PVCA Podcast

This episode is about growth, both for a program and for the coach running it. Amanda and I talk about what it takes to manage a large roster, from keeping communication clear across dozens of players to making sure no one gets lost in the numbers. The conversation also turns to something harder to talk about: stepping outside your comfort zone as a coach. Amanda shares why reaching out to more co...

Jason Leppo built one of the most respected programs in Pennsylvania high school volleyball at Delone Catholic, capturing the 2013 PIAA Class 2A state title, five District 3 championships, four York-Adams League playoff titles, and nine division crowns over roughly a decade. Then, in his mid 30s and at the peak of his field, he stepped away to find better balance between work, family, and the game...

After 32 seasons, Mark Pavlik has retired as the head coach of Penn State men's volleyball, finishing with 716 career wins, the third most in the history of college men's volleyball. In this episode he takes us back to the beginning: growing up in Derry, Pennsylvania, coaching in the state's high school and junior ranks, and rising through Penn State as a player, manager, and assist...

Ellie (Burns) Proksell has seen the biggest stage in Pennsylvania volleyball from every possible angle. A state champion player at Clarion, she went on to win five more state titles as an assistant coach at North Allegheny — one of the winningest programs in PIAA history — before picking up a whistle and becoming a certified official. In November 2025, she worked the PIAA A and AA state championsh...

Coach Mike Krause of Parkland High School joins the show to reflect on 22 seasons building one of Pennsylvania's most dominant volleyball programs — including three state titles won with his own daughters on the court. Mike shares stories from his playing days at East Stroudsburg, the mentorship that shaped his coaching under Penn State's Russ Rose, and the moments that turned a program...

North Allegheny's tenth state championship came against Hempfield in the 2026 final, the same program whose record they tied. Head coach Dan Long joins us to talk about the win and what it meant to reach ten. More than that, we get into the thread that connects him to Bob Miller and Dan Schall, the coaches who set the standard he now carries. This is a conversation about culture, continuity,...

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Bancroft of Meadville, fresh off an undefeated season and a 2A state championship, to talk about the journey and a remarkable family achievement. check out our website -  https://www.pvcavb.org/

The field is down to four in both 2A and 3A. Scott Trumbauer, PVCA Vice President of Boys Volleyball, joins us to break down every semifinal matchup standing between these programs and a shot at a state title. We have heard directly from the coaches still alive in the bracket, and Ryan is putting his finals predictions on the record. Four teams in each class. Two spots in the championship. Who pun...

In this episode of the PVCA Podcast, we sit down with Gary White of the Wisconsin Badgers women's volleyball at the University of Wisconsin–Madison for a conversation about risk, purpose, and pursuing what truly matters. Before climbing the ranks in college volleyball, Coach White made a bold decision. He stepped away from a stable professional career to chase his passion for the game. That l...

In this episode of the PVCA Podcast, we sit down with Adam Hughes, Head Coach of the Maryland Terrapins women's volleyball at the University of Maryland. Coach Hughes shares his journey from his Pennsylvania background to leading a Big Ten program, reflecting on the experiences and mentors that helped shape his coaching philosophy. We dive into culture building, player development at the Powe...

In this episode of the PVCA Podcast, we sit down with Megan Wargo-Kearney, Head Coach of NC State Women’s Volleyball, to talk about her journey from her Pennsylvania roots to leading a Power Five program in the ACC. Coach Wargo-Kearney shares the path that shaped her coaching philosophy, the mentors who influenced her growth, and the lessons she learned along the way. We dive into building culture...

In this episode, the mic is turned around. Senior Norah Busch sits down with her coach, Ryan Sell, for a unique, role-reversal conversation after four years in the program. Norah leads the interview, asking thoughtful questions about coaching philosophy, leadership, culture, and the lessons learned across her high school career. Ryan reflects on what it has meant to coach this group over the past...

I sat down with George Fuller to talk about Spring-Ford’s state championship season and what it says about the strength of District 1—especially the PAC, where two teams from the same league brought home state titles. We dive into the run, the moments that defined it, and why week-to-week battles in the PAC can prepare a team for anything once the state tournament starts. Please visit us at Click...

Today we’re joined by Coach Sheila Bancroft, a true legend of Pennsylvania high school volleyball and the longtime leader of Maplewood. She’s in her 39th season at the same school, and this fall she guided Maplewood to the 2025 PIAA Class 1A state championship—Her sixth and the program’s seventh PIAA title overall. Please visit us at Click Here

Avonworth head coach John Skarupa joins the show to break down the Antelopes’ incredible run from 11-seed to WPIAL and PIAA 2A state champions. We talk about building belief in an underdog, peaking at the right time, and what makes this Avonworth group special. John also shares the story behind Queens of the ’Burgh, his showcase event for Western PA girls volleyball. Check out our website at  http...

In this episode, Ryan Sell and Coach JB take a deep dive into the 2025 PIAA girls volleyball season. Covering Classes A through AAAA, they highlight teams to watch and what to expect in what promises to be an exciting year of competition. Click Here to visit our website

In this special episode, one of my players Josie Arezina sits down to interview me about our unforgettable 2024 Girls AAA State Championship run. We cover my own volleyball journey, the proud history of Pope John Paul II volleyball, and the beloved culture that has become the heartbeat of our program. It’s a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about what makes this team—and this championship—so...

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Rotelli, head coach of Pittsburgh Elite, to break down their incredible run to the 2025 AAU Boys National Championship. From building a winning culture to navigating the ups and downs of a high-level club season, Coach Rotelli shares insights into what made this team special and how they reached the top. Whether you're a coach, player, or volleyball fan...

We are joined again by Scott Trumbauer our VP of Boys volleyball.  Scott breaks down of these two championship matches.  We have been waiting for these match up all year! Buy Tickets Here AA Backet AAA Backet Click Here to visit our website

In part two of our 2024 PIAA Boys Volleyball State Playoffs Preview, we shift our focus to the AAA bracket. We break down the top teams, key players, and matchups to watch as some of the best programs in Pennsylvania battle for a state championship. Don’t miss our full preview of the AAA playoff field as the road to Penn State gets underway! AAA Bracket https://www.piaa.org/assets/web/documents/20...

In this two-part special, we preview the 2025 PIAA Boys Volleyball State Playoffs! In part one, we break down the AA bracket, highlighting the top teams, standout players, key matchups, and storylines to watch as the state tournament gets underway. Whether you're a coach, player, or fan, get ready for a full breakdown of the AA playoff field and what to expect as teams battle for a state titl...

Head coach Russ Hoburg has continued to lead North Allegheny’s girls volleyball program to historic success, guiding the Tigers to their eighth consecutive PIAA state championship. Under his leadership, the program has maintained a tradition of excellence, producing multiple championships, dominant records, and developing players who excel both on and off the court. Coach Hoburg’s commitment to pr...

John Barrick is the head coach at Trinity High School.  They went 24-0 during the season and won the 2024 PIAA AA state championship.   https://www.pvcavb.org/ Baden Team Store https://www.badenteamstore.com/account/login?checkout_url=%2F use PVCA20 at check out to receive 20% off your order

Erin Salas was the head coach at Greensburg Central Catholic during the 2024 season.  They went 21-3 during the season and won the 2024 PIAA A state championship.   https://www.pvcavb.org/ Baden Team Store https://www.badenteamstore.com/account/login?checkout_url=%2F use PVCA20 at check out to receive 20% off your order