The Leave It Better Podcast
The Side-Out Foundation
The Side-Out Foundation
Explore how to Leave it Better: in life, through the sport of Volleyball. Nebraska Hall of Fame Coach Janice Kruger speaks with the world’s best Volleyball coaches and athletes about the lessons the sport of volleyball has taught them about how to “leave it better.” Are you looking for inspiration on your path of self-discovery? Do you want to build a life with meaning? This is the podcast for you. For more than 30 years Janice Kruger has taught and coached young women leading them to become the best versions of themselves in both sport and life. Each one of her guests has a special formula that has helped them on their journey of personal growth. The ultimate goal of this show is to demonstrate the significance of the human connection and how our journey through life can help us leave it better. This show is powered by the Side-Out Foundation.
Dec 11
Sometimes terrible things can lead to wonderful good. Athletic Director Matt Althage introduced his school to the Dig Pink charity volleyball tournament in 2008 when his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Today, Matt and Head Volleyball Coach Claudia Garcia continue to inspire their players and grow their own tournaments at the Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart in Miami, Florida. Hear how Matt and Claudia's ambition and creativity lead to numerous partnerships with other schools who followed their mission. Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org . Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/ Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
Dec 4
You’ve toned your muscles, you’ve mastered your technique, but how are you going to perform when your confidence fails? How will you handle injuries? As a former professional player, and author of the sports psychology book, Headstrong, and founder of Headstrong Mindset Counseling, Dr. Brooke Rundle works with athletes to control their fears and master their doubts. Dr. Rundle explains the foundational mental skills that top athletes need to win on the court, and even more so in their lives after they’re done. Be sure to check out the end of the interview for a special “Progressive Muscle Relaxation” session; something coaches can start doing with their players right now. Links mentioned: To learn more about Dr. Rundle’s Headstrong Mindset program, please visit her website: https://headstrongmindset.com/brooke-rundle/ For more information go to www.side-out.org . Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/ Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
Nov 27
Wisconsin Head Volleyball Coach Kelly Sheffield has developed some of the best players in the sport. His methods might be a bit different than a typical coach, but then again, you don't want typical players if you want to win championships. Coach Sheffield talks with Janice about the importance of losing games (yes, losing), and find out how his music selection during training and practice sessions plays a role in shaping some of the most skilled players in the league. Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org . Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/ Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
Nov 20
Starting out as a sports psychologist, Paco Labrador was always looking for ways to help athletes and programs bring out the very best in themselves. However, once he saw our life as a head coach could be, he was set on changing paths. Now, as the Head Coach of Volleyball at the Naval Academy, Paco is living his dream. He took the Naval Academy to their first NCAA Volleyball Tournament, and was voted the National Coach of the Year for Division 3. Paco has done great things, perhaps in part because he had a great start… as one of Janice’s assistant coaches back in 1997! Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org . Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/ Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
Nov 13
Abbie McCoy‘s Cancer diagnosis came as a total shock. This mother, athlete, and Penn State alum had always lived A healthy life. Hear how volleyball and Dig Pink put her on a path to recovery, and a permanent mission to help others. If you or someone you care about is battling cancer, you’ll find hope in both Abby’s story, and the advice she has for cancer patients. Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org . Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/ Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
Nov 6
What is the ideal personality for a coach to have? Who should be the most competitive person on the team? How do you manage a new team every year? Coach Julie Jenkins has spent the last 40 years figuring out the answers to these big questions. As the head coach at Trinity University in Texas, Coach Jenkins is the victory leader in Division 3, with 1,080 wins. She’s even been recognized as the national coach of the year twice by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA). Janice and Coach Jenkins discuss the strategies they’ve picked up over their generation-long careers. Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org . Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/ Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
Oct 30
A love for volleyball that began as a little boy in Brazil has moved to the U.S. with big results. The Northern Virginia Volleyball Association's Rodrigo Gomes explains how growing up in poverty as a child shaped the way he provides accessibility for the young players in his club. Rodrigo also shares his unique training games he uses to get hesitant kids excited about the sport of volleyball. And hear why when Rodrigo is looking for help with his club, he turns to the moms first. Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org . Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/ Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
Oct 23
Meet the woman whose power and bravery on the court led Team USA to their first-ever Olympic gold medal in women’s volleyball. Jordan Larson is a four-time Olympian with two silver medals and a bronze to go with her gold. As the new Assistant Coach for the University of Nebraska, Jordan is bringing us some of her best Lessons she discovered while playing on the US Olympic team. Hear how she implements those lessons now as a coach herself, and how you can, too! Find out what separates the Gold medal players from the rest. Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org . Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/ Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
