In this engaging conversation, Alfee Reft, the head coach of UCLA women's volleyball, shares his journey from a successful playing career to coaching at one of the most prestigious programs in the country. He discusses the pressures and expectations that come with the role, the evolving landscape of college sports due to NIL and the transfer portal, and the importance of building a strong culture within the team. Alfee also reflects on the growth of women's volleyball and the relationship between indoor and beach volleyball, emphasizing the need for coaches to adapt and find the right fit for their programs. In this engaging conversation, the speakers discuss the journey of Alfee Reft, the head coach of UCLA volleyball, exploring themes of risk-taking, personal growth, and the evolution of volleyball in the U.S. They delve into Alfee's experiences playing overseas, the challenges of transitioning between conferences, and the importance of supporting athletes' aspirations. The conversation highlights the growth of professional volleyball and the impact of young talent on the game, emphasizing the need for a strong vision and strategy in coaching. 

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Alfee Reft and His Journey
02:36
Transition from Player to Coach
05:44
The Pressure of Coaching at UCLA
08:48
Navigating the NIL Landscape
11:49
Building a Culture of Excellence
14:46
The Excitement of Volleyball's Growth
31:27
Building Community Connections in Volleyball
32:18
The Art of Recruiting: Balancing Talent and Character
35:14
Navigating the Information Overload in Recruitment
37:37
Betting on Yourself: The Leap to Hawaii
46:13
Comparing Conferences: Pac-12 vs. Big Ten
54:00
Travel Challenges and Athlete Recovery
55:08
Embracing Change in Collegiate Sports
56:04
Building a Vision for UCLA Volleyball
58:08
Supporting Athletes' Aspirations
59:48
The Future of Women's Professional Volleyball
01:01:38
The Evolution of Volleyball Culture
01:05:16
Visibility and Opportunities for Young Athletes
01:07:22
The Impact of Role Models in Volleyball
01:11:27
Training for the Next Generation of Players

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From Newbury Park to the Olympics: Casey Patterson's Journey

In this engaging conversation, Casey Patterson shares his journey from a young volleyball player in Newbury Park to becoming an Olympian and a prominent figure in the AVP. He discusses the importance of coaching, the legacy of volleyball in his family, and the significance of beach volleyball in developing skills. The conversation highlights the culture of volleyball in Provo, the transition to the AVP, and the competitive spirit that drives him as a coach. In this conversation, Casey Patterson shares his journey in beach volleyball, emphasizing the importance of learning from better players, the grind of becoming an Olympic athlete, and the future of the sport. He reflects on his experiences in tournaments, the significance of the Six-Man event, and the need for a supportive system for young athletes. The discussion highlights the evolution of volleyball and the community surrounding it, showcasing the passion and dedication required to succeed in the sport.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Casey Patterson

02:52
Reflections on a Volleyball Career

05:33
The Importance of Coaching and Legacy

08:12
Growing Up in Newbury Park

12:46
Transitioning to College Volleyball

15:40
The Value of Beach Volleyball for Skill Development

18:23
The Beach Volleyball Dream Begins

21:23
The Culture of Volleyball in Provo

24:52
The Journey of Coaching and Mentorship

30:14
The Path to the AVP and International Play

34:18
Experiencing the Olympics: A Dream Realized

38:54
The Journey of an Olympian

40:55
Legacy and Competition in Beach Volleyball

42:55
The Future of USA Volleyball

48:53
The Magic of the Six Man Tournament

01:00:05
New Chapter

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In this engaging conversation, Chris McGee, a prominent figure in volleyball and broadcasting, shares his journey from being a backup setter to becoming a celebrated announcer. He recounts memorable experiences from his volleyball career, including a gold medal win in Columbia and his unexpected appearance on 'The Price is Right.' The discussion highlights the importance of friendship, teamwork, and the impact of early experiences on personal growth and career paths. In this engaging conversation, the speakers share their experiences from 'The Price is Right' to their volleyball journeys at Northridge. They reflect on memorable moments, the importance of team spirit, and the life lessons learned through sports. The discussion also touches on the impact of winning, celebrations, and the enduring connections formed through their shared experiences. The speakers emphasize the significance of chemistry in teams and the joy of watching their children succeed in sports.

Sound Bites
"I was just being myself."
"I was clueless up there."
"I sold that car for 16 grand."

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Chris McGee
02:42
Memorable Experiences in Columbia
05:47
The Journey to Becoming an Announcer
08:44
Reflections on Team Dynamics and Winning
11:52
The Impact of Early Experiences on Career
14:37
The Power of Friendship and Memories
19:07
Introduction and Personal Anecdotes
21:58
The Price is Right Experience
34:54
Reflections on Winning the Car
36:51
Memorable Moments in Volleyball
40:10
Team Spirit and Memorable Wins
42:27
Bonding Through Adversity
45:16
Creating a Unique Team Culture
48:23
The Importance of Chemistry in Sports
52:50
Celebrating Personal Milestones
56:13
Looking Ahead: Future Stories and Connections
59:31
New Chapter

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In this episode, Sully, CK, and Bear welcome Dave Neely, the director of Renaissance Volleyball Club. They discuss Dave's unique journey in volleyball, from his early days playing and coaching to managing a successful club. The conversation delves into the growth of Renaissance Volleyball Club, the challenges of running a club, and the importance of good coaching. They also touch on the recruitment process, parent expectations, and the significance of high school volleyball. The episode concludes with a light-hearted story about a hot air balloon adventure involving Dave and Bear. In this engaging conversation, the guests share thrilling stories from a hot air balloon adventure, delve into the dynamics of youth volleyball, and discuss the importance of finding the right fit for athletes in their sports journey. They also explore the challenges and triumphs of training for an Ironman, emphasizing the significance of multi-sport participation for young athletes. The discussion wraps up with reflections on the future of sports and the importance of creating a supportive environment for athletes.

Sound Bites
"We got chased by the cops."
"A good fit's a good fit."

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Dave Neely and Renaissance Volleyball Club
03:34
Dave Neely's Journey into Volleyball Coaching
06:15
Transitioning from Passion to Profession
08:54
The Growth of Renaissance Volleyball Club
11:55
Navigating the Business of Club Volleyball
14:31
Understanding Parent Expectations and Club Philosophy
17:15
The Impact of Tryout Timing on Players
20:00
Challenges and Solutions in Club Management
29:35
Understanding the Costs of Youth Sports
32:31
The Importance of Quality Coaching
35:15
The Path to Becoming a Coach
37:08
The Hot Air Balloon Adventure
45:45
Success Stories and Alumni Achievements
51:30
Finding the Right Fit in Sports
54:50
The Journey of an Athlete: Experiences and Aspirations
58:33
The Ironman Challenge: A Personal Journey
01:03:50
Building Relationships in Sports: The Importance of Community
01:11:17

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In this episode, the hosts discuss recent upsets in men's volleyball, particularly Long Beach State's surprising losses to UCI. They delve into the dynamics of D1 and D3 volleyball, including the new NCAA Power Index and playoff formats. The conversation also touches on the growth of women's sports, particularly flag football, and the potential for men's volleyball to expand further with more NCAA support. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of volleyball and the importance of storytelling in sports.

Takeaways
Long Beach State's recent losses highlight the unpredictability of D1 volleyball.
UCI's size and skill contributed to their victory over Long Beach State.
The NCAA Power Index aims to improve the selection process for D3 volleyball tournaments.
D3 volleyball is seeing significant growth and interest.
The playoff format for D3 includes 19 teams, with 14 bids and 5 at-large spots.
Men's volleyball is gaining popularity, as evidenced by sold-out matches.
The potential for men's volleyball to grow is immense, especially with NCAA support.
Women's flag football is rapidly growing and will be an Olympic sport in 2028.
The financial dynamics of college sports impact the growth of men's volleyball.
Title IX discussions highlight the challenges and opportunities for women's sports.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Recent Upsets in Volleyball
02:59
D3 Volleyball Updates and NCAA Power Index
05:37
Playoff Format and Conference Dynamics
08:26
Future of D3 Volleyball and Expansion Possibilities
11:12
Reflections on Long Beach State's Performance
13:57
Growth of Volleyball and Upcoming Championships
15:28
Investing in Volleyball's Future
17:02
Barriers to Growth in Men's Volleyball
19:28
The Financial Landscape of College Sports
20:49
The Rise of Women's Flag Football
23:28
Future of College Volleyball Programs
28:15

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​ @setthepipe  
In this conversation, Travis Turner, head coach at Orange Coast College and Balboa Bay Club, shares his journey in volleyball, from his early days as a player to becoming a successful coach. He discusses the importance of building a winning culture, the challenges of recruiting in the current landscape, and the impact of international players on college volleyball. Turner emphasizes the need for mental toughness in young athletes and the importance of fostering a love for the sport. He also reflects on his commitment to coaching at the junior college level and the relationships he has built within the volleyball community. In this engaging conversation, the speakers discuss the evolving landscape of volleyball recruiting, the importance of experience over mere accolades, and the need for growth in men's volleyball programs. They reflect on memorable coaching experiences, the significance of relationships in the sport, and the journey of being a player and coach. The discussion also touches on the current season's challenges and aspirations, emphasizing the passion and dedication required in coaching and developing young athletes.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Travis Turner
02:14
Travis's Journey into Volleyball
04:31
Coaching Philosophy and Success
08:04
Building a Winning Team
10:40
Navigating Changes in NCAA Eligibility
13:35
Recruitment Challenges in Volleyball
16:52
The Impact of International Players
19:41
Future of Volleyball Programs
20:43
Training Approaches: A Comparative Analysis
24:24
The Importance of Training Over Competition
28:09
The Role of Competition in Youth Sports
31:00
Finding Your Coaching Fit
34:48
Recruitment Strategies in Volleyball
38:32
The Future of Men's Volleyball Programs
41:58
Memorable Teams and Lasting Impact
46:06
The Importance of Relationships in Volleyball
48:53
Embracing the Journey Over Achievements
50:39
Memorable Moments as a Player
53:42
Coaching Philosophy and Future Aspirations
57:10
Current Season Insights and Challenges
01:01:49
New Chapter

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​ @setthepipe  
In this episode, Sully, CK, and Bear welcome Jeff Nygaard, head coach of USC men's volleyball, who shares his journey from a three-time Olympian to a dedicated coach and family man. The conversation explores Jeff's early love for volleyball, his transition from player to coach, the challenges of funding scholarships in men's volleyball, and the impact of NIL on college sports. Jeff also reflects on his experiences and the importance of timing and luck in his career, while discussing the dynamics of team loyalty and rivalries. In this conversation, Jeff Nygaard discusses his transition from a professional volleyball player to a coach at USC, reflecting on the evolution of the sport, the importance of leadership, and the dynamics of team culture. He emphasizes the significance of identifying and nurturing leadership within the team, the fast-paced nature of modern volleyball, and the challenges and rewards of coaching. Nygaard also shares insights on the competitive spirit required to succeed and the legacy of winning in adult nationals. In this engaging conversation, Jeff Nygaard shares his experiences in competitive volleyball, the challenges of balancing coaching with family life, and the importance of having a supportive partner. He reflects on memorable matches, the evolution of the sport, and his aspirations for the future, emphasizing the need for humility and continuous growth.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Jeff Nygaard
03:04
Jeff's Volleyball Journey and Achievements
06:07
Transitioning from Player to Coach
11:58
The State of Men's Volleyball and Scholarships
14:56
NIL and Its Impact on College Sports
17:56
Rivalries and Team Loyalty
28:01
Could Legends Compete Today?
29:33
The Importance of Leadership in Teams
33:42
Building a Winning Culture at USC
39:08
The Role of Leadership in Success
41:12
Undefeated Legacy in Adult Nationals
45:44
Balancing Coaching and Family Life
52:35
The Importance of a Supportive Partner
56:35
Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Goals

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​ @setthepipe  
www.proactivevolley.com  
https://proactivevolley.kartra.com/page/volleyball-recruiting-insiders

In this episode, Dianne DeNecochea shares her extensive journey in volleyball, from her collegiate and professional playing days to her current role as a coach and recruiting consultant. She discusses the importance of matching athletes with the right colleges, the evolving landscape of recruiting, and the impact of the transfer portal and NIL on student-athletes. Dianne also emphasizes the significance of weight training and the personal stories that shaped her career and coaching philosophy.
takeaways
Dianne started coaching her daughters while still playing professionally.
The recruiting process requires a strategic approach to match athletes with suitable colleges.
Honesty is crucial in assessing an athlete's potential and fit for a program.
The transfer portal has changed the landscape of college sports, but it requires careful consideration.
Weight training is essential for longevity and performance in volleyball.
Dianne's experiences in Europe enriched her understanding of the sport and culture.
Memorable matches can define an athlete's career and provide lasting stories.
The importance of character and work ethic in recruiting cannot be overstated.
Parents should be proactive in the recruiting process to help their children succeed.
Dianne's unique background as a player and coach gives her insights that are invaluable to aspiring athletes.

Sound Bites
"It's a need for sure."
"I worked my butt off."
"It's a full-time job."

Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Podcast Format
00:03
Dianne DeNecochea's Background and Achievements
01:51
Transition to Coaching and Recruiting
04:46
The Recruiting Process and Parental Involvement
07:25
The Importance of Honesty in Recruiting
10:21
Coaching Philosophy and Target Lists
13:03
The Evolution of Volleyball and Game Speed
13:59
The Importance of Advocacy in Youth Sports
15:55
Navigating the Recruiting Landscape
17:51
Understanding the Transfer Portal
20:34
The Role of Communication in

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​ @setthepipe  
In this episode of Set the Pipe, Sully, CK, and Bear discuss various topics related to volleyball, including reflections on a recent interview with Alan Knipe's, the significance of coaching, and the dynamics of team competition. They also touch on USC's recent upset victory over Hawaii, the growth of volleyball at different levels, and share personal stories from their experiences in the sport. The hosts emphasize the importance of audience engagement and express gratitude for their listeners, while also providing insights into junior college volleyball and the spirit of teamwork.
takeaways
Thank you to all our listeners for your support.
Alan Knipe's interview provided valuable insights into coaching.
The importance of mentorship in volleyball cannot be overstated.
USC's upset victory showcases the unpredictability of sports.
Engaging with the audience is crucial for the podcast's growth.
Personal stories enrich the conversation and connect with listeners.
The growth of volleyball is evident at all levels.
Junior college volleyball is competitive and has strong teams.
Team dynamics play a significant role in success.
It's essential to keep promoting and growing the sport of volleyball.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Gratitude to Listeners
02:48
Reflections on Alan Knipe's Interview
06:07
The Impact of Coaching and Player Development
08:41
USC's Upset Victory and Team Dynamics
11:51
Future Guests and Community Engagement
14:43
The Growth of Volleyball and Personal Stories
18:52
The Growth of Volleyball Across Divisions
20:46
Mid-Season Insights in Junior College Volleyball
22:59
Upcoming Matches and Championship Preparations
24:41
The Importance of Team Spirit and Humor in Competition
28:34
Memorable Stories from Competitive Play
32:14
New Chapter

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In this conversation, Alan Knipe, head coach of Long Beach State, discusses the growth and challenges of men's volleyball, the role of the NCAA in promoting the sport, and the impact of Title IX and NIL on college athletics. He emphasizes the importance of funding, scholarships, and leadership in developing successful volleyball programs, while also highlighting the need for financial education for athletes. Knipe's insights provide a comprehensive overview of the current state and future potential of men's volleyball. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the evolving landscape of athlete education, the emergence of generational talent in volleyball, and the unique challenges and strategies involved in coaching elite players. They share memorable moments from their volleyball careers and emphasize the importance of relationships in coaching, highlighting how these connections can shape the experiences of both players and coaches.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Alan Knipe and His Achievements

03:01
The Growth of Men's Volleyball and Its Popularity

06:08
Challenges and Opportunities in NCAA Men's Volleyball

12:12
The Impact of Title IX on Men's Sports

15:02
The Future of Men's Volleyball at the NCAA Level

17:57
The Importance of Scholarships in Men's Volleyball

20:57
The Potential for D3 Volleyball Growth

23:47
The Case for Expanding Men's Volleyball Programs

32:24
The Flawed Business Model of College Sports

34:45
The Growth of Men's Volleyball and Other Sports

37:51
The Impact of NIL on College Athletics

39:54
The Future of Men's Volleyball and Player Development

48:55
The Rise of Generational Talent in Volleyball

01:03:36
Coaching Elite Players: Building Trust and Relationships

01:06:37
Adapting Coaching Styles for Exceptional Talent

01:08:56
Reflections on Championship Wins and Personal Growth

01:13:36
The Impact of Team Experiences on Lifelong Friendships

01:18:51
The Journey of Coaching: Moments that Matter

01:29:15
Closing Thoughts: The Future of Volleyball

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