In this episode, Tyler Hildebrand, head coach of St. Mary's College, shares his extensive journey in volleyball, from his playing days at Long Beach State to his coaching experiences across various programs. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in building a competitive team at St. Mary's, the importance of support from administration, and the dynamics of recruitment. Tyler reflects on memorable moments in his volleyball career, emphasizing the significance of teamwork, winning, and the lasting friendships formed through the sport. In this engaging conversation, Tyler Hildebrand discusses his journey in volleyball, the importance of winning, and the challenges of coaching in the NIL era. He emphasizes the need for administrative support in college sports, the significance of mentorship, and the balance between family life and coaching. The discussion also touches on the evolution of youth volleyball training and the necessity for players to watch and learn from the game to improve their skills.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Tyler Hildebrand
02:52
Coaching Journey and Vision for St. Mary's
05:59
Transitioning Between Programs
08:57
Recruitment and Early Career Challenges
11:55
Memorable Experiences and National Championships
14:57
Reflections on Coaching and Player Development
22:30
The Journey Begins: Early Volleyball Experiences
23:50
Trials and Triumphs: Overcoming Adversity in Competition
25:32
The Paul Mitchell Experience: Team Dynamics and Challenges
30:55
The Importance of Team Spirit and Mentality
36:28
The Road to Victory: Personal Sacrifices and Team Success
43:48
The Essence of Winning: Shared Experiences and Lasting Bonds
45:31
Building a Competitive Volleyball Program
55:56
Finding Balance: Coaching and Family Life
59:56
Mentorship and Influences in Coaching
01:15:32
The Importance of Watching the Game
01:18:19
Training vs. Playing: The American Dilemma
01:20:50
Catching Up with International Competition
01:22:50
The Role of Video Analysis in Player Development
01:26:28
Learning from the Best: Emulating Top Players
01:40:40
The Story Behind the Game

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In this episode, we welcome Christian Schaefer, the D3 NCAA Player of the Year and national champion, to discuss his journey in volleyball. Christian shares insights about his early beginnings, the influence of his family, and the importance of teamwork and coaching. He reflects on his experiences at Southern Virginia University, the unique atmosphere of D3 volleyball, and his aspirations to play professionally. The conversation also touches on the lessons learned from losses and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. A surprise appearance by Coach Alan Knipe adds depth to the discussion, highlighting the significance of community and support in the sport.

takeaways
Christian Schaefer is the first active college player featured on the podcast.
Family played a significant role in his volleyball career.
Transitioning through different positions helped him develop as a player.
The D3 experience offers unique opportunities compared to D1.
Building strong relationships with coaches is crucial for success.
Southern Virginia University has a vibrant volleyball community.
Grass volleyball has been instrumental in developing his skills.
Christian aspires to play professionally and possibly for the USA team.

Sound Bites
"I want to be the guy."
"We have the best fans."
"I never lost at home."

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Christian Schaefer
02:28
Christian's Journey in Volleyball
10:57
The Role of Coaching in Development
14:54
The D3 Experience vs. D1
17:38
The Impact of Coach Peterson
18:12
Lessons from the Past: Coaching and Team Dynamics
20:18
The Heart of Southern Virginia: Community and Support
21:46
The Barn: A Unique Home Court Advantage
23:02
Building Skills: The Importance of Grass Volleyball
26:44
Aiming for Greatness: Future Aspirations and Team Culture
32:11
Challenging Environments: Toughest Places to Compete
33:12
The Thrill of Competition
34:28
Insights from the Division One Tournament
35:00
A Conversation with Coach Alan Knipe
38:52
Reflections on Loss and Redemption
41:55
The Impact of Team Dynamics
47:29
Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations

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Coach Sullivan's books:
Coaching Youth Sports: Guidelines to Ensure Development of Young Athletes
https://amzn.to/3ScQuu3
Winning the Game of Belief: Cultivating the Cultural Grit that Defines America’s Greatest Coaches
https://amzn.to/4jbnYUv

In this engaging conversation, Coach Charlie Sullivan shares his remarkable journey in volleyball coaching, reflecting on his achievements, the importance of team culture, and the unique experiences that shaped his career. From a coin toss that determined his coaching path to leading teams at the Olympics, Sullivan emphasizes the significance of relationships and cohesion in achieving success. He also discusses the challenges faced during international competitions and the cultural insights gained from coaching around the world. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the evolution of volleyball over the past few decades, focusing on the impact of analytics, the importance of mental toughness, and the changing dynamics of youth sports. They explore how coaching strategies have adapted to new technologies and the significance of fostering a positive mentality in athletes. The discussion also touches on the future of volleyball in the U.S., particularly at the collegiate level, and the need for continued growth and support for the sport.

takeaways
His coaching career began unexpectedly due to a coin toss that determined which sport he would coach.
Building a strong team culture and cohesion has been a priority throughout his coaching journey.
International coaching experiences have provided valuable insights into different volleyball cultures.
Sullivan's dedication to continuous improvement is evident in his approach to coaching.
The mentality around the game is more demanding than ever.
Failure is fertilizer for success; it provides learning opportunities.
Coaches need to relieve pressure from young athletes.
The growth of Division 3 volleyball is significant and promising.

Support the show

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instagram.com/setthepipe

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x.com/SETTHEPIPE

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open.spotify.com/show/6vzpcOYw2BKWMgaR5kKWOw

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