Episodes

13h ago

In this episode, we sit down with Luciano Palonsky, professional volleyball player for Argentina, to break down his incredible volleyball journey—from growing up in Argentina to competing on the world’s biggest stage at the Paris Olympics. Luciano shares what it takes to become an Olympic volleyball player, the sacrifices behind playing professional volleyball overseas, and the mental and physical demands of representing Argentina at the Olympics. We also dive into the international competition, and what separates elite players from the rest. Whether you’re a volleyball athlete, coach, fan, or aspiring Olympian, this interview offers rare insight into the mindset and journey of a world-class player. 🏐 Topics covered: Luciano Palonsky’s volleyball journey Playing professional volleyball internationally Representing Argentina in Olympic volleyball Life inside the Paris Olympics👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment with your favorite part of Luciano’s story.

Dec 10

In this interview, Nick MacRae, the new head coach of Long Beach State Men’s Volleyball, opens up about his transition from longtime assistant to taking over one of the most iconic programs in NCAA volleyball. After spending over a decade under legendary coach Alan Knipe, Nick shares what he learned, how he found out about the coaching change, and what it means to follow in the footsteps of a national championship coach. We also dive into Long Beach’s 2024 national championship run, the culture behind their success, and the huge summer for Long Beach players like Moni Nikolov, Skyler Varga, and Kellen Larson, who all competed internationally. Nick breaks down how those experiences will shape the team heading into the next season and shares his goals for the future of The Beach. If you’re a fan of Long Beach Volleyball, NCAA volleyball, or elite coaching culture, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Dec 5

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with 4-time Olympic volleyball player Luciano De Cecco, one of the greatest setters in the world, to break down his incredible volleyball journey from Argentina to the global stage. De Cecco shares: How he started playing volleyball His rise through Argentina’s national team What it’s like competing in four Olympic Games The mindset behind becoming one of the best setters in volleyball history Lessons learned from international club volleyball and elite competition Whether you’re a young setter, volleyball coach, fan of Olympic sports, or someone chasing greatness, this interview is packed with elite-level insight, motivation, and behind-the-scenes stories.🎙 Hosted on the Bump Set Chat Podcast, where athletes share their journeys, struggles, and success .👇 Drop your favorite De Cecco moment in the comments and don’t forget to like & subscribe for more volleyball interviews!

Nov 21

In this exclusive interview, legendary volleyball coach Giovanni Guidetti opens up about his coaching journey — from dominating with VakifBank Istanbul, to developing world-class talent, to taking on a new challenge with Canada’s women’s volleyball team.We dive into:🏐 His coaching philosophy🏆 How he builds championship culture👥 Coaching some of the biggest names in volleyball🍁 Why he chose to lead Team Canada🔥 His advice for athletes and coachesDon’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more volleyball stories and coaching interviews!

Nov 12

Long Beach State’s Nato Dickinson shares his journey to becoming a national champion, the culture that drives LBSU Volleyball, and why being adaptable is key to success. #NatoDickinson #LBSUVolleyball #LongBeachState #CollegeVolleyball #NationalChampion

Nov 4

Discover the volleyball journey of Nataliia Klimenova — from learning the sport in Eastern Europe, to playing professional volleyball overseas, competing in U SPORTS at Mount Royal University in Canada, and now coaching the next generation through Natke Volleyball . In this interview, Nataliia shares: How she discovered volleyball and developed strong fundamentals What life is really like playing professional volleyball in Europe Her experience as a student-athlete in Canada The vision and training philosophy behind Natke Volleyball coaching If you're a volleyball player , parent, or coach looking for player development guidance , this conversation provides actionable insight into skill progression, mindset, and long-term growth in volleyball. 👉 Learn or train with Natke Volleyball: https://www.natkevolleyball.com/about-us 👍 Like, comment & subscribe for more volleyball stories, training tips, and player development content. Hashtags: #volleyball #volleyballtraining #volleyballcoach #provolleyball #usports #womenssports #volleyballdevelopment #natkevolleyball

Oct 25

In this exclusive interview, Bay to Bay Volleyball Club Director Matt Houlihan shares his incredible journey from playing for Bay to Bay as a kid to leading the program alongside his wife, Arielle Houlihan. Matt reflects on how his experiences as an athlete shaped his coaching philosophy, what makes Bay to Bay unique, and how the club continues to develop top volleyball talent on and off the court. Whether you’re a player, coach, or parent, this episode offers insight into the culture, community, and leadership that define Bay to Bay Volleyball.

Oct 17

In this exclusive interview, Erin Virtue , Head Coach of Michigan Volleyball and Team USA Women’s Volleyball assistant coach , shares her inspiring journey from college athlete to one of the most respected volleyball coaches in the nation. Erin opens up about her early playing days, the mentors who shaped her career, and how she transitioned from being a standout college player to coaching at the Olympic level . She discusses her coaching philosophy, how she builds culture within her teams, and the lessons she’s learned from working with elite athletes around the world. Whether you’re a volleyball player, coach, or fan , this interview offers invaluable insights into leadership, teamwork, and personal growth — both on and off the court. Erin’s story is a masterclass in perseverance, preparation, and passion for the game. #ErinVirtue #MichiganVolleyball #TeamUSA #OlympicVolleyball #VolleyballInterview #CollegeVolleyball #VolleyballCoach #WomenInSports #AthleteDevelopment #LeadershipInSports #NCAAVolleyball #VolleyballLife

Oct 10

In this exclusive Team USA volleyball interview, TJ DeFalco, a two-time Olympian and pro athlete, talks about his volleyball journey, career lessons, and what it takes to compete at the highest level.Learn how TJ went from Long Beach State standout to representing the U.S. on the Olympic stage, and what continues to motivate him as one of the sport’s top players.

Oct 2

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Vladimir Nikolov, one of Bulgaria’s greatest volleyball players and a true international legend. In this exclusive interview, Nikolov reflects on his incredible professional career, his time with the Bulgarian National Team, and what it’s like to raise two of the brightest stars in world volleyball — Alex and Moni Nikolov.🏐 Topics include:His early volleyball journey in BulgariaCareer highlights on the international stageTransition from player to mentor and fatherHow Alex and Moni developed into world-class athletesThis is the story of a volleyball dynasty in the making.

Sep 24

Join us for an exclusive conversation with Alan Knipe, head coach of Long Beach State Men’s Volleyball and former USA Volleyball head coach. In this interview, Knipe shares his coaching journey, the lessons learned along the way, and the philosophy that has helped him build championship teams at Long Beach. 👉 We talk about:His playing and coaching career highlights Building a winning culture at Long Beach State Lessons from coaching Team USA His philosophy on leadership and player development Whether you’re a volleyball player, coach, or fan, this is a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand what it takes to build excellence in the game.

Sep 16

🏐 Brittany Abercrombie shares her incredible volleyball journey — from playing at USC, competing with Athletes Unlimited, to becoming a pro with the Orlando Valkyries in the Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF). Discover what it takes to compete at the highest level of women’s pro volleyball and how her career has shaped her on and off the court. 📌 Subscribe for more stories from the world of women’s professional volleyball!

Sep 12

Join us for an exclusive interview with Eleu Choy , standout player for the University of Hawaiʻi Men’s Volleyball team . In this conversation, Eleu shares his journey growing up in Hawaiʻi, his path to joining UH, and what it means to represent the Rainbow Warriors on the court. If you’re a fan of Hawaiʻi volleyball , the NCAA men’s volleyball scene , or simply love hearing athlete stories, this interview is for you. 📌 Topics Covered: Eleu Choy’s volleyball beginnings in Hawaiʻi His experience playing for the University of Hawaiʻi Men’s Volleyball program Life as a student-athlete at UH Lessons and inspiration from his journey Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews with top volleyball players and coaches! #HawaiiVolleyball #UniversityOfHawaii #EleuChoy #MensVolleyball #UHVolleyball

Sep 4

From overcoming a devastating childhood injury to competing at the highest levels of volleyball, Cassidy Lichtman’s story is one of resilience and passion. She played for Stanford, represented Team USA, competed professionally around the world, and is now shaping the future of the sport as the Director of Volleyball for Athletes Unlimited. In this interview, Cassidy shares her incredible journey, the challenges she’s overcome, and how she’s giving back to the game she loves.

Aug 26

From Hawaiian roots to the Olympic stage — Taylor Crabb’s volleyball journey is as exciting as it is inspiring. After dominating at Long Beach State, Taylor spent time playing pro indoor volleyball before finding his home on the beach, winning on the AVP Tour, and earning his spot at the Tokyo Olympics. But just days before competing, a positive COVID test forced him to stay on the sidelines.In this exclusive interview, Taylor shares the highs and lows of his career, how he overcame adversity, and what’s next as he continues to chase greatness in pro beach volleyball.

Aug 20

Nyadholi Thokbuom discusses her volleyball journey: Mount Royal University ➡️ Pro Volleyball ➡️ Team Canada. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with one of Canada’s rising stars.

Aug 13

What does it take to go from college volleyball to the professional stage? Stanford star Sami Francis gives us an inside look after her spring with LOVB Omaha and ahead of her next big adventure in Japan.

Aug 10

From Long Beach to the world stage, Dustin Watten’s journey is one of grit, patience, and relentless hard work. Not the star player, but the one who refused to quit—Dustin fought his way to represent Team USA in international volleyball. Now, through his project NOEZYBUCKETS , he’s sharing his lessons, helping the next generation of athletes find their own path. 📌 In this interview, we dive into: His beginnings in Long Beach volleyball The mindset that carried him to Team USA The challenges of chasing a dream without the spotlight His mission to inspire through NOEZYBUCKETS 💡 Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or just love stories of perseverance, this one will leave you fired up.

Aug 6

Kristen Kelsay talks about her volleyball career, her time as a player at Michigan State, and her return to East Lansing as head coach of Spartan Volleyball. #KristenKelsay #MSUVolleyball #BigTenSports #VolleyballCoach #NCAAWomensVolleyball #SpartanVolleyball #CollegeSports

Jul 28

Morgan Hentz has seen it all - NCAA titles at Stanford, the challenges of pro volleyball abroad, and now, a historic moment as she helps grow the PVF here in the U.S. In this intimate interview, she talks about adapting to different cultures, staying mentally strong, and what it means to play in front of family and friends on US soil.

Jul 17

2-time Olympian and former Team Canada volleyball setter TJ Sanders joins us for a powerful and inspiring conversation about the full arc of his career. From discovering volleyball in his youth to representing Canada at the highest level, TJ shares key milestones, proudest moments, and personal battles—including dealing with injuries that cut his playing career short. But this isn’t just a story about the past. TJ opens up about his life after pro volleyball, his transition into coaching, and how he’s using his experience to mentor and inspire the next generation of players. If you’re an athlete, coach, or fan of the game, this interview is a must-watch.

Jul 9

From Hawaii to France — Joe Worsley's Volleyball Journey 🌍Joe Worsley, former standout setter for the University of Hawai'i, has taken his game to the professional level in France. In this video, we dive into Joe’s journey — from growing up in a volleyball family, playing at UH, and now thriving overseas. He’s also one of the creative minds behind Out of System, helping grow the game in a unique way.Don’t miss this inspiring volleyball story!

Jun 22

Skyler Pierce’s journey to becoming a key player for Nebraska Volleyball includes a surprising twist - redshirting. Learn how sitting out her first season became a major advantage in her development, helping her grow into one of the most exciting future stars in college volleyball. 🔥 Inside the video: – Skyler Pierce volleyball highlights – Why she redshirted at Nebraska– How that season shaped her mindset and game – Her goals going into the next chapter

Jun 19

Spanish national team setter Raquel Lázaro shares her story—how volleyball took her from Spain NCAA powerhouse programs at USC and Louisville, and now to the professional leagues in Europe. A must-watch for anyone inspired by international volleyball journeys!

Jun 11

Stanford All-American. International volleyball veteran. Now, LOVB Atlanta’s leader on the court.Madi Bugg’s story captures the evolution of a setter who’s played the game at every level—and now brings that experience home with League One Volleyball (LOVB). In this video, we explore her path from dominating the NCAA, competing overseas, and helping build something new and exciting with LOVB.Subscribe for more athlete journeys, behind-the-scenes stories, and all things pro volleyball.

May 28

Discover how French volleyball standout Louis Sakanoko made his way to the University of Hawai‘i and became a rising star for the Rainbow Warriors. From Europe to the NCAA – this is his journey.

May 22

Emily is a former Northwestern volleyball player turned sports broadcaster based in Chicago. She is a college volleyball analyst for Big Ten Network, ESPN and FOX Sports where she called Nebraska’s women’s sport attendance world record-setting volleyball match in their football stadium in front of 92,003 people as well as Regional matches (round of 16 and eight) for the past two NCAA Tournaments on ESPN. She also doubles as BTN’s Digital Host where she has covered five NCAA Women’s Indoor Volleyball Championships, multiple CFB Playoff games, the Women’s College World Series and much more!

May 14

From player to assistant coach and now head coach, Dan Meske’s story is one of hard work, determination, and a deep love for the game. In this video, we dive into his volleyball roots, the lessons learned along the way, and what his vision is for the future of Louisville Volleyball. This is more than a career—this is a journey of purpose.

May 6

Join us for an exclusive interview with Holly McPeak , a 3-time Olympian and one of the greatest beach volleyball players in history. In this candid conversation, Holly shares her journey from the courts of UCLA to the Olympic stage, and how she transitioned into her role as a respected sports broadcaster . Whether you're a volleyball fan, an aspiring athlete, or just love stories of perseverance and passion, this is one you won’t want to miss! – Holly’s Olympic experiences (1996, 2000, 2004) – The mental and physical grind of elite volleyball – Life after sports and working in broadcasting – Advice for young athletes Don’t forget to like & subscribe

May 2

From first serves to island vibes 🌴🏐 — University of Hawaii’s Kurt Nursterer shares his volleyball journey, why he chose UH, and what makes playing in paradise so special. Hit play to hear his story and get an inside look at Hawaii volleyball! 2024 (Sophomore):Started 28-of-30 matches at middle blockerFinished the season averaging 1.07 kills per set, hitting at a .460 clipLed the team and ranked 10th nationally in blocks per set (1.05)Career-high 10 blocks (1 solo) vs. UC Santa Barbara (March 30)Totaled 18 blocks in three wins at the OUTRIGGER Invitational which earned him Big West Defensive Player of the Week honorsCareer-high six aces during an 18-0 scoring run vs. Tusculum (Feb. 4)Career-high eight kills, hitting .636 vs. Loyola Chicago (Jan. 5) and UC Irvine in Big West semis (April 19)Tallied nine blocks vs. UC Irvine (March 10)Named to Big West Commissioner's Honor Roll2023 (Redshirt Freshman):All-Big West Freshman TeamAppeared in 11 matches with four starts at middle blockerMade UH debut against Saint Francis (Jan. 18)Finished third on the team in hitting percentage (.490)In first career start, had a career-high seven kills and three blocks against Barton (Jan. 28)Helped spark the team against UCLA (March 11) with five kills and three blocksBig West Freshman of the Week (Jan. 30)Named to the Big West Commissioner's Honor Roll

Apr 25

Leadership. Legacy. Championships. Coach Craig Skinner shares the key elements of building a top-tier team and what drives him to keep winning at the highest level of college volleyball.2020 NCAA National Champion 2020-21 AVCA National Coach of the Year UK all-time winningest coach Eight-time SEC Champion (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020-21, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024) 20-straight NCAA Tournament appearances 2024. 2020-21 and 2011 AVCA All-South Region Coach of the Year 2024, 2023, 2020, 2021, 2018, 2017 and 2015 SEC Coach of the Year 2006 USA Junior National Team Head Coach

Apr 24

Meet Emma BoydFrom a small town in the Yukon to representing Team Canada on the volleyball court, Emma Boyd’s story is one of grit, passion, and pure determination. In this exclusive interview, Emma opens up about the challenges of playing in remote Canada, her time at Mount Royal, and what it really takes to make it to the national team.Don’t miss this inspiring journey of perseverance and purpose.

Apr 18

Join us as we hit the sand with Amy Ozee — a standout pro beach volleyball player currently competing with Team Canada’s Next Gen squad! Amy previously showcased her skills at the University of Hawaii, and now she’s taking her game to the international stage. Don’t miss this exclusive look at her training, gameplay, and what it takes to compete at the elite level.Like, Comment & Subscribe for more beach volleyball content!

Apr 9

From the beaches of Hawai‘i to the bright lights of Japan’s pro volleyball scene—this is the story of Cole Hogland. A middle blocker at the University of Hawai‘i, Cole played with the Rainbow Warriors before chasing his dream overseas. In this video, we dive into his journey, the challenges of going pro abroad, and what it takes to level up from college to the international stage.

Mar 31

🏐 Nick MacRae has been part of the driving force behind Long Beach State Men’s Volleyball, helping lead the team to multiple NCAA Final Four appearances and national championships. As Associate Head Coach, he has played a crucial role in developing some of the country’s top volleyball talent. Beyond the college game, he’s also a key figure in USA Volleyball’s National Team Development Program, where he helps shape the next generation of elite players.In this interview, Nick shares his journey from player to championship-winning coach, his coaching philosophy, and how he’s shaping the future of volleyball at both the collegiate and national levels

Mar 26

Jordan Larson's volleyball journey is nothing short of legendary. From her small-town roots in Nebraska to dominating at the University of Nebraska, she quickly became one of the best in the game. Her success didn't stop in college—she went on to have an incredible professional career, playing for top teams around the world. But what truly sets her apart is her remarkable four-time Olympic journey, culminating in a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. In this video, we dive into how Jordan got started in volleyball, her rise to stardom in college, the impact she made in the pros, and her lasting legacy as a leader on Team USA. Whether you're a volleyball fan or just love an inspiring sports story, you won’t want to miss this deep dive into the career of one of the greatest to ever play the game! #JordanLarson #Volleyball #TeamUSA #Olympics #SportsLegend

Mar 21

From the volleyball courts of Texas to making waves in the BIG EAST, McKenna Brand has quickly established herself as a key player for UCONN. As a freshman, she earned BIG EAST Co-Freshman of the Year , proving she’s a force to be reckoned with. In this video, we dive into her journey, her transition to the college game, and what makes her such a standout athlete. 🔹 How did McKenna adapt from Texas volleyball to the BIG EAST? 🔹 What makes her game so special? 🔹 What’s next for this rising star? 📢 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more in-depth volleyball content! #UCONNVolleyball #McKennaBrand #CollegeVolleyball #BIGEAST #VolleyballJourney

Mar 13

Keoni Thiim’s Volleyball Journey: From UH to BYU! 🏐In this interview, we sit down with Keoni Thiim, a volleyball player from Hawaii who started his college career at Hawai'i (UH) and now competes for BYU. Keoni opens up about his journey in the sport, the transition between two powerhouse programs, and what it's like playing at the collegiate level.🔥 Topics We Cover:✅ His volleyball roots and how he got started✅ Playing for UH and making the move to BYU✅ Differences between the two programs✅ His mindset, goals, and future in the sportDon’t miss this inside look at one of college volleyball’s most exciting players! Like, comment, and subscribe for more volleyball content!

Mar 4

Join us as Damla Gunes, a setter for Quinnipiac University’s volleyball team, shares her incredible journey from playing volleyball in Turkey to competing at the NCAA level with Quinnipiac Bobcats We dive into:🏐 Her volleyball beginnings in Turkey The transition to college volleyball in the U.S. Challenges of adapting to a new country and playing style Growth as a player and experiences at Quinnipiac Advice for international athletes looking to play in the NCAA #Volleyball #QuinnipiacVolleyball #NCAA #DamlaGunez #Setter #CollegeVolleybal

Feb 21

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Jen Spicher, CEO of the Professional Volleyball Federation (PVF), to talk about her incredible journey from the business world to leading one of the most exciting new pro sports leagues in the U.S.Jen shares how her business background made her the right choice to guide the PVF, the challenges and triumphs of bringing the league to life, and how the first season came together. Plus, she gives us an inside look at the future of the PVF, what to expect in Season 2, and how the league is shaping the landscape of professional women’s volleyball.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more volleyball interviews and content! Let us know in the comments, what are you most excited about for the PVF’s future?#PVF #ProVolleyball #JenSpicher #Volleyball #WomensSports

Feb 19

Molly McCage has been a standout player from her days at the University of Texas to her time playing professionally. Now, she’s making history again as part of LOVB Austin in the first-ever season of LOVB Pro Volleyball! In this exclusive interview, Molly shares:🏐 Her journey from college to the pros🏐 The impact of playing for Texas and now returning to play professionally in her home state🏐 What makes LOVB’s debut season so exciting🏐 Her advice for young volleyball players dreaming of a pro careerGet an inside look at the future of pro volleyball and Molly’s next chapter with LOVB Austin!🔔 Subscribe for more volleyball interviews and stories!#Volleyball #MollyMcCage #LOVB

Feb 11

If you follow volleyball on any of the platforms you have seen some content from @pmevolleyball aka Christian Herr.Content creator, and volleyball player who plays setter who gained recognition for his nickname PME volleyball. He posts volleyball-related content through comedy and relatable POV videos, and volleyball vlogs. and practice tutorials. His YouTube channel has garnered over 215 million views.

Feb 2

All-BIG EAST Team! Meet Erin Jones from St. John's University. As a Sophomore (2023): Played in 128 sets and started in all 35 of the Red Storm’s matches... Unanimous All-BIG EAST Team selection… named to the AVCA East Coast All-Region Team… tabbed as the BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Week on Oct. 16… selected to the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll three times… led the Red Storm with 508 points, 3.97 points per set, 446 kills and 3.48 kills per set… ranked second on the team with 273 assists, 259 digs and 29 aces… compiled 56 total blocks… recorded the first triple double in program history with a career-high 22 kills and 26 points against Marquette (Oct.14)… totaled 13 double-doubles throughout the season… earned a season-high 25 assists in the team’s opening game against Ole Miss (Aug. 25). As a Freshman (2022): Appeared in 63 sets across 27 matches... notched her first career double-double with 23 assists and 11 kills on Oct. 28 against Xavier... tallied two double-doubles on the season... led the team in assists (27) against Seton Hall on Nov. 2... tabbed to BIG EAST All-Academic Team... served multiple roles on the team recording double-digit totals in digs, kills and assists 11 times in nine different contests. Prior to St. John’s: Two-time captain of the La Cueva High School Varsity Volleyball Team… won three consecutive state championships with the team… named to the AVCA All-American watch list… finalist for Gatorade Player of the Year… tabbed the best player in New Mexico by MaxPreps… two-time All-State First Team member… named District II Player of the Year Off The Court: Daughter of Jamie and Derrick Jones… siblings are Natalie and Allison Jones… expected major is biology.

Jan 23

Girls 15.1 Head Coach, NEVBC Founder​After a decorated playing career, co-founder and director Cat Dailey Minyard is passing along her volleyball expertise to the next generation of athletes in the Northeast. Cat has previously been an assistant coach for her alma mater, Yale University, as well as Amherst College. She is now the ESPN+ broadcast analyst for the Yale women's volleyball home matches. She is also a Lead Coach for Gold Medal Squared, the leaders in volleyball coaches' education and training, and has presented at the AVCA Convention on the topics of college recruiting and club management. Before founding Northeast Volleyball Club with her husband Garrett, Cat played professional volleyball in the Italian Serie A league for Volley Millenium Brescia, leading her team to a 25-7 record and winning the 2018 Italian A2 Championship. Before Italy, Cat completed her master’s degree in Entrepreneurship at Durham University in the U.K., while also leading Durham to two national championships and capturing league MVP honors.​Originally from Southern California, Cat was a Top 20 college recruit nationally after competing at the highest level of club volleyball with Laguna Beach Volleyball Club. She played for Cal Berkeley for two years, including an NCAA Final Four appearance in 2007, before transferring to Yale. At Yale, Cat was the unanimous selection for the 2008 Ivy League MVP and an AVCA All-Region honoree, and she led the team to an NCAA tournament postseason win over Ohio.As a coach, Cat specializes in developing athletes with a high “volleyball IQ” who understand how the game works at the highest levels. At Northeast, Cat guides the NEVBC Directors and has served as Head Coach at the U12, U14, U15, U16, and U17 Girls levels, as well as assistant coaching in the Boys Club program. Cat is also the NEVBC Director of College Recruiting, where her goal is to find the right fit for all Northeast athletes who want to play after high school. In that role, Cat has helped over 60 NEVBC athletes go on to play in college since 2018 at all levels, from the ACC to the Patriot League to the NESCAC.

Jan 14

Meet Garrett Minyard, co-founder and club director, of the Northeast Volleyball Club, in Connecticut. Before starting Northeast Volleyball Club, Coach Garrett spent a year in Italy as a coach in the Italian Serie A2 league. During that time, Garrett helped Volley Millenium Brescia capture a national championship and learned the ins and outs of professional team management. Before Italy, he earned his master’s degree in Human Resource Management at Durham University in the U.K., while also acting as the head coach for Team Durham Men's Volleyball. Garrett also assisted Team Durham Women's Volleyball who secured both the University and National league titles that season. Garrett is originally from Long Island and played Division I men's volleyball for Sacred Heart University, where he was named Team Captain for both the 2012 and 2013 seasons. He never stopped coaching during his college career, working at local clubs and high schools. After graduation, Garrett began coaching full time for CPAC Volleyball Club under his mentor Danny Goncalves, the now Head Coach at Division I NJIT. Garrett then took the reins as Club Director, leading the club for two very successful seasons before moving overseas. In addition to his on-court achievements, Garrett has earned significant recognition in the volleyball community. In 2019, he was named to the prestigious AVCA 30-Under-30 list, an honor awarded to rising stars in the coaching world. A year later, in 2020, he received the AVCA Innovation Award, acknowledging his forward-thinking contributions to the sport. ​ As a coach, Garrett focuses on developing young athletes into leaders on and off the court and teaching athletes how to compete at the highest levels. Always a student of the game, his technical knowledge and ability to help athletes get better is unparalleled. Garrett leads NEVBC's coaches training and curriculum development, and he also leads all practice planning for our club teams. In addition to his roles at NEVBC, Garrett is also a Head Coach for Gold Medal Squared (the leaders in volleyball coaches' education and training), and the Volunteer Assistant Coach for NJIT Men's Volleyball in Newark, NJ.

Jan 3

Meet Tyler Ray, The Jump Guy,! He is a Jump Technique Specialist, former Professional Dunker, and the man behind the Art of Jumping. He dives into jumping as it relates to volleyball and and his journey as an athlete and trainer. Tyler Ray aka. The Jump Guy is an esteemed professional with an extensive background in physical education and a specialization in dynamic movement, which includes the intricate art of jumping. With two decades of experience coaching athletes and students of all ages and a background as a professional dunker and track and field athlete with a 48-inch vertical, Tyler has honed his expertise in biomechanics, strength training, and kinetic performance. His innovative techniques and commitment to understanding the physics of human movement have helped countless individuals enhance their jumping abilities and overall athletic performance.

Dec 23, 2024

Meet Shannon Winzer, the head coach of Team Canada’s women’s volleyball team and a trailblazer in the sport. As the only female head coach at the elite international level, Shannon’s journey is one of perseverance, passion, and breaking barriers. In this video, Shannon shares her inspiring story—from her roots as a player to leading Canada on the world stage. Discover her vision for the team, her approach to building a competitive squad, and what it takes to pave the way for future generations of female leaders in sports. Don’t miss this look at one of volleyball’s most influential figures!

Dec 12, 2024

Meet Kawika Shoji - national champion and player of the year honors, two-time Olympian earning him a bronze medal and captainship, a position on the board of USA Volleyball, 12-year professional volleyball career, and more. Kawika talks about his days playing for USA and pro along with life after being a pro. Kawika shares some great advice and some great stories from his playing days

Dec 5, 2024

Meet Jacy Sheldon a professional basketball player who gained recognition for her exceptional skills and contributions to the sport during her college career at Ohio State University. College Career Sheldon played for the Ohio State Buckeyes, where she became a standout guard known for her scoring, leadership, and defensive prowess. She consistently ranked among the top players on her team, contributing significantly to their success in the Big Ten Conference. Sheldon’s playing style is characterized by her quickness, court vision, and ability to score in clutch moments. Achievements She has been recognized with various honors throughout her collegiate career, including All-Big Ten selections. Her performances in key games helped elevate Ohio State’s status in national women’s basketball rankings. Transition to Professional Basketball After completing her college career, Sheldon pursued opportunities in professional basketball, including entering the WNBA draft. Playing Style Jacy is known for her two-way game, excelling both offensively and defensively. Her versatility allows her to contribute as a scorer, playmaker, and defender. Off the Court Sheldon is often praised for her leadership and work ethic, making her a role model for young athletes.

Nov 20, 2024

Canadian Olympian, Professional Volleyball Player, Developmental Coach, this is Justin Lui! He is an Olympic athlete, competing with the Canadian Men's National Indoor Volleyball team and playing professionally in Czechia. He started volleyball when he was 12 years old and immediately fell in love with the sport. It was all he ever wanted to do. Throughout his club volleyball career, he played with Durham Attack Volleyball Club, before going to continue to his education and his volleyball career at Stanford University, graduating in the spring of 2023. Now, for the past three years, he has been competing with the Canadian Men's National Indoor Volleyball team, for which he recently competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Nov 14, 2024

Vicky is an outside hitter from Jonquière, Quebec, Canada, who earned her spot on the Canadian Women’s National Team at age 28. She helped Canada win two bronze medals at the NORCECA Championships and competed in three VNL tournaments. During her eight-year club career, she’s won five domestic titles, three of which came with Minis Arluy VB Logroño in 2019 when she led the squad to Spanish Cup, Supercup and Liga Iberdrola championships. She was also named Best Outside Hitter of the Liga Iberdrola that season.

Nov 14, 2024

Kelly Hunter, a three-time Husker All-American and two-time national champion, was promoted to assistant coach on Dec. 22, 2021. Hunter previously spent three seasons on the Husker staff as a graduate assistant (2019) and a volunteer coach (2020-21). She also served as an interim assistant coach from January to August of 2020. Overall, Hunter has spent 10 of the last 11 seasons with the Husker program as either a player (2013-17) or coach (2019-23). In those 10 seasons, Nebraska has posted a top-10 finish every year, winning two national championships, playing in four NCAA Finals and making five trips to the final four.Primarily working with Nebraska’s setters, Hunter helped freshman Bergen Reilly earn Big Ten Setter of the Year and AVCA All-America Second Team honors in 2023 as the Huskers won the Big Ten title and reached the NCAA Championship match. Reilly was the first freshman to win Big Ten Setter of the Year since the award originated in 2012, and she led all Big Ten setters with 10.51 assists per set.As a volunteer coach in 2021, Hunter helped Nebraska finish as the national runner-up. The Huskers finished with a No. 2 final ranking after a memorable run to the National Championship match as the No. 10 seed. In her first season as a volunteer coach in 2020, Hunter and the Huskers had their season disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic postponed the season until the spring and despite a limited Big Ten-only schedule, the Huskers made an NCAA Regional Final. Hunter was a graduate assistant coach for the Huskers in the 2019 season following a professional playing career overseas.Hunter was named a first-team AVCA All-American, the Big Ten Setter of the Year and an All-Big Ten selection for the second time in her career following her 2017 senior season. She received numerous honors from volleyball publications, including National Player of the Year and All-America first-team honors from PrepVolleyball.com and VolleyMob.com. Hunter was also named co-Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Championship with teammate Mikaela Foecke after the Huskers beat Florida in the national title match in 2017.The Papillion, Neb., native earned CoSIDA Academic All-District first-team accolades and was named a semifinalist for the Senior CLASS Award. She ended her career with 4,125 assists, the second-most in Husker history, and she totaled 699 career postseason assists, the highest total in school history. Hunter finished her career with a 16-1 record in the NCAA Tournament as Nebraska’s starting setter, posting the most wins and highest postseason winning percentage by a starting setter in Husker history.Hunter earned her bachelor’s degree in management and marketing in May 2017. She graduated with her master’s degree in the arts of business administration from Nebraska in December 2019.

Oct 25, 2024

Meet Berkeley, who plays for the Vegas Thrill. Hear about her journey from playing college ball at Utah and then over seas in the pro legaues. Now she comes home to play in her backyard of Vegas! Oblad majored in graphic design at Utah. She is the daughter of Jeremy and Jody Oblad and has one brother and one sister. She was honored as the 2014 Nevada Gatorade Player of the Year after leading Coronado High School to its second consecutive state championship. Oblad owns a dog, a boxer named Blink, named after the band Blink-182. She mentions Ruben Herrera, a former club coach and current president of Vegas Thrill, as a mentor. In addition to volleyball, she played soccer and tennis and learned the piano while growing up. Her hobbies include reading, writing, photography, fashion, graphic design, sewing, hiking, pottery, painting, and exploring new places. She also runs a literary and art magazine with a friend called Quixotic. Other Professional Experience: Oblad made her professional debut with 1MCM Diamont Kaposvar in the Hungarian league in 2020. She played for Les Mariannes in France during the 2020-21 campaign and competed for TopSpeed in Taiwan in the 2021-22 season. In 2024, she joined the Vegas Thrill in the inaugural Pro Volleyball Federation campaign, posting a .303 hitting percentage with 145 kills, along with 38 blocks and 48 digs.

Oct 17, 2024

What is it like to start a division 1 NCAA volleyball program from scratch? Anders Nelson coach of Vanderbilt is in the midst of that right now! A rising star in the coaching profession and integral part of the first SEC volleyball program to win a national championship, Anders Nelson (pronounced ahn-ders) will usher in a new era of Vanderbilt volleyball as the reintroduced program’s first head coach, the university announced. In April 2022, Vanderbilt announced the addition of volleyball as its 17th varsity sport. The program was originally discontinued after the 1979-80 academic year. “It is a unique honor to join the Vanderbilt family as the first head volleyball coach of this new era,” Nelson said. “From the beginning of my lifelong relationship with volleyball, I learned to value not only the thrill of competition but the opportunity to influence how young people see themselves and the world around them. “Challenging and supporting student-athletes to be their best on the court unlocks their potential off the court. To build an SEC program on those principles, in a vibrant and dynamic city, at a world-class university like Vanderbilt is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I’m grateful to Chancellor Daniel Diermeier and Candice Lee for entrusting it to me. There is so much to do before 2025, and I can’t wait to get started.” Most recently the associate head coach at the University of Kentucky, where he helped mentor student-athletes who won the 2020 NCAA Championship and recently extended a streak of winning at least a share of six consecutive SEC championships, Nelson will lead a Commodore program that begins play in the 2025-26 academic year.

Oct 8, 2024

Meet Riley Wagoner who played for the University of Hawai'i Rainbow Wahine volleyball team. Known for her athleticism, versatility, and strong work ethic, she made significant contributions to the team during her collegiate career. Key Highlights of Riley Wagoner’s Volleyball Career: Position: Outside Hitter Wagoner played as an outside hitter, a position that requires both offensive and defensive skills, including spiking, blocking, and serve reception. University of Hawai'i Career: Wagoner joined the University of Hawai'i volleyball team and quickly became an essential player. The Rainbow Wahine volleyball program is known for its rich history and strong performance in NCAA women’s volleyball. She was recognized for her strong hitting, defensive skills, and ability to make crucial plays in high-pressure situations. Leadership & Performance: Wagoner displayed leadership on the court and was a consistent performer, helping the Rainbow Wahine compete in the Big West Conference and in national tournaments. Over her collegiate career, she earned multiple honors, and her performance made her one of the standout players for the team. Accolades & Recognition: Throughout her time with the University of Hawai'i, Wagoner received recognition for her athletic achievements, including conference awards and honors for her standout play.

Sep 28, 2024

Meet Teagan DeFalco a native of Long Beach, Calif. and was a critical piece on the Lopes roster that earned the No. 7 seed in the 2022 NCAA Championships. This last season, DeFalco had wins against pairs from Stanford, California, Arizona, Arizona State, Hawaii, Tulane, Florida Atlantic, Georgia State, plus a couple of wins against the Huskies. She has 64 beach wins over her four-year career, including a 21-9 mark in 2022 primarily playing at No. 3. DeFalco also played at the No. 1 and No. 2 spots in 2021 and the No. 1 spot in 2020. DeFalco was also a standout indoor player for the Lopes, earning WAC Libero of the Year honors in 2021 and collecting over 1,800 career digs. Now her journey continues in the @realprovb playing for the Vegas Thrill.

Sep 13, 2024

NY Capital Region native on the USA Men’s National Volleyball team. Raised in Glenmont, Michael Marshman’s volleyball journey started as a happy accident, but it’s taken him around the world, competing with some of the sport’s top players. Most Notable U.S. Men's National Team debut in 2023 Pan Am Cup 2016 AVCA All-American Honorable Mention Events 2024 Volleyball Nations League Week One 2023 NORCECA Pan American Cup -5th

Sep 4, 2024

Meet Eve Rackham Watt Eve Rackham Watt is the head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers women's volleyball team. Since taking the helm in 2018, she has transformed the program into a competitive force within the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Known for her strategic acumen, strong leadership, and ability to develop talent, Rackham Watt has led the team to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. Her coaching style emphasizes a blend of disciplined play, teamwork, and resilience, which has earned her respect both on and off the court. Under her guidance, Tennessee volleyball has seen significant growth, consistently competing at a high level and setting new standards for success within the program.

Aug 25, 2024

Meet Jill Gillen, a Stilwell, Kansas native, is a highly skilled volleyball player that will be playing her second season with the Columbus Fury in the Pro Volleyball Federation. At the University of Arkansas, Jill was awarded several accolades including being selected to the SEC All-Selection team, SEC All-Freshman team, and Preseason All-SEC team, along with shattering program records. As a standout force on the court, Jill Gillen has become a beacon of inspiration as she stands at just 5’7” and has proved herself to be one of the best outside hitters in the PVF. Outside Hitter, 5’7 Hometown: Stilwell, Kansas Former Teams: University of Arkansas College Experience SEC All-Freshman Team selection Three-time AVCA All-South Region Team Selection Three-time All-SEC Team Selection High School/Club Experience A two-time conference champion at The Barstow School Gillen was named MVP, All-Conference, and All-District all four years in high school. Named Conference Player of the Year and selected to the All-Star Team her senior year.

Aug 14, 2024

Fresh off of his 4th Olympics in Paris, a Bronze Medal in his pocket here is Team USA Matt Anderson's volleyball journey. From upstate NY, to @pennstate and now after many years with TEAM USA along with almost a decade of playing overseas here is Matt's journey Member of U.S. Men's National Team since 2008 Has been U.S. Men's leading scorer every season since 2011 Six-time USAV Male Indoor Player of the Year (2012-15, 2018-19) Moved from left-side hitter to opposite (right side) in 2013...started at opposite the majority of the time since Played for Russia's Zenit Kazan each winter from 2012-18...has jersey hung from the rafters of their arena Has also played professionally in Korea, Italy, China and Türkiye Left Penn State following junior season to play professionally with Korea's Hyundai Capital Skywalkers Led Penn State to NCAA Men's Championship in 2008; AVCA Co-Player of the Year Represented U.S. on Men's Junior National Team in 2006-07, U.S. Boys Youth National Team in 2005 Joined USAV pipeline in 2004

Aug 6, 2024

Meet @masonsbriggs libero for Team USA He was raised in Valencia, CA, with his parents, Steve & Dina, and two older brothers, Trevor and Tanner. Recently graduated from Long Beach State University where he was a member of the men’s volleyball team and earning a degree in Business Finance with a minor in Consumer Affairs. https://masonbriggsbrand.com/ Made senior national team debut at 2021 NORCECA Continental Championship 2022 First-Team All-American; second team in 2020; honorable mention in 2021le mention in 2021 2021 Men's Collegiate National Training Team 2020 Men's Junior National Training Team 2018 and 2019 Boys Youth National Team 2017 USAV Indoor High Performance A1 Select National Training Team Program 2016 USAV Indoor High Performance A1 National Training Team 2014 USAV Indoor High Performance A1 Select National Training Team 2013 USAV Indoor High Performance A1 Future Select Camp Meet @masonsbriggs libero for Team USA He was raised in Valencia, CA, with his parents, Steve & Dina, and two older brothers, Trevor and Tanner. Recently graduated fromLong Beach State University where he was a member of the men’s volleyball team and earning a degree in Business Finance with a minor in Consumer Affairs. https://masonbriggsbrand.com/ Made senior national team debut at 2021 NORCECA Continental Championship 2022 First-Team All-American; second team in 2020; honorable mention in 2021le mention in 2021 2021 Men's Collegiate National Training Team 2020 Men's Junior National Training Team 2018 and 2019 Boys Youth National Team 2017 USAV Indoor High Performance A1 Select National Training Team Program 2016 USAV Indoor High Performance A1 National Training Team 2014 USAV Indoor High Performance A1 Select National Training Team 2013 USAV Indoor High Performance A1 Future Select Camp

Jul 30, 2024

Meet Malia Shoji, head coach of @UNLVAthletics Volleyball team Malia Shoji was named the eighth head coach in UNLV volleyball history on January 4, 2023. Shoji comes to Las Vegas after having spent the last eight seasons overall with the Utah volleyball program and the last five as its associate head coach. She helped the Utes qualify for six-straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including two Sweet 16’s and three consecutive third-place finishes in the Pac-12 Conference.

Jul 22, 2024

Meet @gocreighton volleyball head coach Kirsten Bernthal Booth. She shares her amazing journey to Creighton and offers some amazing insight on how she built a successful volleyball program in the Big East. Three-time National Coach of the Year Kirsten Bernthal Booth continues to lead one of the nation’s best programs at Creighton. Her influence on the sport has never been more prominent, as she’s currently the President of the American Volleyball Coaches Association and is one of 17 members on the AVCA’s Board of Directors. Booth has steadily built a program that has appeared in the AVCA’s Top 25 poll each of the last 12 years. CU has reached 13 of the last 14 NCAA Tournaments and earned six national seeds, including a 2016 postseason run to the Elite Eight, Sweet Sixteen trips in 2015, 2016 and 2023, and an unprecedented 10 straight BIG EAST regular-season titles. Since the start of 2014, CU is 176-13 against league foes. Last year’s team battled a myriad of injuries to finish 29-5, won five different tournaments, and boasted a pair of Academic All-Americans in Kendra Wait and Kiana Schmitt. Wait was named BIG EAST Player of the Year and Setter of the Year, while Schmitt claimed MVP honors at the BIG EAST Tournament. CU finished a perfect 15-0 at home, including 3-0 sweeps over Colgate and Minnesota en route to a return to the Sweet 16.

Jul 15, 2024

Meet Hardworking American Libero (USA National Team) Norceca Continental Championship Gold Medal ~ Austrian Cup Champion & Austrian League Champion, Tim McIntosh. Originally from Florida, played at Sacred Heart in Connecticut, coached at North East Volleyball club in CT prior to going overseas to play professionally U.S. Men's National Team debut in 2023 Pan Am Cup 2020 U.S. Men's Collegiate National Team Spent two years at Alderson Broaddus before Sacred Heart Played professionally in Austria and with Northeast Force in the VLA

Jul 8, 2024

Meet Steve Wasik, CEO of VKTRY Gear and hear the story behind the insole! VKTRY Performance Insoles are the first-ever high-performance athlete insoles designed to return the energy an athlete generates as explosive power, speed and agility. Its patented carbon-fiber design is scientifically proven to help athletes of all ability levels to run faster and jump higher, while helping in injury prevention and recovery. RUN FASTER. JUMP HIGHER. TRAIN SMARTER.

Jun 30, 2024

Meet Matt Ulmer here his volleyball journey along with coaching advice and advice for young players! Through seven seasons as head coach of the Oregon volleyball program, Matt Ulmer has led the Ducks to six NCAA Tournament appearances including runs to the Elite 8 in 2018, 2022 and 2023, and an additional trip to the Sweet 16 during the 2021 spring season. Ulmer is 142-69 overall (.673 winning percentage) with an 88-50 record in Pac-12 play.

Jun 22, 2024

Meet Caylee Parker former student athlete from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor's of Science in Allied Health Sciences. Volleyball started for CP in Canada where she ended up playing for the Canadian Jr National Team before playing at UCONN. After UCONN CP played professionally in Greece and Turkey.

Jun 13, 2024

Meet Amber Igiede, a professional volleyball player that just wrapped up her first pro season in Italy. Amber stopped by the podcast to share her journey from starting to play volleyball in Louisiana. From there she landed at University of Hawaii and talks about that amazing experience. @hawaiiathletics

May 31, 2024

Meet Jojo Persico, caoch of the St John's volleyball team for the last 20 years! Jojo shares her amazing, inciteful volleyball journey. A St. Francis Prep High School graduate and volleyball standout at the Queens school, Persico was selected as an inaugural member of the Catholic High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 1991. In 2004, she was inducted into her third New York State Hall of Fame, the St. Francis Prep High School Hall of Fame, which also includes former New York Yankees manager Joe Torre and NFL coaching legend Vince Lombardi. She was awarded a seat on the St. Francis Prep Board of Trustees and served as President of the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) for Brooklyn and Queens from 2007-09. In 2013, she was selected as an inaugural member of the St. Francis Prep Ring of Honor Award. Located in Queens, St. Francis Prep is the largest private catholic high school in the country. In 2014, Persico was inducted into the St. Francis Prep Inaugural Ring Of Honor. Still active on the court today, Persico also competed in the U.S. Volleyball Nationals in 2009, the top level of open volleyball in the country, teaming up with former Olympians and AVCA All-Americans, as well as standout NCAA student-athletes, on the Exterminators Volleyball Club. She is a 30-year veteran and one of the most decorated players in Empire State Games history. In 2008, the New York City women’s team became the first team in the open division to win five consecutive gold medals, as it defeated Long Island in a one-set playoff, 25-17. Persico led teams to the gold medal in 1998 and 2004-08, the silver in 2002-03 and the bronze medal in 1999.

May 26, 2024

Meet @hawaiiathletics Men's volleyball player, Guilherme Voss. He share his story how he came to Hawaii and his time playing for the Rainbow Warriors Born Guilherme Voss Messias dos Santos in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Played beach volleyball at 10 and transitioned to indoor volleyball at 14 Lived in Sugarland, Texas from 2006-10 Has one older brother Parents are Luiz Santos and Denise Carvalho of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil National Team: Played for the Brazil Junior National team from 2016-19 Helped Brazil to a third place finish at the U21 World Championship and was selected as the Best Middle Blocker Also led Brazil to a title at the U21 South American Championship Prep: A 2017 graduate of Colegio Teresiano in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Played club volleyball for C.R. Flamengo from 2014-17 and SADA Cruzeiro in 2018 Helped C.R. Flamengo to the National Championship from 2015-17 and earned Best Hitter in 2015 and ’16 Received offers from BYU, UC Irvine, NJIT, and British Columbia

May 15, 2024

Meet Cody Kessel Team USA and professional volleyball athlete. 8 seasons abroad in the Swiss and German professional leagues. German Champion 2021, 2022, 2023. German Cup 2020, 2023. Volleyball Nations League 2nd Place 2022 with U.S Men’s National Team. 2022 World Championships. Olympic hopeful. Volleyball coach with extensive domestic and international experience. Sharing my journey and all the best lessons learned with you as I go. New book at: https://codykessel11.gumroad.com/l/co... Free newsletter and blog at: https://codykessel.substack.com/

May 6, 2024

Meet Shainah Joseph a member of Team Canada women's volleyball team. She shares her volleyball journey from Ottawa to the college days as a Florida Gator and then over seas to play pro. This past season she was a part of PVF's Orlando Valkryies. Pro Career Joseph has played for VC Maritza in Bulgaria (2017–18), Top Speed in Taipei (18–19), Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors in the Philippines (2019–20), Ageo Medics in Japan (2020–21), Vandœuvre Nancy Volley-Ball in France (2021–22), and Marcq-en-Barœul Volley Club in France (2022–23). Beginning in 2023, she played for the Orlando Valkyries in the United States. Team Canada Joseph was selected to play for the Canadian Junior National Women's Volleyball team in 2012, then played for the women's national team from 2015 to 2017. All three years, she competed in the Women's Pan-American Volleyball Cup. She also competed in the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix in 2016 and 2018. In 2023, she competed at the FIVB Volleyball Women's Olympic Qualification Tournaments, where Canada came in third, just short of qualifying for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Apr 26, 2024

Experience the excitement of UConn Volleyball with this exclusive video featuring Doga Kutlu and Emma Werkmeister. Follow along as we explore their journey from different corners of the world to the courts of UConn. Learn about their training regimen, game-day rituals, and the friendships they've forged along the way. Join us for an intimate look at the lives of two talented athletes as they chase their dreams and leave their mark on the volleyball world

Apr 18, 2024

Born in San Diego, Calif. Intends to major in business marketing and entrepreneurship Has two sisters Older sister Cambria played volleyball and track and field for Air Force Parents are Craig and Melinda Galloway of San Diego, Calif. AVCA All-America honorable mention All-Big West first team Started 30 of 31 matches played Finished third on the team in kills per set (2.48), hitting at a .305 clip Also finished with 1.46 digs per set and 0.64 blocks per set and served 14 aces Posted a double-double with 11 kills and career-high 12 digs vs. Penn State in the NCAA Tournament semifinals (May 5) Recorded double-digit kills in 11 matches Season-high 14 kills in season-opener against Ball State (Jan. 12) Averaged 3.00 kills per set, hitting .389 in Big West play

Apr 1, 2024

Ohio State Volleyball player Jacob Pasteur, he shares his great volleyball journey from Maryland to OSU and the National Team. He also talks about cracking 80 mph with his serve! AVCA First Team All-American (2023) MIVA Player of the Year (2023) Ohio State Scholar Athlete (2022, 2023) First Team All-MIVA (2022, 2023) USA Volleyball Nations League Team (2022) MIVA Academic All-Conference (2022) Academic All-Big Ten (2022) MIVA All-Tournament Team (2023) Preseason All-MIVA (2023, 2024)

Mar 26, 2024

Jaylen Reyes joined the Nebraska volleyball program as an assistant coach in March 2018. Reyes coaches the Husker liberos and defense while helping coordinate game plans and scouting reports and assisting with other positions. He also serves as the Huskers’ recruiting coordinator. Jaylen Reyes is now the lead assistant women’s volleyball coach at Nebraska. He is the recruiting coordinator for a team that consistently brings in the best high school players from all over the country. He got started with the men’s team at BYU and he’s now in his fourth year at Nebraska. @Huskers

Mar 13, 2024

Meet Erik Shoji an American professional volleyball player who plays as a libero for ZAKSA Kędzierzyn-Koźle and the U.S. national team. Shoji was a bronze medalist at the Olympic Games Rio 2016 and the 2018 World Championship; the 2014 World League and 2015 World Cup winner, and a two–time Champions League winner (2022, 2023) with ZAKSA. Member of U.S. Men's National Team since 2013 Finished first among diggers and second among receivers at first Olympic Games (Rio 2016) Has played professionally in Germany, Austria, Italy, Russia and Poland Became first four-time First Team All-American in history of AVCA honors while at Stanford Represented U.S. on Men's Collegiate National Team, Men's Junior National Team and Boys' Youth National Team during junior career

Mar 5, 2024

Meet Spyros Chakas! A phenomenal volleyball player from Greece that was recrutied to come play for @hawaiiathletics Men's Volleyball program. As he enter his senior season he sits down with me and shares his journey and what is next!

Feb 26, 2024

Meet Coach Ellen and hear about the team she is building to be competitive in the Big East and beyond. Trying to mirror the success the men and women's basketball team have built with a winning culture. The Toledo, Ohio native played professionally with Sagres NUC, one of the top teams in the LNA, the top professional league in Switzerland. During the 2011-2012 season, she was match MVP three times, and helped out the Neuchatel, Switzerland club to finish second in the league. Sagres also reached the Swiss Cup final and the quarterfinals of the CEV Challenge Cup, a European-wide championship. Returning to Neuchatel the following season, she was awarded match MVP five times and the team finished third place in the LNA. In 2010, she competed for VT Aurubis Hamburg, a member of Germany's 14-team premier league, the Bundesliga. During her brief stint in Germany, she received MVP honors during two matches. Prior to her professional career, Herman-Kimball trained with the U.S. National Team during the summer of 2009 and competed with the U.S. National Team on their Tour of China during February of 2010. She also competed with the U.S. A2 Team, earning Most Valuable Player honors at the Adult Open Championship in 2008. Herman-Kimball , a two-time All-American, led the Bobcats to four successful seasons during her collegiate career, including three Mid American Conference regular season championships, three MAC tournament championships and four NCAA tournament berths. She was named the MAC Player of the Year as a junior and senior and also earned MAC Freshman of the Year accolades during her rookie campaign. The four-time first team All-MAC selection left Ohio University as the OU and MAC all-time leader in kills, as well as OU's all-time leader in points and attacks. Herman-Kimball , who earned Academic All-MAC honors three times during her collegiate career, graduated with a Bachelor of Health Administration from Ohio University in June 2010. She was inducted into the MAC Hall of Fame in 2020.

Feb 17, 2024

Meet Maire Zidek, she stopped by the podcast to share her volleyball journey. It was a fascinating conversation about more than just the game of volleyball. Marie is really focused on creating a better place for women's volleyball and carrying on the torch from the last generation of female coach's that brought volleyball to what it's current level is today. Marie Zidek was named the sixth head coach in DePaul volleyball history on Dec. 22, 2017 and entered her sixth season as the leader of the program in fall of 2023. Zidek’s team boasted an outright seventh place conference finish, marking the highest finish for DePaul since BIG EAST reconfiguration in 2013-14. The Blue Demons saw significant improvement in the final RPI year-over-year, finishing over 100 points higher than 2018. The 2019 squad notched its highest RPI win since joining the BIG EAST with a 3-1 victory over then-ranked No. 48 Villanova.

Feb 15, 2024

USC women's volleyball associate head coach Amy Pauly has been named the first head coach of the Orlando Pro Volleyball Federation, the organization announced today (June 19). She will also serve as Orlando's Vice President of Operations. Pauly had served on the USC coaching staff since 2020, when she joined the Trojans as an assistant coach. USC's lead recruiting coordinator, Pauly moved into the associate head position in spring 2023. @OrlValkyries @realprovb https://orlandoprovb.com/

Jan 24, 2024

Meet Leisa Rosen Head coach of the Fresno State Volleyball team! In her first year she coached her team win the Mountain West championship! In her time in Ann Arbor, Rosen coached 12 All-Americans and guided the Wolverines to postseason play 19 times. Michigan earned a total of 468 victories, including 66 wins over Top 25 opponents in her tenure and was ranked or received votes in the AVCA Top 25 poll in each of the last 14 seasons. Compiling 20 winning seasons in her tenure, the Wolverines advanced to seven Sweet 16s, two Elite Eights and the 2012 Final Four. Michigan racked up 38 All-Big Ten selections, 25 AVCA All-Americans and in the classroom earned 135 Academic All Big Ten honorees. Coming off a 17-win campaign this fall that included a sweep over ninth-ranked Penn State, Rosen began at Michigan in 1999, spending her first two seasons as an assistant coach before being promoted to associate head coach in 2001. She worked primarily with the Wolverines' defense overseeing Michigan's middle blockers and liberos while managing and coordinating all of Michigan's recruiting efforts. Prior to her time at Michigan, Rosen spent time at Boise State (1998) and Northern Michigan (1994-97), helping lead the Wildcats to the 1994 Division II National Championships and four Division II Final Four appearances racking up a 134-16 (.893) overall record. Rosen began her coaching career with the Central Ohio Volleyball Club in 1992. She followed that with a two-year stint as the 16-Gold coach of the Kern River Volleyball Club in Bakersfield, Calif. (1993-94). While coaching the Kern River Volleyball Club, Rosen played professionally for the San Diego Spikers of the National Volleyball Association. Before her professional coaching career, Rosen was a standout collegiate performer for the Ohio State University Buckeyes (1988-91). During her collegiate career, the Buckeyes won two Big Ten Conference championships (1989, '91) and advanced to the 1991 NCAA Championship Semifinals. Rosen also garnered numerous individual accolades at Ohio State. As a senior, she was selected the Big Ten Conference Player of the Year, AVCA All-America second team and was the Ohio State Female Athlete of the Year. Rosen was named to the AVCA All-Mideast Region team three times (1989, '90, '91). She captured Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors in 1988 and also competed in the United States Olympic Festival in 1989 and 1991. She was inducted into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001. A native of Wasilla, Alaska, Rosen was honored as one of the 50 greatest sports figures of the 20th century from the state of Alaska by Sports Illustrated. Rosen earned her bachelor's degree in political science from Ohio State in 1992. She is married to Mark Rosen, and the couple has two sons, Brady and Cameron. https://gobulldogs.com/sports/womens-volleyball https://twitter.com/fsathletics https://www.instagram.com/fresnostateathletics https://www.facebook.com/fresnostateathletics https://www.youtube.com/user/fresnostateathletics

Jan 15, 2024

Member of the Men's National Team since 2013 Captained U.S. MNT during all tournaments played in 2019 Played professionally in Italy since 2015 Represented U.S. on Men's Junior, Youth National Teams as junior athlete With 2009 Boys Youth National Team, became youngest setter to play for U.S. in a world championship Four-year starter at USC. Three-year co-captain. Three-time AVCA All American (2012, 2014, 2015). Two-time winner of the Off The Block Lloy Ball Award (2014, 2015) presented to the nation's top men's collegiate setter Meet Micah Christenson, setter for the Men's National Team. Married former USC indoor and beach collegiate player Brooke Fournier... The couple has one son, Ezekiel Kūpaʻa Christenson, who was born in August of 2018. Parents Charlene (volleyball) and Robert (basketball) are former collegiate athletes at the University of Hawaii - Hilo. Played volleyball and basketball at Kamehameha High School. Led his teams to three state championship titles (basketball in 2009 and 2011, and volleyball in 2011) .Began playing volleyball at Asics Quicksilver in 2005. Full name is Micah Makanamaikalani Christenson. Makanamaikalani means "Gift from Heaven." Micah's parents gave him that name because his mother had to have surgery while pregnant with Micah and it was not known if he would survive

Jan 7, 2024

🏐 Get to know Jake Barreau, the powerhouse addition to Michigan State's volleyball coaching team! In this exclusive video, we delve into Jake's journey from his appointment as Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator on Feb. 12, 2022, to his second season with the team in Fall 2023. 🔍 With an impressive background as an associate head coach for two decades, Jake brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to the Michigan State volleyball program. Learn about the unique coaching philosophy and strategies he brings to the court, influenced by both his extensive coaching career and his time as a college player over 20 years ago. 🌟 Dive into the challenges and triumphs Jake has faced in his coaching journey, and discover how he fosters a positive and motivating environment for the players. As the recruiting coordinator, find out Jake's approach to identifying and nurturing talent that will shape the future of Michigan State's volleyball legacy. 🎓 Join us in celebrating Jake Barreau's dedication to the sport and his impact on the Michigan State volleyball community. Whether you're a passionate volleyball fan, aspiring player, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes world of collegiate coaching, this video offers an inside look at the dynamic and inspiring Jake Barreau. 🔔 Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on all things Michigan State volleyball, and hit the notification bell to catch future features on the incredible individuals shaping the team's success. #GoSpartans #JakeBarreau #MSUVolleyball #CollegeVolleyball 🏐💚

Dec 20, 2023

Meet Hudson Bate's Ohio State Men's Volleyball Associate Head coach. He stopped by the podcast to share his amazing volleyball history! • Named Ohio State associate head coach in June 2019 • Also serves as the program’s recruiting coordinator • Four members of the 2023 Recruiting class were named Volleyballmag.com Fab 50 roster with Wetzel earning the No. 4 spot on the list … He joined Dan Hurley, Jack O’Riordan and Niko Williams on the roster • In 2023 helped coach the Buckeyes to a 23-10 record, MIVA regular-season and tournament titles and a berth in the 2023 NCAA Tournament in Fairfax, Virginia • Came to Columbus with eight seasons of collegiate coaching experience • Assistant coach for Virginia women’s volleyball for two seasons (2017-18) • Started a men’s volleyball program at Marymount University (Arlington, Va.) in 2013 • Lifted Marymount from its inaugural season to a conference championship and top-10 (D-III) national ranking in just four years (2017) • Long history of USA Volleyball coaching (involved since 2007), including his continuation as the Boys High Performance Coach • Spent nearly a decade playing professionally both indoors and on the beach after a four-year college career at George Mason University (2005-08) • Retired from the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour in 2016 after a nine-year stretch in the sand • Member of the 2010 U.S. National Beach Team and donned the Stars & Stripes representing Team USA in multiple international FIVB tournaments over the years • Indoors, Bates trained with the U.S. National Team from 2008-10 and competed professionally in the Puerto Rico Superior League and Qatar National League from 2008-12 • Served as George Mason volunteer coach during the 2009 season • Two-time First Team EIVA All-East honoree

Dec 11, 2023

Meet Maggie Carley a member of the Women's UCONN Huskies volleyball team. She joins the podcast to share her journey to UCONN and tells us what that first year was like. The four-year letterwinner from Trumbull High School was selected to All-State First Team senior year … Was also selected to AVCA All-America and All-FCIAC First Team … Was an AVCA Best and Brightest recipient and a two-time captain … Finished senior year with a season-high in assists with 802 … Broke the 1,000 career assists total finishing with 1,307 assists.

Dec 4, 2023

Taylor Hammond joined the Stanford staff as The Kawika and Erik Shoji Assistant Men's Volleyball Coach and Recruiting Coordinator in July 2023. He enters his first season with the Cardinal in 2024. Hammond comes to The Farm after spending the 2023 season as an assistant at UC San Diego. Prior to his stint with the Tritons, he was the top assistant and recruiting coordinator at Orange Coast College, leading the Pirates to a state championship in 2022. "Taylor is a great volleyball coach and has a wealth of recruiting experience. He is a very hard worker and incredibly diligent and professional," said The Birkhofer Family Head Men's Volleyball Coach John Kosty. In June 2023, Hammond served as an assistant coach for the United States U21 National Team, featuring current Cardinal outside hitter Alex Rottman. The pair earned a silver medal at the NORCECA Pan American Cup in Havana, Cuba. In 2021, Hammond was the volunteer assistant coach for the women's team at Auburn University. He has also coached at several clubs and high schools in Orange County, including Balboa Bay and 949 Athletics as well as Dana Hills High School (2017-20), El Toro High School (2019-20), and Santa Margarita High School (2018). A four-year starting setter for Penn State, Hammond was a four-time All-Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (EIVA) selection and was the conference Newcomer of the Year in 2013. The Nittany Lions won four EIVA titles and advanced to the national semifinals three times. A native of Mission Viejo, Hammond earned his bachelor's degree in communication arts and sciences from Penn State in 2016. Following graduation, he played professionally in Germany. With Netzhoppers of Königs Wusterhausen, he reached the semifinals of the German Cup and was twice honored as a match MVP.

Nov 23, 2023

Kupono Fey from University Hawaii Volleyball team to the pros and back home coaching UH!

Nov 15, 2023

Meet Karly Berkland who plays for the the UConn women's volleyball team as a libero. She is from Williamsburg, Iowa. She shares her path from playing volleyball at an early age when her mom who was a volleyball coach would let her on the court sometimes during practice. Then club ball for the Iowa Rockets. She talks about the tough things and sacrifices she made during her path to UCONN. She also has some really great advice for younger players and some libero tips. Entering her final year we talk about the things she will miss most and a great story about someone who was really important in her life and really supports her. Her Bumpa :)

Nov 8, 2023

In this podcast Pat Ryan, the director of the Connecticut-based Husky Volleyball Club joins us to share his fascinating story of how his passion for volleyball ignited and how he transformed that passion into a thriving volleyball club. From playing the game late in high school to a driving force in the volleyball community, Pat Ryan's story is a testament to determination and love for the game. This is a tale of commitment, growth, and the power of sports to bring people together and creating a fantastic volleyball family in central Connecticut.

Oct 31, 2023

Meet Peter Netisingha who joined the UConn women's volleyball staff as an assistant coach in February, 2022.I first met Peter this past summer at a volleyball that the UCONN coaches and players were running for high school kids. They did a great job and thought he would be a great guest to talk about what it's like coaching volleyball at Division 1 level. Share his advice for coaches and players that may strive to play in college. Netisingha in his first year assisting the Huskies saw solid results in the 2022 season. The women’s volleyball program went 17-14 overall and 10-8 in BIG EAST action. The Huskies made it to the BIG EAST semifinals and finished fifth in the conference standings. Netisingha arrives to Storrs after spending a year as a volunteer assistant with fellow BIG EAST member Marquette and also working at University of Ohio for a year. Netisingha has coached at four different NCAA DI schools and owns 11 years of collegiate coaching experience, and also has extensive experience coaching at the club level.Prior to his stint with the Golden Eagles, Netisingha spent three seasons with MKE Sting Volleyball Club in Milwaukee. Before landing in Wisconsin, Netisingha spent three season on staff at Illinois State, aiding the Redbirds to back-to-back Missouri Valley Conference titles. He also served two years as a graduate assistant at Nebraska, where he assisted the Cornhuskers to the 2015 National Championship and an Elite Eight appearance in 2014.Netisingha began his career as a volunteer assistant at Wisconsin from 2009-11, and went on the fill the same role on staff at Ohio for another two seasons.Netisingha graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2012 with a bachelor's degree in sociology.