Under the Hat with Kara Hill

In this episode of Under the Hat , Kara and Coach Sam tackle one of the most misunderstood — and most emotional — topics in college volleyball: transferring. This is not a “jump in the portal” pep talk. It's the opposite. We walk through: Why the fall semester is NOT enough time to judge a fit Emotional triggers that mislead athletes (comparison, homesickness, frustration)...

In this episode of the Under the Hat Player of the Year Spotlight Series , we're joined by Amari Frazier — a 6'3" Class of 2028 outside hitter/right side from Xavier College Prep , one of Arizona's top high school programs. Amari talks about what it's like being part of a state title–contending team, her leadership growth from freshman to sophomore year, and how her high school squad b...

She's not just one of the most decorated high school players in the country — she's a student of the game, a silent force, and a mirror for what's possible when preparation meets poise. In this episode, we sit down with five-star USC commit and modern-day modern-day legend Layli Ostovar. From her quiet rituals of visualization to the rowdy tradition of touching a coach's shoe after an ace, L...

In this episode of the Under the Hat Player of the Year Spotlight Series , we sit down with rising setter Jocelyn Samuels — a 2028 standout repping Harrisburg High School and Kairos Elite. We talk about everything from growing up in South Dakota and finding her rhythm as a setter, to what fuels her love for the game, the moments that shaped last club season, and what she's chasing this year....

In this Player of the Year Spotlight , Kara Hill and Chris Tobolski go Under the Hat with Finley Krystkowiak — outside hitter for Torrey Pines High School and Wave Volleyball Club , and future Penn State Nittany Lion . They talk about Torrey Pines' incredible season, leadership through competition, and what made Penn State feel like home. Finley also opens up about growing up in a sports fam...

In this episode of the Under the Hat Podcast , we sit down with Sydney Whisenton — a 2028 setter-opposite from Cornerstone Christian and Alamo 16 National — and a standout nominee in our Player of the Year Spotlight Series. Sydney takes us behind the scenes of her journey: from early club days to national-level competition, and through a medical diagnosis that nearly sidelined her for...

We're kicking off the VBallRecruiter Player of the Year Spotlight Series with a setter who's got fire in her veins and roots in the game — Peyton Heatherly of Mother McAuley. In this episode, Peyton gets real about: What it took to earn a varsity spot as a freshman Growing up in a volleyball family (hello, First Alliance!) Her evolution from follower to leader Mental training, journaling, an...

The transfer portal feels like a fresh start — but for most athletes, it's anything but simple. In this episode, Kara Hill and Coach Sam Wolinski go deeper than timelines and tactics to explore what really needs to happen before you decide to leave. From handling tough conversations with your coach… to checking your mindset for victim-thinking… to knowing whether you're ready t...

The rules are changing — again. In this episode, Kara Hill and Sam talk through the proposed “5-in-5” eligibility shift and what it really means for families navigating the recruiting process. We break down: Why recruiting classes are about to get smaller What this means for underclassmen How to stay in the game when timelines shift And why your communication habits matter more t...

From adding to a dynasty, to an improbable upset and the taste of redemption, Vballrecruiter.com takes you on the journey of 5 state champions from around the country.

Chris Tobolski breaksdown why and how Byron Nelson was named Vballrecruiter.com's 2024 High School National Champion

Christopher Tobolski, head writer at Vballrecruiter.com, gets into detail about the history of the Durango Fall Classic!

The Travel team is back together talking about thier favorite thanksgiving memories and some upcoming plans for our Elite ID clinics!

The Vballrecruiter travel team talks about their upcoming Thanksgiving plans and some current events!

Following up last weeks episode; The Travel Team takes a deep dive into our adventures in Chicago and start to prepare for whats to come!

The Vballrecruiter Travel Team recounts their adventures leading up to their 26 day long Journey to Florida and The Windy City.

The travel team comes together for week 3 to highlight some of our favorite and most memorable stories.

The Vballrecruiter Travel team comes together again to continue sharing their wacky misadventures!

The Vballrecruiter travel team comes together to talk about all of our adventures around the country while we travel to see Volleyball. Featuring: Kara, Coach Sam, Chief Editor Chris Tobolski, Writer and Content Creator Christi Phillips, and Content Creator and Producer Derek Reyes!

On this episode of Under The Hat, Kara interviews Jeanne Rankin! She's the assistant director of speed, strength and conditioning at Coastal Carolina; She takes Kara on a journey into her past talking about her background in playing multiple sports and explaining how she was able to move up in a primarily male dominated field.

On this episode of Under The Hat: Kara interviews, Kara Loker founder and CEO of TUFF SOX. Kara L. shares her journey creating the product with her family while also raising her own athletes.

On this episode of Under The Hat: Kara interviews Anne Marie, a volleyball mom sharing her experinces going through the recruiting process with her first child and what she now knows restarting the process with her second.

On this episode of Under The Hat: Kara interviews Alexis White, going through her story and the creation of A-list tutoring, as well as her growth in being the college expert on tik tok.

I really loved this interview with Felicia Lewis. She has 3 awesome boys who played Division 1 Football. It was great to hear about life on the other side. She shared her isnpiring story now that her children are grown.

On this episode of Under the Hat, Kara talks to Kevin Pratte about what is happening in the men's volleyball game around the country.