Explore how to Leave it Better: in life, through the sport of Volleyball. Nebraska Hall of Fame Coach Janice Kruger speaks with the world’s best Volleyball coaches and athletes about the lessons the sport of volleyball has taught them about how to “leave it better.†If you are looking for inspiration on your path of self-discovery? If you want to build a life with meaning? This is the podcast for you. For more than 30 years Janice Kruger has taught and coached young women leading them to become the best versions of themselves in both sport and life. Each one of her guests has a special formula that has helped them on their journey of personal growth. The ultimate goal of this show is to demonstrate the significance of the human connection and how our journey through life can help us leave it better. This show is powered by the Side-Out Foundation
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Hope College Coach Becky Schmidt and her teams have been to the NCAA Division III Tournament 15 different times in 20 years. Find out what it takes to sustain that sort of intensity and talent! Becky also shares how she utilizes her assistant coaches for maximum effect. Volleyball has changed over the years. Hear why your coaching methods may not be keeping up with the times. Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
If you treat your players like family, they will fight for you like family. That is one of Coach Cathy George's principles. As the current Head Coach of the Grand Rapids Rise professional volleyball federation team, and the winningest coach in the history of Michigan State's volleyball program, Cathy has dedicated her life to raising the best players in the sport. Often times that has involved inviting her players over to her home for the holidays, when they can't be home with their families.Through numerous NCAA tournament appearances, Cathy has learned the secret to pushing young players past their breaking points – helping them achieve new levels of skill they didn't think reach.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
We all have setbacks, but the Michigan State University Hall of Famer Kathy DeBoer's setback nearly killed her. Kathy suffered a devastating stroke while she was Executive Director of the American Volleyball Coaches Association, forcing her to learn how to talk and use parts of her body all over again. She tells Janice about the health risks she ignored, and about how positivity, persistence, and humor are helping her recover. Kathy still has a challenging time speaking, but her strong will and hilarious attitude will leave you laughing while feeling inspired.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
What does it take not only rack up an impressive win streak, but to find the confidence to keep that streak going?In 2023, Indiana Wesleyan University's Candace Moats was honored with multiple ‘Coach of the Year' awards, in part to her team finishing with a flawless 38 wins and zero losses season (the first time in 6 years for any NAIA volleyball team to accomplish). Coach Moats has been coaching volleyball competitively for 40 years. She shares her advice for not caving to the high-stakes pressure. We also hear about the benefit of surrounding yourself with people that you may not always agree with.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
"If you stop learning, you need to stop coaching." That's the motto of Bayside Academy Head Coach Ann Schilling; a legendary volleyball coach with over 37 years of experience. Janice and Ann discuss her journey in coaching, her philosophy on leadership and team culture, and her personal battle with breast cancer. Ann shares how her cancer diagnosis changed her entire outlook on life and her relationship with God. Hear about the significant experiences that have shaped her methods of passing on life lessons to her young athletes. This powerful conversation highlights the significance of resilience, faith, and the impact of sports on personal growth.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
Building a championship team takes great players that can be pushed to get better, AND great team staff that can push the coach to get better as well. Coach Erin Virtue leads the women's volleyball team at the University of Michigan and serves as an Assistant Coach for the U.S Women's National team.Coach Virtue tells Janice how she and the national volleyball team had to re-shape the scouting system they were using so they could spot and recruit the best players the country has to offer. This episode is a unique look at how any sport can go from a talent pool of hundreds of thousands of active players, and trim it down to just a handful of the best of the best.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
From hall-of-fame player, to the best personal trainer volleyball has to offer, Cathy Noth is here to tell you her methods to shaping young athletes into future stars. As a former Nebraska Husker and NCAA champ, Cathy became the first Nebraska female student-athlete to have her jersey retired.Listen for great step-by-step advice on how to help players improve their skills, and what parents can do today to help their kids.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
For decades, the best volleyball players in the country had few places to turn to if they wanted to stay with the sport they loved after college. Jen Spicher helped change that. As the CEO of the newly created "Pro Volleyball Federation," Jen is giving women a chance to continue their dreams. In her talk with Janice, Jen breaks down just what it takes to launch a new professional sports league. Jen also offers her unique perspective on the difference between being a college NCAA coach, and a coach on the professional level.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
The Volleyball Cancer research Charity tournament, Dig Pink, is making lasting impacts, much of it thanks to several young leaders in high school across the country. The conversation revolves around the experiences of the teenage ambassadors of the Side-Out Foundation's Dig Pink program. Learn about their personal motivations, and the big lessons they've discovered as leaders in their schools, teams, and communities. Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
In the early days of collegiate and competitive volleyball, organizer had one major question in mind: How to raise the popularity and visibility of the game. That's where Terry Liskevych came in. As a former collegiate and US Olympic team national volleyball coach, Terry Helped create the framework to support promising coaches and leaders in the world of volleyball.Terry explains to Janice why he has a hard time putting faith in the USA volleyball organization. And in the ongoing debate over who's needed more: great players or great coaches, Terry makes the case for choosing the players. Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
You can coach your players, but how do you coach their parents? Roger Anderson, Head Coach and Director of Health and Wellness at Westborough High School in Massachusetts shares his insights on coaching philosophy, the importance of community support. Hear why student-athlete well-being and mental toughness is significant on the court. Coach Anderson also shares the core values he instills in his athletes, and the lessons he imparts to both players and parents.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
Winning isn't everything if you're not winning cleanly. Coach Tyler Carey believes in pushing his players to be accountable for every point… even the ones the refs don't get right.Tyler helped start the “Power of Pink” volleyball tournament, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for breast cancer research. He talks with Janice about how a brush with death helped him find a renewed passion for life, and helping others.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
If you want to be the best, you need experience. That's where Ruth Nelson shines. As a volleyball coach at all levels of the sport over many decades, Ruth walks us through her lessons with some of the most influential volleyball figures in the history of the sport. A must listen to episode for young and aspiring coaches! Veteran coaches will appreciate Ruth's stories and connections.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
In the world of women's volleyball, one coach has racked up more wins than any other. His name is Russ Rose. He spent 40 years at Penn State and picked up seven NCAA Division 1 championships, among numerous other huge successes. So what does it take to not just get to the very top level, but stay there?Russ's coaching style holds players accountable. Hear what he sees as problems on the court today.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
Hot off the court from the 2025 Paris Olympics with her Silver medal, Team USA's Haleigh Washington shares the heart-pounding moments, the skills that carried the team, and how American volleyball can change its messaging.Also, get Haleigh's take on who the best players in the world are right now.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
A special episode with a unique message of hope. The sport of volleyball is the carrier for the Side-Out Foundation's mission to end breast cancer. On the frontlines of that mission is Dr. Emmanuel Chip Petricoin. He's a pioneering researcher in personalized medicine, and Co-Director of the Center of Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine at George Mason University. Hear how his work with the Side-Out Foundation is helping transform how we treat breast cancer.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
What does it take not only rack up an impressive win streak, but to find the confidence to keep that streak going?In 2023, Indiana Wesleyan University's Candace Moats was honored with multiple ‘Coach of the Year' awards, in part to her team finishing with a flawless 38 wins and zero losses season (the first time in 6 years for any NAIA volleyball team to accomplish). Coach Moats has been coaching volleyball competitively for 40 years. She shares her advice for not caving to the high-stakes pressure. We also hear about the benefit of surrounding yourself with people that you may not always agree with.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
Everyone should have a chance to play the sports they love. As the President of ParaVolley, Lori Okimura helps players with various physical disabilities come together to compete on the volleyball court. Whether it's using coconut trees for net posts, communicating through cultural barriers, or playing at the age of 92, as Lori tells Janice, if there's a will, there's a hundred ways.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
Whether you're training professional athletes to reach their peak, or raising kids to deal with everyday pressures, Juniata Head Coach Heather Pavlik has the experience everyone can benefit from. With a family in sports, Heather knows how to move past failures in a positive way to reach success.She tells Janice how straightforward honesty helped her gain the respect of her players and fellow coachesAfter coming off her second National Volleyball Championship victory, losing only a single match in two full seasons, Heather shares her recipe for winning on the court and off. Links mentioned: Juniata Volleyball website: https://www.juniatasports.net/sports/wvball/indexFor more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
As a coach, would you choose a player with a small role on a winning team, or take a player with a big role on a losing team? University of Pittsburgh Head Volleyball Coach Dan Fisher has built a VERY successful career out of recruiting players from all types of backgrounds. He tells Janice about his methods and philosophies when it comes to standing out in an extremely competitive field.Also, discover the superstitious habit Coach Fisher got hooked on after leading his team on an incredible win streak.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
Steve Grotowski and his wife Capri were taking beach volleyball to the next level. Steve was competing in the Olympics in Beach Volleyball, and Capri was the Head Coach of Florida Atlantic University, with Steve as her Assistant Coach. Then Capri was diagnosed with breast Cancer. She fought on for almost a decade, while still coaching with Steve nearly the entire time. Capri died in 2022. Hear how Steve keeps her memory alive as he works to defeat the terrible disease that killed her.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
On the path to become an influential architect, a detour into the world of coaching volleyball wasn't what the CEO of the American Volleyball Coaches Association Dr. Jaime Gordon would have ever imagined. Now he can't imagine doing anything else. Hear how coaching his players off the court through some of their most difficult life moments shaped the way Dr. Gordon sees the role of coaches in every sport. Sometimes there were calls to the police. Sometimes there were shoulders to cry on. Every time there were young players and people to lead.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
Sometimes terrible things can lead to wonderful good. Athletic Director Matt Althage introduced his school to the Dig Pink charity volleyball tournament in 2008 when his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Today, Matt and Head Volleyball Coach Claudia Garcia continue to inspire their players and grow their own tournaments at the Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart in Miami, Florida. Hear how Matt and Claudia's ambition and creativity lead to numerous partnerships with other schools who followed their mission.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
You've toned your muscles, you've mastered your technique, but how are you going to perform when your confidence fails? How will you handle injuries? As a former professional player, and author of the sports psychology book, Headstrong, and founder of Headstrong Mindset Counseling, Dr. Brooke Rundle works with athletes to control their fears and master their doubts. Dr. Rundle explains the foundational mental skills that top athletes need to win on the court, and even more so in their lives after they're done.Be sure to check out the end of the interview for a special “Progressive Muscle Relaxation” session; something coaches can start doing with their players right now.Links mentioned: To learn more about Dr. Rundle's Headstrong Mindset program, please visit her website: https://headstrongmindset.com/brooke-rundle/For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
Wisconsin Head Volleyball Coach Kelly Sheffield has developed some of the best players in the sport. His methods might be a bit different than a typical coach, but then again, you don't want typical players if you want to win championships. Coach Sheffield talks with Janice about the importance of losing games (yes, losing), and find out how his music selection during training and practice sessions plays a role in shaping some of the most skilled players in the league.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
Starting out as a sports psychologist, Paco Labrador was always looking for ways to help athletes and programs bring out the very best in themselves. However, once he saw our life as a head coach could be, he was set on changing paths. Now, as the Head Coach of Volleyball at the Naval Academy, Paco is living his dream. He took the Naval Academy to their first NCAA Volleyball Tournament, and was voted the National Coach of the Year for Division 3. Paco has done great things, perhaps in part because he had a great start… as one of Janice's assistant coaches back in 1997! Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
What is the ideal personality for a coach to have? Who should be the most competitive person on the team? How do you manage a new team every year? Coach Julie Jenkins has spent the last 40 years figuring out the answers to these big questions. As the head coach at Trinity University in Texas, Coach Jenkins is victory leader in Division 3, with 1,080 wins. She's even been recognized as the national coach of the year twice by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA).Janice and Coach Jenkins discuss the strategies they've picked up over their generation-long careers.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
Meet the woman whose power and bravery on the court led Team USA to their first-ever Olympic gold medal in women's volleyball. Jordan Larson is a four-time Olympian with two silver medals and a bronze to go with her gold. As the new Assistant Coach for the University of Nebraska, Jordan is bringing us some of her best Lessons she discovered while playing on the US Olympic team. Hear how she implements those lessons now as a coach herself, and how you can, too! Find out what separates the Gold medal players from the rest.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
The vast majority of volleyball players go their whole career without winning a national championship. Meet Molly Phillips. She won three national championships! Two of those wins came back-to-back with the University of Texas. She then moved to the beach volleyball team at the University of Southern California and won her third national championship.Molly tells Janice about her pre-game superstitions, training for the pros, and the importance of the smallest roles on the team.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
Think about what it takes to win a state championship. Now imagine doing that 10 times! As the Head Volleyball coach at RHAM High School in Hebron, Connecticut, Tim Guernsey has made that astonishing Achievement. Before Tim began running the volleyball program at RHAM High school, it didn't even exist. He built it from the ground up into a program now known for dominating the court. Hear why one of his biggest challenges today is teaching his new players that winning doesn't come as easy as he and his team make it seem.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
Taking immature high school players and evolving them into formidable athletes takes more than just carefully planned training routines. Coach Stephanie Noriega has found a way to grow her players her players into confident and caring young women, unafraid of new challenges. She's the Head Coach of Volleyball at West Springfield High School in Virginia. Just as important, Stephanie helped build and grow the Dig Pink charity tournaments with the Side-Out Foundation at their very beginning.Stephanie shares her way of inspiring her players to win on the court, and be proud of themselves off the court.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
Talent comes at a young age — whether you're playing or coaching. As someone in her mid-twenties, Katie Oleksak has quickly rose in the world of volleyball.This NCAA Woman of the Year nominee broke the career assist record (5,083) at Colorado State University, and earned All-American honors each of her four seasons. After graduating, Katie wasted no time going pro and competing in Switzerland. She took a chance during the pandemic From there, Katie made the transition from the court to the clipboard, becoming the Director of Volleyball Operations at University of San Diego. Katie also serves as the community engagement leader for the Dig Pink organization. Hear her philosophy on taking chances in life, even when you're worried of the outcomes.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
Team USA has only ever won four Olympic Gold medals in volleyball. One of those Golds belongs to coach Hugh McCutcheon. He led the men's team to Gold in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Hugh then switched over to coach the U.S. Women's National team to a Silver medal finish at the London Olympics in 2012. Now serving as the Assistant Athletics Director for the University of Minnesota, Hugh talks with Janice about his keys to success, and the differences between winning on a national stage versus winning on a global stage at the Olympics. Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
Ever wonder how balls get made, jerseys get designed, and sports equipment gets tested? Jake Licht knows. As the president and CEO of Báden Sports, it's Jake's responsibility not to just make your sports supplies, but make them the best. Janice talks with Jake about the unique path that got him involved with Báden Sports. And hear how, as a CEO, he has learned to lean on himself and others during challenging times.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
As a coach, would you choose a player with a small role on a winning team, or take a player with a big role on a losing team? University of Pittsburgh Head Volleyball Coach Dan Fisher has built a VERY successful career out of recruiting players from all types of backgrounds. He tells Janice about his methods and philosophies when it comes to standing out in an extremely competitive field.Also, discover the superstitious habit Coach Fisher got hooked on after leading his team on an incredible win streak.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
With four national championships under his belt, the current head coach of Nebraska's Cornhuskers volleyball team is spilling the secrets to competing at his level. Hear Coach John Cook explain why he prefers practices to matches, and why he believes the best coaches start out as dedicated school teachers.John also tells Janice what he learned from the Navy Seals when it comes to finding the leaders for his top team.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
The winningest coach in Texas A&M history has thoughts on volleyball you may have never heard before. Laurie Corbelli knows how to rally her teams to perform at levels they've never reached. The current Volleyball Operations Consultant for the Pro Volleyball Federation is a former Olympic silver medalist. Whether it's competing against her fellow coach husband, or attracting the best players in the world, Laurie has a story for you, with lessons to embrace.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
At just 22 years old, Cecile Reynaud was thrust into being the Head Coach of Florida State University's Women's Volleyball program. As one of the top female coaches, Cecile recognized many women in the sports coaching world weren't being taken as seriously as their male counterparts. So Cecile decided to do something about it. She's now spent decades uplifting other female coaches across all sports.Dr. Cecile Reynaud's lifetime of achievement and ambition is currently being put to the test as the Vice President of Volleyball Operations for the Pro Volleyball Federation.Janice spoke to her just days before the Pro Volleyball Federation held its first ever national championship game.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
On August 2nd, 2023, sports history was made at a volleyball game in Lincoln, Nebraska. More than 92,000 fans packed into a stadium to watch an NCAA match — making it the largest crowd to ever watch a women's sport. As the Director of Operations for the University of Nebraska's Volleyball program, Lindsay Peterson helped put together the largest attended women's game in history. How did it happen? How can it be repeated? And what's next for the future of the sport in stadiums and on TV? Lindsay gives Janice her insider perspective.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
Thinking about a career in professional volleyball? Star players Kendall White and Sydney Hilley share what it's really like. From the NCAA, to the Omaha Supernovas, Kendall and Sydney are charting a path for future players with the United States' Pro Volleyball Federation.They've played professional volleyball for various countries around the world, where overcoming the language barrier is as difficult as dealing with the thousands of miles separating them from their friends and families. They talk to Janice about the differences competing back in the U.S. for the first time.Learn about the mindset Sydney and Kendall bring to the court, where they're trying to beat former teammates in front of a crowd of new fans.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
If you treat your players like family, they will fight for you like family. That is one of Coach Cathy George's principles. As the current Head Coach of the Grand Rapids Rise professional volleyball federation team, and the winningest coach in the history of Michigan State's volleyball program, Cathy has dedicated her life to raising the best players in the sport. Often times that has involved inviting her players over to her home for the holidays, when they can't be home with their families.Through numerous NCAA tournament appearances, Cathy has learned the secret To pushing young players past their breaking points – helping them achieve new levels of skill they didn't think reach.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
What does it take not only rack up an impressive win streak, but to find the confidence to keep that streak going?In 2023, Indiana Wesleyan University's Candace Moats was honored with multiple ‘Coach of the Year' awards, in part to her team finishing with a flawless 38 wins and zero losses season (the first time in 6 years for any NAIA volleyball team to accomplish). Coach Moats has been coaching volleyball competitively for 40 years. She shares her advice for not caving to the high-stakes pressure. We also hear about the benefit of surrounding yourself with people that you may not always agree with.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
Building a championship team takes great players that can be pushed to get better, AND great team staff that can push the coach to get better as well. Coach Erin Virtue leads the women's volleyball team at the University of Michigan and serves as an Assistant Coach for the U.S Women's National team.Coach Virtue tells Janice how she and the national volleyball team had to re-shape the scouting system they were using so they could spot and recruit the best players the country has to offer. This episode is a unique look at how any sport can go from a talent pool of hundreds of thousands of active players, and trim it down to just a handful of the best of the best.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
For decades, the best volleyball players in the country had few places to turn to if they wanted to stay with the sport they loved after college. Jen Spicher helped change that. As the CEO of the newly created "Pro Volleyball Federation," Jen is giving women a chance to continue their dreams. In her talk with Janice, Jen breaks down just what it takes to launch a new professional sports league. Jen also offers her unique perspective on the difference between being a college NCAA coach, and a coach on the professional level.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
In the early days of collegiate and competitive volleyball, organizer had one major question in mind: How to raise the popularity and visibility of the game. That's where Terry Liskevych came in. As a former collegiate and US Olympic team national volleyball coach, Terry Helped create the framework to support promising coaches and leaders in the world of volleyball.Terry explains to Janice why he has a hard time putting faith in the USA volleyball organization. And in the ongoing debate over who's needed more: great players or great coaches, Terry makes the case for choosing the players. Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
Winning isn't everything if you're not winning cleanly. Coach Tyler Carey believes in pushing his players to be accountable for every point… even the ones the refs don't get right.Tyler helped start the “Power of Pink” volleyball tournament, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for breast cancer research. He talks with Janice about how a brush with death helped him find a renewed passion for life, and helping others.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
In the world of women's volleyball, one coach has racked up more wins than any other. His name is Russ Rose. He spent 40 years at Penn State and picked up seven NCAA Division 1 championships, among numerous other huge successes. So what does it take to not just get to the very top level, but stay there?Russ's coaching style holds players accountable. Hear what he sees as problems on the court today.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
When Gary Thompson lost his wife Maureen to metastatic breast cancer almost 10 years ago, his kids (15, 13, and 10 1/2 at the time) lost their mom. He and his family leaned into a variety of philanthropic endeavors to honor her legacy. As a result of his daughters spearheading Dig Pink® games (raising over $75K over 6 years) at their high school in Austin, TX, Gary was brought to the Side-Out Foundation and now serves as the Board Chair. Gary talks with Janice about his mission to give others battling cancer a chance to “have more tomorrows.”Links mentioned: For more of Gary and his daughters' story with Dig Pink, visit his blog post, When Pink is the Color of Love, Not Cancer https://side-out.org/dig-pink/when-pink-is-the-color-of-love-not-cancer/For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
Meet Janice's former coach at Nebraska, Dr. Pat Sullivan. Aside from getting to know how Janice was as a player from her coach's perspective, Pat explains the risks she took to bring the best out of her players. It's blueprint to avoid mediocrity. Hear Dr. Sullivan's version of Nebraska's League of Their Own moments as it occurred for her and her Nebraska team.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
For 23 years, one of the most talented and respected Women's Volleyball coaches was Nebraska's Terry Pettit. He was there at the very beginning of women's collegiate sports, and in many ways helped shape what NCAA volleyball is today.Janice talks to Terry about what it was like coaching an entire team back in the early days when resources were so scarce the team only had a single ball to practice with. It was a rough start, but one that changed countless lives for the better.Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
Whether you're training professional athletes to reach their peak, or raising kids to deal with everyday pressures, Juniata Head Coach Heather Pavlik has the experience everyone can benefit from. With a family in sports, Heather knows how to move past failures in a positive way to reach success.She tells Janice how straightforward honesty helped her gain the respect of her players and fellow coachesAfter coming off her second National Volleyball Championship victory, losing only a single match in two full seasons, Heather shares her recipe for winning on the court and off. Links mentioned: Juniata Volleyball website: https://www.juniatasports.net/sports/wvball/indexFor more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org
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