That Volleyball Guy

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In this episode of Digging Deeper, in proud partnership with Volleyball England, we sit down with two incredible champions of the sport: Deb and Bob Pickens. Originally from the USA, Deb and Bob moved to the UK over 40 years ago and what was meant to be a two-year stay turned into a lifelong commitment to developing volleyball in the South East and beyond.

Deb reflects on her NCAA playing days at the University of Missouri and shares the story of how she met Bob, before the pair made the leap across the pond. We dive into Deb’s early days as a PE teacher and explore the cultural differences between the US and UK when it comes to sport and coaching.

From coaching at ACS International School in Cobham to becoming deeply embedded in local and regional volleyball, their passion for grassroots development shines through. We explore how that passion led to the creation of VBDC camps, which have grown into a well-respected hub for junior talent, offering a range of opportunities for both elite and emerging young athletes.

Deb and Bob reflect on working with coaches from around the world, their evolving approach to performance coaching, and the joy of watching players grow. To round off the episode, we dig into some of the current challenges facing junior development in the UK and hear their thoughts on what needs to change to move things forward.

This one is full of heart, wisdom and decades of experience. A must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of our game.

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It’s the ultimate volleyball showdown! In this special edition Timeout episode, I'm joined by fellow Volleyball England commentator and Super League fanatic Michael Hanson-Morris as we preview the much-anticipated Final 4 Weekend of the Dynamik Men’s Super League and Maaree Women’s Super League, taking place 5–6 April at Crystal Palace.

We dive into the drama of the regular season, break down the semi-final matchups, and make our bold predictions for who’s making the finals. Expect plenty of volleyball geekery as Michael brings the stats, insight, and passion you’d expect from someone who’s followed the league all season long and been right there on the mic for Super League Live.

🔥 Will Essex Rebels Men go better than last year’s 4th place finish?
 🔥 Can Malory Eagles (men and women) bring the title home for the first time in years?
🔥 Is a shock result on the cards?

We also highlight the two massive semi-final matchups that are 1-1 in the regular season:

• Essex Rebels vs. SideOut Polonia (Women)
• London Giants vs. Malory Eagles (Men)

🎟️ Tickets are still available via the Volleyball England website – don’t miss out on the biggest weekend in English volleyball!

 📺 Can’t make it? Catch all the action on the Volleyball England YouTube livestream.

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In this episode of Super League Time-Out, I break down all the action from this weekend's matches across the Maaree Women’s Super League and Dynamik Men’s Super League!

Joining me this week are three American athletes from the Essex Rebels Women’s team—Thea, Chelsea, and Alexis—as they discuss their win over UON, reflect on their season so far, and share how they’re preparing for their Final Four semi-final against Team Sideout.

Elsewhere in the Maaree Women’s Super League, the final relegation spot has been confirmed—Cambridge ARU’s time in the top flight comes to an end, while Darkstar Derbyshire secures a playoff place.

Over in the Dynamik Men’s Super League, despite a loss to UON, Essex Rebels clinch the regular season title with a win over Essex Blaze, setting up a Final Four semi-final against Newcastle Knights. Meanwhile, Essex Blaze join IBB Polonia and Stockport in relegation after Richmond picked up a crucial point to secure 7th place and a playoff spot.

Tune in now for all the latest on the Super League, and don’t forget—Final Four is happening on 5th & 6th April at Crystal Palace Sports Centre! Get your tickets now at the Volleyball England website.

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Welcome to the very first episode of The Heritage Show, a special series in partnership with Volleyball England, dedicated to sharing the stories of key figures who have shaped the sport and given so much to its growth. Through these conversations, we celebrate the legacy of volleyball in England, highlighting the pioneers, visionaries, and unsung heroes who have made a lasting impact.

In this first episode, I’m joined by Richard Callicott OBE, a name synonymous with volleyball leadership in England. As the former Chair of Volleyball England and President of the British Volleyball Federation, Richard has also played influential roles within the FIVB and British Paralympics.

In this first part of our two-part conversation, Richard takes us back to his early days in volleyball—how he introduced the sport to the West Midlands at a time when there were no sports halls, and how he helped develop clubs and associations to ensure volleyball was accessible to all. His passion and drive led him to take on key roles, from International Secretary to Auditor for the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV), always pushing the sport forward.

Richard is a true volleyball visionary, and his influence extends far beyond England. He played a vital role in supporting the London 2012 Olympic mission, advocating for British teams across all three disciplines of the sport. His journey is one of dedication, innovation, and leadership—one that every volleyball fan will love hearing about.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where Richard shares more about his leadership in the British Volleyball Federation, his experiences from London 2012, how he helped bring beach volleyball to the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, and his role in founding the Sandwell Volleyball Tournament. We’ll also reflect on some of the incredible people he’s worked with throughout his journey.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with one of England’s most dedicated volleyball figures!

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The Dynamik Men's and Maaree Women's Super League regular season is reaching its climax, and after a dramatic weekend with 12 matches played, the Final 4 teams are now confirmed.

This week, I’m joined by London Giants head coach Mihail Stoev and setter Seth Chen as we discuss their impressive run of six straight wins since Christmas, dropping just one set. They capped off the weekend with a dominant 3-0 win over fellow Final 4 team Newcastle Knights. Coach Stoev highlights the hard work and club support behind their rise, an incredible feat given they were new to the Super League this season after earning promotion from Division 1 last year. Seth also shares his thoughts on volleyball in England, comparing it to his experience playing professionally in Australia.

 The relegation battle has been just as intense. IBB Polonia and Stockport are now confirmed as the two relegated teams, with seven-time champions IBB Polonia set to play in Division 1 next season.

 In the Malory vs. University of Nottingham match, Malory’s opposite hitter Nathan Fullerton literally broke the floor. Tune in to hear what happened.

 Malory Eagles strengthened their top spot with back-to-back 3-0 wins. Meanwhile, Team Sideout Polonia and Essex Rebels, both Final 4 teams, faced off in a thriller, with Essex edging a 3-2 win after a 17-15 battle in the fifth set. Cambridge ARU and Darkstar Derbyshire are now level on points, fighting for the final playoff spot. Cambridge’s 3-0 win this weekend keeps them in the race for Super League survival.

 The Final 4 weekend at Crystal Palace Sports Centre promises to be a huge event. Tickets are available now on the Volleyball England website. Don't miss out.

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What. A. Weekend. The Super League is the most thrilling it’s been in years, with every match delivering drama, grit, and season-defining moments! With just weeks to go, the race for the Final 4 is on, and survival battles are heating up.

 💥 Maaree Women's Super League:

The East Midlands Darkstar Derbyshire squad is on fire! They stormed through the weekend with two crucial wins, including a nail-biting 3-2 victory over Leeds Gorse, lifting them out of the relegation zone. I'm joined this week by Olympian, coach, and former player Audrey Cooper, who breaks down how her team's mindset shift and sheer determination have powered their surge—winning 6 of their last 9 matches since Christmas!

Elsewhere, Malory claimed victory at the final Volleyball England Super League Live event, beating Essex Rebels 3-1. London Lionhearts secured the last spot in the Final 4, while Wessex, already relegated, grabbed their first win of the season against Cambridge ARU!

 🔥 Dynamik Men's Super League:

With Malory Eagles and Essex Rebels locked in for the Final 4, two spots remain up for grabs—and the competition is fierce! The showdown of the season saw Malory edge out Essex Rebels 3-2 in an absolute thriller between the top two teams! I break down the key moments, turning points, and what this result means for the playoffs.

Meanwhile, last year’s finalists Durham and IBB Polonia faced off, with Durham taking a 3-1 win—but both teams are in unfamiliar territory, fighting to avoid the drop. With no relegations confirmed yet, the final weeks will be a battle for survival, and even some of the league’s biggest names aren’t safe!

🎟️ Final 4 Tickets ON SALE NOW! 🎟️
Don’t miss out—April 5th & 6th at Crystal Palace! Get your tickets now on the Volleyball England website and witness the best of the best battle it out for the Super League crown!

Tune in for all the action, analysis, and insights—only on Super League Timeout!

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In this episode of That Volleyball Guy, I sit down with someone I’ve known for years—Sam Shenton, a man for whom volleyball truly is life. From his early days at Newcastle Staffs Volleyball Club to playing professionally in France, Sweden, and the Netherlands, Sam has experienced firsthand what it means to compete at the highest level. He opens up about his journey, sharing what life is really like as a pro player—the intense training, the shift in mindset when volleyball becomes a job, and the lessons he’s carried forward.

Now a head coach at Newcastle University and Newcastle Knights Super League men’s team, as well as coaching the women's Division 1 side, Sam has transitioned from player to mentor. He reveals how his own experiences in high-performance environments have shaped his coaching ethos, how he pushes his athletes to excel, and yes—we finally get to the bottom of why he insists on wearing shorts on the sideline!

This is a must-listen conversation for anyone interested in the realities of professional volleyball, the mindset required for success, and how elite-level experiences shape coaching philosophies. We finish, as always, with a fun game of This or That!

Sam is not only a volleyball good guy but also a deep thinker about the game, and his insights into high performance and player development make this an episode you won’t want to miss! 

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It was another action-packed weekend in the MAREE Women’s Super League and the Dynamik Men’s Super League, with 10 thrilling matches showcasing some incredible volleyball!

In the men’s league, Essex Rebels were pushed to the limit by a strengthened Richmond side, who challenged them with their new signings. The Rebels managed to hold on, securing a narrow 3-2 victory. Luke is joined by Alex Porter, head coach of Essex Rebels, to break down the game and look ahead to their huge upcoming clash against second-place Malory Eagles in the final Super League Live event of the season. This event will feature both the men’s and women’s Rebels teams facing Malory Eagles UEL in a must-watch showdown.

The episode also reviews the Super League Live event at the University of Nottingham, where Newcastle Knights put on a dominant display with a 3-0 win over the home side in the men’s league. Meanwhile, the UoN women’s team secured their third victory of the season, defeating bottom-of-the-table Wessex, who are now relegated.

Another thrilling weekend of volleyball saw Malory Eagles officially secure their spot as the second men’s team heading to the Final 4 Weekend, while Essex Rebels Women joined Team Sideout and Malory in qualifying for the Final 4 on April 5th-6th at Crystal Palace.

Tune in for all the latest results, insights on the upcoming matches, and a reminder to grab your tickets for the Super League Final 4—available now on the Volleyball England website!

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In the first episode of the brand-new Super League Timeout show, in partnership with Volleyball England, Luke Wiltshire dives into all the action from the latest weekend in the MAREE Women's Super League and the Dynamik Men's Super League—the top tier of English volleyball.

Luke is joined by special guest Mark Kontopoulos, head coach of Team Sideout Polonia Ladies, who reflects on his team’s impressive weekend, securing two wins—a dominant 3-0 victory over the University of Nottingham and a strong performance against London Lionhearts, a team that had previously pushed them to a fifth set earlier in the season. Meanwhile, Wessex Ladies continue to battle for their first league win after two tough home matches.

The episode also covers key results from across the leagues, including IBB Polonia’s unlucky weekend with back-to-back 2-3 losses as they fight to stay in the men's Dynamik Super League. London Giants continue their strong form, securing two more wins to hold onto third place, while Durham completed a double win over Stockport.

Tune in to catch up on all the latest results, hear insights on the upcoming fixtures, and get your tickets for the Super League Final 4, taking place on April 5th-6th at Crystal Palace—available now on the Volleyball England website!

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In this special episode, Luke Wiltshire shares exciting news about That Volleyball Guy podcast’s partnership with Volleyball England! Joined by Charlie Ford, CEO of Volleyball England, they discuss the reasons behind this collaboration, their shared mission to spread volleyball stories far and wide, and how this partnership will bring the community closer together.

Luke and Charlie dive into how That Volleyball Guy will support Volleyball England’s Heritage Project, celebrating the rich history of the sport, while also shining a spotlight on the Super League, England’s top volleyball competition. Expect deeper insights, more voices from across the game, and an exciting new era for the podcast.

Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and be part of this growing volleyball community!

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