Ep 21: Parent Advice from a Parent - with Natalie McIlhenny

In Episode 21, Chuck and Brian travel to Baltimore, MD for the JVA Charm City Classic to talk to Team Mom, Parent, and Former D1 athlete, Natalie McIlhenny. This episode talks about what to expect as a new parent venturing into the world of club Volleyball and is a MUST LISTEN for all parents. Natalie does an amazing job of putting things into perspective and gives her tips, tricks, and lessons learned from 4 years of Club Volleyball. In Segment 1, we discuss the benefits of playing club volleyball, and all of the ways that parents can enhance the experience for the team. Natalie walks us through her first year where expectations are unknown through Year 4 where life lessons and lifelong friendships have become just as important as volleyball! In Segment 2, we discuss the challenges that families face when commiting their time and money to play club volleyball. We talk about various levels of competiton, travellling to far away places to play volleyball, and how to manage everything with younger siblings. In Segment 3 we talk about Tournament Survival for families and players. Natalie share her tips on how the Team Parent can help the team, while maintaining important boundries with the coaches. She explains the value of being a positive voice on the slidelines, and staying out of the drama that seems to follow club volleyball and teenage girls. We reach into the bag of Volleyball Moms questions and Natalie shares tips on team bonding, the role of the team parent, finding the best hotel deals, what to pack for a tournament, and chimes in on the "Great Seat Debate" that drives Volleyball Moms crazy! Segment 1 1:25 - Introduction of our guest, Team Mom Extraordinaire Natalie McIlhenny 2:23 - Getting started with club 4:27 - First impressions of the club experience 5:40 - Biggest benefits of club so far 8:11 - Balancing the competitive nature of club and having fun 10:18 - The "end game" with regard to club 12:21 - Personal growth resulting from the club experience for players 14:45 - Social benefits for parents, including the interaction with other parents and club staff Segment 2 18:15 - Discussion of the financial commitment required by club from both the club and family perspectives 24:00 - Handling the time commitment as a family, especially with multiple children, and parents of players working together as their own team during the season 29:00 - Avoiding being "that parent" to maximize the experience 31:38 - The potential positive impact of club with regard to the life experience it offers 33:18 - The importance of having the designated "team parent" for each team 34:31 - Having the right motivation for being a "team parent" 36:25 - Advice for parents who are contemplating going "all-in" with a volleyball club Segment 3 39:31 - Strategies for arranging hotels in advance of multi-day tournaments 43:39 - Tips for parents to prepare for single-day tournaments 44:17 - Player equipment discussion from Volleyball Moms 46:36 - Necessities for parents to manage different tournament venue requirements 48:45 - Natalie's perspective on "The Great Seat Debate" from Volleyball Moms 50:42 - Tournament merchandise discussion from Volleyball Moms 52:25 - Final thoughts regarding pertinent advice for club volleyball parents 53:53 - "You Are Doing Great" - a motivational post from Volleyball Moms 55:50 - Wrap-up