and recent Women’s College World Series experience, and highlights Atwood’s clutch hitting and leadership handling the pitching staff. Sorensen discusses pitching development from Jala Wright and Emma Lemley, the challenges of a 16-day, nine-game road trip, schedule preferences, and infield defense led by Alyssa Brito and Ana Gold. The episode previews Pickens vs. Maya Johnson on ESPN2 at 7:00 PM ET.00:00 Interview Kickoff00:50 Season Start Review02:03 Rookies Making Impact04:04 Why SEC Prepares Pros06:53 Reese Atwood Clutch Bat08:46 Pitching Staff Finding Groove12:07 Surviving The Road Trip14:29 Schedule Format Thoughts16:55 Infield Defense Spotlight19:41 Jenna Laird And Bench Depth22:10 Managing Playing Time Matchups24:12 Bullpen Catching And ESPN Preview27:20 Final Thanks And Sign Off