International Coaches Club

This is what happens when an international playing career evolves into a mission to develop the next generation. In this episode, I host Andrii Diachkov, a former professional volleyball player who represented the Ukrainian national team and is now one of the most respected international coaches, developing players in the United States. Andrii’s journey began in Ukraine, before taking him to some...

This episode is about leadership and how to use coaching as a platform to inspire young athletes. In this episode, I host Alma Kovaci Lee, the longtime head volleyball coach at Army West Point and one of the most respected leaders in college volleyball. Alma’s journey began in Albania before bringing her career to the United States, where she became a standout player at Temple University and later...

This is the story of WHY I started this podcast, for the coaches who want to think outside the box and re-route to the US. In this episode, I host Ashleigh Van Vliet, a Maltese basketball player who returned to her alma mater as a coach after a journey spans continents, cultures, and every level of the game. Ashleigh’s story begins in Australia and continues through the U.S. college system at Idah...

Great coaches often blend science into their development strategy. In this (live!) episode, I host Peter Bristotte, a Brazilian volleyball coach and club director whose career spans athlete development and sports science. Peter grew up in Campinas, Brazil, one of the world’s strongest volleyball environments, and has spent decades developing athletes at multiple levels of the game. Throughout his...

In this episode, I host Verónica Ribot-Canales, a four-time Olympian and NCAA diving coach whose career spans the highest levels of international sport and collegiate athletics. Verónica represented Argentina in four Olympic Games, competing on the world’s biggest stage and establishing herself as one of the most accomplished divers in her country’s history. Her journey began in South America and...

In this episode, I host Luke Reynolds, Associate Head Coach for the Pepperdine University men’s volleyball team and one of the most respected international coaches working in the United States today. Luke grew up in Melbourne, Australia, where his passion for volleyball began long before he ever set foot on an NCAA court. After playing collegiately at Brandon University in Canada, Luke embarked on...

In this episode, I host Sarah Straton, a Beach Volleyball Olympian who represented Australia at the 2000 Sydney Games, a longtime professional player, a coach, and a mental performance instructor who works with players, coaches, and parents. Sarah shares her journey as an athlete and explains what led her to focus on the mental side of the game. She talks about why passion and love for the sport m...

In this episode, I host Cesar Benatti, Head Coach of Florida Southern College, and one of the most respected international volleyball coaches in the U.S.Cesar built his career across clubs and universities before moving to the United States, where he joined Western Nebraska Community College as an assistant coach. During his time there, the program won a National Championship in 2010.From there, C...

In this episode, I host David Blatt, a Legendary Basketball Coach who left a mark all over the world as well as in the NBA. David began his coaching career in Israel, and from there, he achieved success in the European club scene as well as with National teams worldwide. In 2014, he was the mind behind the 1st and 2nd Milano Miracles, guiding Maccabi Tel Aviv through one of the greatest underdog r...

In this episode, I host Otavio Souza, Assistant Men’s Volleyball Coach at BYU and one of the most respected international coaches in the United States, shaping the game. Otavio grew up in one of Brazil’s volleyball capitals and eventually made his way to the U.S., where he played middle blocker at BYU before playing professionally in both Brazil and the United States. His path was anything but eas...

International Coaches Club features coaches who crossed continents to chase their passion and make it in the U.S. Each episode explores the journey, mindset, and drive it takes to turn challenges into opportunities and build lasting impact on and off the court. Hosted by Liran Zamir, an international volleyball coach with extensive experience in the US (Santa Monica College, Alabama State Universi...