Dassel-Cokato Charger Nation Podcast

Volleyball - The Players’ Perspective with Addi & Kali

Listen Later

Introduction and Background of Addi Anderson and Kali Berggren

  • Jason Kasanezky introduces himself and the purpose of the interview, featuring Addie Anderson and Kali Berggren, two standout volleyball players from the DC program.
  • Addie shares her introduction to volleyball, starting in fifth grade with her mom's encouragement and joining school ball in seventh grade.
  • Kali's volleyball journey is similar, starting in fifth grade and joining varsity in her third year.
  • Jason asks about their positions, and Addie explains she is a setter and occasionally plays on the outside, while Kali is the Libero, responsible for defense and serving.

    • Roles and Responsibilities of Setters and Liberos

    • Addie describes the role of a setter, emphasizing their leadership on the court, running the offense, and communicating with passers and hitters.
    • Jason confirms Addie's role as the second hitter, and she explains the process of setting and hitting.
    • Kali explains her role as the Libero, commanding the service receive, identifying seams, and directing front-row hitters.
    • Addie highlights the importance of flexibility in their positions, especially when a taller player moves to her position for a bigger block.

      • Film Sessions and Team Strategy

      • Jason discusses the strategic nature of volleyball, mentioning Sharon Anderson's (Addie's mom) strategy and film sessions.
      • Addie explains the Friday morning film sessions, where they review games in slow motion, focusing on details like pausing at the peak of the ball's height.
      • Jason asks about the emotional impact of watching film, and Addie and Kali discuss the importance of understanding and improving their game.
      • The team uses paper to write down instructions from film sessions, helping them stay focused on their goals.

        • Tournament Experience and Team Dynamics

        • Jason inquires about their recent tournament experience, and Addie describes a long day of volleyball, starting at 5 AM and ending at 10 PM.
        • The team played three games of pool play, winning two comfortably and losing one closely, learning to maintain confidence.
        • Kali shares that they placed first in their pool and advanced to the gold bracket, beating Highland Park and Legacy Christian in the championship.
        • Addie highlights the importance of controlling their controllables, maintaining aggressive serving, and improving their defense and transition.

          • Impact of the Sideline and Community Support

          • Jason asks about the impact of the sideline on their performance, and Kali and Addie credit the sideline for maintaining energy and hype.
          • The team had 13 players travel to the game, including three shared players between JV and varsity.
          • Addie mentions the importance of having a supportive sideline, especially after Kelly Nimola sprained her ankle during pool play.
          • Jason discusses the community support and the impact of high school football players cheering for the volleyball team.

            • Key Memories and Team Bonding

            • Jason asks about their favorite high school volleyball memories, and Addie shares memories of games against Maple Lake, Litchfield, and Eagle Ridge.
            • Kali recalls winning games against Litchfield and Kimball, and the excitement of team sleepovers and bonding activities.
            • Addie mentions a tradition of going to Kelly's cabin after the Annandale scrimmage, where they play games like Spikeball and bags.
            • Jason emphasizes the importance of winning and the excitement of playing in front of a supportive student section.

              • Advice for Younger Players and Future Goals

              • Jason asks for advice for younger players, and Addie encourages them to put themselves out there and not be afraid of making mistakes.
              • Kali advises younger players to keep pushing and never give up, even if they don't get the position they want.
              • Addie emphasizes the importance of relationships and being supportive to younger players.
              • Jason asks about their future goals, and Addie expresses her desire to play volleyball in college, possibly at Crown College.

                • Team Goals and Motivation

                • Jason inquires about the team's goals for the season, and Kali and Addie aim for a winning season and to be ready for sections.
                • Addie highlights the importance of controlling their controllables and not needing to blow out every team to be good.
                • Jason asks about their motivation, and Addie and Kali both express a desire to always be better and to leave no regrets on the court.
                • Jason asks about their plans to play volleyball after high school, and Kali mentions her interest in coaching and staying involved in the sport.

                  • Team Dynamics and Parental Involvement

                  • Jason asks about their parents' involvement, and Kali mentions her parents' new motto of staying positive.
                  • Addie shares that her parents help her stay positive and support her when she's down.
                  • Jason asks about other sports they play, and Kali mentions rejoining basketball and playing track, while Addie participates in gymnastics and track.
                  • Jason discusses the impact of their parents' support and the bonding experience of playing volleyball with their mom.

                    • Final Thoughts and Excitement for the Season

                    • Jason asks about their message to the students, and Kali advises them to stay hype and supportive, even during tough games.
                    • Addie emphasizes the importance of maintaining energy and being supportive.
                    • Jason discusses the importance of community support and the impact of the student section on the team's performance.
                    • Jason thanks the players for their time and wishes them the best of luck for the upcoming season, expressing excitement for the first game against Maple Lake.
                      • ...more
                      View all episodesView all episodes
                      Download on the App Store
                      Dassel-Cokato Charger Nation PodcastBy Jason Kasanezky