<![CDATA[The KCSN Chiefs Newsletter: Sports & SHEnanigans]]>https://www.kcsn.com/s/sports-and-shenaniganshttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ksmn!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb5c11c74-2593-4624-a2fa-f10714a66481_1080x1080.pngThe KCSN Chiefs Newsletter: Sports & SHEnaniganshttps://www.kcsn.com/s/sports-and-shenanigansSubstackSat, 08 Aug 2026 20:54:07 GMT<![CDATA[Rachel Roupe Talks About Playing for a Championship with the KC Diamonds!]]>https://www.kcsn.com/p/rachel-roupe-talks-about-playinghttps://www.kcsn.com/p/rachel-roupe-talks-about-playingWed, 05 Aug 2026 11:03:10 GMTJillian Carroll Letrinko discusses the top local headlines in the world of women’s sports before being joined by KC Diamonds outfield Rachel Roupe previewing the team’s playoff run, what it’s meant to play in Kansas City and more!

]]><![CDATA[KC Diamonds Outfielder Cori McMillian Feels Right at Home in Kansas City!]]>https://www.kcsn.com/p/kc-diamonds-outfielder-cori-mcmillianhttps://www.kcsn.com/p/kc-diamonds-outfielder-cori-mcmillianThu, 30 Jul 2026 18:00:42 GMTJillian Carroll Letrinko is joined by KC Diamonds outfielder Cori McMillian discussing coming to Kansas City, playing for the Diamonds, inspiring young girls, the team’s push for the playoffs and more!

]]><![CDATA[What Life is Really Like as a Pro Softball Player with Hope Valdespino & Autumn Owen]]>https://www.kcsn.com/p/what-life-is-really-like-as-a-prohttps://www.kcsn.com/p/what-life-is-really-like-as-a-proThu, 23 Jul 2026 17:00:33 GMTIn this episode of Sports and Shenanigans, guest host Emily Sutter sits down at Dick’s House of Sport with Kansas City Diamonds RHP Hope Valdespino and catcher Autumn Owen.

The KC Diamonds players take us behind the scenes of professional softball in the PSL—from their journey through college powerhouse programs and coaching roles to navigating dorm life at Avila University and staying after games to sign autographs for 2.5 hours.

]]><![CDATA[KC Diamonds Utility Player Riley Blampied has been DOMINANT on the Softball Diamond!]]>https://www.kcsn.com/p/kc-diamonds-utility-player-rileyhttps://www.kcsn.com/p/kc-diamonds-utility-player-rileyWed, 15 Jul 2026 21:01:19 GMTJillian Carroll Letrinko shares the top stories in the world of women’s sports, is joined by new KCSN social reporter Emily Sutter discussing her role and KC Diamonds utility player Riley Blampied talking about her journey to KC, dominating on the field and more!

]]><![CDATA[KC Diamonds Pitcher Jori Heard is LOVING Kansas City and the Community!]]>https://www.kcsn.com/p/kc-diamonds-pitcher-jori-heard-ishttps://www.kcsn.com/p/kc-diamonds-pitcher-jori-heard-isMon, 13 Jul 2026 17:01:17 GMTJillian Carroll Letrinko shares the latest headlines in the world of women's sports and is joined by KC Diamonds pitcher Jori Heard discussing her softball journey, playing in Kansas City, connecting with the community and more!

]]><![CDATA[Allie Skaggs is Leading the KC Diamonds On and Off the Field!]]>https://www.kcsn.com/p/allie-skaggs-is-leading-the-kc-diamondshttps://www.kcsn.com/p/allie-skaggs-is-leading-the-kc-diamondsWed, 24 Jun 2026 11:01:08 GMTJillian Carroll Letrinko shares the latest news in the world of women’s sports including Temwa Chawinga signing an extension with the KC Current, the KC Diamonds hot start to their 2026 season and more! Then Jillian is joined by infielder Allie Skaggs discussing her journey playing softball, joining the KC Diamonds, impacting the local community and more!

]]><![CDATA[The KC Diamonds Start 2026 with a BANG!]]>https://www.kcsn.com/p/the-kc-diamonds-start-2026-with-ahttps://www.kcsn.com/p/the-kc-diamonds-start-2026-with-aWed, 17 Jun 2026 11:01:43 GMTJillian Carroll Letrinko discusses the latest updates in the world of women’s sports including the KC Diamonds beginning the 2026 season in Puerto Rico, highlights from the WNBA, Kansas City embracing hosting the FIFA men’s World Cup and more!

]]><![CDATA[BIG NEWS for Sports and SHEnanigans and the KC Diamonds!]]>https://www.kcsn.com/p/big-news-for-sports-and-shenaniganshttps://www.kcsn.com/p/big-news-for-sports-and-shenanigansWed, 10 Jun 2026 17:02:11 GMTJillian Carroll Letrinko shares the top stories in the world of women’s sports, a BIG announcement for Sports and SHEnanigans and is joined by KC Diamonds outfielder and Wichita State alum Lauren Lucas! Jillian and Lauren discuss joining the Diamonds, expectations for the season, Lauren’s professional career and more!

]]><![CDATA[KC SPORTS NETWORK PARTNERS WITH KC DIAMONDS TO BE OFFICIAL PODCAST HOME FOR PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S SOFTBALL IN KANSAS CITY]]>https://www.kcsn.com/p/kc-sports-network-partners-with-kchttps://www.kcsn.com/p/kc-sports-network-partners-with-kcTue, 09 Jun 2026 15:02:56 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OVERLAND PARK, KS — June 8, 2026 — KC Sports Network (KCSN) today proudly announced an exciting new media partnership with the KC Diamonds, the highly anticipated professional softball team coming to Kansas City.

Under the agreement, KCSN’s women’s sports program, Sports and SHEnanigans — hosted by Jillian Carroll-Letrinko — will become the “Official Podcast of the KC Diamonds”.

The arrival of the KC Diamonds marks a historic milestone for regional sports, bringing professional fast-pitch softball to one of the most passionate and dedicated sports communities in the United States. Through this partnership, KCSN will help connect fans directly with the players and coaches with a front-row seat to the team’s inaugural season.

What Fans Can Expect This Season

  • Exclusive Insider Access: Regular, recurring interviews with KC Diamonds players, coaching staff, and front-office executives.

  • Unmatched Multi-Platform Content: Original analysis, breaking updates, and behind-the-scenes perspectives that can’t be found anywhere else.

  • Community & Corporate Synergy: Dedicated segments designed to highlight and support local businesses and sponsors that are stepping up to back the Diamonds.

“We are thrilled to welcome professional softball to Kansas City and to position KCSN at the forefront of its coverage,” said BJ Kissel, Co-Founder and CEO of KC Sports Network. “Jillian [Carroll Letrinko] and Sports and SHEnanigans have built a trusted platform for women’s sports in Kansas City, and partnering with the Diamonds allows us to showcase these world-class athletes while leveraging our network’s massive digital reach to support the local businesses that make this possible.”

“This partnership with KC Sports Network is about more than a podcast, it’s about giving our players a platform, sharing their stories, and helping Kansas City connect with professional softball in a meaningful way,” said Jeremy McDowell, President of the KC Diamonds. “BJ, Jillian, and the KCSN team understand the importance of growing women’s sports, and together we have an opportunity to inspire young athletes, engage fans, and showcase the incredible talent that will take the field for the KC Diamonds this season.”

“Kansas City has long been recognized as one of the country’s premier sports cities, and continues to strengthen its reputation as a rising epicenter for women’s professional sports. As a female athlete who grew up playing in Kansas City, I am honored and excited to share the stories of the KC Diamonds and celebrate the continued growth of opportunities for women in sports throughout our community,” said Jillian Carroll Letrinko, creator and host of Sports and SHEnanigans. “The addition of another professional women’s team is a proud moment for Kansas City and a testament to our passion for athletics, investment in women’s sports, and commitment to elevating female athletes. The KC Diamonds represent more than a team; they are a symbol of progress, opportunity, and the bright future of women’s sports in Kansas City.”

New episodes of Sports and SHEnanigans covering the KC Diamonds will be available across all major podcast streaming platforms—including Apple Podcasts and Spotify—as well as video broadcasts at KCSN.com.

About KC Sports Network

Founded in 2021, KC Sports Network (KCSN) is an independent digital sports media company dedicated to delivering trusted news, in-depth analysis, and original coverage of Kansas City sports. Built by experienced content creators, KCSN’s full-scale digital footprint spans written reporting, podcasts, video, and community initiatives to inform, educate, and engage sports fans across the region.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE KC DIAMONDS BY CLICKING HERE!

Media Contacts

Sports and SHEnanigans

KC Sports Network

KC Diamonds

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]]><![CDATA[KC Diamonds Outfield Lexi Hastings Can't Wait to Get to Work!]]>https://www.kcsn.com/p/kc-diamonds-outfield-lexi-hastingshttps://www.kcsn.com/p/kc-diamonds-outfield-lexi-hastingsWed, 03 Jun 2026 11:00:54 GMTJillian Carroll Letrinko highlights the latest stories in the world of women’s sports including the women’s college world series, Serena Williams’s return and more. Then Jillian sits down with new KC Diamonds outfielder Lexi Hastings discussing coming to Kansas City, her experience playing softball and more! Jillian also catches up with former Chiefs QB Alex Smith to get his thoughts on girls flag football in Kansas!

]]><![CDATA[KC Current Defender Kayla Sharples LOVES Playing in Kansas City! | Sports and SHEnanigans 5/28]]>https://www.kcsn.com/p/kc-current-defender-kayla-sharpleshttps://www.kcsn.com/p/kc-current-defender-kayla-sharplesThu, 28 May 2026 11:02:08 GMTJillian Carroll Letrinko highlights the top storylines in the world of women’s sports including drama on the diamond in college softball, the KC Glory in the playoffs, the KC Current getting back in the win column and more! Jillian is joined by KC Current defender Kayla Sharples discussing her time in KC, supporting local businesses and more!

]]><![CDATA[The Verhulst Sisters are Coaching the NEXT Generation of Women Basketball Players in KC!]]>https://www.kcsn.com/p/the-verhulst-sisters-are-coachinghttps://www.kcsn.com/p/the-verhulst-sisters-are-coachingWed, 20 May 2026 11:03:41 GMTJillian Carroll Letrinko highlights the top stories of the week in the world of women’s sports and is joined by the Verhulst Sisters, Payton and Ashton who created PV Rise, helping coaching young girls in basketball in the Kansas City area. Payton and Ashton discuss their family history in athletics, wanting to coach the next generation, the impact of PV Rise and more!

]]><![CDATA[KC Current ii's Avery Clark Reflects on Her First Goal, Coming to KC and More!]]>https://www.kcsn.com/p/kc-current-iis-avery-clark-reflectshttps://www.kcsn.com/p/kc-current-iis-avery-clark-reflectsWed, 13 May 2026 11:03:24 GMTJillian Carroll Letrinko shares the latest updates in the world of women’s sports and is joined by KC Current ii player Avery Clark discussing her journey to Kansas City, scoring her first goal in teal and more!

]]><![CDATA[Marika Davis is THRIVING as Sporting KC's In-Game Host!]]>https://www.kcsn.com/p/marika-davis-is-thriving-as-sportinghttps://www.kcsn.com/p/marika-davis-is-thriving-as-sportingWed, 29 Apr 2026 14:03:11 GMTJillian Carroll Letrinko is joined by in game host for Sporting Kansas City Marika Davis discussing her role, the importance of creating a positive atmosphere for fans, how she got into the industry and more!

]]><![CDATA[Dystany Spurlock Makes History Racing at Kansas Speedway!]]>https://www.kcsn.com/p/dystany-spurlock-makes-history-racinghttps://www.kcsn.com/p/dystany-spurlock-makes-history-racingWed, 22 Apr 2026 11:03:50 GMTJillian Carroll Letrinko provides updates on all things women’s sports including the Boston Marathon winner, WNBA season around the corner, and more! Then Jillian discusses Dystany Spurlock making history as the first black woman to race at Kansas Speedway, Destiny’s thoughts on that and more!

]]><![CDATA[Sheila Sickau Explains the Let Her Play Initiative and the Importance of Growing Girls Flag Football]]>https://www.kcsn.com/p/sheila-sickau-explains-the-let-herhttps://www.kcsn.com/p/sheila-sickau-explains-the-let-herFri, 17 Apr 2026 11:03:32 GMTJillian Carroll Letrinko is joined by Sheila Sickau of the Kansas City Chiefs discussing KSHSAA's vote to add girls flag football as a sanctioned sport in Kansas, the significance of the vote, giving girls an opportunity to compete at the state level and more!

]]><![CDATA[KC Native Bridget Howard is Back with Royals TV!]]>https://www.kcsn.com/p/kc-native-bridget-howard-is-backhttps://www.kcsn.com/p/kc-native-bridget-howard-is-backWed, 15 Apr 2026 11:01:43 GMTJillian Carroll Letrinko is joined by Kansas City Royals host and reporter Bridget Howard discussing her journey in sports and media, how she got into broadcasting, the role of women in sports media and more!

]]><![CDATA[Candi Whitaker is Back and Ready to WORK as UMKC Women's Basketball Coach!]]>https://www.kcsn.com/p/candi-whitaker-is-back-and-readyhttps://www.kcsn.com/p/candi-whitaker-is-back-and-readyWed, 08 Apr 2026 11:03:03 GMTJillian Carroll Letrinko is joined by Candi Whitaker, head women’s basketball coach for UMKC discussing her return to Kansas City, why it was the right move to come back, her vision for the future at UMKC and more!

]]><![CDATA[The Polished Playbook Podcast Highlights Women in Sports!]]>https://www.kcsn.com/p/the-polished-playbook-podcast-highlightshttps://www.kcsn.com/p/the-polished-playbook-podcast-highlightsWed, 01 Apr 2026 11:03:31 GMTJillian Carroll Letrinko is joined by Sha-Ron Turner and Kina Gunnels from the Polished Playbook podcast highlighting all things women's sports including the WNBA, NWSL and more!

]]><![CDATA[Blue Valley Southwest Alum and KU Volleyball Player Taylor Stanley is Ready to CONTRIBUTE!]]>https://www.kcsn.com/p/blue-valley-southwest-alum-and-kuhttps://www.kcsn.com/p/blue-valley-southwest-alum-and-kuThu, 26 Mar 2026 11:03:30 GMTJillian Carroll Letrinko is joined by Blue Valley Southwest alum and incoming KU volleyball player Taylor Stanley discussing how she got into volleyball, playing at KU, being a student athlete and more!

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