In Part 2 of our three-part series with Dr. Amanda Aguilar (UAH), we focus on one of the most important dynamics in youth sports: the difference between supportive parenting and performance pressure.

This conversation explores how parents’ words, emotions, and expectations shape an athlete’s experience - from the car ride home to sideline behavior and everyday communication. We also discuss burnout signals, mental and physical well-being, and how strong communication between athletes, parents, and coaches helps create a more stable and positive sport environment.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The difference between encouragement and performance pressure
• Why athletes taking the lead matters for motivation and ownership
• The importance of the car ride home - reflection vs. evaluation
• Sideline behavior and the messages athletes receive without words
• Emotional and physical burnout signals to watch for
• Sleep, recovery, and overall well-being during a season
• The youth sport “triangle”: athlete, parent, and coach - and how communication strengthens it
• Supporting development, confidence, and long-term love of the game

➡️ Stay tuned for Part 3 as we continue the conversation and explore the long-term identity and relational impacts youth sports can have on athletes and families.

In this first part of a three-part conversation, we sit down with Dr. Amanda Aguilar, a professor in the Sport and Fitness Management program at University of Alabama in Huntsville, to explore how youth sports impact not just the athlete — but the entire family.

Dr. Aguilar brings a unique perspective as a former college athlete, high school coach, parent of four, and youth sport researcher. Together, we discuss the growing professionalization of youth sports, early specialization, time and financial demands, and how families can unintentionally lose balance along the way.

This episode is about awareness, boundaries, and perspective — helping families make informed decisions that allow both athletes and families to thrive, not just survive.

🎧 This is Part 1 of a three-part series on family dynamics in sport.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Dr. Aguilar’s research on elite youth sports and the family unit
• Why youth sports have become more professionalized - and what that means for kids
• Early specialization vs. multi-sport participation
• The time, financial, and emotional demands placed on families
• How youth sports can unintentionally impact siblings and family relationships
• Why “fun” matters more than outcomes, especially at young ages
• The myth that “earlier is better” - and what research actually shows

This conversation offers families and coaches the perspective needed to create healthier boundaries, realistic expectations, and environments where athletes can grow without sacrificing the family unit.

In part two of our conversation with United 16 Blue head coach Jeff Norman, we dive deeper into how coaches can build confidence while still challenging athletes to grow and compete.

Jeff shares how creating a safe, growth-focused environment allows players to take risks, try new skills, and improve long-term - rather than staying stuck in what feels comfortable. We explore the impact of effort-based praise, how to respond to mistakes in high-pressure moments, and why encouragement and belief matter just as much as technical instruction.

This episode is packed with practical insight for coaches looking to move away from fear-based approaches and toward a culture that helps athletes build confidence, resilience, and trust - both in themselves and in their team.

In this episode, we cover:

• How to balance pushing athletes to compete while building confidence and self-belief
• The difference between fear-based environments and growth-focused environments
• Why playing it safe can limit long-term development
• The power of praising effort over outcomes
• How effort-based feedback encourages athletes to keep growing
• Creating freedom for athletes to try new skills - even when results aren’t perfect
• Helping athletes stay encouraged through mistakes and setbacks
• Why encouragement matters even more during matches than in practice
• How coaches can model emotional control in high-pressure moments
• The importance of bench energy, cheering, and team engagement
• Using simple, symbolic resets to help athletes let go of mistakes
• Building a culture where athletes know their coach believes in them
• What “Better Together” means through unity, support, and shared purpose

This episode is a powerful reminder that confidence, encouragement, and environment aren’t soft skills - they’re foundational to real growth.

In this episode of Better Together, we sit down with United 16 Blue head coach Jeff Norman to talk about what it truly means to coach with purpose.

Jeff shares his unique path into volleyball and how starting without prior volleyball experience shaped the way he approaches teaching, learning, and player development. We dive into servant leadership, fear-based versus love-based coaching, and how competitiveness can show up in healthy, team-first ways.

In this conversation, we cover:

• Jeff’s journey into volleyball and how starting without prior volleyball experience shaped his coaching approach
• Why being a lifelong learner is essential for effective player development
• The difference between fear-based coaching and love-based coaching
• How servant leadership shows up in everyday moments on the court
• What true competitiveness looks like in a team sport
• Helping athletes navigate mistakes, bad days, and tough performances
• Why focusing on the next point matters more than dwelling on the last one
• Coaching athletes through the pivotal developmental stage of the 16s age group
• Balancing joy, accountability, and high expectations
• Teaching athletes to support teammates - and themselves - through adversity

This episode is packed with insight for coaches, athletes, and parents who believe that meaningful development goes far beyond the scoreboard. Join us back next week for Part 2!

In part two of our conversation with registered dietitian Alyssum Reno-Smith, we zoom out and tackle what fueling looks like across an entire volleyball season - especially from a parent’s perspective.

Through real tournament scenarios, age-specific examples, and audience-submitted questions, Alyssum breaks down how families can plan ahead, build healthy habits, and support athletes without creating restriction or pressure. This episode goes beyond food lists and focuses on preparation, consistency, and setting athletes up for success both on and off the court.

Whether you’re navigating early-morning matches, multi-day qualifiers, or the influence of social media nutrition advice, this episode offers practical guidance you can actually use.

• How to fuel a 12U athlete during early-morning, multi-day tournaments
• Adjusting nutrition needs for older athletes competing at qualifiers
• Why planning ahead matters more than “perfect” meals
• How parents can support fueling without creating restriction or food shame
• Signs an athlete may be under-fueling - physically and hormonally
• Why hydration needs to be proactive, not reactive
• How different volleyball positions may influence fueling needs
• A realistic “stair-step” approach to improving nutrition habits
• How to navigate nutrition misinformation on social media
• Myth vs. fact: common beliefs about nerves, fruit, and protein bars
• Alyssum’s advice for parents supporting long-term athlete health and confidence
• What it truly means to be better together when it comes to fueling athletes

If you missed Part 1, go back and listen as we explore how nutrition impacts nerves, focus, hydration, and mental performance during competition.

What if some of the nerves, brain fog, and missed decisions on the court aren’t about skill - but about fueling?

In part one of our conversation with registered dietitian Alyssum Reno-Smith, we dig into how nutrition directly impacts the nervous system, focus, confidence, and in-game decision making for volleyball athletes. From energy drinks and hydration to carbs as brain fuel, this episode connects the dots between what athletes eat and how they perform - mentally and physically.

This conversation is especially timely as club season kicks off and athletes prepare for long competition days, early mornings, and high-pressure moments.

• How under-fueling can increase anxiety, shakiness, and in-game mistakes
• The connection between nutrition, the nervous system, and mental toughness
• Why carbs are the brain’s primary fuel - and how that affects focus and reaction time
• How energy drinks can worsen nerves when they replace real food
• Smart snack strategies for between matches and sets
• Why “not eating at all” before competition can backfire
• How hydration impacts decision making, not just physical performance
• Common fueling misunderstandings parents have - especially for anxious athletes
• The importance of timing food to support both calm and sustained energy

This is just part one - be sure to come back next week as we continue the conversation!

In Part 3, the final episode of our Ask the Directors series, Coach Korohen and Coach Scott bring the conversation full circle with practical advice, reflection, and a little fun.

They start by sharing simple but impactful ways parents can make tournament weekends easier and less stressful for their athletes. From there, they reflect on favorite memories from coaching at United and the moments that remind them why relationships matter just as much as results.

The episode wraps with some lighthearted questions - from choosing a “United Volleyball theme song” to building a dream team from our coaching staff - offering a behind-the-scenes look at the people, personalities, and values that shape our club.

Thanks to all of the families and athletes who submitted questions throughout this series. Your curiosity and honesty helped shape these conversations, and we’re grateful to be part of the journey with you!

• Tips from Coach Korohen and Coach Scott for reducing stress on tournament weekends
• Why preparation, consistency, and parent energy matter
• Creating a supportive environment before athletes ever step on the court
• Moments that go beyond wins and losses
• Choosing a “United Volleyball” theme song
• Building a volleyball team from United coaches

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.

• 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

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!

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!