Episodes

5d ago

In Part 2 of our Ask the Directors series, we shift the focus from the court to the bigger picture - how to support young athletes in a healthy, sustainable way. This episode dives into multi-sport participation, how parents can encourage skill development without burnout, and what meaningful support really looks like for athletes who are new to volleyball or new to United. We also touch on future opportunities, including beach volleyball, boys’ recruiting pathways, and options for athletes who want to play in college without being on a national team. Rather than focusing on quick results, this conversation centers on guidance, balance, and long-term development - the pieces that help athletes stay healthy, confident, and connected to the sport. 📝 SHOW NOTES - PART 2 Specialization vs. multi-sport participation: when to lean in and when to pull back Fueling for practices and competition: nutrition guidance we trust and why Encouraging skill work at home without pressure or burnout How parents can best support growth - and what to avoid What to expect from United’s spring beach volleyball program Recruiting pathways for boys in volleyball Playing in college without a national team background

Dec 10

In this episode, we kick off our second Ask the Directors series - shaped entirely by questions from our United families and athletes. You asked thoughtful, honest questions and today, our directors are sitting down to talk through them. This conversation offers transparency, context, and insight into the decisions that drive our club environment and athlete experience. Thank you for sending in your questions - we’re excited to keep the conversation going across this series!

Nov 26

This week, we’re gathering the voices that have shaped Better Together from the beginning. In honor of Thanksgiving, we pulled answers to one question we ask every guest - “What does it mean to be better together?” - from across both seasons. It’s a celebration of the people, stories, and shared values that make our community what it is… and a reminder of how thankful we are for each of you. From all of us at United, thank you for being part of our community - for showing up, growing with us, and reminding us that we’re all better together. Happy Thanksgiving!

Nov 19

Coach Scott Ingwersen brings a calm, encouraging, and joy-centered approach to coaching - and it shows in how his athletes respond to him. In this episode, Scott shares how he got started, how coaching his daughters shaped his “why,” and why building confident, fearless, joy-filled players matters far more than wins or losses. From embracing mistakes to celebrating growth to helping young athletes find their voice, this conversation is full of wisdom for parents, players, and coaches alike. 📌 What We Cover Why encouragement and positivity are foundational in his coaching Balancing fundamentals with giving athletes freedom to explore instincts Why mistakes are essential - and how he teaches athletes to embrace them The importance of proactive communication with players and parents Helping 14s develop confidence, emotional agility, and joy in the process How to build a team culture of forgiveness, support, and no-fear volleyball The generation shift: why players today want the why behind the game plan Scott’s favorite coaching moments, his goals for this season, and the motto he wants his team to live by Rapid-fire insights: toughest position to coach, favorite drills, and more

Nov 12

In this episode, we’re joined by Scott Jones and Alex Owen to share the story behind United in Service - our new initiative connecting athletes and families through giving back. Together, we explore how the program came to life, why community involvement matters, and how serving others builds stronger teams, deeper connections, and lasting impact beyond volleyball.

Nov 5

As many of our former United athletes near the end of their first college volleyball seasons, we’re taking a look back at where their journeys began - the recruitment process. This episode revisits their original conversations from last season, where they shared how they found their fit, made their decisions, and prepared for life at the next level. Recruitment is more than just choosing a program - it’s about understanding who you are as a player and a person. These stories highlight the lessons, mindset, and trust it takes to step confidently into the next chapter. We can’t wait to catch up with these athletes later this winter to hear how the transition to college life has shaped them - how they’ve grown, adapted, and continued building on the foundation they’ve worked hard to create.

Oct 29

In Part 2 of our partnership announcement series with SportsMED Orthopedic Surgery & Spine Center and Triple Threat Performance , we’re diving deeper into how this collaboration will elevate the health, safety, and performance of our United athletes. Our conversation covers what parents, coaches, and players really need to know about recognizing warning signs, building healthy recovery habits, and optimizing training the right way - not just harder. Discover what sets Triple Threat apart, how communication between coaches and care teams impacts return-to-play success, and why proper sleep might just be the ultimate performance enhancer. 📝 Show Notes Recognizing red flags: How to tell when fatigue signals something bigger than normal tiredness The truth about recovery: Why sleep is the most powerful performance tool available Warm-up & cool-down essentials: Preventing injuries before they happen Soreness vs. injury: How athletes can tell the difference and respond safely Triple Threat’s edge: What makes their certified staff and methods stand out The power of communication: How trainers, coaches, and parents can align for athlete success Trust in the process: Why belief in your recovery team matters just as much as the work itself Innovations in sports medicine: How technology like force plates and data-driven testing are shaping the future of youth athletics We explore what holistic athlete care really looks like - and how collaboration between coaches, parents, and medical professionals builds a more supportive environment for every player. This partnership is about more than performance - it’s about people. Together with SportsMED and Triple Threat Performance, we’re building a system where athletes can grow stronger, recover smarter, and thrive both on and off the court.

Oct 22

United Volleyball has partnered with SportsMED and Triple Threat Performance to bring next-level care and training to our athletes. From injury prevention and same-day appointments to performance strength training and return-to-sport recovery, this partnership is built to keep players healthy, confident, and ready to compete. Join Korohen as she sits down with the SportsMED and Triple Threat team to talk about what this collaboration means for our athletes, parents, and coaches - and how holistic care can transform the athlete experience. Show Notes: What inspired the partnership and how it benefits United athletes year-round Why quick access to care matters for player availability and confidence How prevention, treatment, and training now work hand in hand What “return-to-sport” really looks like done the right way How United is building a stronger, healthier athlete community This partnership is about more than performance - it’s about empowering athletes to move better, play longer, and reach their full potential. Be sure to join us next week as we continue the conversation!

Oct 15

In part two of our conversation with Audrey Cagle , our 14U National Head Coach for this upcoming season, we dive into the moments, lessons, and people that have shaped her as both a coach and a person. Audrey shares one of her most memorable coaching experiences with United, reflects on the influence that’s guided her coaching journey, and opens up about how the United community continues to impact her growth. We also explore what “Better Together” means to her - and how celebration, joy, and connection show up in her coaching philosophy and team culture. 📌 In this episode: Audrey’s most memorable coaching moment with United The biggest influence on her coaching journey - and the lessons that stuck How the United community has helped her grow on and off the court What “Better Together” means to her in coaching and life Why celebration, joy, and gratitude are vital parts of team culture A heartfelt close to this two-part series that reminds us why we coach, how we grow, and what it truly means to lead with heart.

Oct 8

This week, we sit down with Audrey Cagle, our 14U National Head Coach for this upcoming season, for an authentic conversation about adaptability, leadership, and finding purpose in the game. From growing up with a new coach every season to playing every position in college, Audrey’s volleyball journey taught her how to read people, reflect deeply, and stay grounded in her “why.” She opens up about her recruiting story, what keeps her coaching year after year, and the lessons that continue shaping her approach to developing players - both on and off the court. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Audrey’s experience as a multi-position athlete and how it shaped her perspective as a coach Lessons learned from having a new coach nearly every season growing up Her recruiting story and the decision-making process behind choosing a college What keeps her motivated and fulfilled as a coach season after season How reflection and observation guide her coaching style Key principles she instills in players for growth on and off the court The importance of adaptability, confidence, and creativity for 14U athletes Whether you’re a coach, parent, or athlete, this episode is full of thoughtful takeaways on growth, competition, and connection.

Oct 1

Volleyball has been in Emma Jarrett’s life since she could walk - literally. In this episode, she shares stories of growing up in the gym, balancing multiple sports, and making the leap from college player to UAH assistant coach. She talks recruiting, resilience, and why focusing on the process beats obsessing over the scoreboard. In this episode, we sit down with Emma to talk about: Guiding players through the challenges of balancing school, sports, and the emotional ups and downs of being a student-athlete. How growing up with her mom as a coach shaped not only her love for volleyball, but the way she shows up for her players today. The lessons she hopes to leave with athletes that go far beyond the skills on the court. What qualities she and the UAH staff look for when evaluating high school athletes Living with a servant mindset: how to show up for teammates, coaches, athletes, and the program as a whole. Full of heart, insight, and practical wisdom, this episode speaks to anyone striving to grow in sport or life. Emma’s reflections on mindset, teamwork, and leadership are thoughtful, grounded, and easy to carry into the game.

Sep 24

Join us for the final chapter of our conversation with Tristan Johnson, head coach of University of North Alabama volleyball, as he shares the story of his journey from small-town Texas to leading a Division I program. Growing up with volleyball in his family, Tristan’s path started unexpectedly. Through chance encounters, bold moves, and taking on responsibility at a young age, he climbed the coaching ranks - from Blinn Junior College to powerhouse programs like Alabama, Arkansas State, and Southern Illinois -before landing at UNA. Along the way, he gained national team experience, learned from elite mentors, and built a network that helped shape his philosophy. In this episode, Tristan shares: How early experiences and family influenced his love for the game Seizing opportunities and taking responsibility as a young coach Lessons learned from elite programs and national team involvement The mindset and habits that helped him grow as both a coach and a person Tune in to hear Tristan’s candid insights, powerful advice, and the story behind his rise to UNA volleyball - a conversation packed with lessons for athletes, coaches, and anyone navigating their path to success.

Sep 17

In part two of our conversation with Alyssum Reno-Smith, The Non-Diet Sports RD, we dive into the biggest myths and mistakes athletes make with nutrition - and how volleyball players can simplify fueling to play their best. From caffeine to common misconceptions, this episode covers what every athlete, parent, and coach needs to know to help athletes feel confident, focused, and fueled on and off the court. What you’ll hear in Part 2: How to encourage young athletes to fuel properly despite peer pressure around body image Common nutrition myths athletes believe (and the truth behind them) Caffeine: does it help or hurt performance? How under-fueling impacts focus, reaction time, and decision-making on the court A common mistake athletes make with their nutrition during tournaments Alyssum’s best advice for athletes to improve their nutrition without overcomplicating it Social media Q&A: her answers to the most common questions athletes wanted to hear from a dietitian If you missed part one, be sure to go back and listen to hear Alyssum’s journey from athlete to dietitian, her fueling tips for tournaments, and why hydration is the hidden key to performance.

Sep 10

What you eat and drink can make or break your performance on the court. And today’s guest knows exactly how to help volleyball players fuel and hydrate smarter. In this episode, we sit down with Alyssum Reno-Smith, a former athlete turned registered dietitian, to talk about how nutrition and hydration directly impact energy, recovery, and performance. From what to eat before tournaments to how to stay fueled and hydrated between matches, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can start using right away. What you’ll hear in Part 1: Alyssum’s journey from athlete to becoming a registered dietitian The difference between an RD and a nutrition counselor (and why it matters) Why preparation is key during long tournament days The importance of timing meals before and after practices & matches How your performance can change depending on what foods you eat The all-important topic of hydration and drinking enough water Go-to recommendations for quick and easy pre-practice and pre-game snacks And this is only part one! Be sure to come back next week as we dive deeper into nutrition strategies every athlete needs to know - from recovery and travel fueling to busting the biggest myths around food and performance.

Sep 3

Not every athlete’s path is linear. United alum Audrey Krichev didn’t plan to play at Amherst, but when the opportunity came, she embraced it - and it’s shaped her college experience in ways she never expected. 📌 Show Notes How Audrey’s recruiting journey unfolded - and the surprises along the way Why she didn’t originally plan to play at Amherst, and how the opportunity opened Her mindset shift when stepping onto the team How volleyball has shaped her college experience The reality of balancing academics with athletics at a high-level institution From balancing rigorous coursework with athletics to the personal growth volleyball continues to bring, Audrey opens up about her journey on and off the court.

Aug 27

In part two of our conversation with UNA Head Coach Tristan Johnson, we dig into the real details of recruiting that athletes often wonder about but rarely get clear answers on. From first impressions in an email to what he’s really looking for in a highlight film, Tristan shares how athletes can separate themselves in the recruiting process - and what growth looks like once they step on campus. 📌 What to Expect: What makes an athlete’s initial outreach stand out - and what coaches notice first in an email. The right timing to initiate and build communication with a college coach. Why highlight films matter and how athletes should prioritize their strengths when creating one. How Tristan helps players handle the jump from club to college volleyball. The one piece of advice he wishes every recruit could hear before starting their recruiting journey. In the coming weeks, stay tuned for the third and final part of our conversation - where Tristan opens up about his own journey into volleyball, what brought him to UNA, and the lessons that continue to shape his coaching today.

Aug 20

In Part 1 of our conversation with University of North Alabama Head Coach Tristan Johnson, we dive into the recruitment journey from the coach’s perspective. Tristan shares what he looks for when evaluating athletes, the key reminders every recruit should hold onto, and why gratitude and character matter just as much as skill. Whether you’re an athlete chasing a roster spot, a parent guiding your athlete, or a coach supporting players through the process, this episode offers an honest look at what it takes to stand out and find your place in college volleyball. 📌 What You’ll Hear in This Episode: How the recruiting process typically begins from a coach’s side Key reminders for athletes: stop comparing, embrace gratitude, and keep an open mind to all levels What Tristan notices first when evaluating a recruit How he defines “coachability” and why presence, demeanor, and character carry so much weight The importance of showing who you are when things don’t go your way 👉 Next week in Part 2: Tristan returns with even deeper recruitment insight and phenomenal advice for athletes looking to play at the next level.

Aug 6

This week on Better Together, Merritt Beason returns for Part 2 of a heartfelt conversation. From inspiring the next generation of athletes to sharing hard-earned wisdom from the highest levels of the game, Merritt opens up with the same authenticity and leadership that make her such a powerful presence on and off the court. We go deeper into the heart of what it takes to lead, evolve, and inspire. She reflects on what she hopes to change in the game, how she prepares mentally and physically, and what she’s had to unlearn to keep leveling up. You’ll hear: 🌱 What Merritt hopes to help grow and change through her role as a United Ambassador - and why the next generation of athletes matters so much to her 💭 The advice she would give to a young girl dreaming of playing in college (or beyond) - and why perseverance is more powerful than perfection 💪 The hardest part of being a top-level athlete that no one talks about - and how she pushes through it 🎧 What her pre-game routine looks like - and how it has evolved over time as she’s grown into a pro athlete 🔄 Something Merritt had to unlearn as she moved up through the ranks from club to college to pro - and how it shaped her approach to the game today Merritt’s perspective is an incredible mix of practical wisdom, personal growth, and a bold vision for the future. Whether you're a player, coach, or parent, this conversation is a reminder of the power of growth, leadership, and staying true to your why.

Jul 30

This week on Better Together , we’re joined by pro volleyball player, Nebraska standout, and proud United Ambassador Merritt Beason for one of our most personal and powerful conversations yet. Merritt opens up about the journey behind the jersey — the real decisions, emotions, and mindset shifts that come with chasing your dreams at the highest level. She walks us through the deeply personal process of transferring, what guided her decisions, and how she’s learning to let her “why” evolve with each season of life. You'll hear: How Merritt navigated transferring schools and made the right choices for her What athletes often stress about in recruiting that doesn’t matter as much as they think Her journey with the love of the game How she continues to grow and challenge herself in this stage of her career Why it’s okay - and even healthy - for your “why” to shift over time The lessons and mindsets she’s carried from the coaches who’ve shaped her You do not want to miss this chat! No matter your role in the game , there’s something here for you. Merritt brings the kind of perspective and heart that will stay with you long after the episode ends - and we're so grateful for the time she spent with us! We couldn’t fit all the wisdom into one - so here’s Part 1 of our two-part episode with Merritt. Be sure to join us back next week for the rest of the conversation!

Jul 23

Signing Day is this weekend- a big moment for our athletes and families! In this episode, Korohen chats with our United Registrar, Michelle, to walk through what Signing Day looks like at our club and what families can expect as the season takes shape. They touch on: How we celebrate Signing Day and why it matters What to do right after you commit Tips for uniform ordering and important dates to note What’s coming this fall to help athletes gear up before official practices If you’re feeling excited but also a little unsure - this is the episode that brings clarity to the process and gets you feeling ready. Let's make it official and start this upcoming season strong!

Jul 16

This week, we’re joined by Eli Hester - a recent commit to the University of West Alabama and a former 18 National player who took a nontraditional path to college volleyball. Hear what sparked her decision to join club her senior year, how she handled the unknowns, navigating the recruiting process, and the meaningful lessons she’ll keep long after her playing days are over. In this episode, we cover: what led her to pursue club volleyball so late in her high school journey what it felt like walking into a club gym for the first time at 18 how she adapted quickly and found belonging in a new environment the challenges she faced throughout the recruiting process what sealed her decision to commit to West AL the area of her game she’s most excited to grow at the next level the deeper life lesson volleyball has introduced to her and the part of the game she truly fell in love with Her journey proves that starting late doesn’t mean starting behind - especially when you’re all in.

Jul 9

Think evaluations are just about skills? Worried that one bad rep will ruin your chances? In Part 2 of our eval prep series, United Directors Korohen and Scott return to bust common myths and help athletes understand the bigger picture. They dive into: Common myths athletes believe about evaluations What happens after evaluations wrap How players can be evaluated for multiple positions Whether you're a first-time athlete or returning player, this episode clears up confusion and helps you walk into the gym more confident and informed. We can't wait to see you this week!

Jul 2

It’s almost evaluation week, and we’re kicking off Season 2 with exactly what you need to walk into it with confidence. United Directors Scott and Korohen sit down to share what really matters during volleyball evaluations - whether you’re a returning player or walking into the gym for the first time. Nervous? Excited? Somewhere in between? This episode is your guide to showing up strong, staying grounded, and standing out for all the right reasons. From the energy you bring to the court to how you respond when things don’t go perfectly, this conversation is packed with real talk, helpful reminders, and honest perspective from coaches who value growth over perfection - and know what really leaves a lasting impression. Inside, we cover: Why your mindset matters more than you think The qualities coaches are actually watching for What to do (and not do) if you want to stand out How parents can be a calm, supportive presence — without adding pressure The evaluation myths that need to go If you’re ready to shift from anxious to intentional, this episode will help you step into the gym with more clarity, confidence, and purpose. We’re cheering for you. Let’s get into it.

Jun 25

It’s our very first podversary, and to celebrate, Korohen and Brittany are stepping behind the mic together for the first time ever! In this special episode, we reflect on the journey of Better Together - sharing stories from the very beginning, the challenges and surprises of producing a podcast, and what it truly means to honor the individuality of every athlete and coach we meet along the way. Join us for an honest, heartfelt conversation about what we’ve learned and the dreams we have for Season Two.

Jun 18

We’re sitting down with London Tate - United 18 Black athlete and Andrew College commit. She shares how living with diabetes has shaped her self-awareness and discipline, both on and off the court. We also talk about how her definition of success has evolved through club volleyball, her advice for younger athletes dreaming of playing in college, and the standout moments from her 18s season she’ll carry with her.

Jun 11

This week on the podcast, we’re joined by alumni Emily Alexander, now playing volleyball at Clarkson University. Emily shares how her recruiting journey unfolded, when she realized she wanted to pursue volleyball long term, and how being an athlete has shaped her both on and off the court. She also opens up about how she handles nerves, and what helps her reset mentally and physically through the ups and downs of the season.

Jun 4

Summer at United is heating up! As families start thinking ahead to the next club season, we're sitting down with our registrar to walk through everything coming up - from summer camps and development sessions to middle school and high school play dates. We also chat about the upcoming parent info meeting this weekend and how to get ahead by registering for July evaluations. Whether you’re a returning family or brand new to United, this episode is your one-stop shop for what’s around the corner!

May 28

In this episode, we sit down with United Coach Isabelle Fuell for a thoughtful conversation about her path into coaching, how she leads in the gym, and the impact she hopes to have on her players. Isabelle shares how her experience as a setter has shaped her leadership style, what drew her into coaching, and the lessons she’s taken from her own playing days into the gym. As she reflects on her first season with United, she opens up about the bigger picture - why she loves coaching at the club level and what she hopes to instill in her players, both on and off the court. It's a good one - don't miss it!

May 21

In the final installment of our three-part Ask the Directors series, Scott and Korohen dive into the evaluation process. From what to expect when trying new positions to how we handle makeup sessions and playing time conversations. They also share practical programs we offer to support skill development for our younger athletes and break down the goals and benefits of our United Unlimited membership.

May 14

In Part 2 of our three-part Ask the Directors series, Scott and Korohen tackle more real questions from our United families - finding the right coaching tone, family dynamics in team placement, what players should be aware of when navigating offers, and more.

May 7

We asked, you answered. In this special three-part series, our directors respond to questions submitted by our club families—diving into the heart of what makes our community strong, connected, and always growing. In part one, we open the conversation with insights from the top—covering how we navigate challenging team dynamics, the rewards and realities of running a club, and more.

Apr 30

In this episode, we sit down with Peyten Young, United 16 Black coach. We explore how his love for the game led him to coaching - and the life lessons he’s picked up along the way. He opens up about navigating moments of self-doubt, learning to lead without always having all the answers, and how coaching continues to shape his identity off the court. We also dive into how he defines success in a culture often dominated by wins and losses.

Apr 25

In this episode, we continue our Birmingham launch series with a deeper look at what it really means to build something new - from the ground up. We sit down with Ryan, our Birmingham Director, to talk about the current volleyball landscape in the city, how United plans to contribute to its growth, and what it looks like to stay mission-aligned while creating something uniquely local. We also dive into the real work behind expansion: the challenges, the opportunities, and the heart behind it all. If you’ve been wondering what makes United different, or what’s coming next in Birmingham, this is the episode for you. We’re beyond grateful for Ryan - his leadership, heart, and belief in what we’re building together. This partnership means everything, and we can’t wait to grow with the Birmingham community.

Apr 23

Something special is unfolding - United is expanding, and we’re deeply excited to bring our mission and heart to Birmingham! As we grow, so does our commitment to doing things with purpose, and that’s exactly what this episode is about. We’re proud to introduce Ryan Freeburg, the new Director of our Birmingham location, and dive into how he plans to build something meaningful from the ground up. In Part 1, we explore what it means to lead a new location while staying true to the heart of United. From the intentional steps it takes to foster a club environment where athletes grow both on and off the court, to earning trust in a brand-new city, Ryan shares his vision for a club environment where character grows alongside skill - developing confident players and even better individuals. It’s a special week, so be sure to join us again for Part 2 this Friday!

Apr 16

We’re back with more heartfelt perspective from our volleyball moms! This week, they reflect on the balance between offering encouragement and knowing when to step back, allowing their athletes the space to grow through challenges. They also speak on how gratitude has shaped their journeys and the quiet—but powerful—role parents play in building a healthy, supportive team culture. We’re so grateful to Marianne and Melanie for their honesty and wisdom they brought to this conversation!

Apr 9

It’s time for the moms to take the mic! This week, we’re bringing you our second parent round table — this time featuring the voices and insights of two of our amazing volleyball moms. A special thanks to Scott Jones for joining us again and lending his voice to another meaningful round table conversation. We dig into the expectations these moms had when their families first entered the club volleyball world — and how those have shifted with experience. We also explore what “success” really looks like in club, the importance of clear communication, and offer advice for parents who may be struggling to understand or navigate their athlete’s role on the team. A heartfelt thank you to Melanie and Marianne for their time, transparency, and the valuable perspective they brought to the table. Part 2 is coming your way next week — stay tuned!

Apr 2

Everyone gets nervous—but what if nerves weren’t the enemy? In this solo episode, Korohen breaks down how to manage game-time jitters, shift your mindset, and show up confidently even when doubt creeps in. Whether you’re stepping onto the court, into a big moment, or just battling those inner voices, this episode will help you lean in, trust yourself, and do it scared. Let’s talk about turning nerves into your secret weapon.

Mar 26

This week, our liberos take over the pod—no coaches, no hosts, just them! Avery, Rylee Jo, and Kali are running the show as they dive into the toughest parts of being a libero, their go-to strategies for success, and what it really takes to thrive in the position. They’ll tackle hand-picked questions, swap stories, and even put each other on the spot with their own takes. Tune in for a candid, libero-led conversation you won’t want to miss!

Mar 19

This one’s for the defenders! This week, we sit down with three of our national team liberos—Avery Minskey, Rylee Jo Harbin, and Kalison Beigh. They share their experiences on skill development, team chemistry, and what separates good players from great ones when it comes to handling pressure. And the conversation doesn’t stop here—tune in next week as the girls take over for Part 2!

Mar 12

Does yelling actually make you play better? In this episode, Korohen breaks down why the best coaches in the world take a different approach, what truly drives motivation, and how you can push yourself to compete at your best - without needing a coach to raise their voice.

Mar 5

This week we have the pleasure of sitting down with current United coach and Bethel grad Sami Parker. We hear about her experience with recruitment during COVID, strategies she used to balance athletics and academics, how the idea of perfection can actually stunt your growth as a player, and how coaches should constantly be in a state of learning.

Feb 26

This week we have United 12 Black coach and former alum Anna Mitchell join us! We hear about what surprised her in transitioning from being a player to taking on a coaching role, skills that translate between teaching and coaching, and her thoughts on holding space for your players - allowing them to make mistakes while falling in love with the game.

Feb 19

In the second half of our chat with Coach Heather we dive right in and hear about what excites her the most when it comes to the future of our beach program, strength and conditioning exercises for beach athletes, how beach athletes can showcase their skills for college coaches, and upcoming happenings at The U- teams, sprouts, co-ed 4's, and more!

Feb 12

In the first part of our conversation with United beach director Heather Sodade, we discuss key differences between training for beach volleyball vs. indoor, how playing beach improves an athlete's overall game. and we hear her perspective on necessary mental shifts that indoor players need to make when competing in beach volleyball. Join us back next week for Part 2!

Feb 5

This week we chat with United 11 Black coach Alison Nagel about the overlooked skill of emotional management, fostering a positive team culture, balancing individual skill development with team cohesion, and more.

Jan 29

This week we sit down with former United coach and current area official Melissa Reis and hear from the other side of the ref stand! We cover common misconceptions, frequent misunderstandings, how parents or spectators can contribute to a positive playing environment, and the process that referees go through to ensure consistency and fairness.

Jan 22

Join us this week for Part 2 as we continue the conversation with our United dads! We discuss topics such as player development - how we can best support our athletes, guiding them through motivational slumps, creating opportunities for athletes to be in environments where others are striving for excellence, mental preparation during tournament travel, and more.

Jan 15

We’ve been so ready for this one! This week, we're dropping our first parent round table (shoutout to Scott Jones for coming to hang with us) and we sit down with some of our volleyball dads! We discuss everything from advice for new volleyball parents, club-wide communication, and more. We are grateful for the opportunity and conversation. Big thanks to Andy, Lawrence, and Ethan for joining us. This one will be split into two episodes - join us next week to hear part two!

Jan 9

This week we welcome the new year and start off our season sitting down with United alum and D1 college athlete Jasmine Brooks. We chat about her recruitment experience, major differences in club ball vs. a D1 athletic program, maintaining awareness while taking care of your mindset, keeping realistic expectations for yourself, and the importance of support.

Dec 18, 2024

This week we sat down with former United athlete and UAB commit Riley Lovell. We hear about how she has managed the challenges of recovering from shoulder surgery and her advice for pushing through the stresses that arise during recruitment - such as maintaining confidence, overcoming self doubt, doing your research, and keeping your options open.

Dec 11, 2024

KJ goes solo this week and focuses on attacking, specifically common issues that hitters face. She discusses adjustments that can be made to fix these - such as the four step approach in relation to timing and why your ball may be taping the net.

Dec 4, 2024

We are back this week after a Thanksgiving break and sat down with United Boys 18 Black athlete and Indiana Tech commit Taiki Peterson. We hear about his recruitment process, his thoughts on what needs to happen to bring more growth and attention to boys volleyball, and the most rewarding part of his volleyball journey so far.

Nov 20, 2024

This week we sat down with United 18 National and UTA commit Sophie Krichev. Join us as we talk about her recruitment experience and hear a few tips she offers fellow athletes as they navigate that process. We also cover how self worth is not found in your performance, her proudest moment as a volleyball athlete, strategies for maintaining focus during a match, and more. You don't want to miss this one!

Nov 13, 2024

This week we sat down with United Coach Alex Owen - and thoroughly enjoyed this conversation! We cover the importance of communication, holding yourself and your teammates accountable, and how harmony on the courts starts with harmony in the stands.

Nov 6, 2024

This week we sat down with Positional Coach Alicia Krichev and talk all things college recruitment - how to best support your athlete, the impact of game statistics versus other factors in the eyes of recruiters, when players should begin thinking about recruitment, and more. Most importantly, how to appreciate uniqueness in your own journey and not compare to others.

Oct 30, 2024

We've been excited about this chat for a long time! This week we sat down with United coach and former UF athlete Macy Phillips. We talk about everything from her recruitment experience, core philosophies she applies when creating an environment of growth for her players, and trying out for a spot on a semi-pro team in Nashville.

Oct 23, 2024

This week we sat down with United Coach and Oakwood VB player Cameryn Bucknor. We hear about her journey to becoming a student athlete, how discipline instills continuous growth as an athlete, and what led her to pursue coaching.

Oct 16, 2024

In our second solo episode, Korohen dives into the topic of serve receive - one of the most critical skills in volleyball. We cover five key elements that may help to improve your serve receive so that your team becomes an effective competitor.

Oct 9, 2024

We enjoyed the opportunity to sit down with United Boys Head Coach Aaryn Lee and discuss our boys volleyball program - which is going into its third year! We cover common misconceptions, challenges, increasing interest, and how we hope to help it continue to grow.

Oct 2, 2024

This week we sit down with HHS VB and United 15 National athlete Mary Ceil McClung. We discuss her significant ankle injury as well as how she relied on determination, passion, and her love for the game to push through that process and get back on the court.

Sep 25, 2024

In the second half of our discussion with Caitlin we cover the challenging transition from being an athlete to coaching, the benefits of trial and error, and what she believes are attributes that a good teammate possesses.

Sep 18, 2024

On this week's episode we sit down with United alum and current coach Caitlin Torok. In Part 1 of our discussion, we learn about her recruitment journey that led to her experience at Belhaven University, and how she kept herself open to opportunity while being willing to make mistakes. Part 2 drops next week!

Sep 11, 2024

This week, we are doing things a little differently! In our first solo episode, our host Korohen will be discussing serving - everything from fundamentals of the serve to the importance of mental training and overcoming pressure while building confidence.

Sep 4, 2024

In the second part of our conversation with Lydia, we talk about how important discipline is when motivation comes and goes, some personal sacrifices she has made to pursue her volleyball journey, and the impact energy has when striving to be a good teammate.

Aug 28, 2024

We recently sat down with United alum and current Huntingdon player Lydia Hitchcock - and it's a good one. So good that we've split it into two parts! This week, we discussed her unique recruiting experience, the benefits that come from utilizing time management, and the physicality/mentality differences in playing both beach and indoor. Join us next week for Part 2!

Aug 21, 2024

This week we sat down with 15 National coach Lydia Compton and discuss what it means to be a coach and the impactful role it plays in athlete's experiences, building chemistry and trust with your players, and teaching valuable lessons through losses.

Aug 14, 2024

We enjoyed chatting with GL so much that we split it into two episodes! In the second part of our discussion we talk about reflection exercises, knowing where your personal value comes from, her biggest challenge as an athlete, and being your own advocate when it comes to your wellbeing.

Aug 9, 2024

Today we sit down and chat with United alumni and Samford VB athlete Gracie Lynn Butler. We touch on the differences between playing at a club vs. college level, and the meaningful impact that takes place when coaches believe in their players. We also discuss how emotion makes competition electric, yet not every emotion belongs in every moment. Oh and a word of advice from GL... watch your film!

Aug 1, 2024

United 18 National athlete and UAB commit Kennedy Vaughn joins us today! We discuss confidence, hyper-focusing on mistakes - and treating those mistakes as simply a bad moment rather than a bad day.

Jul 25, 2024

Amidst our 2025 club season evaluations, Coach Korohen sits down with United VB Registrar Michelle Mitchell. We discuss lots of FAQs - our upcoming Signing Day, fall and winter offerings at United, our UU membership, and SRVA Registration. A summarized PDF of this episode is also available for reference on our website!

Jul 17, 2024

Earlier this month before our teams took off to Vegas, we sat down with United 17 National and CIU commit Eevy Bellar. We chat about upcoming USAV Nationals, properly fueling your body, and as coaches - the importance of learning your players. It's not about winning or losing, just simply playing for the love of the game.

Jul 10, 2024

This week we sat down with United alum and Union grad student Lauren Burrell. We cover topics such as being adaptable, the major role coaches played in her journey, the challenges of a college athlete, and giving yourself grace - also her impressive sneaker tying ability (we may or may not still be trying to do it like LB).

Jun 27, 2024

For our very first episode, we have the pleasure of speaking to KeAra Bowen. She is currently prepping for USAV Nationals next week with United 17 National and has committed to Winthrop University. We talk about her recruitment process, the importance of chemistry and connection within a team.... and chicken nuggets.