About this episode
In this engaging conversation, Alfee Reft, the head coach of UCLA women's volleyball, shares his journey from a successful playing career to coaching at one of the most prestigious programs in the country. He discusses the pressures and expectations that come with the role, the evolving landscape of college sports due to NIL and the transfer portal, and the importance of building a strong culture within the team. Alfee also reflects on the growth of women's volleyball and the relationship between indoor and beach volleyball, emphasizing the need for coaches to adapt and find the right fit for their programs. In this engaging conversation, the speakers discuss the journey of Alfee Reft, the head coach of UCLA volleyball, exploring themes of risk-taking, personal growth, and the evolution of volleyball in the U.S. They delve into Alfee's experiences playing overseas, the challenges of transitioning between conferences, and the importance of supporting athletes' aspirations. The conversation highlights the growth of professional volleyball and the impact of young talent on the game, emphasizing the need for a strong vision and strategy in coaching. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Alfee Reft and His Journey 02:36 Transition from Player to Coach 05:44 The Pressure of Coaching at UCLA 08:48 Navigating the NIL Landscape 11:49 Building a Culture of Excellence 14:46 The Excitement of Volleyball's Growth 31:27 Building Community Connections in Volleyball 32:18 The Art of Recruiting: Balancing Talent and Character 35:14 Navigating the Information Overload in Recruitment 37:37 Betting on Yourself: The Leap to Hawaii 46:13 Comparing Conferences: Pac-12 vs. Big Ten 54:00 Travel Challenges and Athlete Recovery 55:08 Embracing Change in Collegiate Sports 56:04 Building a Vision for UCLA Volleyball 58:08 Supporting Athletes' Aspirations 59:48 The Future of Women's Professional Volleyball 01:01:38 The Evolution of Volleyball Culture 01:05:16 Visibility and Opportunities for Young Athletes 01:07:22 The Impact of Role Models in Volleyball 01:11:27 Training for the Next Generation of Players Support the show Instagram instagram.com/setthepipe TikTok x.com/SETTHEPIPE Spotify open.spotify.com/show/6vzpcOYw2BKWMgaR5kKWOw Spotify ...