I spent much of the last couple weeks watching women’s collegiate softball. Despite the inclement weather, I enjoyed watching my two favorite teams on the road to the Women’s College World Series.

DePaul’s Alysia Rodriguez

DePaul Coach Tracie Adix-Zins

Big East champs
DePaul beat Villanova to win the Big East tournament. Played at Rosemont Stadium, home of the Chicago Bandits, the game featured DePaul scoring eight runs in the sixth inning to cap a thrilling comeback win that gave DePaul a berth in the NCAA Softball Championship Tournament. A few days later, DePaul hosted a big send-off for the team as they headed to Michigan for the Regional. Unfortunately, a loss to James Madison University ended DePaul’s season. DePaul coach Tracie Adix-Zins did an outstanding job in her first season, and the future looks bright for the Blue Demons.
Northwestern University also earned a spot in the Championship Tournament by virtue of a top 20 ranking. The Wildcats played in a Regional held at their home field in Evanston. Unfortunately, the weather was wet and cold all weekend, but Northwestern had big screens showing the game inside of Welsh-Ryan Arena next to the field. After waiting out several rain delays on Sunday, Northwestern beat Louisville twice to advance to the next round of the tournament.

DEPAUL’S MARANDAGUTIERREZ

LOUISVILLE’S JORDYN WOLFE

NORTHWESTERN’S MORGAN NELSON
While I love watching the games, the real memories I took away involved the players and their families, most of whom I have gotten to know through game day activities. I saw the pride, love and raw emotion all season. I witnessed the sacrifice the families make and the rewards all have, win or lose. It was thrilling and heartwarming to be part of it.
Many members of the collegiate softball community thanked me for giving some exposure to the young athletes and the sport. I thank them for allowing me into their community.
— John Wroblewski, online writer
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Oct 27, 2026Expert-Led Immersive Marine Conservation Residency Begins at Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection
Lovely Ambergris Caye in Belize is always a destination worth considering, and now travelers have additional incentive to book a trip. Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection on Ambergris Caye forged a new partnership with Mote Marine Laboratory, building on the resort’s commitment toward sustainable travel with a new experiential component. Educators from Mote are hosting a week-long Marine Conservation Residency from Nov. 23 to 29 that features interactive programming devised to facilitate a deep connection to the nearby Great Belize Barrier Reef ecosystem.
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Moments, Made to Keep
The Excellence Collection offers a curated collection of luxurious resorts across Mexico and the Caribbean, promising exceptional experiences for every guest and taste. From upscale suite concepts to a plethora of gourmet dining options, from wellness experiences to curated activities, The Excellence Collection guarantees all this and more.
Daily
Oct 27, 2026Historic Midtown Manhattan Hotel Marks Centennial with Holiday Traditions
InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel continues its year-long celebrations honoring its 100th anniversary with holiday magic and jolly experiences. Included in this year’s festive lineup are seasonal dining offerings, exclusive accommodations and timeless NYC hospitality.
Daily
Oct 27, 2026Beyond the Safari: 5 Other Ways to Appreciate a Zambia Vacation
The traditional game drive will never disappoint, but Zambia is rich in so many other experiences and sites, you won’t want to limit your trip to just a safari. With 73 ethnic groups and an abundance of cultural traditions, Zambia beckons visitors to unearth a side of the country rarely seen. From canoeing along the Zambezi to searching for rare birds, consider these five other ways to experience Zambia.
Sponsored Content
Why Japan Is Best Explored by Sea with Princess
Japan is a destination that rewards repeat visits because no two regions — or seasons — feel quite the same. One moment, you’re wandering through centuries-old geisha districts in Kanazawa. The next, you’re watching neon reflections dance across Tokyo streets long after midnight.
Daily
Oct 26, 2026The Shepherd Mayfair Opens in London
The Shepherd Mayfair recently opened its doors in Shepherd Market as an 82-room boutique hotel shaped by the history and social character of London’s Mayfair neighborhood. The Shepherd Mayfair is a joint venture between Bain Capital and Orka Investments, spanning 33,600 square feet across six floors, at 2 Stanhope Row. Dining destinations Fayre and The Lounge are open, while Teddy’s, the late-night cocktail bar, will open in November.
Cruising Alaska This Fall? Here’s What to Pack
Daily
Oct 26, 2026October 2026
Oct 23, 2026The Flight Less Taken: Unsung Carriers Whisk You Away to Far-Flung Destinations
The miracle of flight feels slightly less miraculous these days. Endless delays, cramped seating and shortchanged amenities feel par for the course, and one can easily forget the wondrous fact that you’re hurtling above planet Earth, soaring above the clouds and across the skies to your destination of choice. In the olden days, you were limited to the fallibility of your outrigger canoe or horse-drawn carriage. It’s not hyperbolic to invoke the invention of the wheel when reminding oneself to stay calm and carry on in coach.
Sponsored Content
Get to Know TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal's program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business. TAP FORBIZ offers solutions suited to each business: travel cost reduction, more flexibility, more benefits and more value. With TAP FORBIZ, businesses can centralize purchases, control the company budget and ensure greater cost predictability with exclusive discounts and benefits tailored to each company's profile. Each trip becomes a strategic decision to travel more and spend less.
Daily
Oct 23, 2026Aurora Expeditions Launches 2026/2027 Antarctic Season with 27 Voyages, Science at Sea
Aurora Expeditions prepares to embark on its 2026/2027 Antarctic season, featuring 27 voyages across its three purpose-built small ships. Each trip takes travelers and scientists to some of the most remote and extraordinary regions of the Southern Ocean.

ShareThis