Better Together

In part two of our conversation with registered dietitian Alyssum Reno-Smith, we zoom out and tackle what fueling looks like across an entire volleyball season - especially from a parent’s perspective. Through real tournament scenarios, age-specific examples, and audience-submitted questions, Alyssum breaks down how families can plan ahead, build healthy habits, and support athletes without creati...

What if some of the nerves, brain fog, and missed decisions on the court aren’t about skill - but about fueling? In part one of our conversation with registered dietitian Alyssum Reno-Smith, we dig into how nutrition directly impacts the nervous system, focus, confidence, and in-game decision making for volleyball athletes. From energy drinks and hydration to carbs as brain fuel, this episode conn...

In Part 3, the final episode of our Ask the Directors series, Coach Korohen and Coach Scott bring the conversation full circle with practical advice, reflection, and a little fun. They start by sharing simple but impactful ways parents can make tournament weekends easier and less stressful for their athletes. From there, they reflect on favorite memories from coaching at United and the moments tha...

In Part 2 of our Ask the Directors series, we shift the focus from the court to the bigger picture - how to support young athletes in a healthy, sustainable way. This episode dives into multi-sport participation, how parents can encourage skill development without burnout, and what meaningful support really looks like for athletes who are new to volleyball or new to United. We also touch on future...

In this episode, we kick off our second Ask the Directors series - shaped entirely by questions from our United families and athletes. You asked thoughtful, honest questions and today, our directors are sitting down to talk through them. This conversation offers transparency, context, and insight into the decisions that drive our club environment and athlete experience. Thank you for sending in yo...

This week, we’re gathering the voices that have shaped Better Together from the beginning. In honor of Thanksgiving, we pulled answers to one question we ask every guest -  “What does it mean to be better together?”  - from across both seasons. It’s a celebration of the people, stories, and shared values that make our community what it is… and a reminder of how thankful we are for each of you. Fro...

Coach Scott Ingwersen brings a calm, encouraging, and joy-centered approach to coaching - and it shows in how his athletes respond to him. In this episode, Scott shares how he got started, how coaching his daughters shaped his “why,” and why building confident, fearless, joy-filled players matters far more than wins or losses. From embracing mistakes to celebrating growth to helping young athletes...

In this episode, we’re joined by Scott Jones and Alex Owen to share the story behind  United in Service  - our new initiative connecting athletes and families through giving back. Together, we explore how the program came to life, why community involvement matters, and how serving others builds stronger teams, deeper connections, and lasting impact beyond volleyball.

As many of our former United athletes near the end of their first college volleyball seasons, we’re taking a look back at where their journeys began - the recruitment process. This episode revisits their original conversations from last season, where they shared how they found their fit, made their decisions, and prepared for life at the next level. Recruitment is more than just choosing a program...

In Part 2 of our partnership announcement series with SportsMED Orthopedic Surgery & Spine Center and Triple Threat Performance , we’re diving deeper into how this collaboration will elevate the health, safety, and performance of our United athletes. Our conversation covers what parents, coaches, and players really need to know about recognizing warning signs, building healthy recovery habits,...

United Volleyball has partnered with  SportsMED  and  Triple Threat Performance  to bring next-level care and training to our athletes. From injury prevention and same-day appointments to performance strength training and return-to-sport recovery, this partnership is built to keep players healthy, confident, and ready to compete. Join Korohen as she sits down with the SportsMED and Triple Threat t...

In part two of our conversation with  Audrey Cagle , our 14U National Head Coach for this upcoming season, we dive into the moments, lessons, and people that have shaped her as both a coach and a person. Audrey shares one of her most memorable coaching experiences with United, reflects on the influence that’s guided her coaching journey, and opens up about how the United community continues to imp...

This week, we sit down with Audrey Cagle, our 14U National Head Coach for this upcoming season, for an authentic conversation about adaptability, leadership, and finding purpose in the game. From growing up with a new coach every season to playing every position in college, Audrey’s volleyball journey taught her how to read people, reflect deeply, and stay grounded in her “why.” She opens up about...

Volleyball has been in Emma Jarrett’s life since she could walk - literally. In this episode, she shares stories of growing up in the gym, balancing multiple sports, and making the leap from college player to UAH assistant coach. She talks recruiting, resilience, and why focusing on the process beats obsessing over the scoreboard.  In this episode, we sit down with Emma to talk about: Guiding play...

Join us for the final chapter of our conversation with Tristan Johnson, head coach of University of North Alabama volleyball, as he shares the story of his journey from small-town Texas to leading a Division I program. Growing up with volleyball in his family, Tristan’s path started unexpectedly. Through chance encounters, bold moves, and taking on responsibility at a young age, he climbed the coa...

In part two of our conversation with Alyssum Reno-Smith, The Non-Diet Sports RD, we dive into the biggest myths and mistakes athletes make with nutrition - and how volleyball players can simplify fueling to play their best. From caffeine to common misconceptions, this episode covers what every athlete, parent, and coach needs to know to help athletes feel confident, focused, and fueled on and off...

What you eat and drink can make or break your performance on the court. And today’s guest knows exactly how to help volleyball players fuel and hydrate smarter. In this episode, we sit down with Alyssum Reno-Smith, a former athlete turned registered dietitian, to talk about how nutrition and hydration directly impact energy, recovery, and performance. From what to eat before tournaments to how to...

Not every athlete’s path is linear. United alum  Audrey Krichev  didn’t plan to play at Amherst, but when the opportunity came, she embraced it - and it’s shaped her college experience in ways she never expected. 📌 Show Notes How Audrey’s recruiting journey unfolded - and the surprises along the way Why she didn’t originally plan to play at Amherst, and how the opportunity opened Her mindset shif...

In part two of our conversation with UNA Head Coach Tristan Johnson, we dig into the  real  details of recruiting that athletes often wonder about but rarely get clear answers on. From first impressions in an email to what he’s really looking for in a highlight film, Tristan shares how athletes can separate themselves in the recruiting process - and what growth looks like once they step on campus....

In Part 1 of our conversation with University of North Alabama Head Coach Tristan Johnson, we dive into the  recruitment journey from the coach’s perspective.  Tristan shares what he looks for when evaluating athletes, the key reminders every recruit should hold onto, and why gratitude and character matter just as much as skill. Whether you’re an athlete chasing a roster spot, a parent guiding you...

This week on Better Together, Merritt Beason returns for Part 2 of a heartfelt conversation. From inspiring the next generation of athletes to sharing hard-earned wisdom from the highest levels of the game, Merritt opens up with the same authenticity and leadership that make her such a powerful presence on and off the court. We go deeper into the heart of what it takes to lead, evolve, and inspire...

This week on  Better Together , we’re joined by  pro volleyball player, Nebraska standout, and proud United Ambassador Merritt Beason  for one of our most personal and powerful conversations yet. Merritt opens up about the  journey behind the jersey  — the real decisions, emotions, and mindset shifts that come with chasing your dreams at the highest level. She walks us through the deeply personal...

Signing Day is this weekend- a big moment for our athletes and families! In this episode, Korohen chats with our United Registrar, Michelle, to walk through what Signing Day looks like at our club and what families can expect as the season takes shape. They touch on: How we celebrate Signing Day and why it matters What to do right after you commit Tips for uniform ordering and important dates to n...

This week, we’re joined by Eli Hester - a recent commit to the University of West Alabama and a former 18 National player who took a nontraditional path to college volleyball. Hear what sparked her decision to join club her senior year, how she handled the unknowns, navigating the recruiting process, and the meaningful lessons she’ll keep long after her playing days are over. In this episode, we c...

Think evaluations are just about skills? Worried that one bad rep will ruin your chances? In Part 2 of our eval prep series, United Directors Korohen and Scott return to bust common myths and help athletes understand the bigger picture. They dive into: Common myths athletes believe about evaluations What happens after evaluations wrap How players can be evaluated for multiple positions Whether you...