Is it time to rethink how volleyball programs grow and thrive?

Welcome to another episode of Oak Performance Radio! We have a passion for optimizing performance and minimizing injury. Today, your host, Adam Lane, is joined by Eric Schultze from VC United to explore the dynamic world of volleyball.

This conversation dives into the evolution of a volleyball program that has grown from humble beginnings to one of respect and competitiveness. Eric shares insights on the recent record-breaking tryouts with over 750 athletes and the introduction of a revamped team selection process designed to reduce stress while improving training and retention. 

They also highlight the program’s administrative strides, including a fresh marketing strategy and improved tournament management, all aimed at elevating the athlete and spectator experience.

The episode isn’t just about systems, relationships, community, and personal growth. Eric and Adam reflect on the journey of building a supportive environment for athletes to excel, whether on the court or in life. 

From fostering connections to better preparing young players for the challenges of college volleyball, this episode offers a thoughtful look at the impact of dedication and innovation in youth sports.

00:00 Intro

00:20 Explore new opportunities to support the athletes' health and physical development.

07:57 Impact of New Team Selection Process

10:30 Administrative Changes and Staff Structure

13:22 Professional Volleyball and League One

33:11 Preparing Athletes for College Volleyball 

1:00:57 Building Relationships and Trust with Athletes

1:01:56 The Role of Coaches in Shaping Athletes' Lives

1:02:08 Preparing for the Future and Continuous Improvement

1:02:51 The Importance of Enjoying the Process

1:03:23 Building Relationships and Community in Volleyball

1:07:13 Gratitude and Reflection on Past Achievements

1:12:34 The Role of Key Individuals and Community Support

If you want to hear more about how this program shapes the future of volleyball and its athletes, tune in to the episode!

Connect with Eric Schultze

@vcunited

What does it take to create a truly connected and resilient team?

Welcome to another episode of Oak Performance Radio! We have a passion for optimizing performance and minimizing injury, brought to you by your host, Adam Lane!

In this episode, Jenny McDowell joins us to share her incredible journey from being a three-time team captain and all-region setter at the University of Georgia to becoming one of the most respected volleyball coaches in the country. With 27 years of coaching experience at Emory University, Jenny delves into the key principles that have shaped her leadership and team development approach.

Jenny discusses the significance of authenticity, trust, and meaningful connections in coaching, emphasizing how these elements foster a positive and productive environment. She highlights practical strategies like "sacred circles" to build personal connections and gratitude exercises to strengthen team dynamics.

She also explores the role of rest and recovery in preventing injuries, stressing the importance of balance and overall well-being for athletes and coaches.

00:00 Intro

01:23 Jenny's Coaching Journey

24:10 Challenges and Rewards of Coaching

39:29 Impact of Coaches on Athletes

41:54 Building Trust and Connection with Athletes 

54:04 Team Building and Gratitude Practices

58:35 Advice for Parents and Coaches

If you're curious about creating stronger team bonds and enhancing performance, tune in to the episode!

Connect with Jenny McDowell: 

https://www.lovb.com/news/get-to-know-jenny-mcdowell-lovb

What happens when young athletes face increased injury rates? 

Welcome to another episode of Oak Performance Radio, where we are passionate about optimizing performance and minimizing injury. Brought to you by your host, Adam Lane!

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Scott Ferry, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon from OrthoIllinois. With a B.S. in bioengineering and a medical degree from the University of Illinois, Dr. Ferry brings knowledge to the discussion on athletic injuries in young athletes. 

He highlights a concerning trend: the significant rise in ACL injuries among this population, noting that cases have surged from 10-20 annually to 40-60. This increase is primarily attributed to single-sport specialization and heightened competition levels.

Dr. Ferry emphasizes the need for moderation in sports participation, advocating for proper rest and recovery to prevent injuries. He also addresses modern medicine's challenges, including the influence of social media and a growing trend toward subspecialization.

Throughout the conversation, he shares his journey of balancing his professional obligations and family life.

This episode is an important reminder for coaches to prioritize recovery time and discourage year-round specialization in a single sport for young athletes. 

Parents are encouraged to adopt a balanced approach, focusing on enjoying sports, teamwork, and overall development instead of chasing elite-level aspirations.

00:00 Intro

00:10 Dr. Ferry's Career Journey

04:47 Changes in Pediatric Orthopedic Services

10:52 Increase in Pediatric Orthopedic Injuries

11:47 General Orthopedic Practice and Subspecialization

40:32 Advice for Coaches and Parents

40:48 Impact of Social Media and Parental Concerns

To learn more about this topic, tune in to the episode!

Dr Scott Ferry’s Bio: 

https://www.orthoillinois.com/find-a-provider/pediatric-orthopedic-surgeon-dr-scott-ferry/

Are you truly tapping into what drives elite athletic performance?

Welcome to another episode of Oak Performance Radio! We have a passion for optimizing performance and minimizing injury. Brought to you by your host, Adam Lane!

In this episode, we are joined by Darcy Norman, an esteemed Physical Therapist (PT) and Athletic Trainer (ATC), who has worked with top-tier athletes and teams across the globe. Based in Lake Tahoe, California, Darcy's extensive experience in sports performance spans from working with elite soccer teams like Bayern Munich and the German national team to supporting individual athletes in multiple sports.

Darcy dives into the core of athletic success, emphasizing the importance of passion and dedication on and off the field. He shares his journey in sports and how foundational movements and consistent training are key to preventing injuries and enhancing long-term performance.

Through engaging stories, including his daughter’s experience with the US snowboard team, Darcy highlights athletes' challenges, from injury recovery to the emotional toll of travel and isolation.

Throughout the conversation, Darcy underscores the value of positive coaching and building solid relationships in sports. He reflects on his career, stressing how nurturing friendships and making an effort in relationships are as vital as physical training to achieve greatness.

He also touches on the upcoming World Cup, discussing the potential impact this global event may have on American soccer and the future of the sport.

00:00 Intro

04:10 Balancing Sports and Personal Life

14:34 The Role of Passion in Sports 

24:02 Challenges and Rewards of Elite Sports 

24:21 The Importance of Consistency in Training 

32:04 The Role of Movement Variability in Sports Performance

47:52 The Impact of Coaching on Athlete Development

52:25 The Importance of Foundational Movements

52:39 The Role of Technology in Sports Performance

If you’re eager to dive deeper into how passion, relationships, and consistent effort shape the lives of athletes, tune in to this episode.

Connect with Darcy Norman

https://www.darcynormanconsulting.com/contact

How Do Athletes Find the Perfect Fit? A Coach’s Perspective.

Welcome to another episode of Oak Performance Radio! We're passionate about optimizing performance and minimizing injury. Brought to you by your host, Adam Lane!

In this episode, Peter Winters, a coach with 19 years of experience, shares insights from his journey from swimming to volleyball coaching at institutions like Eastern Michigan and the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

As an assistant coach at VCU, Winters brings knowledge on guiding athletes through their college careers, helping them balance athletics, academics, and personal development.

Winters breaks down the recruiting process and explores parents' critical role in supporting their children’s journey into college sports. He emphasizes how important it is for athletes to find the right fit—not just in terms of the team, but for their academic and personal growth.

This episode dives deep into the realities of college athletics, including the growing impact of the transfer portal and how it’s changing the landscape of recruitment and competition.

Winters also highlights the importance of consistent effort and attitude in games, everyday practice, and life. He believes fostering critical thinking through asking the right questions is vital to long-term growth for athletes. By exploring the differences between coaching at various levels, he underscores the importance of helping athletes find programs that align with their values and goals.

00:00 Intro

1:03:27 Transition to Volleyball Coaching

1:03:37 Challenges and Experiences in Coaching

1:03:46 Advice for Athletes and Parents

1:04:00 Building Team Dynamics and Character

1:04:11 The Role of Parents in Supporting Their Children

1:04:28 The Importance of Long-Term Goals

1:04:41 The Impact of Coaching on Athletes' Lives

1:04:52 The Role of Coaches in Helping Athletes Succeed

1:05:03 Final Thoughts and Reflections 

If you want to gain deeper insights into college athletics, the recruiting process, and how to navigate the shifting world of sports, tune in to this episode!

Connect with Peter Winters

https://www.instagram.com/wearevcunited/

https://www.facebook.com/wearevcunited

What does it take to build the foundation for long-term athletic success? How do you balance structured training and gameplay to prevent burnout and injuries?

Welcome to another episode of the Oak Performance Podcast, your ultimate resource for athletic performance and coaching, brought to you by your host, Adam Lane!

In this episode, Joe Filomeno, owner of Athletes HQ Baseball Club in Rockford and former professional baseball player drafted by the Texas Rangers, shares his journey from playing T-ball to pitching in professional leagues, including Australia. Joe opens up about his transition from player to coach and the lessons learned.

He stresses the importance of structured training over excessive gameplay, ensuring youth athletes take the necessary breaks to prevent burnout and injuries.

Joe also highlights foundational strength, proper technique, and accountability in an athlete’s development. He explains how his program at Athletes HQ emphasizes respect, sportsmanship, and personal responsibility to prepare athletes for the next level while helping them reach their full potential.

Whether you're an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode provides insightful guidance on navigating the athletic journey.

00:00 Intro

00:20 Joe's Journey in Baseball and Coaching

07:19 Challenges and Changes in Youth Baseball

47:11 Balancing Training and Competition

48:27 The Role of Strength and Conditioning

48:59 The Importance of Proper Technique and Deceleration

51:31 Goals and Philosophy of Athletes HQ

59:09 The Impact of Parental Involvement

1:03:42 The Importance of Respect and Sportsmanship

Catch all the insights and tips from Joe Filomeno by tuning into this episode now – you won’t want to miss it!

Connect with Joe: 

https://www.facebook.com/AthletesHQRockford https://www.instagram.com/athleteshqrockford/

Ever wondered what it takes to transition from youth athletics to competing at the highest level in U.S. college sports? 

Welcome to another episode of the Oak Performance Podcast, your ultimate resource for athletic performance and coaching, brought to you by your host, Adam Lane!

In this episode, we sit down with Olivia Southby, a track and field athlete from Sydney, Australia, now competing at Northern Illinois University (NIU). Olivia takes us through her incredible journey from her early days in Little Athletics to her time at Washburn University in Kansas, and ultimately her move to Division 1 college sports in the U.S. She shares her personal experiences with cultural differences, the intensity of collegiate sports, and her record-setting times in events like the 1500m (4:49) and 800m (2:01.6).

Beyond her athletic achievements, Olivia opens up about her battles with anxiety, managing injuries like a hamstring tear, and the importance of mental health in sports. She discusses her plans to pursue a master’s degree in sports psychology to help other athletes overcome mental hurdles and maintain a healthy mindset.

00:00 Intro

00:20 Olivia's Journey to Oak Performance Radio

43:41 Olivia's Early Running Days in Australia

43:54 Transition to College Running in the U.S

44:39 Cultural Differences in Track and Field

44:53 Challenges and Injuries in College Running

45:08 Mental Health and Performance in Track 

45:39 Differences in Youth Sports in Australia and the Us

46:10 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Tune in as Olivia reflects on the pressures of competing, the importance of focusing on the joy of the sport, and her journey to rebuild confidence and better manage pre-race nerves.

Whether you're an athlete or a coach, this conversation offers valuable insights into mental resilience and overcoming obstacles in sports.

Connect with Olivia: @liv_southby

How does a young athlete navigate the ups and downs of club sports and still come out on top? 

Welcome to another episode of Oak Performance, your ultimate resource for athletic performance and coaching, brought to you by your host, Adam Lane!

In this episode, we dive into the journey of Alana Morgan, an incoming sophomore at Judson University, as she shares her experiences in volleyball.

Alana talks about her transition from moving between clubs to finding her perfect fit with VC United, emphasizing the importance of a well-organized and supportive environment. She also sheds light on the financial benefits of dual credit and AP classes, which have significantly eased her college expenses.

She doesn't shy away from discussing her challenges with poorly managed clubs and how overcoming these obstacles has shaped her outlook. She speaks on the influential role of motivation—whether driven by supportive parents or the need to prove doubters wrong—and highlights the value of teamwork in high school and club sports. Her advice to younger athletes? Use criticism as fuel, train hard, and while taking the sport seriously, remember to keep it enjoyable.

00:00 Intro

4:12 Club Hopping and Finding the Right Fit

26:20 Challenges and Rewards of Club Sports

26:32 The Importance of Team Dynamics and Support

38:50 Motivation and Overcoming Obstacles

43:06 The Role of Parents and Friends in Athletic Success

43:24 The Impact of High School and Club Sports

1:08:09 The Role of Coaches and Mentors

1:10:54 The Future of Volleyball and College Recruiting

This episode is a must-listen for those looking to gain insights into the world of youth sports and academic planning.

Connect With Alana Morgan;

@wearevcunited and  @alana.morgan24

Are you ready to explore what it takes to excel in volleyball and beyond? 

Welcome to another episode of Oak Performance, your ultimate resource for athletic performance and coaching, brought to you by your host, Adam Lane!

In this episode, we're joined by Hannah Langton from Kingston, Illinois. Hannah Langton is a highly accomplished student-athlete from Genoa-Kingston High School. She earned varsity letters all four years and was instrumental in winning the Illinois State Championship in 2022. As a standout libero, she received first and second-team All-State honors and multiple MVP awards, and she was named the Big Northern Conference Defensive Player of the Year. In addition to her athletic achievements, Hannah excelled academically, earning high honors, participating in the National Honors Society, and being recognized as an Illinois State Scholar Athlete. She plans to study Biology to become a large animal veterinarian.

We dive deep into the pursuit of passion in volleyball, highlighting the importance of hard work, dedication, and teamwork. Hannah shares her experiences and insights, shedding light on the critical role of proper nutrition and hydration for athletes and how mental preparation can significantly impact performance.

The discussion also touches on the importance of enjoying the process with practical advice and personal anecdotes that will inspire. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or sports enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable takeaways for anyone looking to adopt a focused and determined mindset in their athletic pursuits.

00:00 Intro

00:20 Athletic performance, podcast guest's background, and unique path to success

3:10 Athlete's intense training regimen and motivations.

8:09 Volleyball motivation and discipline.

12:06 Motivation and dedication in volleyball, focusing on nutrition, hydration, and mental preparation.

15:32 Nutrition and hydration for athletes.

19:30 Passion for volleyball from age 9 to college level goal. 

24:47 Athletic experiences and college applications.

32:35 Embracing failure in volleyball and learning from mistakes.

37:02 The importance of being a good teammate in sports. 

41:47 Learning to be a good teammate and handle setbacks in volleyball.

51:35 Athletic performance, nutrition, and mental well-being

Want to hear firsthand stories from a seasoned athlete and gain actionable tips to elevate your game? Tune in to this episode to learn how to adopt a winning mindset for your athletic pursuits.

Connect with Hannah: 

@wearevcunited and @hannah.langton_

Is your training truly optimized for peak performance?

Welcome to another episode of Oak Performance Radio, your ultimate resource for athletic performance and coaching, brought to you by your host, Adam Lane!

In this episode, we delve into wrestling performance with our esteemed guest, Tony Cassioppi, from Roscoe, Illinois. With a bachelor's degree in math and sports and recreation management, Tony shares his insights on achieving optimal performance through a holistic approach.

We explore the essential elements of nutrition, sleep, recovery, and training, emphasizing the balance between fun and hard work. The discussion also highlights athletes' challenges in managing pressure, setting goals, and the critical role of nutrition, sleep, and mental health. Tony sheds light on the importance of intrinsic motivation, progressive training, and the impact of minor improvements over time for long-term success.

00:00 Intro

00:20 Athletic performance, coaching, and optimizing experiences.

7:54 Motivation and intrinsic drive in sports

17:21 High school wrestling goals and mentorship

22:41 Wrestling, strength training, and progress

32:01 Strength training for wrestling, with emphasis on progression and proper technique.

37:02 Motivation and support for athletes.

42:19 Motivation, injuries, and training for college wrestling

50:51 Sleep important for college students and athletes.

54:42 Eating real food for better nutrition and athletic performance.

1:01:00 Wrestling weight classes and the importance of proper nutrition and recovery for an athlete

Are you curious about how small changes can lead to significant results?

Tune in to discover the secrets to achieving peak performance!

Connect with Tony: 

@tony3735