Did you ever wonder why some volleyball matches feel like electric rock concerts while others seem like a quiet library? Join us as we kick off this episode with a sweet anecdote about York Peppermint Patties and how they became an unlikely hero at tournament desks. Chad shares his firsthand experience from Arlington's Volleyball Nations League (VNL), where even top-tier matches like Serbia vs. Turkey struggled to draw crowds. We draw comparisons to the vibrant volleyball culture in Poland and discuss the uphill battle of scheduling weekday games in the U.S., all while underscoring the impressive efforts of true volleyball enthusiasts.

The Norco Cup was nothing short of a spectacle, and we're excited to give you a behind-the-scenes look at its execution. From welcome gift bags to the thrilling all-star game and even a drum line, we pulled out all the stops to ensure a memorable experience. Despite a few hiccups, like a spike ball mishap, the event was a massive success and set a new benchmark for Northern California. Our journey from concept to reality was filled with stress and satisfaction, but seeing the packed stands and engaged crowd made it all worthwhile.

Lastly, we dive into how social media is transforming team dynamics and personal branding for our athletes. By encouraging our team to use social media as a living resume, we've seen remarkable boosts in their confidence and self-expression. Balancing the excitement of upcoming events like the Beer Olympics and Grassman, we also stress the importance of proper training and rest. Looking ahead to the SoCal Cup, we remain committed to staying prepared and engaged. Tune in for a packed episode brimming with reflections, insights, and a dash of humor.

Here is what ChatGPT spit out when we asked it to summarize todays episode:

Get ready to spike your knowledge of college volleyball as we serve up a hearty post-season analysis! Our special guest, Bobby, joins the crew to dissect our preseason forecasts, celebrating the aces and learning from the faults. We're not just talking about who soared and who stumbled in the Big West, MIVA, and EIVA—we're giving you an insider's play-by-play on how injuries and home crowds have turned the game upside down. And yes, we're taking a victory lap for our unanimous Ohio State for MIVA prediction!

But it's not all about the big hitters—our Coaches Group Chat Awards are here to shine the spotlight on the entire squad. Ever wondered who the unsung heroes of the volleyball court are? Discover our picks for the Seventh Man of the Year, the player who's ready to jump off the bench and into the fray. We're not just crunching numbers; we're unraveling the stories behind the stats, the quiet contributors, and the players who bring the heat even when they're not making headlines.

The net isn't the only thing that's tense as we volley over the top players of the season. Join us as we argue who deserves to be our hypothetical club's setter and who truly stands out as the Opposite of the Year. It's a battle of the volleyball titans, where stats, impact, and leadership all come into play. We don't just analyze the performance; we get into the very spirit of the game, projecting the bright future of these athletes as they leap toward their volleyball destinies. Spike your curiosity and tune in for a set of discussions that are as passionate as a match-point rally!

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Ever found yourself laughing at the mishaps that come with tweeting idioms? Imagine my surprise when my own Twitter fiasco turned into a source of shared giggles. In this lively episode, we tackle everything from the quirky allure of holiday candies—team Easter or Halloween, pick your sugary fighter—to navigating the choppy waters of selling a used car. Stick around as we share our latest life updates; whether it's braving a new haircut, enduring car dealership haggling, or embracing the chill of an impromptu cold plunge, you're in for a mix of laughs and earnest life lessons, including the financial juggling act that comes with career transitions.

Now, let’s whisk your palate away to the hearty flavors of Polish cuisine, as we contrast the local dining gems with our stateside culinary experiences. During this gastronomic adventure, we’ll also spill the beans on a whirlwind trip to Los Angeles that almost wasn't, until spontaneity struck. Then we pivot to a more contemplative note, unraveling the intriguing circumstances surrounding Jamie Davis's departure from USA Volleyball. We toast to the organization's victories and ponder the power of transparency, considering a Freedom of Information Act request to unearth the intricacies of their NBC contract.

Wrapping up, we volley through discussions on the vibrant volleyball community, probing into the passionate, sometimes overly intense, world of local leagues and the need for a nurturing fan base to keep the sport alive in the public eye. From there, we salute the iconic team spirits of the Navy SEALs, New Zealand's All Blacks, and the memorable Chicago Bulls under Phil Jackson's wing. Finally, we plunge into a pool of nostalgia, reminiscing about summer swim meets that shaped our childhoods, inspired by legends like Katie Ledecky and Michael Phelps. Join us as we share these stories, connecting the dots of our diverse interests and experiences, leaving you with a splash of inspiration and a hearty dose of amusement.

Strap on your knee pads and join us for a rollicking journey through the world of youth volleyball coaching, with peals of laughter and sage advice served in equal measure. In our latest episode, Bob, Ariel, Chad, and I, Matt, trade stories from the court with the same energy and spirit as our U-14 athletes bringing their all to the game. From the rush of a tournament weekend to the invaluable lessons imparted to young, eager players, we're sharing the playbook on how to foster a sense of community and cultivate the next wave of volleyball stars.

As we set up the conversation, we delve into the coaching strategies that hit the mark with the 12-and-under crowd. It's not just about the skills—it's about communication, motivation, and the kind of 'compound interest' effect that can set a young athlete on a trajectory to greatness. Chuckle along with us as we recount creative coaching incentives, the smoothie bet that won't be forgotten, and the profound satisfaction that comes with mentoring young players. Our anecdotes are a testament to the joy and challenges of coaching, sure to resonate with seasoned coaches or those contemplating picking up a whistle.

For the final spike, we tackle the broader world of volleyball, discussing the potential expansion of the NCAA Men's Volleyball Tournament and advocating for more inclusive competition. We also highlight the importance of leveraging resources like YouTube and Volleyball World to enrich club experiences. As a bonus, we take a timeout to reminisce about our own childhood hobbies, from video games to sports, bringing a personal touch to our shared volleyball narrative. Whether you're here for the volleyball insights or the nostalgic trip down memory lane, this episode promises to entertain and enlighten.

Ever found yourself chuckling over a case of mistaken fruit identity or debating the merits of volleyball tournaments with friends? That's exactly where we landed in our latest episode, kicking things off with a humorous mix-up involving nectarines—yes, those juicy summer gems—and a timely correction from our ever-reliable virtual sidekick. The laughs didn't end there, as we spun yarns about Costco adventures and a memorable sweatshirt design gone awry, setting the stage for a deeper volley into the world of volleyball events. As I staunchly defended the Olympic Games as the zenith of volleyball dreams, Jan presented a compelling argument for the V&L and World Championships, sparking a lively debate on the essence of the sport and what truly crowns a competition as the best.

Nostalgia hit us hard as we sauntered through the gallery of volleyball greats who've left their mark on the game and our hearts. From Dana Burkholder's exceptional setting skills to Misty May-Treanor's unmatched prowess on the sand, these legends shaped our love for volleyball. Jan brought the energy with tales of Brazilian sensation Giba, painting a vivid picture of his influence on a whole generation of players. We didn't forget to shine a spotlight on today's trailblazers like TJ DeFalco and Uroš Kovačević, wondering aloud who the youth on the courts today idolize as they dream of their own athletic futures.

Wrapping up our gameplay, we turned the heat on the NCAA, baking up predictions and seasoning our conversation with a dash of insider sports analysis humor. We volleyed opinions on teams with potential, like Grand Canyon and UCLA, while jesting about biases and the thrill of flying solo as a podcast host. It's a full-court press of laughter, insights, and a shared passion for the spikes, digs, and serves of volleyball. So, pull up a chair and join us for an episode that sets up the perfect spike of entertainment and reflection on the game we all adore.

Have you ever bumped into a celebrity doppelganger or felt the pang of missing camaraderie from a break? No, it's not a new reality TV theme; it's just us, weaving personal tales with the fabric of sports commentary. This episode takes you from laugh-out-loud branding brainstorms featuring Marcus Mariota, all the way to the solo ventures of everyday life. Our storytelling doesn't end with humor; it also casts light on Grand Canyon University's climb in college volleyball rankings and an engaged discussion about the future of officiating in the sport. Matt August, assistant coach of Grand Canyon University, even gets a nod for his sideline enthusiasm and shared love for our podcast.

Who said sports discussions couldn't be as critical as they are entertaining? We tackle the pressing issues facing USA Volleyball and the structure of boys' volleyball in the States, debating the shortcomings of the system and fostering a competitive environment. Our insights suggest a dire need for technological advancements in officiating and the potential transformations within the sport. The discourse continues as we critique the impact of volleyball rule changes on player dynamics, revealing how new regulations might tip the scales between traditional skills and the quest for viewer-friendly action.

Ending on a note that tugs at the heartstrings, we recount an emotional video making experience that transcended the digital space, reminding us of the profound effects of capturing life's moments. Unexpected twists turn into cherished memories as we share a travel story involving none other than Nancy Pelosi. Together, we navigate the meaningful intersections of life, sports, and the personal connections that carry us through each episode. Join us for a session that promises as much depth and reflection as it does laughter and innovative thinking.

We were without producer Bob this episode and it shows as Matt forgot to turn the camera on 🤦‍♂️

But show must go on as we discuss:

• Chad's airborne birthday
• Hawaii trip recap
• Updated NCAA rankings
• VolleyDork gets acquired
• Revamping stats in volleyball: Expected Value
• Upsets around the country
• Volleyball Super Bowl ad spot
• Volleyball: Not for Everyone