Sideline Strategy: A Volleyball Podcast - Presented by JVA

From a small town to professional volleyball, Maya Sands’ journey has been built on adaptability, confidence and a willingness to keep betting on herself. In this episode, Maya shares how she found volleyball, navigated her college career at UNLV and Mizzou, entered the professional draft process and experienced her first season in Houston. She opens up about the transition from college to profess...

On this episode of Sideline Strategy , Dr. Jen Fry joins us to talk sports geography, volleyball research, leadership, conflict management and the environments we create for young athletes. Jen shares how she carved out her own lane as a sports geographer, why volleyball needs more research specific to our sport, and how coaches and Club Directors can better prepare for difficult conversations bef...

Winning at the highest level of club volleyball is hard enough. Doing it in Dallas, where some of the best clubs in the country are right down the road, is a different animal. Texas Advantage Volleyball Executive Director Jason Nicholson joins Sideline Strategy to break down what keeps TAV competing at the top, how an ultra-competitive volleyball market raises the standard for everyone, and what i...

What does it take to build a lasting legacy in volleyball? On this episode of Sideline Strategy, we sit down with legendary coach Mike Lingenfelter, whose influence on the sport has spanned more than 40 years. From his early days coaching as a teenager to helping build Munciana Volleyball into one of the nation's premier club programs, Mike shares the experiences, mentors, and values that have...

Growing boys volleyball doesn't happen by accident. Sarah Conklin joins the podcast to break down how North Carolina went from grassroots passion to official high school sanctioning. She shares the wins, the setbacks, and the strategies that helped build momentum, including the role of social media, community buy-in, and relentless advocacy. If you're invested in the future of boys volleyb...

Learn how Minnesota Warriors transformed youth volleyball through inclusive programming. Discover actionable insights for creating accessible sports teams. When we think about youth sports, inclusivity should be at the forefront. Yet, many aspiring athletes face barriers that prevent them from participating fully. In a recent interview with Len Dohm, Director of Minnesota Warriors, we explored how...

What does it really take to inspire young athletes and keep them growing beyond the game? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Anitra Brockman, coach, educator, and former head coach at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, to talk about mentorship, leadership, and building athletes from the inside out. With more than a decade of collegiate coaching experience, Dr. Brockman shares why coachin...

On this episode of Sideline Strategy, Rakecia Jenkins talks about the transition from athlete to coach, building trust with players, and why mentorship and representation matter more than ever in volleyball. From coaching philosophy to showing up authentically in leadership roles, this conversation is full of the kind of insight that sticks with you long after the episode ends. Topics include:• Ra...

In this episode, Alivia Orvieto shares her inspiring journey from college volleyball star to founder of Sandblazers Beach Volleyball and her efforts to grow the sport in Pennsylvania. Discover her insights on coaching, building a community, and balancing business and sport. 00:00 Alivia's College Volleyball and Entrepreneurship 00:30 Joining JVA and Resources for Coaches 04:21 Alivia's Vol...

In this episode, Alexis Leo, a talented volleyball player and founder of Volleleaders, shares her journey from beginner to leader, emphasizing mental health, athlete communication, and leadership development. Discover practical strategies for supporting young athletes and fostering a positive sports culture.

Professional volleyball player Ifenna Cos-Okpalla shares her journey from high school to pro, her training, leadership, and insights into the sport. Discover her tips for aspiring athletes, her experiences in college and professional volleyball, and her advice on staying true to oneself.

In this episode, Candace Coleman, a dedicated volleyball coach and advocate for inclusivity, shares her journey from a young volleyball enthusiast to a leader in promoting racial equity and community support within the sport. She discusses her personal experiences, the impact of the AOCA initiative, and future plans to expand opportunities and foster meaningful conversations.

In this episode, Taye Im, Owner and Director of Team One Volleyball, shares insights on hybrid volleyball training, recruiting strategies, and fostering a positive club culture. Discover how to balance indoor and beach volleyball development, avoid common recruiting mistakes, and create a supportive environment for young athletes.

In this week's episode of Sideline Strategy, Monica Wang, a certified volleyball official and TikTok sensation, shares her journey balancing motherhood and officiating, her passion for the sport, and her efforts to inspire the next generation of referees.#officiationweek2026

Join us as Taylor McColskey, a seasoned volleyball coach with 14 years of Division I experience, shares insights on coaching, recruiting, and balancing life and career. Discover practical advice on athlete development, the college recruiting process, and the evolving landscape of volleyball coaching.

In this episode of Sideline Strategy, guest Frank Flanagan discusses his journey in volleyball, from his early days in Southern California to becoming the director of Iowa Select Volleyball. He shares insights on the growth of the club, the challenges of managing player rosters, and the importance of coaching philosophy in player development. Flanagan emphasizes the need for community support amon...

Casey Jennings, former professional volleyball player and coach, shares his path from growing up in a large family in Las Vegas to building a career at the highest levels of the sport. He discusses his early exposure to sports, his transition to volleyball, and his collegiate career at BYU. Casey reflects on his professional playing experience and the lessons that shaped his approach to leadership...

Hear from Kim Oden, an Olympic bronze medalist and 2x Team Captain for Team USA, 3x All-American at Stanford, National Player of the Year, and AVCA Player of the Decade. Kim is the Co-Founder and current Board Chair of Starlings USA, which is a valued partner of JVA.

Hear from Head Coach & Vice President of Volleyball Operations at Major League Volleyball's Orlando Valkyries. Amy Pauly discusses her leadership role, as well as relives her memories as a young volleyball athlete.

Join Kevin Pratte and Todd Hollenbeck with MiddleHitter.com and the Kevin Pratte Foundation as they dive into the exciting world of boys' volleyball. Discover their insights, stories, and the passion that drives this dynamic sport.

Rodrigo Gomes isn’t just a coach. He’s a builder. The founder of The Volleyball Academy, Rodrigo turned his vision for youth volleyball into one of the most forward-thinking programs in the game, introducing kids as young as three to the sport we all love. A former pro and collegiate athlete, Rodrigo brings decades of experience, energy, and purpose to everything he does. His mission? To make voll...

In this episode of Sideline Strategy, Roberta Holehouse McGuiney and Casey Pyszczymuka discuss their experiences in youth volleyball, emphasizing the importance of fostering a love for the game among young athletes. They share insights on coaching philosophies, the significance of quality training, and the need for passionate coaches who prioritize the development of fundamental skills.

In this episode of Sideline Strategy, we dive into the critical role of strength training in volleyball with Peter Christofferson, head of athletic performance at T3 Performance. Discover how tailored strength and conditioning programs can prevent overuse injuries, enhance performance, and support athletes through the demanding transitions between club and high school seasons. Peter shares insight...

In this week's episode, Ruth Nelson (BYOP, RNN Sports Gym, and GoKids Youth Sports Certification) speaks about training parents to take part in their children's athletic development and how coaches can work with unique tools to make volleyball easier for kids. For more junior volleyball education visit www.jvavolleyball.org

In this week's episode, David Morris (Educator and Author of the book: Student Athletes Control Your Own Destiny) speaks about helping coaches and parents navigate the world of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) to best guide their volleyball athletes.