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

In episode 19, Chuck and Brian ventured to the new TNT Armory facility scheduled to open in January to meet up with 13U Coach John Kutsuzawa, a.k.a. JK3.

John will be coaching the National TNT 13 Roadrunner team this season and has played volleyball for over 30 years. JK3 has coached CYO, high school, adults, and beach players. He has previous club stops at East Coast Power and GPS Crush prior to coming to TNT. 

Ever wonder what to expect from 13 year old players and how much you can challenge them?  JK3 shares shares his thoughts on what to focus on in practice, and what to expect as a player develops in the critical 13U year of volleyball.

Timeline: 

1:22 Meet Coach JK3

2:52 Highlighting Some of JK3's Experiences in Volleyball (and in life) Prior to TNT

5:30 Coaching Philosophy

8:00 JK's Other Interests

9:53 Why 13U is His Preferred Age Group

10:59 Favorite Memories at TNT

14:26 JK3's Leadership Role at TNT: Coordinating Required Coaching Certifications

16:50 History of 13U at TNT, Why Participation Doubles at 13U Compared to 12U, and TNT Philosophy on Getting Younger Players Involved

20:30 Variance in Players at 13U and What Coaches Want From Younger Players

24:08 Reasonable Expectations / What Not to Focus on at 13U

32:14 What About Those Who Want to Play at Higher Levels?

36:10 What Coaches Look for Specifically During Open Gyms and Tryouts

39:19 JK3's Thoughts on "You Can't Teach Height" When Forming a Team

41:23 The Growth that Occurs in Younger Players from Year-to-Year

43:56 13U Transitioning to High School

45:02 Playing Time, Balancing Teaching and Learning vs. Winning at 13U

50:24 Volleyball Moms Questions for Chuck and JK3

60:00 Bonus Question from Coaching Volleyball Group

63:00 Current Happenings and Holiday Season Programming at TNT 

65:50 Wrap-Up

In episode 18, Chuck and Brian caught up with TNT Coach Randy Syracuse. Randy recently joined TNT to continue his volleyball journey with our club, and we couldn't be happier that he's now with us.

Randy's journey includes expereince as both a professional player and a NCAA Division 1 coach. He also has a long track record of recruiting and training talented academic and athletic students. Randy has achieved multiple championships and medals as a player in various countries along the way, and he has quite a bit of experience in club volleyball, too.

On this episode, Randy talks about his life in volleyball, sharing knowledge gained from some of those experiences. He talks about ways in which he plans to help TNT to move forward as a club, from coaching his 17 Platinum team this coming season as well as helping girls get recruited.

Timeline: 

0:51 Meet Coach Randy

2:25 How Randy Got His Start in Volleyball

9:22 When He Knew He'd Be Able to Compete as a Player at a High Level

13:07 Randy's Overseas Playing Experiences

19:19 Comparing Volleyball in Europe to the United States

24:37 When/How He Decided to Get Into Coaching

26:29 Favorite Coaching Memories Over the Years

34:51 The Value of Club for Players Wanting to Maximize Their Potential

40:58 How Coach Randy Came to TNT and the Appeal of TNT

48:30 Randy's Goals for the 2024-2025 17 Platinum Team and Coaching with Former Players

53:07 How Randy Envisions His Role at TNT

55:06 Randy's Advice to Players Who Want to Play at the Next Level

57:48 Volleyball Moms' Question for Randy About Playing Club Overseas

64:44 Volleyball Mom's Question #2 for Randy About Development of Younger Players

66:30 Wrap-Up

In Episode 17, Chuck and Brian got together a few days after the recent tryouts for the remaining 15-18U teams to discuss TNT's approach to the tryout process. Tryouts are stressful for Players, Parents and Coaches alike.  This episode takes listeners behind the scenes of the process that takes place from the time the tryout is completed until the teams are fomed.

In segment one, Chuck and Brian talk about the steps that are taken by the club before, during and after a tryout. We learn how TNT schedules and conducts their tryouts, and how no positions are offered before the tryout.  How are players rated?  How do coaches evaluate players?  How are team rosters built?  What if players want to compare offers?  Can players 'Move Up'?  Why does it take so long?  All of these questions are discussed during Segment 2.  The segment ends with discussion on the dilemma of not having enough spots for all who wish to play, and ways TNT tries to find homes for as many players as possible.

Segment two answers specific questions sent by TNT parents and players immediately after tryouts were conducted.  What does loyalty mean to a club?  Why do players get moved  to lower teams?  Chuck and Brian go though some data that explains why some positions (OH, DSL) become more competitive as players get older. We answer the common question about why a player didn't make a team and where she "fell short".  A recommendation made for those looking for in-depth feedback about a player's performance and what they need to improve in order to make a team.  The segment concludes with advice for families about what to do if an offer is not received.  As always, we finish by answering some great Volleyball Moms questions about tryouts.

Timeline:

2:11 TNT's approach to the process to conducting the tryout itself

9:11 The decision on how many teams to fill prior to TNT conducting a callback session

10:30 The process of extending offers

12:00 Challenges the club faces in extending offers, having to wait for responses, and having to start the process all over again for each offer that's not accepted

14:56 Clubs who do not allow for wait time, extend offers right after tryouts expecting immediate response, and how some even fill teams before tryouts

18:09 The current reality of more players trying out than we can extend offers to at TNT

20:24 How the club determines the number of teams to offer at each age group

24:21 The importance of loyalty to the club and the role it plays in the process of filling teams at TNT

26:27 Addressing concerns brought up about players who are no longer on the same level of team as in past years --- or recevied no offer at all

28:42 How the game changes as the players get older and its impact on tryouts with some postiions that become even more competitive as a result

32:20  Discussion about why the evaluation of a player at tryouts is not one that will give the in-depth feedback about a player's performance that some parents desire if an offer is not received

34:16 Explaining why private lessons are the route to go for in-depth feedback about player performance if tryouts don't go a players' way

36:10 What families should and should not do after tryouts if an offer is not received

38:45 Reasons for the decision to forego the 15-18U callbacks at TNT after tryouts were held

40:32 The unpredicable nature of the older age groups (17 and 18U) when it comes to tryouts from year to year

45:08 Volleyball Moms question #1 - a parent venting about a player who didn't receive an offer 

48:11 Volleyball Mom's question #2 - is an in-house league just a money grab? 

50:00 Wrap-up