In Episode 29, Season 2 of the podcast kicks continues with another episode from "The Owner's Box." (aka Chuck's Kitchen Table)

Segment 1 begins with a discussion of what TNT is doing to prepare for the upcoming tryouts. Chuck and Brian discuss open gyms, TNT's commitment to honoring the tryout and USAV rules by NOT extending early offers, and the rumor of "Secret Tryouts". 

Chuck adds his personal feelings about the changing landscape of club volleyball and tryouts, and how TNT has had to make changes in recent years, while holding firm the the TNT Mission that all decisions should focus on "what is best for the girls".

Segment 2 addresses some changes being made to TNT's approach to Nationals' teams for the 2025-2026 season, and some of the difficulties encountered in 2025. Brian ends the segment by asking Chuck his thoughts on why players sometimes want to move from one club to another at the start of a new season.

Segment 3 focuses on why TNT is a good choice for families, and the road TNT has taken to expand into a club that has something to offer for all levels of players.

Segment 1: Preparing for Tryouts and Addressing Some Misconceptions (0:00 - 18:35)

• What TNT is Doing to Get Ready for Tryouts and a Rundown of the Tryout Schedule
• How Can Players and Their Families Survive the Stress of Tryouts and Some Prior Episodes to Listen to in that Regard
• Addressing Some Misconceptions and Reflecting on the Concerns Raised
• Why TNT Moved to Summer Tryouts Similar to Other Clubs

Segment 2: Changes to TNT's Approach to National Teams for 25-26 (19:10 - 32:25)

• TNT's Prior Approach to Nationals and Difficulties Experienced Last Season
• Designating Committed Nationals Teams at the Start and Forming Additional Teams Later for Other Players Who are Interested
• Discussing USAV vs. AAU Nationals Differences From a Club Perspective
• Reasons for Player Movement that Occurs from Season to Season

Segment 3: Why Choose TNT  (33:03 - 53:49) 

• Emphasis on Player Development
• The TNT Experience
• How Our Facilities Allow Us to Offer More to Families
• Coaching Philosophy
• Providing Various Levels of Competiton for a Wide Range of Players
• Supporing Those Interested in Playing in College
• A Detailed Approach to Fair Pricing
• Where Flexibility Exists for Multi-Sport Athletes at the Club
• Additional Benefits Offered by the Club
• Episode Wrap-Up 

In Episode 28, Season 2 of the podcast kicks off at "The Owner's Box" ... i.e. Chuck's house. At the start, Chuck and Brian begin discussing their recent time in Orlando at AAU Nationals with the TNT girls' teams while also wishing the boys' teams who are currently competing there the best of luck. After that, they talk briefly about the quick tunraround from one season to the next before moving forward.

The first segment provides a detailed recap of Nationals for the TNT girls' teams who participated. Segment 2 includes important information about the upcoming open gyms and tryouts for both the girls' and boys' teams plus the new TNT Tryout app that will be in use. The final segment discusses TNT's vision now and moving forward in the local volleyball community. Chuck opens up about the club's desire and ability to provide for the various different experiences that players and their families now want from the club, ranging from the highly competitive to a more casual, introductory-level approach --- and everything in between.

Segment 1: The Nationals Experience (5:55 - 32:24)

• Experiencing the Orange County Convention Center and Keeping the Club Together at the Same Resort
• Overview of the Different Levels of Play at Nationals and How Our Teams Are Scheduled
• Wave 1 Recap (12 and 13U)
• Wave 2 Recap (14U)
• Wave 3 Recap (16 and 16U)
• Wave 4 Recap (15U)
• Thoughts on the New Doubles Rule
• Shouting Out an Opposing Coach at Nationals Who Listens to the Podcast
• Wrapping Up the 24-25 Season: Congratulating All Who Participated at TNT, Best Wishes to Players Moving on To New Chapters, and Hopes for Some Rest and Relaxation for Those Returning in Just a Few Weeks

Segment 2: Plans for the 2025-2026 Season Open Gyms and Tryouts (33:00 - 59:45)

• 12-14U Girls' Tryouts and Open Gyms to Be Held in the Fall
• Upcoming Open Gym Dates and Times for 15-18U Girls
• The Importance of Attending As Many Open Gyms as Possible
• The Schedule for Tryouts and Callbacks for 15-18U Girls 
• How the Club Will Divide the Girls Age Groups into Specific Tryout Sessions
• Referencing Prior Episodes (6, 8, and 17) Where Families Can Learn More About Topics Such as How to Stand Out at Tryouts, The Age Group Debate, How Teams Are Formed, and Handling the Stress of Tryouts
• The Schedule for the Resumption of Open Gyms, Tryouts, and Callbacks for the Boys' Teams Once They Return from Nationals
• Catching Up With Coach Tim Fazio About the New TNT Tryout App

Segment 3: The Girls Club Vision & Various Levels of Play that TNT Offers (60:23 - 94:09) 

• Chuck's Thoughts on Balancing TNT's Growth and Desire to Stay True to the Values the Club Was Built On
• What The Platinum Team Level for 15, 16, and 17U Entails
• Emphasizing the Level of Commitment Expected from Those on Higher Level Teams
• National Team Level and How It Differs From Platinum
• Travel Team Level and Expectations
• The Regional Team Experience and How it Differs From Other Levels
• Plans for the Second Year of the In-House Program
• Chuck's Advice for Families Looking at Choosing a Club
• Episode Wrap-Up 

In Episode 27, Chuck and Brian discuss TNT's summer programs and which one is right for you! We look ahead to AAU Nationals and discuss the upcoming summer tryouts as next season quickly approaches. In addition, Chuck and Brian discuss some current events in the crazy world of Philadelphia club volleyball and provide some advice on what to look for when trying to decide which clubs to try out for.

The final episode of season 1 ends with a overview and recap of the highly-successful Play4Abbey yearly charity event held recently.  If you are not familiar with Abbey's story and how it has brought about positive changes, you should not miss this episode.

Segment 1: (0:00 - 14:22)

• Summer in the Armory
• Outdoor Evenings at Penbryn
• Plans for More Experienced Players
• Availability of Small Group / Individual Private Lessons
• Upcoming Outdoor Tournament Series in Doylestown

Segment 2 (14:53 - 36:41)

• TNT Teams at AAU Nationals
• Tips for Families Attending Nationals for the First Time
• Issues Encountered by the Club Getting Nationals Teams to the Finish Line
• Upcoming Tryouts and TNT's Plans for Them
• Importance of Registering Early for Tryouts and Attending Open Gyms
• TNT's Improvements to the Tryout Process
• Expectations and Reasons for Higher Player Turnout at Tryouts

Segment 3 (37:13 - 63:00)

• Recent Local Happenings in the Club Volleyball World
• What Families  Should Look For in a Club
• A Discussion of What TNT Offers for Players and Families With Regard to Facilities, Coaching, and Levels of Play 
• Additional Benefits of Membership at TNT
• Club Efforts to Continue to Improve Our Practice 
• Soliciting and Implementing Feedback Received from Families
• Addressing Concerns When They Arise and a Sample Scenario

Segment 4 (63:50 - 72:46)

• Thanks for Those Who Worked on Play4Abbey
• How the Event Came to Be
• The Abbey's Bakery Charity and the Importance of Openly Discussing Mental Health Concerns
• Local Businesses Who Helped Support the Event
• How the Event Benefits Others
• Wrap-Up and Words from Abbey's Father Delivered at the Play4Abbey Event

In episode 26, Chuck and Brian welcome four of the club's female coaches, Casey Jenkins, Amber Wood, Kira Campbell, and Sue Rose to the podcast for our "Ladies' Night" episode to share their experiences as players, coaches, parents, and maternal figures within the volleyball community.

This episode highlights topics such as the variety of experiences and perspectives that female coaches bring to the volleyball community, challenges that female coaches face, and the importance of female representation in the coaching ranks.

Segment 1: (0:00 - 24:24)

• Intro of guests
• Challenges and rewards of coaching one's own children vs. other players
• How differing coaching styles are based on one's personality
• Adapting between different levels of coaching from youth to college
• Effective communication between coaches and parents to avoid misunderstandings

Segment 2 (24:40 - 52:50)

• Interesting statistics about gender representation in coaching
• Discussion on the positive impact of female coaches on teen athletes
• Exploration of barriers such as stererotypes that prevent more women from becoming coaches
• Testimonials on the importance of leadership roles from women
• Team dynamics and having coaches of both genders
• Personal experiences and challenges regarding work-life balance
• Inspiring girls / young women to become coaches
• How increased media visibility is shifting narratives and aspirations regarding women in sports

Segment 3 (53:07 - 81:33)

• Personal stories of success as well as challenges
• Coaching advice that transcends gender and finding the right coach for each young person
• Reflections and lessons on how sports help teach multiple life skills that assist with personal development and forming of interpersonal relationships --- such as self-reflection, resilience, and adaptation
• The important role coaches have in guiding young athletes beyond wins and losses
• Upcoming programs at TNT including our Play4Abbey charity event, 2025-2026 tryouts, and developmental Summer programs

We're hitting the mid-season mark, and it's time to check in with the minds behind the game. In this special roundtable episode, we sit down with TNT Coaches, Players and Directors to break down the highs, lows, and surprises of the season so far.

We’re talking team development, tactical adjustments, what players are learning, and how coaches are keeping their squads focused for the stretch run. Expect honest insights, behind-the-scenes strategy, and plenty of volleyball wisdom.

Whether you're a player, coach, or just a fan of the game, this episode gives you a front-row seat to how TNT insiders navigate the grind of the season.

Segment 1: (0:00 - 26:00)

In this segment, we meet Coaches Andrew Lee and Jordan Robinson. Topics covered are the critical points they are emphasizing with players: 

• Balancing the desire to push players yet also avoid player burnout,
• Achievling player development through high level competition,
• Rewarding and challenging aspects of coaching so far, and
• How building culture and setting standards helps to maximize player and team achievements.

Segment 2: (26:00 - 32:04)

Segment 2 features players Harper, Abby, and Pilar who popped in before their team practices to share some player perspectives on their journey so far this season with their teams.

Topics covered regarding the player experience so far this season include:

• How players try to support each other on and off the court,
• Dealing with the emotional aspects of the game when facing adversity,
• What they feel are the best ways for coaches to motivate players during the difficult times,
• Challenges they've faced,
• Areas of their game they feel have improved the most, and
• Favorite memories so far from this year's club experience.

Segment 3:

Part 1 (32:04 - 52:20)

Coach Dave Noll joins the discussion before the start of his team's practice as the segment begins. Topics covered with Dave include:

• How to develop team chemistry and the importance of that in the overall team concept,
• Keeping the players motivated during challenging times,
• Fostering a positive team culture, and strategies for doing so.

Next, Andrew, Jordan, and Dave have a routndtable discussion on:

• How they each approach communication with players and families in club volleyball and
• How that differs vs. other volleyball experiences (high school, college, etc.).
• The role of a floating coach and a succesful head coach / assistant coach dynamic
• How players rise to leadership roles within their teams.

Part 2 (52:20 - 94:00) Coach Sam Moyerman offers his perspective on the ongoing discussion of how leaders rise to those roles on his teams.

Andrew, Jordan, and Sam continue the roundtable discussion on:

• The need for accountability on a team and how that takes place on the teams they coach,
• Helping players to become more responsible and self-aware off the court
• Philosophies on (and the importance of) establishing rules and consequences along with routines.
• How to encourage athletes to reflect more on their personal goals vs. a team's wins
• Promoting awareness within a team of individual player goals and intangibles that appeal to coaches at the next level.

This segment ends discussion of the biggest learning moments these coaches have personally experienced in their time as coaches, along with how they personally stay focused and energized throughout the season.

Segment 4:  (94:00 - 117:44)

In the final segment Chuck puts on the "Club Director hat" to discuss the season so far from an administrative perspective. Topics discussed include: 

• TNT's growth and new initiatives this season,
• The most significant challenges that have popped up and how they've been addressed,
• Establishing and maintaining effective communication among all stakeholders in the club,
• The effectiveness of the new training programs that have been put in place, and
• How to maintain the club culture and expectations of a growing club.

We end the episode discussing the logistical challenges for the club as well as the future plans for club, as well as the upcoming program offerings here at TNT, including summer tryouts and open gyms.

If you thought Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) just applied to D1 College athletes (like we did!), boy were you wrong!  Courtney Altemus from Advance NIL joins Chuck and Brian to set the record straight.

In Episode 24 of Bump. Set. Mic, we dive deep into the world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights, focusing on how it's changing things in the college world and also impacting high school athletes, too. NIL has been a game-changer in the sports world, allowing athletes to profit from their personal brand, but what does this mean for high school students navigating this new landscape?

In Segment 1, we break down the basics of NIL, Courtney talks about her experiences advising athletes at various levels, and the history of history how things evolved to this point with regard to NIL. In addition, we explore the opportunities and challenges it presents as Courtney offers expert insights on how high school athletes can start preparing to leverage their personal brand effectively and responsibly.

In Segment 2, we discuss the importance of branding and Courtney shares tips on how to build a successful personal brand.  She also shares her expertise on how to apply safeguards to avoid being taken advantage of and/or falling into legal trouble and who should be involved in that process to help athletes along the way.

In Segment 3 we discuss the future of NIL and how shifts in the ever-changing landscape could impact high school athletes moving forward. Courtney also addresses some practical considerations and points listeners in the right direction for sources of additional information about the process.

No matter the sport, whether you're an athlete thinking about the future, a parent, or a coach, this episode provides crucial information to help you understand the evolving NIL landscape and its potential impact on high school sports.

Key Topics:

• What is NIL, and how did it come to be?
• The pros and cons of NIL for high school athletes.
• Understanding NIL deals and how to navigate the business side of sports.
• The impact of NIL on college recruitment and high school sports.
• Legal and ethical issues surrounding NIL for high school students.
• How to start building your personal brand as a high school athlete.

Tune in to get informed and empowered about NIL in high school sports!

Check out some FREE courses from Advance NIL

Ever wonder if you should try to squeeze in Strength and Conditioning Training during the Season?  We have the science and data to answer that question!  Ever wonder how your athlete should be eating at a tournament to keep fresh all day long?  Listen to what we learned!

In Episode 23, Chuck and Brian welcome back Emily Neff from Relentless Athletics to share her findings from her research on In-Season strength training.  The results will surprise you!  Suffice to say, you are probably doing it wrong!

In Segment 1 Emily explains why it is important for young athletes to find time for strength and conditioning training during the season.  She dispells the old-school training methods that many were raised on such as "Suck it Up", "Play Multiple Sports", and "If you want to jump higher, jump more".

In Segment 2, Emily dives into her research project results and shares her shocking findings on how to improve your vertical, and what happens to players that out-prioritize strength training in favor of more volleyball training. Learn how to focus on things that will make your athlete better, stronger, and more equipped for the season.

In Segment 3, Emily explains what an effective strenth and conditioning program looks like.  She shares her thoughts on how athletes should eat during tournaments, and how parents can tell when they are eating the wrong things. 

The Episode ends with Chuck describing all of the exciting offerings from TNT planned for the Summer of 2026.

Segment 1 - 0m 45s

Segment 2 - 22m 51s

Segment 3 - 38m 20s

TNT Summer Update - 55m 10s

In Episode 22, Chuck and Brian talk to Volleyball Lifer and College Coach Eli Porr and Volleyball Dad and TNT Club Director Leon Kasperski as they discuss their thoughts on the College Recruiting process.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering playing college volleyball or simply trying to decide if college volleyball is right for them.

In Segment 1, we discuss what college coaches are actually looking for when scouting volleyball players.  The answers may surprise you!  What are the attributes and skills coaches prioritize in recruits?  What makes a player stand out?  How do you create a recruiting video?  What is more inportant to a coach, Performance or Potential?  When should you start the recruiting process?  And is it possible to get recruited when you play on a subpar team with non-college minded players?  

In Segment 2, we discuss the role that parents play in the recruiting process.  What can parents do to help their athlete get recruited, and IMPORTANTLY, what do they sometimes do that helps ensure that their athlete does NOT get recruited?  Do college coaches care about high school and club statistics? How important are the measurables such as height, vertical, and jump touch?  This segment answers all of thsoe questions.

In Segment 3 we talk about the Club's role in the recruiting process while trying to avoid getting sucked into the world of NIL and the dreaded Transfer Portal!  We also educate athletes on the college visit process and answer the question regardng the importance of College Showcase events. Finally,  we end the segment explaining the role the club can play when scheduling events to make sure athletes are noticed by colleges they are most likely to attend and talk about future plans for discussion of recruting with some of our players.

-----------------

Segment 1: What Colleges are Looking for From Players and Families

1:15 Intro of our guests, Eli Porr and Leon Kasperski

3:20 Episode Goals

4:00 The numbers of players who continue playing in college and the level of competition for available positions

7:50 What the attributes / skills are that coaches look for in players

13:25 Evaluating actual performance vs. potential and the differences at each level 

14:55 Playing D1 vs. D2 or D3 --- making the best decision for yourself

18:01 The role of film in recruiting and what to send to coaches

23:35 What to focus on when a coach visits your match and you're having an "off-day" such as sound technique

Segment 2: The Role of Parents in the Process and Performance Metrics Valued by Coaches

29:50 The appropriate role for a parent to take in recruiting

36:15 The role of parents in club vs. a high school or college program

38:10 The importance of player recommendations coaches receive, espeically from coaches they know

41:00 The value of going to camps and clinics at the schools in which a player has interest

42:14 Recruiting services --- are they worth it?

45:30 The stats / performance metrics that coaches look for the most

49:36 Training activities to engage in to maximize your potential 

51:45 Chuck's soapbox - fix the summer tryouts!

52:19 When should players serious about playing at the next level get started on the recruiting process?

Segment 3: The Role of the Club and Coaches in the Process and the Changing Landscape of College Sports

57:25 What role do club and high school coaches ideally play in the recruiting process?

60:00 The recruiting visit process and how to maximize the benefits of official and non-official visits

66:00 The NIL and how it is changing college sports

72:00 Opinions on college showcase events

75:04 The club's role in the recruiting process here at TNT 

79:40 Guest contact information for questions and more information about the college recruiting process

82:45 Plans for future podcast discussion of recruiting and wrap-up

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

The first episode of 2025 finds Chuck and Brian at TNT's just-opened new facility, the Armory!

In Segment 1, we talk about the benefits of the new facility now that it's open - and how it came to fruition.

Segment 2 answers some important questions about the start of the club volleyball tournament season as posted by our Facebook friends at Volleyball Moms.  Wanna hear out take on teams yelling "Balls Up", Sandbagging and what to do if you are feeling duped by your club?  Join us in a fun conversation about important issues facing the club volleyball world. 

Segment 1: The Opening of The Armory

1:00 How The Armory came to be?

7:56 What does the new facility offer as compared to the bunker?

11:37 What are some of the plans for each facility moving forward?

15:36 Will all of the teams get to practice at the new facility?

Segment 2: Catching Up With Some Questions From Volleyball Moms

20:30 Is it too late for a player at age 13 to get started with volleyball?

22:59 Thoughts on court etiquette and yelling "Balls Up!" on an opponent serve?

25:22 What about playing time at tournaments?

30:14 How about choosing a captain?

34:00 What level should a club's #1 team be playing in at tournaments?

37:50 The addition of multiple players to a team --- and what it means to be a starter?

43:00 12U and being asked to change positions?

45:31 Role of (and need for) parent coaches?

47:39 A clever way to perhaps avoid having to buy hoodies, etc. at multiple tourneys? 

49:22 Wrap-up