In this episode, Dr. Anitra Brockman shares her journey from coaching high school volleyball to becoming the head coach of the new men's volleyball program at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES). She discusses the challenges and strategies involved in building a new program, the importance of mentorship, and her approach to recruitment. Dr. Brockman emphasizes the need for community support in growing men's volleyball and expresses her aspirations for the program's future success. The conversation highlights the collaborative spirit among men's volleyball coaches and the exciting growth of the sport.

Dr. Anitra Brockman is the head coach of the new men's volleyball program at UMES.
She transitioned from coaching high school and women's volleyball to men's Division I.
Building a new program involves strategic recruitment and setting clear expectations.
Mentorship from experienced coaches has been crucial in her development.
The importance of community support in growing men's volleyball is emphasized.
Dr. Brockman values both international and stateside players in her recruitment strategy.
She aims to create a competitive and successful program within five years.
The growth of men's volleyball is evident, with increasing participation rates.
Dr. Brockman is focused on developing her players both on and off the court.
The podcast highlights the collaborative nature of men's volleyball coaching.

"Building a new program is a challenge."
"I want us to have a 500 season."
"I have a soft spot for stateside kids."

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In this episode, the hosts welcome Jose Pina, the head coach of NYU's men's volleyball team. They discuss his extensive background in volleyball, the importance of community and teamwork in the sport, and his coaching philosophy. Jose reflects on the challenges and successes of recent seasons, the impact of COVID on recruitment and team dynamics, and his outlook for the upcoming season. The conversation also touches on the balance between academics and athletics at NYU, and the future of volleyball in the Northeast. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the growth of volleyball in the U.S., particularly focusing on men's volleyball at the collegiate level. They explore strategies for increasing visibility and exposure for the sport, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and advocacy. The discussion also touches on the need to sell the power and athleticism of men's volleyball to attract new fans and grow the game further. The speakers reflect on the evolution of the sport and express hope for its future development.
takeaways
Volleyball fosters a strong sense of community.
Coaching is about imparting knowledge and values.
Team dynamics are crucial for success.
Winning culture is built over time.
Recruitment is focused on both athletic and academic excellence.
COVID has significantly impacted recruitment and team morale.
NYU attracts talent due to its academic reputation.
The balance between sports and academics is essential.
Future seasons will focus on developing new talent.
The growth of volleyball in the Northeast is promising. The growth of volleyball in the U.S. is significant, especially in regions like Florida and Texas.
Community engagement is crucial for increasing visibility and support for men's volleyball.
The women's game has seen immense growth, which can serve as a model for men's volleyball.
Selling the power and athleticism of the game can attract new fans.
Collegiate programs need to advocate for themselves to gain more exposure.
Youth involvement is essential for the future of the sport.
Visibility in media is key to attracting new audiences. 

"We need more advocates."
"It's war. It's war."

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In this episode, Sully, CK and Bear interview the CEO of Slunks, Chris Reames and Let's Keep The Ball Flying, Lesley DeJonge and Viola Tonello. A pretty amazing story of wanting something more and giving back. LKTBF is currently touring the US and they talk about their worldly ambition. Slunks is a HUGE partner in what they are doing. This is an important podcast for our volleyball community. Enjoy.

LKTBF.org
getslunks.com

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In this engaging conversation, Kylie Doremus shares her inspiring journey as a young athlete in sitting volleyball. Born with fibular hemimelia, she faced significant challenges, including an amputation below the knee. Despite these obstacles, Kylie found her passion in sitting volleyball, where she excelled and recently won a gold medal at the Pan Am Games. The discussion covers her training regimen, the transition from standing to sitting volleyball, and her aspirations to join the women's national team. Kylie's story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of sports to overcome adversity. In this engaging conversation, Kylee Doremus shares her journey in sitting volleyball, discussing the growth of the sport, the challenges of competing with a prosthetic, and her aspirations for the Olympics. The dialogue explores the dynamics of team building, the intricacies of the game rules, and the personal experiences that shape an athlete's life. Kylee's passion and determination shine through as she reflects on her recent gold medal win and the supportive community surrounding her.

Takeaways

Kylie Doremus is a gold medalist in sitting volleyball.
She was born with fibular hemimelia and had her leg amputated below the knee.
Kylie transitioned from standing volleyball to sitting volleyball after feeling discriminated against.
She practices sitting volleyball twice a week and trains with the national development team.
Kylie aims to join the women's national team and compete in the Olympics.
Kylie started playing volleyball in sixth grade and quickly fell in love with the sport.
Kylie trains at the University of Central Oklahoma, which is also the training site for USA Sitting Volleyball.
Her story inspires young athletes, especially those with disabilities. The development team for sitting volleyball is growing, with a waitlist now.
Kylee's journey to the Olympics is fueled by hard work and belief in herself.
Traveling for competitions offers invaluable experiences and memories.
The food and culture in Chile were highlights of the trip for Kylee.

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The conversation explores the potential of young athletes in basketball, the excitement surrounding women's volleyball, particularly during the Elite Eight and upcoming Final Four. The hosts discuss the growth of viewership in women's sports, the intensity of volleyball matches, and provide insights into the teams competing in the Final Four, highlighting their strengths and challenges.

Takeaways:
Young athletes can excel in multiple sports with dedication.
Women's volleyball is gaining significant viewership and popularity.
The intensity of volleyball matches can be compared to heavyweight fights.
Experience in high-pressure matches is invaluable for teams.
The growth of women's sports is evident in viewership numbers.
Final Four teams have unique strengths and challenges ahead.
Coaching plays a crucial role in team success during tournaments.
The excitement of women's volleyball is attracting new fans.
The importance of supporting women's sports is highlighted.
The upcoming matches promise to be thrilling and competitive.

Sound bites

"It was a heavyweight fight."
"You can't buy that experience."
"Set the pipe, baby."

Chapters

00:00 The Rise of Women's Volleyball
02:46 Final Four Showdown: Texas A&M vs. Pitt
05:34 Nebraska's Upset and Its Implications
08:37 The Power of Coaching in Volleyball
11:13 Wisconsin's Consistency and Talent
14:00 Kentucky's Journey to the Final Four
16:46 Pitt's Challenge and Expectations
19:37 The Future of Women's Volleyball

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In this conversation, Andrea Becker, a professor of sports psychology, discusses her journey in the field and the importance of mental coaching in sports. She emphasizes the need for team unity, the balance of nature and nurture in athletic development, and the cultural shifts needed in youth sports. The conversation highlights the pressures young athletes face and the role of coaches and parents in fostering a positive environment for development. In this conversation, Andrea discusses the complexities of coaching, particularly focusing on the importance of team culture, the challenges of managing players with bad attitudes, and the necessity of instilling resilience and self-worth in young athletes. She emphasizes the need for coaches to be empathetic and to create an environment that fosters growth and development, both mentally and physically. The dialogue also touches on the importance of comprehensive education for athletes, including mental skills training and the development of a strong sense of self.

Takeaways

Performance psychology focuses on enhancing athletes' mental skills.
Team unity and a shared purpose are crucial for success.
Youth sports culture often prioritizes competition over enjoyment.
Athletes need to learn how to cope with pressure effectively.
Coaches should focus on development rather than just winning.
The focus should be on fun and development, not just scholarships. If your best player has a bad attitude, you have a bad culture.
You can't endorse a bad attitude without compromising team culture.
At the youth level, we need to correct behaviors and attitudes.
Coaching should focus on developing young people holistically.
Best attitude, best effort, and best teammate are key values for athletes.
Toughness is about performing well in imperfect conditions.
Kids need to learn basic life skills to develop independence.
Trust is essential for effective coaching relationships.
Empathy in coaching creates a positive environment for athletes.

Sound bites

"You have a bad culture."
"It's a non-negotiable."
"We can't make those promises."

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In this conversation, Kevin Barnett shares his journey from a late start in volleyball to becoming a two-time Olympian and a prominent figure in the sport. He reflects on his early experiences, the challenges faced during his Olympic appearances, and the importance of team dynamics and leadership. Kevin discusses the impact of training environments on performance, cultural changes within the national team, and his experiences playing professionally abroad. He emphasizes personal growth, the interconnectedness of the volleyball community, and the lessons learned throughout his career. In this engaging conversation, Kevin Barnett, a two-time Olympian and broadcaster, discusses the evolution of volleyball training, the differences between American and European systems, and the importance of mental toughness in competition. He shares insights on the transition from athlete to broadcaster, the growth of women's volleyball, and the need for better youth training programs. The discussion also touches on the authenticity required in sports broadcasting and the potential for a dedicated degree for athletes. Barnett emphasizes the importance of community support and investment in the sport to ensure its continued growth and success.

Sound bites
"I didn't know I was gonna stay."
"I was a stay-at-home dad."
"Never apologize for greatness."

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In this episode of 'Set the Pipe,' hosts Sully, CK, and Bear discuss the excitement surrounding the Sweet 16 in women's volleyball, highlighting Cal Poly's impressive performance and the retirement of legendary coaches. They also delve into the challenges of the transfer portal in college sports, emphasizing the need for regulations and the impact on athletes and programs. The conversation touches on the broader implications of loyalty and professionalism in college athletics, with passionate discussions about recent decisions by major programs like Notre Dame.

Takeaways

Cal Poly's unexpected success in the Sweet 16 is a major highlight.
The retirement of legendary coaches marks the end of an era.
The transfer portal is causing significant challenges in college sports.
There is a call for more regulations to manage the transfer portal.
Loyalty in college sports is being questioned amid financial incentives.
Notre Dame's decision to decline a bowl game sparked controversy.
The conversation emphasizes the need for professionalism in college athletics.
The impact of the transfer portal on mid-major programs is significant.
The episode features passionate discussions about the state of college sports.
The hosts express concern over the future of amateur athletics.

Sound bites

Cal Poly's unexpected success! Legendary coaches retire. Transfer portal challenges college sports. Call for transfer portal regulations. Loyalty questioned amid financial incentives. Notre Dame's bowl game controversy. Need for professionalism in college athletics. Impact on mid-major programs. Passionate discussions on college sports. Future of amateur athletics in question.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction and Sweet 16 Highlights
00:00:00 Coaching Retirements and Legacy
00:00:00 Transfer Portal Challenges
00:00:00 Loyalty and Professionalism in College Sports
00:00:00 Notre Dame's Controversial Decision
00:00:00 Future of College Athletics

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Long Beach State Men's Volleyball Head Coach Alan Knipe has announced that he will retire at the end of the calendar year following an extraordinary 25-year career spanning both his time as a standout student-athlete and his tenure as one of the most celebrated coaches in Long Beach State history.

Knipe was recently selected as a member of the Class of 2025 for induction into the AVCA Hall of Fame, national recognition for his accomplishments on the collegiate and international level. That comes on the heels of his induction into the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame as well as his induction both as a player and as part of the 1991 National Championship team into the Long Beach State Athletics Hall of Fame.

Long Beach State Men's Volleyball is coming off of an outstanding season which saw the Beach claim a fourth NCAA Men's Volleyball national championship. A transformative figure for Long Beach State, Knipe has been a part of all four of those championships, winning as a player in 1991 before collecting three more trophies as the head coach in 2018, 2019 and 2025.

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In this heartfelt Thanksgiving episode, the hosts reflect on their gratitude for family, friends, and the journey of their podcast. They share personal stories of growth, the joy of reconnecting with volleyball, and the excitement surrounding upcoming tournaments. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, the love for the sport, and the impact of relationships in their lives. In this conversation, the speakers reflect on themes of gratitude, aging, and the impact of pets in their lives. They share personal stories about their health, rekindling friendships, and the importance of family connections. The discussion also touches on the significance of volleyball in their lives, including statistics and records, and concludes with appreciation for their guests and listeners. In this episode, the hosts discuss the evolution of women's volleyball, highlighting the excitement and growth of the game. They share insights from high school volleyball, including recent championship highlights, and delve into the historical records held by notable players. The conversation shifts to the impact of rally scoring on the game and the art of serving, particularly the effectiveness of float serves. The episode concludes with a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the sport and the connections it has fostered among the hosts.

Chapters
00:00
Thanksgiving Reflections
02:59
Gratitude for the Podcast Journey
06:02
The Love for Volleyball
08:59
Personal Stories of Gratitude
12:06
Family and Life Changes
14:51
Excitement for Upcoming Volleyball Tournaments
18:00
Celebrating Achievements and Growth
25:13
Reflections on Aging and Pets
27:17
Gratitude and Family Connections
29:40
Health and Well-being
31:49
Rekindling Old Friendships
34:32
The Impact of Volleyball on Lives
39:15
Statistics and Records in Volleyball
40:45
Appreciation for Guests and Listeners
41:11
The Evolution of Women's Volleyball
42:59
High School Volleyball Highlights
43:32
Record Holders in Volleyball History
45:30
The Impact of Rally Scoring
49:01
The Art of Serving in Volleyball
51:03
Gratitude for Volleyball's Journey

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