The Pit to Pro Podcast

In this episode we are joined by Kevin Tillie. Kevin is a world class receiver and a back to back Olympic Gold Medalist. He shares how his volleyball journey brought him to Canada, how many people tried to change his technique along the way, and his current role in the French National Team gym. We discuss what sets the French team apart from the rest of the world, the difficulty of receiving a hyb...

In this episode we discuss the different ways you can “weaponize” your serve to gain an edge over your opponents. We reminisce about some of our best serving memories and what we were feeling, seeing and doing in those moments. Serving is a difficult and crucially important skill and we hope the tips and tricks we provide in this episode can help you become more efficient and consistent servers. C...

In this episode with Brett Walsh – AN OLYMPIAN –  we talk about all things setting. Brett’s ability to be a positive influence whether he is on the court or not helped him, through many ups and downs in his career, earn a spot in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. We talk about growing up with Dads who played on the national team, what separates great setters from good setters, and how to instill pa...

In this question episode we discuss the power of the birth order and the psychology of getting yourself out of a rut. We talk about the gap between Team Canada and Team France during the Olympics and how big a role a single error can play in a team’s success. Lastly, we emphasize the importance of learning from those bad games - or even the games you were on the bench - and how that perspective ca...

In this episode we use a plethora of Ben Josephson quotes about golf and explain how they relate to high level volleyball performance. We talk about the power of efficiency, extension, and acceleration when performing a skill and we debate the use of boxes in a practice.  Click here to begin your journey to more aces and pain free spiking: https://coach.everfit.io/package/UT100315 Support the show

In this episode, our longtime friend, teammate, and roommate, Jackson Howe joins us as we talk about adding value to the team as an undersized middle, playing at the next level and the importance of the setter-middle relationship. We reminisce about our club days, the huge benefit of having friends overseas with you, and the importance of finding the playstyle that best suits your abilities and ph...

In this episode Mathias and Jesse discuss some of their favorite ideas and quotes that have helped them in various ways throughout their career – on and off the court. We discuss how these ideas help us deal with failure, practice gratitude, connect with others, and approach fear. Click here to begin your journey to more aces and pain free spiking: https://coach.everfit.io/package/UT100315 Support...

In this episode we are joined by our Dad, Tom Elser, for a special Fathers Day Edition of the Pit to Pro Podcast. Our Dad had a lengthy career consisting of many years with the National Team, a National Championship with the University of Calgary Dinos, a year of professional ball in Italy, and on various masters teams -- playing well into his 50’s. We discuss topics ranging from the parents role...

In this episode we talk about the role of humility and empathy in a leadership position. We further discuss what leadership means to us, how we have experienced great leadership, and we highlight some of the important leaders in our life and the amazing individual qualities each one brings to a team or a friendship. Click here to begin your journey to more aces and pain free spiking: https://coach...

Our first ever episode where all three of us are in the same room!!!! Listen to our second "Question and Answer" episode where we answer the remainder of your pressing question. 2:08 If y’all could do something other than volleyball as a career what would you do? Oog it has to be something other than a rancher.   3:48 Jesse, why did you decide to sign with de Sète? 5:44 What was the Else...

In this episode with our first guest ever, Nick Del Bianco, we discuss a number of helpful tips, tricks, and strategies to stay healthy, play longer, lift heavier, sleep better, and even hit harder. Nick specializes in athlete holistic wellness with an emphasis on longevity and availability.  Click here to begin your journey to more aces and pain free spiking: https://coach.everfit.io/package/UT10...

The goal of this episode is to continue to do our part in breaking the stigma around mental health – especially in athletes. We wanted to share our journey with mental health, how it has affected us, and how to create a safe space for those important people around you. Click here to begin your journey to more aces and pain free spiking: https://coach.everfit.io/package/UT100315 Support the show

In this episode we discuss tips and tricks on how to stay present in stressful situations, how to reset after errors, and how to deal with nerves. We also discuss the power of gratitude and the role that willpower plays in performance. Click here to begin your journey to more aces and pain free spiking: https://coach.everfit.io/package/UT100315 Support the show

We got an overwhelming number of questions so THANK YOU!!! We promise we will answer all of them. If we don't answer it in this episode that means we are using your question to shape the conversation of future episodes. Stay tuned. 1:38 How do you stop comparing yourself to others around you/on your own team? 7:08 Do you guys ever compare yourself to each other? Or how do you manage to not co...

In this episode we talk all about teammates, accountability, and love languages. We discuss the difference between being a friend and a teammate, how to lead by example, and attempt to tackle the question of how to make those around you better. Click here to begin your journey to more aces and pain free spiking: https://coach.everfit.io/package/UT100315 Support the show

In this episode we talk about getting recruited, how to stand out, moving away from home, and the individuality of each program. We also discuss how to deal with the stress of choosing a post-secondary institution and best practices for reaching out and building connections with coaches. Click here to begin your journey to more aces and pain free spiking: https://coach.everfit.io/package/UT100315...

In our second episode, we talk about learning and habits. We explore two different schools of thought – how to stress your mind and body just the right amount to ensure maximum success – and the science behind creating a new habit.  Click here to begin your journey to more aces and pain free spiking: https://coach.everfit.io/package/UT100315 Support the show

In our first episode, we talk all-things goal setting. How to achieve long term goals and how to productively and effectively stay on track as a team throughout the course of long and bumpy seasons. Click here to begin your journey to more aces and pain free spiking: https://coach.everfit.io/package/UT100315 Support the show