Bump Set Chat! The place to hear from your favorite volleyball personalities!

Volleyball has taken Merrick McHenry around the world, but one of the biggest themes of his journey has been learning to embrace who he is.

In this conversation, Merrick reflects on his path from youth volleyball to UCLA, Team USA, and professional volleyball in France, while also sharing the importance of confidence, authenticity, and not changing yourself to fit someone else's expectations.

We also discuss:

• 🏐 His volleyball journey and rise to Team USA
• 🏆 Winning at UCLA and developing as a player
• 🇺🇸 Competing in the Volleyball Nations League
• 🌍 Playing professionally overseas
• 🤝 Sharing the experience with fellow American Mason Briggs
• 👏 Learning from Karch Kiraly and the Team USA staff
• 💙 Advice for young athletes about believing in themselves and embracing their individuality

Whether you're a volleyball fan or simply looking for inspiration, Merrick's story is a reminder that success comes from being comfortable in your own skin while continuing to grow as an athlete and a person.

#MerrickMcHenry #TeamUSA #Volleyball #Authenticity #Confidence #USAVolleyball #MensVolleyball #VNL #UCLA #VolleyballJourney

In this episode, we sit down with Parker Mikesch, assistant coach for the Louisville Cardinals women's volleyball, to talk about his volleyball journey, playing at Ohio State, and how he transitioned into coaching at one of the top programs in college volleyball.

We also dive into:

Recruiting philosophy

Evaluating athletes beyond talent

Match scouting and film breakdown

Preparing game plans

Working with Dan Meske and the Louisville staff

The evolving world of college volleyball recruiting

If you enjoy volleyball interviews, coaching insight, and behind-the-scenes college volleyball content, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe!

#Volleyball #LouisvilleVolleyball #NCAAvolleyball #CollegeVolleyball #ParkerMikesch #Recruiting #VolleyballCoaching #WomensVolleyball #OhioStateVolleyball #VolleyballPodcast

Natalie Reagan joins the show to share her volleyball journey—from playing Division I volleyball at Oregon State Beavers women's volleyball to becoming the head coach of Long Beach State women's volleyball.We talk about her transition from assistant coach to head coach, the culture surrounding Long Beach State volleyball, coaching inside the iconic Walter Pyramid, recruiting, leadership, and advice for young middle blockers looking to play at the next level.🏐 Topics Include:Natalie Reagan’s volleyball journeyPlaying Division I volleyball at Oregon StateTransitioning into coachingBecoming head coach at Long Beach StateBuilding team cultureRecruiting advice for athletesTips for young middle blockersThe experience of coaching in The Pyramid

In this episode of Volleyball Journeys, Kristian Titriyski shares his remarkable path from growing up in Bulgaria to becoming a standout player for the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa men's volleyball program.

Kristian discusses how he first discovered volleyball, his development through club volleyball in Bulgaria, and his experiences representing Bulgaria on the national team. He also explains why he chose Hawaiʻi instead of turning professional immediately and what it was like adjusting to college volleyball, life in Hawaii, and the unique culture surrounding UH men's volleyball.

Throughout the conversation, Kristian offers valuable insights into the differences between European and NCAA volleyball, the importance of resetting mentally during matches, pregame rituals, scouting opponents, and the mentors who have helped shape his career. He also shares advice for younger hitters and international athletes considering playing college volleyball in the United States.

Whether you're a volleyball player, coach, or fan, this interview provides an inside look at one of the sport's rising international talents.

• Discovering volleyball in Bulgaria
• Club volleyball and national team experience
• Why Kristian chose Hawaii
• Adjusting to college and island life
• European vs NCAA volleyball
• Winning the 2025 Big West Championship at home
• Mental reset strategies
• Pregame rituals and scouting
• Advice for young hitters
• Mentors including Vlado Nikolov

Key Topics Covered:

Carolyn O'Dwyer shares her incredible volleyball journey from discovering the sport in Calgary to playing at Mount Royal University, becoming head coach of the University of Alberta Pandas, winning a championship, and joining Volleyball Canada's senior women's national team staff.

In this in-depth conversation, Carolyn discusses her development as an athlete, the importance of club volleyball, the transition from player to coach, and the lessons she learned working under legendary Alberta coach Laurie Eisler. She also shares what it was like to receive the call to join Giovanni Guidetti’s coaching staff and what she has learned from one of the most respected coaches in international volleyball.

We also dive into:

• Winning a championship with the Alberta Pandas
• Coaching in Volleyball Canada’s Next Gen program
• The experience of the FIVB Volleyball Nations League
• How Canada is progressing on the world stage
• Differences between U SPORTS and NCAA volleyball
• Recruiting and retaining top Canadian athletes
• What Carolyn looks for in recruits beyond volleyball skills
• Mental toughness, resetting, and reading body language
• Which volleyball position is the toughest to play
• Fun off-court topics, including pineapple pizza and who should be interviewed next

Whether you're a player, coach, recruiter, or volleyball fan, Carolyn offers tremendous insight into athlete development, leadership, and what it takes to build a championship culture.

Brie O’Reilly joins the show to share her incredible volleyball journey—from playing at Trinity Western University to becoming a setter for Canada Women's National Volleyball Team, competing professionally in Germany and Brazil, and now playing with LOVB Austin.

We talk about:

🏐 Making Team Canada in 2019

🥇 Competing in the VNL's🌍 Playing professionally

🇨🇦 Olympic dreams and the road to 2028 Summer Olympics🧠 Being coached by Erik Sullivan and Giovanni Guidetti

🔥 Life now with LOVB Austin

If you’re a volleyball player, coach, or fan, this conversation is packed with insight on elite setting, international volleyball, and chasing big goals.

Subscribe for more volleyball journeys with players, coaches and leaders in the game.

#Volleyball #TeamCanada #LOVB #Olympics #BrieOReilly

Jordan Lucas is everywhere right now.

After a viral broadcast comment questioned his on-court celebrations, the volleyball world exploded—millions of views, debates, and nonstop reactions.

But there’s a lot more to his story.

From being recruited by GCU, coming in as an outside hitter then switching to libero. Saw the writing on the wall before GCU cancelled the volleyball program—Jordan’s journey is definitely unique in college volleyball.

In this interview, he breaks it all down:
🔥 The viral moment
🏐 His position switch
💪 Getting out of GCU
🎯 What drives his energy on the court

Thana Fayad’s journey isn’t just about volleyball—it’s about resilience. After suffering two ACL tears during her time at the University of San Diego, her career was put on hold. Many would have walked away.

She didn’t.

After stepping away from the game, Thana fought her way back—earning a chance to play professionally and ultimately representing Team Canada at the World Championships.

This is a story about perseverance, belief, and refusing to quit when everything says you should.

In this episode of Bump Set Chat, we sit down with legendary coach Alan Knipe to talk about life after stepping away from Long Beach State Men's Volleyball.

Walking away from college after another national championship, Coach Knipe shares what retirement has really been like, what it’s like watching his team from the outside, and how his perspective on coaching has evolved.

We also dive into his new venture, Champions Unlimited—a unique offseason training environment designed to help athletes at every level prepare, develop, and compete at a higher standard.

Plus, we break down:

• What college athletes are missing in the offseason
• How high school players can actually prepare for the next level
• The importance of systems, leadership, and volleyball IQ
• The vision behind PLAIY — a “coach in your pocket”

Whether you're a player, coach, or fan of the game, this is a must-watch conversation on development, mindset, and the future of volleyball.

In this interview, we sit down with MSOE Women’s Volleyball Head Coach Kris Susak to talk about her journey from playing Division I volleyball at South Dakota to leading a Division III program.

We dive into:

• Her path from athlete to coach

• The real differences between D1 and D3 volleyball

• Why D3 is often misunderstood

• What recruits and families need to know

• Why finding the right fit matters more than the division label

If you’re going through the recruiting process or trying to decide what level is right for you, this conversation will change how you think about Division III volleyball.

D3 is not a step down—it’s a different path.