Better Together

What was volleyball like before girls had the opportunities to compete that we know today?

In Part 1 of a special Better Together conversation, host Korohen Jones sits down with her former high school coach, Hall of Fame volleyball coach Sherry Ammons, to look back at the early days of women's athletics and the people who helped pave the way.

Sherry shares what it was like growing up before Title IX, when opportunities for female athletes were limited and even the chance to compete against another school was something worth celebrating. From her earliest experiences playing volleyball in Mobile to her collegiate years at Montevallo, she reflects on the teachers, coaches, and advocates who recognized the potential of women in sports and worked to create opportunities where few existed.

Along the way, Sherry shares unforgettable stories about early volleyball uniforms, challenging expectations for women, and winning a collegiate state championship.

It's a look at how far the game has come, the women who helped move it forward, and why understanding that history matters for the generations of athletes playing today.

In Part 3 of our conversation with Maycor Carrion, we're taking a closer look at the game behind the game.

As an Assistant Coach and Technical Coordinator at Alabama A&M, Maycor gives us a behind-the-scenes look at scouting opponents, studying player tendencies, and using film and data to prepare athletes for competition. He shares what coaches notice that spectators might miss and how strategy can influence the outcome of a match long before the final point.

We also explore why statistics don't always tell the full story of an athlete, what coaches look for in high-pressure situations, and the challenges of making decisions from the sidelines rather than being on the court.

Maycor shares what drew him to United, his excitement about coaching both boys and girls this upcoming season, and how his experiences across different countries and programs have shaped his understanding of the game.

To close out our conversation, Maycor reflects on the relationships, cultures, and opportunities volleyball has brought into his life and what it truly means to be Better Together.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Maycor, we're diving deeper into the game of volleyball - exploring what it means to truly understand the court, communicate with confidence, and grow as both a player and coach.

Maycor shares his journey through multiple positions before finding his home as a libero, the importance of reading opposing teams and recognizing tendencies, and why great defensive players contribute far more than passing and digging.

We also explore how his early coaching experience changed the way he approaches the game, helping him see the bigger picture, make adjustments, and understand volleyball from an entirely new perspective.

Whether you're an athlete looking to elevate your volleyball IQ or a coach helping players develop their confidence and communication, this conversation offers valuable insight into what it takes to grow beyond the fundamentals.

In Part 1 of our conversation with Maycor Carrion, we go back to where his volleyball journey began in the Dominican Republic and follow the opportunities that eventually brought him all the way to Huntsville.

Maycor shares how he discovered volleyball through his sister, why he set his sights on playing and studying in the United States, and the work and sacrifice it took to turn that goal into reality. From Trinity Christian to Oakland City, collegiate player to coach, and now Assistant Coach and Technical Coordinator at Alabama A&M, each step has given him a new perspective on the game.

We also talk about the growth of boys volleyball, the importance of building connections, and why your volleyball journey doesn't have to end with your final match.

Plus, Maycor gets candid about his own college recruiting experience, from sending nearly 100 emails to coaches to navigating scholarships, academics, highlight videos, and the realities athletes should consider when deciding where they want to play.

Now joining the coaching staff at United, Maycor brings a unique perspective and a passion for creating opportunities for the next generation of athletes.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Kaelin “Coach Kae” Steele, we dig deeper into what she's learned about coaching, success, and the importance of knowing the athletes behind the jerseys.

Kaelin reflects on her Coach of the Year season with 18 White and how coaching a group with different goals challenged her to adjust her approach and focus on giving each athlete an experience they could be proud of. She shares why player-coach relationships and mental check-ins have become such an important part of her coaching, and how her definition of a successful season has evolved beyond simply wins and losses.

We also look ahead to her upcoming season with 17 Blue, the areas where she's still challenging herself to grow, and why building relationships and team chemistry starts long before the first match.

And to close it out, Coach Kae shares what Better Together means to her after growing alongside United from nearly the beginning.

What happens when you accidentally walk into the wrong tryout and discover a sport that becomes a major part of your life?

In Part 1 of our conversation with Kaelin “Coach Kae” Steele, we go back to where her volleyball story began, from showing up to volleyball tryouts by mistake to discovering what she calls a “positive distraction” during an important season of her life.

Coach Kae shares how she made the transition from player to coach, what she learned by starting as an assistant and simply being willing to observe, and how she's grown from a timid young coach trying to find her voice into a confident head coach and United's 2026 Coach of the Year.

She and Korohen also talk about the confidence that comes with experience, why making mistakes is part of becoming a better coach, and one of the biggest lessons Coach Kae learned during her first season as a head coach: let athletes be proud of themselves, have fun, and enjoy the moments they've worked for.

This is Part 1 of our conversation with Coach Kae. Stay tuned for Part 2!

No two college recruiting journeys look exactly the same.

In this special Better Together recruiting recap, we’re revisiting conversations with Alicia Krichev, Eli Hester, Audrey Cagle, and Audrey Krichev to hear four very different perspectives on finding the right path to college volleyball.

From navigating the process as a family and starting recruiting later than expected, to choosing a school based on academics and finding an unexpected way back to the game, these stories are a reminder that recruiting doesn’t have to follow one specific timeline or formula.

Whether you’re just beginning the process, somewhere in the middle of it, or wondering if your journey looks different from everyone else’s, this episode offers perspective, encouragement, and a reminder to focus on finding the path that fits you.

What do college coaches really look for during the recruiting process?

In this special Better Together recruiting recap, we’re revisiting conversations with Tristan Johnson of UNA Indoor Volleyball, Kaleb VanDePerre of UNA Beach Volleyball, and Betsy Freeburg of UAB Volleyball to hear recruiting from the coaches’ side.

From getting noticed and communicating with coaches to highlight film, grades, finding the right fit, and the qualities that matter beyond talent, these three coaches share insight every athlete and parent navigating the recruiting process should hear.

Whether college volleyball is a future goal or recruiting is already underway, this episode is full of practical advice to help you approach the process with more confidence and intention.

In the final part of our conversation with United Programming Coordinator Celeste Walton, we're bringing her story home to United.

Celeste shares what ultimately brought her back to Alabama, what stood out to her about United, and why our commitment to creating opportunities for athletes at every level made this feel like the right place for her.

We also go behind the scenes of great programming and talk about what parents may not always see: the planning, adapting, problem-solving, and heart that go into creating an environment where athletes can learn, grow, and feel safe enough to make mistakes.

Plus, Celeste shares what she's most excited to grow at United and what "Better Together" means to her, not only for athletes, but for coaches who are willing to learn from one another, share what they know, and continue raising the level of the game together.

We're so excited to have Celeste as part of the United family and can't wait to see the impact she'll make in the gym this season!

In Part 2 of our conversation with United Programming Coordinator Celeste Walton, we're diving deeper into what it means to coach the athlete in front of you.

Celeste and Korohen talk about the lessons that come with coaching athletes at every age, from learning patience and adaptability with younger players to keeping older athletes challenged, engaged, and connected to their role on a team.

They also discuss navigating burnout, understanding that every role matters, and what it means to add value to your team whether you're on the court or supporting your teammates from the sideline.

And finally, Celeste shares the coaching philosophy at the heart of how she wants to impact athletes: Elevate and Empower.

Elevate who they are as people and players. Empower their confidence, their voices, and their ability to advocate for themselves.

Because the impact of a great coach reaches far beyond the volleyball court.

We're excited to welcome a new face to the United family!

In Part 1 of our conversation with United's new Programming Coordinator, Celeste Walton, we get to know the person behind the coach and hear about the volleyball journey that ultimately brought her to United.

Celeste shares how she first fell in love with the game, her experience playing multiple positions and competing at the collegiate level, and the coaches who helped shape the way she approaches athletes today. She also opens up about discovering her own calling to coach and why developing the next generation of young women means so much to her.

Plus, Celeste and Korohen talk about finding your voice, where confidence really comes from, and why putting in the work can give athletes the confidence to make mistakes, learn from them, and keep growing.

We're thankful to have Celeste as part of United and can't wait for you to get to know her.

In This Episode

• How Celeste first discovered volleyball
• Going from libero to middle and eventually playing nearly every position
• How club volleyball fueled her love for the game
• The coaches who took the time to teach, challenge, and believe in her
• Celeste's collegiate volleyball experience
• How volleyball helped Celeste come out of her shell and find her voice
• Why great coaching requires finding different ways to reach different athletes
• The connection between preparation, repetition, and confidence
• Why doing the work can give athletes the confidence to make mistakes
• Helping young athletes explore their limits instead of fearing failure

Featured Guest

Celeste Walton

Programming Coordinator, United Volleyball

Presented By

Huntsville Hair Company, the official sponsor of the Better Together podcast.

As athletes prepare for a new season, we're continuing our look back at one of our most valuable conversations with registered dietitian Alyssum Reno-Smith.

In Part 2, Alyssum gets practical about what fueling can actually look like during a busy tournament weekend — from early morning matches and long days at the convention center to traveling, limited recovery time, and making sure athletes have what they need in their bags.

We also talk about recognizing the signs of under-fueling, building healthy habits without creating restriction or fear around food, navigating nutrition misinformation on social media, and helping young athletes take ownership of their fueling as they grow.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How to plan nutrition around multi-day tournament weekends
• What athletes should eat before, during, and after competition
• Simple foods and snacks to keep on hand while traveling
• How to prepare for early morning matches and limited recovery time
• Why planning ahead can make tournament nutrition much easier
• Signs that an athlete may be under-fueling
• How parents can support healthy eating without becoming overly restrictive
• Helping athletes develop a positive relationship with food
• Whether different volleyball positions have different nutritional needs
• Why hydration should be proactive, not just based on thirst
• How to make small, sustainable changes to everyday nutrition
• How to identify nutrition misinformation and social media red flags
• Common nutrition myths about carbs, fruit, protein bars, and pre-match eating
• Why consistency matters more than perfection when it comes to fueling
•

Whether you're an athlete, parent, or coach, this conversation is full of practical reminders about preparing, fueling, hydrating, and supporting athletes in a way that helps them perform — both on the court and beyond it.

If you missed Part 1, be sure to go back and listen to the first half of our conversation with Alyssum for even more on the connection between nutrition, focus, energy, and performance.

As athletes head back into the gym and prepare for a new season, we're looking back on one of our most valuable conversations.

In this archived episode, registered dietitian Alyssum Reno-Smith joins us to discuss the powerful connection between nutrition and athletic performance. From brain function and decision making to hydration, anxiety, and sustained energy, Alyssum explains why what athletes eat before and during competition matters just as much as what they do in practice.

Whether you're listening for the first time or revisiting this conversation, the information is just as relevant today as it was when we first released it.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why under-fueling can increase anxiety, shakiness, and mental mistakes
• How nutrition supports the nervous system, focus, and confidence
• Why carbohydrates are the brain's primary fuel
• The truth about energy drinks and pre-competition fueling
• Smart snack ideas for tournaments and long training days
• Why skipping meals before competition can hurt performance
• How hydration affects decision making and reaction time
• Common fueling misconceptions among athletes and parents
• Simple nutrition habits that support more consistent performance

Whether you're an athlete, parent, or coach, this conversation is packed with practical, evidence-based advice to help athletes perform at their best.

Be sure to join us next week as we revisit Part 2 of our conversation with Alyssum.

We wrap up our three-part conversation with professional volleyball player and United ambassador Merritt Beason by talking about the lessons she's still learning - and the ones she hopes to pass on.

From coaching young athletes and navigating difficult decisions to confidence, accountability, self-talk, and finding your voice, Merritt shares the perspective she's gained both on and off the court.

She also reflects on balancing high expectations with grace, why confidence isn't something you always feel, and what it really means to keep growing as an athlete, coach, and person.

Key Takeaways

• Questions young athletes should be asking more often
• Balancing accountability with grace as a coach
• Helping athletes separate performance from self-worth
• What confidence really looks like
• Finding your voice while remaining respectful
• The importance of effort, energy, and buy-in
• Practical strategies for managing negative self-talk
• Merritt's definition of "Better Together"

In Part 2 of our conversation with Merritt Beason, we go even deeper into what life really looks like as a professional volleyball player.

From long travel days and recovery routines to nutrition, self-care, and learning to give yourself grace, Merritt shares the parts of professional volleyball that fans rarely get to see.

She also reflects on the importance of finding what works for you, protecting your own well-being, and the role that faith, mentorship, and trusted relationships have played throughout her journey.

Most importantly, Merritt shares why she hopes young athletes learn to be kinder to themselves long before they reach the highest levels of the game.

Whether you're an athlete, parent, or coach, this episode is filled with practical wisdom and honest perspective that reaches far beyond volleyball.

This week on Better Together, we're joined once again by United ambassador and professional volleyball player Merritt Beason.

Fresh off another day in the gym with our athletes, Merritt sits down with Korohen to reflect on everything that's happened over the past year, from coaching and mentoring to competing with the Omaha Supernovas and making a run to the professional championship match.

But this conversation isn't just about volleyball.

Merritt opens up about confidence, self-talk, vulnerability, social media, handling criticism, and why growth doesn't stop once you reach the highest levels of the game. She shares what she's still learning, how coaching has changed her perspective, and why being honest about the struggles behind the scenes has become one of the most rewarding parts of her journey.

Whether you're an athlete navigating evaluations, a parent supporting your player, or simply someone learning to embrace growth, this conversation is a reminder that no one has it all figured out.

Evaluations are here, and with them come excitement, nerves, and plenty of questions.

In Part 2 of our Ask the Directors series, Korohen and Scott shift the conversation from how evaluations work to how athletes and families can make the most of the experience.

They discuss:

• Why the right team is often more important than the highest team

• How athletes can prepare mentally and physically for evaluations

• What parents can do to best support their athlete

• Green flags and red flags coaches notice during evaluations

• How to move on after mistakes

• Why every athlete's journey looks different

Whether your athlete is stepping into their first evaluation or has been through the process before, this conversation is full of practical advice and encouragement for evaluation week.

Scott and Korohen answer the biggest questions families ask before evaluations - from how athletes are assessed to what coaches are actually looking for.

Evaluation season is almost here, and with it comes a lot of questions—and a lot of nerves.

In Part 1 of this Ask the Directors series, Scott and Korohen take listeners behind the scenes of United's evaluation process to explain how teams are formed, what coaches are actually evaluating, and why the process is designed the way it is.

They discuss:

• Why evaluations now happen in the summer

• What coaches are really looking for beyond volleyball skills

• How communication, coachability, and competitiveness influence evaluations

• Common misconceptions parents have about team selection

• Why one mistake won't ruin an evaluation

• What happens behind the scenes before athletes ever step into the gym

Whether this is your family's first evaluation season or your tenth, this episode offers practical insight to help athletes walk into the gym with confidence.

Be sure to tune in next week for Part 2, where Scott and Korohen answer even more of your biggest evaluation questions!

Sophie Krichev is back on Better Together.

When Sophie first joined the podcast, she was preparing to begin her collegiate volleyball career at UT Arlington. Now, after completing her freshman season, she returns to share what life at the Division I level has really been like.

From adjusting to college athletics and building confidence as a freshman starter to navigating life away from home and developing strong relationships with teammates, Sophie offers an honest look at the transition from club volleyball to college volleyball.

She also shares the lessons she learned about confidence, self-talk, coachability, leadership, and why "working hard works."

Whether you're a current athlete, a parent, or someone preparing for the recruiting process, Sophie's perspective offers valuable insight into what happens after the commitment announcement and what it takes to grow at the next level.

Summer can feel like a race to fit everything in - camps, clinics, workouts, open gyms, vacations, jobs, and more. But does being busier actually help athletes improve?

In this solo episode, Korohen challenges athletes and families to rethink what productive summer training really looks like. Instead of chasing every opportunity, he shares why the most successful athletes often focus on a few intentional goals, prioritize recovery, and stay committed to consistent growth.

In this episode:

• The difference between activity and true development
• Why athletes should focus on just 2–3 priorities
• The role recovery plays in performance and growth
• How social media can create unhealthy comparison
• What coaches are really looking for at evaluations
• A simple three-goal challenge for the rest of the summer

Whether you're preparing for evaluations, school season, or simply looking to make the most of your off season, this episode offers practical advice for building a summer that leads to long-term development - not burnout.