In this episode of She Aced That, I sit down with Kathryn to explore her journey building a boys high school volleyball program from nothing. Two years later, her players are heading to college teams—athletes who had never touched a volleyball before their junior or senior year.

Kathryn shares the reality of starting something terrifying, the unexpected differences between coaching boys and girls, and why winning isn't the only goal. Finding that balance between pushing athletes and showing grace, this honest conversation offers insights for coaches, parents, and anyone thinking about creating opportunities in their community. Sometimes you just have to say yes !

New Episodes of She Aced That every Wednesday!

Michigan State's Head Volleyball Coach Kristen Kelsay returns home to lead the program where she finished her Spartan career with over 3,000 assists—3,040 to be exact—ranking her sixth all-time in MSU history. She appeared in 133 career matches, which ranks eighth all-time at Michigan State, and her 473 career sets ranks fourth in program history. As a multi-year team captain, she led the Spartans to back-to-back NCAA Sweet 16 appearances in 2012 and 2013, while earning CoSIDA Academic All-America honors and being named a three-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar.

In this informative conversation, Kristen joins Alyxandra on She Aced That and shares her leadership philosophy, the courage it takes to address conflict, and why authenticity matters more than perfection. From player to coach, her journey comes full circle at MSU with an undefeated 7-0 start (when episode was recorded). This episode is ESSENTIAL for anyone in sports leadership.

The episode truly captures something special - that combination of vulnerability, wisdom, and genuine passion for developing young women both on and off the court. Coach Kelsay's "bank account" analogy and her thoughts on courageous conflict are particularly powerful takeaways that will resonate with coaches and leaders at any level.

New She Aced That Episodes Every Wednesday!

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In this informative episode of She Aced That, I sit down with my former Michigan State club volleyball teammate Alex Repasky to discuss her incredible journey through a devastating triple knee injury (ACL, MCL, and meniscus) during her senior season.

Alex shares:

- The moment everything changed at a Central Michigan tournament

- Taking a gap year of volleyball after high school

- How she spent 6 years at Michigan State (and why that was the best thing)

- The mental battle of learning to jump and attack again after surgery

- Transitioning from player to coach during injury recovery

- Making it to nationals twice and the heartbreak of her final season

From playing club volleyball at age 8 to now coaching the next generation, Alex's story is proof that setbacks can lead to unexpected opportunities. Whether you're recovering from an injury, struggling with college transitions, or questioning your athletic future, this conversation will inspire you to keep pushing forward.

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Connect with Alex: @alexandra_repasky

Former libero, Amanda Lynch, joins Alyxandra and shares how back row lessons and team superstitions became the foundation of her long-term coaching success. After 11 years leading teams, she's proof that combining genuine care with high standards (and maybe even some backwards chants that turned into championship-winning superstitions) creates the kind of team culture every coach dreams about.From watching older girls play at Catholic school recess to walking on at Pitt Greensburg, Amanda's path proves that setbacks can become your greatest teaching tools. She shares honest insights about parent dynamics, team chemistry, and why the back row perspective makes the best coaches. Amanda reveals how libero life taught her to see the whole court, read the game differently, and understand that defense truly wins championships. She's refreshingly honest about the politics and favoritism she faced as a player and how those experiences drive her to create fair, successful environments for her teams.Whether you're a current libero, a coach, or someone who's been overlooked in sports, Amanda's journey from the back row as a player to the sideline as a coach is packed with wisdom about resilience, standards, and yes - why some superstitions are worth keeping.

Timestamps: 01:31 – Early Volleyball Experiences & CYO02:27 – Discovering Libero 06:21 – Favoritism and Team Politics14:01 – Navigating Team Cliques & High School Dynamics20:37 – Playing College Volleyball27:46 – Transition to Coaching32:25 – Coaching Philosophy & Team Selection41:01 – Parent Dynamics & Coaching Challenges45:00 – Superstitions, Family, and ClosingNew Episode Every Wednesday on Apple/Spotify/Youtube! Follow @sheacedthat on all social media platforms!

Ever felt like sports isn't just about who's the best player? This episode dives deep into the hidden politics, power dynamics, and unspoken truths that exist in volleyball and youth sports.

From coach favoritism to social media comparison, I'm sharing the real stories nobody talks about publicly - the conversations that only happen in team group chats and car rides home. If you've ever questioned why someone's starting over you despite your skills, or noticed certain players getting away with everything, this episode validates your experience. You're not crazy, and you're definitely not alone.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro & Welcome

00:15 - The Hidden Game of Volleyball & Team Politics

04:55 - Navigating Team Roles & Mental Impact

06:35 - Coaching, Favoritism, and Parent Dynamics

11:16 - Dealing with Toxic Teammates & Club Politics

18:00 - Social Media, Comparison, and Recruiting

20:47 - The Mental Game: Self-Doubt & Overthinking

22:34 - Final Thoughts & Outro

Episodes Every Wednesday on Spotify, Apple & Youtube!

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In this episode of She Aced That, I sit down with one of my best friends and former MSU teammate, Bryn Nagel, to discuss her incredible journey as a setter who was told she was "too small" for the big leagues. From choosing volleyball at age 8 because it was inside, to becoming a decorated setter who won MVP awards and changed the game at every level, Bryn shares the raw truth about:

🏐 Being the "quarterback" who gets all the blame but none of the credit🏐 Making All-Star camp 3 years in a row but never making the team (and the devastating truth she learned later)🏐 A toxic coach that tried to impact her love for volleyball 🏐 Finding her home at Michigan State Club Volleyball as a JUNIOR after not playing competitively for a few years prior🏐 Becoming a neighborhood legend in Belle Harbor, NY

Plus, we dive into the unique challenges setters face, navigating team drama, the power of having your volleyball "squad," and how she's now passing on her love for the sport to her fiancé, John!

Whether you're a setter, a volleyball player at any position, or someone who's been told you're "not enough" - this episode will inspire you to trust yourself and keep pushing forward.

Timestamps:0:00 Opening/MSU connection

1:38 Early volleyball journey

10:36 Becoming a setter

18:40 Height discrimination & All-Star heartbreak

29:21 Toxic coaching experience

37:56 MSU transformation

47:31 Team drama & resolution

56:59 Current life & rec league

1:02:11 Coaching philosophy

1:09:00 Final wisdom

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Follow Bryn:Instagram: @bryn_nicoleTikTok: @brynnicole2

In this episode, Alyxandra gets real about navigating those first few weeks back to routine - the schedule shock, the social juggling, and yes, even the drama. Whether you're in the middle of tryouts, just survived week one, or wondering if you even want to play this season, this episode breaks down exactly HOW to handle it all. From managing anxiety the night before school starts to dealing with sore muscles and impossible homework schedules, we're covering what actually works (not just "do your best" advice).

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

✓ Write down your 3 biggest worries + their actual likelihood

✓ Peak energy windows for homework

✓ How to set boundaries with team drama

✓ Managing school, sports, and social life without burning out

✓ Recovery strategies for sore muscles

✓ Daily confidence-building exercises

✓ Building real confidence when everything feels overwhelming

✓ The 24-hour rule for when you want to quit

✓ Why your mistakes don't define you

Perfect for athletes navigating the chaos of a new season. Remember: you're not just surviving this transition, you're becoming unstoppable.

TIMESTAMPS:

01:05 - Adjusting to School & Sports

05:15 - Tryouts, Pressure & Proving Yourself

08:45 - Social Life, Friendships & Drama

13:52 - Recovery, Confidence & Resilience

19:14 - Burnout, Motivation & Closing

📱 CONNECT WITH US:

Instagram: @sheacedthat

TikTok: @sheacedthat

New episodes every Wednesday!

Not everyone goes D1. Not everyone has the perfect trajectory in their sports career. But everyone who stays in the game has a story worth telling.Sometimes the JV journey makes the best varsity story. Alyssa Kerrigan proves that your worth as an athlete isn't determined by making varsity as a sophomore or committing to a D1 school. It's about what you do when the path isn't perfect.

In this episode we cover:

✓ Walking into high school tryouts knowing NOBODY (and how volleyball saved her)

✓ The moment she made JV as a Junior (and why she didn't quit)

✓ Her senior year redemption that ended with All-Conference honors

✓ The "yips" - that thing no athlete talks about but everyone experiences

✓ Roommates, Teammates & Drama

✓ Living together through it all - the friendship that survived everything

TIMESTAMPS:

00:20 - Switching Schools & Volleyball Beginnings

04:28 - Making Friends & Team Dynamics

08:59 - JV, Varsity, and Team Progression15:46 - Handling Disappointment & Growth

27:04 - Senior Year & Achievements

36:59 - College Life & Friendship

45:18 - Adult Life & Reflections

52:54 - Rapid Fire Q&A

58:33 - Closing Thoughts

This episode is for every athlete who's been underestimated. Your comeback is coming!

CONNECT: @sheacedthat

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The Complete College Volleyball Recruiting Guide You NEED | She Aced That Podcast

Are coaches not reaching out to you? You're not alone, and it's not over. In this game-changing episode, I'm sharing EVERYTHING I wish I knew in high school about volleyball recruiting.

📍 TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 — Why This Matters

1:12 — The Realities of College Athletics

2:17 — Understanding Your Options: NCAA divisions, NAIA, and junior colleges explained

7:27 — Building Your Recruiting Game Plan & How to get noticed: profiles, outreach, highlight videos, and social media

12:48 — Communicating with Coaches: Best practices for emails, calls, follow-ups, and gauging interest

15:41 — Campus Visits & Making Decisions: How to prepare, what to look for, and red flags to watch out for

18:21 — Money Talk: Scholarships & Financial Aid

20:22 — Handling Setbacks & Staying Motivated: Dealing with rejection, alternative paths, and keeping your love for the game alive

34:50 — Final Encouragement & Takeaways

In this episode, you'll learn:

✓ The EXACT email subject line formula that gets coaches' attention

✓ 4 levels of coach interest (and how to gauge where you stand)

✓ 20-30 questions to ask coaches and recruiters

✓ Timeline breakdown: Freshman year through senior year

✓ How to get recruited even if no coaches are currently contacting you (yes, even if you are a senior!)

✓ D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and Junior College options explained

Alyxandra's Pro Tips included:

Match the recruiting coach’s energy +10-20%

When to discuss scholarships (hint: NOT in your first email)

Red flags to watch for during campus visits

How to stand out when coaches can't legally contact you yet💡

KEY TAKEAWAY: You have the ball in YOUR court. Coaches are watching long before they can contact you, and you can start the conversation!

📱 CONNECT WITH ME: Instagram: @sheacedthat TikTok: @sheacedthat

🏐 Share this with a teammate who needs to hear this!

One coaching decision during a tryout changed my entire volleyball career and I knew I had to share Coach Andy Stepp's story with you all. From learning competitive volleyball at the YMCA to becoming a transformational coach who's impacted hundreds of athletes, Andy's journey proves that the best teachers often come from the most unexpected paths.

In this powerful episode, we explore his game-changing "900 Square Feet" philosophy - a mindset that transformed not just how his teams play, but how they approach life. We dive deep into making mistakes vs. failures, standing up for your players, and why cutting athletes doesn't mean closing doors.Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or someone navigating life's challenges, Andy's wisdom about focusing on what you can control will shift your perspective. Coach Andy Stepp shares:

✓ How learning volleyball at 20 shaped his unique coaching approach

✓ The ankle injury that transformed him from player to setter

✓ Why you're only touching the ball 30 seconds in an entire match (and what to do with the other 59 minutes)

✓ The powerful "900 Square Feet" mindset that will change how you see sports and life

✓ Real stories of standing up to refs and parents to protect players

✓ Why he tells EVERY cut player to come talk to him, no matter the team

✓ The difference between mistakes and failures (this will change your life!)

Timestamps:

Introduction & Welcome: 00:00

Andy’s Volleyball Journey & Early Coaching: 01:55

Learning Volleyball as an Adult: 04:06

Team Dynamics & Communication: 08:10

Mindset, Mistakes, and Coaching Philosophy: 20:07

Injury & Becoming a Setter: 22:52

Family & Volleyball Legacy: 43:47

Player Safety & Standing Up for Athletes: 46:44

Difficult Conversations & Lessons Beyond Volleyball: 56:05

Closing & Final Thoughts: 1:13:09

This episode is for:

Athletes feeling overlooked or struggling with confidence

Coaches wanting to make a real impact

Parents navigating youth sports

Anyone who needs to hear that mistakes are not failures

People looking for practical wisdom on focusing on what you can control

Coach Andy's philosophy extends far beyond volleyball - it's about empowerment, growth, and understanding that you have more power than you think.

🔔 Subscribe for more empowering sports stories and life lessons

📱 Follow @SheAcedThat on all platforms for daily inspiration and volleyball tips

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