#25 - Dr. Jaime Gordon on Lessons Learned as an NCAA D1 Athletic Director + Volleyball Coach, and the Evolution of our Game

Dr. Jamie Gordon, the CEO of the AVCA, shares his unique journey from being a volleyball coach to an athletic director and now leading the AVCA. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of establishing a beach volleyball program at Moorhead State, the impact of beach volleyball on indoor performance, and the intricacies of navigating the athletic director role during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Gordon also addresses the current state of volleyball amidst NCAA changes and the future of men's volleyball. Later, Jaime and Dan discuss the evolving landscape of college sports, particularly volleyball, touching on funding challenges, innovations in gameplay and broadcasting, and the importance of recognizing high school talent. They explore the implications of Title IX, the need for standardizing different aspects of the gam, and the potential for rule changes to enhance the game. The conversation also highlights the AVCA's initiatives to elevate high school volleyball and improve the overall experience for players and fans alike. Jump to a Topic! 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jamie Gordon 02:08 Journey into Volleyball Coaching 05:01 Navigating Self-Representation in Coaching Negotiations / Lessons as an A.D. 39:29 Transitioning to Leadership: Jaime's Journey to CEO 42:36 The Impact of NCAA Changes on Volleyball 49:27 Innovations in Volleyball: The First Serve Showcase 56:06 The Ball Dilemma: Standardization in Volleyball 59:48 Enhancing Game Flow and Pace of Play 01:01:11 Improving Broadcast Experience and Viewer Engagement 01:06:13 Innovations in High School Volleyball 01:15:14 Elevating the Game: AVCA's Role and Future Directions Thanks to our Sponsor BALLTIME!!!