Outside The Pins

Episode Summary:

In this heartfelt episode, Abby Fregien joins Outside the Pins to reflect on her journey through UW-Oshkosh Volleyball—both on and off the court. With graduation around the corner and grad school on the horizon, Abby opens up about what truly shaped her experience: family, faith, and finding her authentic voice as a leader.

Key Topics:

• 🏐 Growth through Adversity: How unconditional love and a “we over me” team culture create the foundation for meaningful development.
• 👟 The Oshkosh Journey: From Waukesha West to club volleyball to committing to UW-Oshkosh—how she found her fit and fell in love with the program.
• 💡 Values that Stick: Abby dives into her faith, family ties, and how gratitude and presence became daily practices.
• 🌱 Authentic Leadership: The moment she stopped trying to emulate others and leaned into leading by example—with kindness, clarity, and work ethic.
• 🎓 Academic Balance: Lessons from juggling elite athletics and earning her spot in UW-Madison’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
• 😂 Freshman Mishaps: A laugh-out-loud story of getting lost on a preseason trip—with no phones, wild outfits, and an A&W rejection.
• 🎯 Advice for Future Titans: Don’t wish away the hard moments—make memories, take chances, and show up as your full self.

Closing Thoughts:
Abby’s story is one of consistency, compassion, and quiet strength. Whether you’re a student-athlete, coach, or simply someone chasing your next chapter, this episode is packed with wisdom and warmth.

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We're back with a conversation with one of our recent graduates, Kalli Mau! In this one we talk about her path from high school all the way through her collegiate career. Some of the many highlights include perfectionism and process, UWOVB support, a value driven approach, balancing nursing and volleyball, Kalli's journey to return as a 5th year, and many other fun and valuable nuggets.

We hope you enjoy this conversation!

Links to things mentioned in the conversation:

Recruiting Highlights 

Recruiting Skills Video

Team Trip to Virginia

UW-Oshkosh College of Nursing

UW-Oshkosh Women's Volleyball

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Topics:
Recruiting Experience
The Fam
Mission Award
Role
Evolution
Biggest Challenge - A conversation about Jenna Barrette
Travel Memories
Advice To Future Titans
Quick Hitters

Net Worth:  A UW Oshkosh Volleyball Documentary

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Topics:
Hockey
Fine Jewelry
Program Exit and Reentry 
Educational Journey
Momma Bear Claire
Program Evolution
Role and Mission/Why
Memories
Advice For Future Titans

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Topics:
A funny city name - Oshkosh
Education Journey
Authenticity
Program Evolution
No Roommate
Role and Mission/Why
Spheres of Control
Favorite Trip 
Advice For Future Titans

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In this fun episode guest host Carissa Sundholm has a conversation with three members of the University of Oshkosh Women's Volleyball program.  The episode covers a wide variety of topics:

Why UWO?
What sets UWO apart?
Recruiting process
Majors
What drew you to UWOVB
Biggest challenges and lessons learned
Dealing with injuries
Success on and off the court
Spring season details
Team themes
Funny memories
Favorite match
Advice to future freshman
Funniest teammates
What coach would survive on a deserted island

Thanks for listening!

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An in depth "big rock" conversation with UW Oshkosh volleyball player Carissa Sundholm

Previous Conversation w/ Carissa

Topics:
Why UWO
Favorite Team Trip - Virginia 
Self Identity and Self Discovery
Personal Philosophy
Character
Vision 
Psychological Framework
Optimism
Control
Grit

So many door slams in the background... 

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An in depth "big rock" conversation with former UW Oshkosh volleyball player Becky Brezen

Topics:
Why UWO
Honors College
The Tryout Process
Legacy - Lion Heart Award
Leadership - Talking, Listening, and Leadership
Program Evolution
Confidence (external/internal)
Advice For Future Titans
Funny Stories  - The Tube
Quick Hitters

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An in depth "big rock" conversation with former UW Oshkosh volleyball player Emma Kiekhofer

Topics:
Why UWO
The Offer Process
Legacy - Evolution Award
Leadership - Be Authentic
Program Evolution
Advice For Future Titans
My Why
Overcoming Challenges - Academics + Sport
Prioritizing 
Managing Expectations
Setter CAN Play Defense 
Quick Hitters

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An in depth "big rock" conversation with former UW Oshkosh volleyball player Brianna Vettese

Topics:
Why UWO
Legacy - Man In The Mirror Award
Overcoming Challenges - Change/Transitions
Academic Journey
Life Plans
UWOVB Big Rocks - Embrace Challenges/Roles
Leadership Journey
Accountability Stories
Quick Hitters

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