June 28, 2025

Set The Pipe!! #37 Tim Kelly: From UCLA Champion to Volleyball Entrepreneur

1 hour 21 minutes

In this episode of Set the Pipe, host Patrick 'Sully' Sullivan and co-hosts CK and Bear welcome Tim Kelly, a former UCLA volleyball champion and current entrepreneur in the volleyball international tour business. The conversation explores Tim's journey from a high school athlete to a national champion, his experiences playing professionally in Europe, and the evolution of volleyball coaching. Tim shares insights on the importance of international exposure for young athletes, the current state of men's volleyball, and the challenges faced in the professional arena. The episode also highlights memorable stories from Tim's travels and the cultural experiences that have shaped his perspective on the sport. In this engaging conversation, the speakers share their experiences in volleyball, from unexpected coaching roles to cultural adventures in Colombia. They discuss the evolution of the sport, the challenges facing men's volleyball, and the importance of mentorship and community. The conversation also highlights entrepreneurial endeavors in college and the significance of giving back through sustainable initiatives in developing countries.

https://www.letskeeptheballflying.com/

Sound Bites
"You need to go. Just go."
"Tim speaks fluent Spanish."
"Everyone pays it forward."

Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Guest Introduction
02:16
Tim Kelly's Volleyball Journey
05:11
Playing at UCLA and Coaching Experience
08:05
Transitioning from Player to Agent
11:11
Building a Volleyball Business
14:10
Future of Volleyball Tours and Initiatives
24:51
Exploring International Volleyball Tours
28:17
The Impact of Global Exposure on Young Athletes
30:02
The Evolution of Professional Volleyball in the USA
32:02
Comparing Men's and Women's Volleyball Growth
32:17
Favorite Destinations and Cultural Experiences
38:57
Memorable Stories from the Volleyball World
49:10
Evolution of Volleyball: Past vs Present
53:28
Physicality and Athleticism in Modern Volleyball
59:54
Challenges Facing Men's Volleyball Today
01:05:50
The Importance of Mentorship in Volleyball
01:09:27
Future Aspirations and Global Outreach in Volleyball
01:21:03