The MNVBCA Pod

Looking for some creative ways to train youth players in your program?  This is the episode for you!  Join us as we talk with Stephen Willingham (Lakeville South Cougars) about thinking differently about the ways that we train younger players in volleyball.  Learn what he means by an "up and down" ball.  What does "high and halfway" mean?  Coach Willingham is one of the greatest minds in Minnesota volleyball.  We are sure you will pull a couple of nuggets of wisdom from this episode (and the next...this is a two parter).  

We are back for a 2nd Season of the MNVBCA Pod! In this episode, we chat with the new MNVBCA President, Lonnie Morken from Mabel-Canton.  What does the future of Minnesota Volleyball look like? What are you looking forward to this summer?  Join us for Season 2 of the MNVBCA Pod! 

We are nearing the end of October, which means we are starting the playoffs!  Let's check in with Jackie Richter (Lakeville North Panthers) and hear how she prepares her team for the transition from the regular season to their first playoff match. 

In this episode we talk with Scott Jackson (Wayzata Trojans) about how to teach players to "play with emotion, but not be emotional players."  Coach Jackson has been a part of State Championship and National Championship teams, and he shares his perspective on helping players work through the ups and downs that can occur during practices and matches.  

In this episode we talk about making adjustments during matches and during the season.  We are joined by John Yunker, head coach of the Champlin Park Rebels (not the Patriots).  Plus, we review the MNVBCA Top 10 Coaches Poll for Week 4. Spoiler Alert...we have three new #1 teams. 

In this episode of The MNVBCA Pod we talk with Lonnie Morken (Mabel-Canton) about the best spot to serve an opponent, what is the right size for a youth volleyball team, and we discuss the latest editions of the MNVBCA Top 10 Coaches Poll.  

In the latest episode of The MNVBCA Pod, we asked ChatGPT how we could change the rules of volleyball.  Hear what Darin Swenson (Litchfield), Marty Kiebel (Maple Lake), and Greg Ueland (Roseville) thought about the proposed AI rule changes.  Plus, we reveal the first week of the MNVBCA Coaches Poll Top 10.  

Scouting is one of the ways that you can prepare your team to compete at the highest level.  In this episode, we are joined by Dan Westby (Marshall Tigers).  Dan has led the Tigers to a Minnesota record 9 State Championships.  There may not be another program in the state that scouts their opponents as much as Marshall does.  Listen in to hear the perspective on scouting from one of the best around.  

In this episode, Lonnie Morken (Mabel-Canton), Josh Wastvedt (Burnsville), and Darin Swenson (Litchfield) talk about the things you should be thinking about before you host your first match of the season. 

The 2024 Minnesota volleyball season is here!  Join Darin Swenson (Litchfield) and Greg Sayuk (New Prague) in a discussion about recommendations (and in some cases, requirements) for running and participating in a preseason and post-season scrimmage.