The Pit to Pro Podcast

In this episode we discuss the intricacies of team dynamics, how to manage stress and anxiety, and the best way to keep your teammates responsible. Matt shares his expertise in goal setting, keeping a balanced life, and life after sport.  Check out our website: https://pit2pro.com/ Click here to begin your journey to more aces and pain free spiking. Get 50% off using PROMO code: ARMSWING50  https:...

In this episode we discuss youth volleyball in Canada, the ins and outs of raising high performance athletes, and the mindset and attitude necessary to grow your craft. We also talk about what it means to chase your dreams and go for it big with no regrets.  Check out our website: https://pit2pro.com/ Click here to begin your journey to more aces and pain free spiking. Get 50% off using PROMO code...

 In this episode we talk with Kyle Paquette. Kyle is the mental performance coach responsible for leading the Canadian men's national team to three consecutive Olympic appearances. He's a PhD in sports psychology and is the current director of the National Wheelchair Curling Team. We discuss how your brain is wired to lie to you most of the time and how we can combat it. We dive into why...

In this episode we learn where confidence comes from and how to maximize your potential. Why you have to be careful what you're basing your self-worth on, why mastery and self-expression go hand in hand, and when is it a good time to be intentionally delusional? We discuss the ups and downs of Cody’s career and what kept him chasing his national team dreams, despite not getting a start for th...

In this episode we discuss the difference between your ego and your confidence, the unmatched competition for spots in USA volleyball, how to be a good teammate while aiming to perform your best. We chat about the many emotions that come with getting cut from the olympic roster and how she responded in the next 4 years. She shares what it was like committing to university at 14 years old, and we b...

In this long awaited episode we talk about why you don't learn anything from losing, what men can learn from women's volleyball and vice versa. How to create a culture where innovation happens daily. Why you should never compare your players to each other while watching someone else perform a skill might lead to faster learning than watching yourself. Check out our website: https://pit2p...

Episode  #37 - Anna Dunn’s Story (00:00 - 01:09) It is hard to describe the first half of this episode in words that do it justice. Anna talks about the hills and valleys she went through during her battle with cancer, her reaction when she found out she needed to get her lower leg amputated, and the terrible side effects of chemotherapy. She shares what, and who, kept her going through those toug...

This episode is chalk full of information and crazy stories. Expect to learn about the intense Worley household, how to cultivate grit and competitiveness, the problem with most team cultures in professional volleyball. How to find the play style that works best for you, what we can learn from Gage's horrible recruiting trip to Hawaii, and the many differences between the Canadian and America...

In this episode we hear from Brodie on the ups and downs of his Olympic journey and what he had to sacrifice in order to get there. We discuss some tips on how to be an effective highball spiker, as well as lessons from the weight room. We reminiscence on our national championship season, and dive into what it takes to perform day after day in the Italian League. Check out our website: https://sit...

In this episode the boys discuss what they learned from their very different seasons; Jesse playing Pro in France, Mathias Assistant Coaching at TWU, and Oog red-shirting at the UofS. We discuss the level of preparation needed in order to play at a high level, the role of a coach in player development, and the ability to learn and reflect outside of a volleyball context. We also share a plethora o...

In this episode we talk about the different ways gratitude can help with performance, how the nervous system responds in high pressure moments, and how to get the most out of your current situation. And of course we talk all about setting; tactics, ideas, tips, and queues to help any level setter reach their full potential.  Check out our website: https://sites.google.com/view/thepit2propodcast/ho...

In this episode we talk about conflict within teams, when to implement new skills, how to lead when things aren't going your way and how to help others find motivation. Mathias shares his belief in Power Poses and how to exude confidence even when things aren't going well. We answer some questions about the hardest transitions from club to university, and university to pro, as well as ho...

In this refreshing episode we talk about radical honesty, how to lead a team through a broken culture, and the downside of overanalysis. Maar shares his reasoning for retiring from the national team, why experiencing the full spectrum of human emotion is a good thing, and how he turned one of his greatest defeats into one of his proudest moments. Above all, it is evident from the first minute of t...

In this episode we discuss Nick’s extensive career and what he has learned along the way. We talk about serving - one of Nick’s specialties - how to separate your identity from your sport, and how to be a leader without being a boss. We talk about why extra reps aren't always a good idea, the best way to learn new skills, and he shares some advice to those struggling with mental health. Suppo...

In this episode we reminisce on some of our favorite guests, stories, quotes, and moments from the 2024 Podcast Season. We talk about the 20 mile march, preventing regret, empathetic environments, and everything in between. The Athlete Wellness Academy Get 50% off using PROMO code: ARMSWING50 🏐💪🏻 Begin your journey to pain free spiking now!!! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If y...

In this episode we are joined by our very own Jesse Elser. We learn why Jesse was voted captain of his very first pro team, what most people get wrong about relationship building, how important rapport is to a successful career, and how different paths can lead to the same destination. We discuss the importance of finding your own authentic performance state and how to elevate that performance sta...

In this episode we dig into the incredibly complex mind of Mathias Elser, asking him the questions even we as brothers have been itching to ask for the past twenty years. We talk about flow state, the double edge sword of leadership, and the guts it takes to have tough conversations. Mathias shares his thoughts on the power of learning from the past, and the choices you have - even if you don’t th...

In this episode we talk to Oog and uncover the emotional toll it took to transfer schools, how having balance in your life is a key factor to achieve happiness and why farming is the greatest occupation in the world. We discuss the value of making decisions with your own interest in mind and the intricacy of personality traits and how different criticism and feedback can be interpreted depending o...

In this humorous and informative episode with Dr. Abe Avender, we discuss the arguments for and against stretching, what sets high performers apart from good performers, and the role, if any, for anti-inflammatory drugs in high level sport. We discuss the intricacy of volleyball training, the concussion epidemic in volleyball, and the power of sleep. The Athlete Wellness Academy Get 50% off using...

In this episode we answer a bunch more questions and get into some really cool topics concerning performing under pressure, meal prep for high performance athletes, and the power and structure of journaling. We discuss what we would tell our younger selves, and how being patient, curious, and authentic, can be hugely beneficial to success. The Athlete Wellness Academy Get 50% off using PROMO code:...

In this episode with Brie O’Reilly we discuss some of Ben Josephson’s many philosophies, how playing different positions helps overall development and why Brie couldn't say no to her contract in Brazil. She discusses the crazy emotions that came during her year with Athlete Unlimited, how tough conversations are always worth it, and the bright future of the Canadian Woman’s National Team. The...

In this episode we take a deep dive into what it takes to chase your dreams. Kofi discusses the power of learning from your failures, learning from your teammates, and the tool of reframing. We talk about how easy it is to be swept up in the lifestyle of a professional artist, how he has learned to balance two promising careers and the consequences of taking 4 years off from volleyball. Oh, we als...

In this episode we discuss the trials of being a new coach, the power of the mind and how to promote curiosity, as well as why Canada is behind other nations in terms of skill development. We speak about the dichotomy of how to deal with what matters and believing that it doesn't matter, and the side businesses within recovery. We discuss the amazing opportunity of having a family overseas as...

In this episode we are joined by another two-time Olympian. Lucas talks about his mental state after attending two olympics, the sacrifices his family had to make to help him succeed, and the role that fun has in long term success. He breaks down why he loves playing for the National Team more than playing overseas, how volleyball has changed over his 10 year professional career, and why blocking...

In this episode we are joined by Eric Loeppky. Eric dives into his near career ending sickness, the pressure and sacrifices it takes to be great, and how he ended up playing for one of the most elite clubs in the world. We discuss the power of using offspeed shots, where the lefty tip came from, and what goes through his mind when he’s attacking at the highest level. We talk about the value in res...