Volley Talk with Sarah Pavan

In this episode of Volley Talk, we take a look at Week 1 of the 2025 Women's Volleyball Nations League. Japan, Italy, and Turkey went undefeated in their respective pools, with Japan gathering a perfect 12-0 set record for the week. We also compare Week 1 roster construction, as some teams sent developmental squads to compete, while others used more experienced players. There were some pleasant su...

In this episode of Volley Talk, we take a look ahead at what to expect from the Men's VNL competition, starting June 10. The American men are only returning 3 players from the bronze-medal winning Paris Olympic roster, so we check out the new talent that was called up and discuss what we can expect from this team. We also take a look at the rosters at the other top teams from around the world and...

In this episode of Volley Talk, we take a look ahead at what to expect from the Women's VNL competition, starting June 3. The USA roster had a lot of people talking, and we take a look at the selections that were made, who was potentially snubbed, and how we think things will go for this new squad this season compared to the rosters submitted by other top programs around the world. If you have que...

In this episode of Volley Talk, we are jumping in a little earlier than usual to cover the NCAA men's volleyball championship. Long Beach State dominated all weekend long, earning the program's 4th national title in a definitive 3-0 victory over UCLA in the final. If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com! In...

In this episode of Volley Talk, we go over the PVF Championship that happened this past weekend in Las Vegas. Omaha, Indy, Atlanta, and Orlando went head to head to claim the highly coveted $1 million prize, and we break down the semifinals and final. With the 2nd PVF season coming to an end, Sarah and Adam run through a bit of an analysis of the league in general, from format and level of play to...

In this episode of Volley Talk, we look ahead to both the NCAA Men's Volleyball Championship and the PVF Championship, which are happening this weekend. The field is set for both events, and we throw out our predictions on how the weekend will go down. Pro leagues are wrapping up overseas, the CEV Women's Champions League Final Four was played in Istanbul, and we get to it with some great Volleyba...

In this episode of Volley Talk, we discuss the NCAA men's conference tournaments that happened this past weekend with a particular focus on the incredible match between Hawai'i and Long Beach State for the Big West title. The stage is set for the NCAA tournament, but the lingering question is, who will get the 2 at-large bids?? The Italian A1 Women's Final is over, and there is a lot going on off...

In this episode of Volley Talk, we discuss all things LOVB. The inaugural season wrapped up this past weekend with the LOVB Finals in Louisville. There were some very exciting matches played, and "upset" seemed to be the word of the weekend. With the season now behind us, Sarah and Adam talk about different aspects of the league. What went well? What could be improved? Will there be any changes ne...

In this episode of Volley Talk, we discuss the PVF playoff battle happening as the regular season winds down, in particular the matchup between the Omaha Supernovas and the Orlando Valkyries. Also, in a wild week of NCAA men's volleyball, USC and Pepperdine put on a good show, and we break down the first of two matches they played. The LOVB regular season finished up in preparation for the grand f...

In this episode of Volley Talk, we discuss the match between LOVB's top 2 teams, Atlanta and Houston. Houston has had Atlanta's number all season, but Atlanta picked a good time to turn the table and fight back. Also, #1 Long Beach State suffered their first loss of the season at the hands of Big West rival UC Irvine, which makes the remainder of conference play very interesting. NCAA men's volley...

In this episode of Volley Talk, take a look at the very interesting 5-set match between then-third-place teams LOVB Madison and LOVB Salt Lake. We also dive into the PVF match between number 1 Omaha Supernovas and the Indy Ignite, who recently lost top scorer Leketor Member-Meneh to a season-ending injury. The race is on in LOVB, PVF, and for the NCAA men as playoffs loom closer and closer. Who is...

In this episode of Volley Talk, we focus on Champions League. The men's quarterfinals got underway, and the women's semifinals are now set. 3 Italian teams and 1 Turkish team will battle it out in Istanbul for the 2025 title. Madison is clawing their way up the LOVB ranks, Omaha and Orlando are flip-flopping for that number 1 PVF spot, and Sarah & Adam make predictions for some upcoming matche...

In this episode of Volley Talk, we dive into the women's Champions League Quarterfinal matches, with a closer look at Milano vs Eczacibasi and Łodz vs Scandicci. We may be seeing some Golden Sets this week! Also, Vegas Thrill drops a 4-setter to the Indy Ignite, sparking questions about the trajectory of the team and who should be on the floor. Confirm of Deny makes a reappearance, and Sarah &...

In this episode of Volley Talk, we talk about Madison's back to back wins over the weekend, in particular their 3-0 over a disjointed Austin team. Lewis looked really good in their Midwestern matchup vs Loyola Chicago and executed a really good serve and blocking strategy. Champions League men's quarterfinal matchups are set, we take a look at several listener questions, and Sarah & Adam predi...

In this episode of Volley Talk, we break down the LOVB Houston match vs LOVB Omaha. Houston was looking a little fatigued, but took care of business 3-0. Also, the Columbus Fury have seemed to hit their stride in the PVF, posting back to back wins and surpassing the San Diego Mojo in the rankings. Adam introduces us to a new game, Champions League Women's quarterfinal matchups are set, and the men...

In this episode of Volley Talk, we discuss the absolute slug-fest that was NCAA men's UC Irvine vs USC. There was not an ounce of defense to be seen, but it was impressive nonetheless. We also mix things up a little bit and turn our attention overseas to the classic Conegliano vs Milano match-up in the A1 Women's Coppa Italia final. The PVF All-Star match is coming up, so Sarah & Adam discuss...

In this episode of Volley Talk, we talk about the back to back NCAA men's series between #4 Hawai'i and #9 Stanford. Spoiler alert: they split the series, and Hawai'i lost its unbeaten record. We also take a look at the LOVB Texas Showdown between Houston and Austin. Mary Wise announces her retirement from Florida after 34 years at the helm of the program, we take a look at the recent NCAA grads p...

In this episode of Volley Talk, we break down the Grand Rapids Rise's 5-set victory over the Orlando Valkyries in the PVF. We also dive into the NCAA men's rematch between UCLA and Ohio State that happened in Columbus over the weekend. Ohio State dethroned UCLA from their #1 AVCA ranking a few weeks ago. There is some huge news coming out of Lincoln, Nebraska, Adam gives listeners a roundup of wha...

In this episode of Volley Talk, we take a close look at the LOVB Omaha vs LOVB Madison match, and discuss what happened in the Indy Ignite's first PVF loss of the season. Sarah & Adam answer some listener questions, play a fun round of Level of Concern, and share what has been happening in NCAA men's volleyball this week! If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, dro...

In this episode of Volley Talk, we take a look at some NCAA men's volleyball and LOVB, in particular BYU vs Ball State and LOVB Madison vs Salt Lake City. Sarah Franklin carried a big load for Madison, and a late substitution for BYU was the turning point they were looking for against Ball State. Yet another professional volleyball league is entering the American landscape, Sarah & Adam answer...

In this episode of Volley Talk, we do a side by side comparison of the LOVB and PVF pro volleyball leagues after having watched some matches from each one. We also break down the LOVB Houston vs Austin match and PVF Omaha vs Atlanta. The transfer portal is still popping off, NCAA men's volleyball preseason is in full swing, and we address a couple listener comments. If you have questions for us or...

In this episode of Volley Talk, we take a look at the NCAA Volleyball Transfer Portal with a particular focus on "Big News," the biggest poachers, and programs that have lost A LOT of athletes. Also, with 2025 right around the corner, a little LOVB and PVF preview is in order. Sarah and Adam take some time to answer some listener questions, and play a tough round of Pick A Player. If you have ques...

In this episode of Volley Talk, we talk about the NCAA Women's Volleyball Final Four. We do deep dives into all of the matches from the weekend, including Pitt vs Louisville, Penn State vs Nebraska, and the big Penn State vs Louisville final! A huge congrats to Penn State on earning their 8th National Championship! If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line...

In this episode of Volley Talk, we talk about the NCAA Volleyball Tournament Regionals and what to expect from the Final Four matchups. Sarah and Adam dig deep into each of the 4 Regional Finals matches and give recaps of each Regional Semifinal match. How is NCAA Women's Volleyball season coming to an end already?! If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a lin...

In this episode of Volley Talk, we talk about the NCAA Volleyball Tournament Rounds 1 and 2. There were some big upsets and some nail-biting, down-to-the-wire matches, and we go through most of them. Also, Sarah and Adam break down the PVF Draft and answer some listener questions in another round of Volleyball 101. If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line...