Out of Rotation Volleyball Podcast

Another episode of the Dan Meske Radio Show following two road wins at Florida State and Miami. Then Jody and Dan discuss the upcoming matches against Clemson and Georgia Tech. And finally, the last segment is special guest appearance by the FIRST Chief of Staff in NCAA Volleyball, our very own Sarah Petkovic.

Another episode of the weekly coach's show talking all things Louisville Volleyball!

Thoughts on last weeks matches against Duke and UNC then previewing the road trip to Florida State and Miami!

Another episode of the in season Dan Meske Radio Show. Meske talks about Louisville Volleyball and the AVCA Match Point Event, ACC Play, and the Road Ahead. Dan also breaks down Louisville volleyball’s selection for the inaugural AVCA Match Point event, the realities of conference play, and how the team is managing a demanding stretch of the season. He also touches on analytics, player development, and what it takes to stay sharp through a packed ACC schedule

00:00 – AVCA Match Point announcement and why Louisville is a natural fit
01:57 – How the event fits into Louisville’s spring volleyball philosophy
03:43 – Spring training blocks, play dates, and managing the calendar
05:55 – The analytics Louisville uses to evaluate offense and serving
08:17 – Why middle and back-row attack production is a key offensive priority
09:58 – ACC play begins and the challenge of staying sharp every week
11:25 – How scouting changes when opponents are trying to upset a top team
13:57 – Returning home to L&N Arena and the energy of playing there
14:56 – Syracuse recap and the reality of road matches in conference play
15:53 – Louisville’s complete performance in the Syracuse sweep
17:18 – Why conference rivalry stats matter less than weekly preparation
18:09 – Boston College preview and how the staff prepares for travel partners
19:15 – Early struggles, a quick reset, and Louisville’s response at Boston College
20:13 – Chloe Chicoine steady leadership and the value of veteran captains
21:06 – Addison Makun named Baird Player of the Week
22:08 – Makun growth from reserve to impact middle blocker
23:43 – The unusual Wednesday-Saturday rematch with Notre Dame
24:54 – Using the first match to identify what can be repeated in the rematch
25:25 – Why Louisville looked so sharp in the sweep over Notre Dame
26:39 – Chloe Meester’s role as a first-year starter against elite opponents
27:48 – Adding rest days to protect mental and physical freshness
30:05 – What Louisville can tweak before facing Notre Dame again
31:25 – When NCAA tournament seeding and RPI start to matter
33:48 – How tough scheduling shapes Louisville’s RPI position
35:04 – What has and has not surprised Meske in the ACC so far
37:52 – Kalissa Blackshear’s growth and improved hitting power
39:45 – Why the right side is so important in the women’s game
40:13 – How Notre Dame may adjust in the second meeting
41:10 – Four straight home matches and the value of routine

A look into the last week of non-conference play for the 2026 Louisville Cardinals Volleyball team! The Cards open ACC play this weekend on the road against Syracuse and Boston College!!

As Louisville Volleyball heads to the 2025 NCAA tournament, Jody and Dan discuss the final week of the season and the upcoming 1st and potential 2nd round at L&N Arena. ALSO, Jody sits down with Payton Petersen and Nayelis Cabello to get their thoughts as they head into their 2nd NCAA Tournament run with the Cardinals!

Another week of Louisville Volleyball is recapped with Jody Demling and Dan Meske. The crew recaps wins over Florida State and Miami, senior day lessons, and previews a tough road trip to Georgia Tech and Clemson! Later, THE Todd Chamberlain (Louisville's recruiting coordinator) comes on the show to talk about the his journey back home and the 2026 recruiting class!

A pivot away from our traditional format, this special bonus episode is "The Dan Meske Radio Show" which airs live weekly here in Louisville and covers all things Louisville Volleyball!

This episode was recorded LIVE at Roosters in Fern Creek and features a wrap up of our Wake Forest/ NC State matches, a preview of our Florida State/ Miami matches, as well as listener questions!!!

The 'Out of Rotation Volleyball Podcast' will return in January 2026, but until then enjoy these weekly bonus episodes for a look into all things Louisville Volleyball!!!

Hear from 6 certified Louisville Legends on their journey before, during and after their volleyball careers!

Chapters

00:00 - Elena Scott

11:21 - Emily Scott

22:58 - Charitie Luper

34:37 - Jamie Vasilou

44:33 - Aiko Jones

57:39 - Anna DeBeer

Ever wonder how A.I. is evolving in volleyball? Tony Ker has the answers!!! One of the founders of Balltime A.I. (now owned by Hudl), Tony joins the show to share his insights on transitioning from a player to coach to entrepreneur and how A.I. will continue to change how we play and coach volleyball!

Jump to a Topic!

Chapters

00:00 Tony Ker "The UCLA Guy"

03:13 Playing Libero

06:13 The Mental Shift in Volleyball Roles

09:13 From Coaching to Real Estate: A Career Shift

12:16 Experiences in Kuwait: A Unique Volleyball Journey

15:19 The Impact of Al Scates on UCLA Volleyball

18:16 The Blue Curtain: Competition and Camaraderie at UCLA

21:18 The Birth of Ball Time: Merging Volleyball and AI

27:49 The Evolution of Ball Time Technology

32:31 Understanding AI in Sports Analysis

37:25 The Impact of AI on Coaching and Training

41:51 Integration with Hudl and Future Prospects

46:41 The Future of Real-Time Data in Volleyball

50:36 Balancing Coaching and Technology

Thanks to our Sponsor Balltime A.I.

Dan and Joe connect for the first time to explore Joe's journey in volleyball, from his early experiences to his current role with Smarter Volley. They discuss the importance of analytics in coaching, the transition from player to coach, and the significance of grit and courage in young athletes. Joe shares insights on setting techniques, the dynamics of confidence versus courage, and the impact of peer pressure in sports. The conversation finishes in practical advice for coaches working with youth athletes, emphasizing the need for clear communication and focused training.

JUMP TO A TOPIC

00:00 Introduction to Joe Trinsey and Smarter Volley

01:26 The Journey to Smarter Volley and Substack

07:11 Joe's Origin Story in Volleyball Coaching

12:55 The Transition from College to Professional Coaching

18:55 Learning from the Best: Coaching Clinics and Mentorship

23:49 The Evolution of Setting Techniques in Volleyball

33:43 Reflecting on the 2022 Volleyball Season

40:07 Analyzing Team Dynamics and Performance

45:12 The Impact of Grit and Resilience in Players

53:57 Confidence vs. Courage in Athletic Performance

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR: BALLTIME AI

Dan welcomes Kristen Kelsay, the new head volleyball coach at Michigan State, to discuss her journey from player to coach. Kristen shares her experiences in the recruiting process, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges she faced along the way. She touches on the significance of effective communication and conflict resolution in coaching, as well as the impact of strong female role models in her life. The discussion highlights Kristen's coaching philosophy and her commitment to creating a culture of care and concern within her program. Kristen Kelsay and Dan then discuss the nuances of coaching, focusing on the importance of empathy, the balance between transformational and transactional leadership, and the emotional challenges faced by coaches. They explore the significance of time in athlete development, the need for a personal coaching philosophy, and the complexities of building relationships with athletes. Additionally, they delve into the specifics of setter training, emphasizing the balance between technique and tactical understanding.

JUMP TO A TOPIC!

00:00 Return of the Podcast

03:06 Kristen Kelsay: Journey to Head Coach

09:17 The Transition: Finding Confidence and Opportunity

12:16 HS Recruiting Process

21:12 Finding Home: The Michigan State Experience

23:13 The Evolution of Coaching Opportunities

24:33 Transitioning from Player to Coach

27:36 Mentorship and Leadership in Coaching

30:39 The Importance of Strong Female Role Models

33:11 Effective Communication and Conflict Resolution

36:18 Navigating the Changing Landscape of College Sports

41:30 Transformational vs. Transactional Coaching Philosophy

48:21 The Journey of a First-Time Head Coach

51:59 Emotional Challenges in Coaching Transitions

56:44 The Evolution of Setter Training

01:08:19Feedback Dynamics and Coaching Relationships

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR BALLTIME!!!

Dr. Jamie Gordon, the CEO of the AVCA, shares his unique journey from being a volleyball coach to an athletic director and now leading the AVCA. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of establishing a beach volleyball program at Moorhead State, the impact of beach volleyball on indoor performance, and the intricacies of navigating the athletic director role during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Gordon also addresses the current state of volleyball amidst NCAA changes and the future of men's volleyball. Later, Jaime and Dan discuss the evolving landscape of college sports, particularly volleyball, touching on funding challenges, innovations in gameplay and broadcasting, and the importance of recognizing high school talent. They explore the implications of Title IX, the need for standardizing different aspects of the gam, and the potential for rule changes to enhance the game. The conversation also highlights the AVCA's initiatives to elevate high school volleyball and improve the overall experience for players and fans alike.

Jump to a Topic!

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jamie Gordon

02:08 Journey into Volleyball Coaching

05:01 Navigating Self-Representation in Coaching Negotiations / Lessons as an A.D.

39:29 Transitioning to Leadership: Jaime's Journey to CEO

42:36 The Impact of NCAA Changes on Volleyball

49:27 Innovations in Volleyball: The First Serve Showcase

56:06 The Ball Dilemma: Standardization in Volleyball

59:48 Enhancing Game Flow and Pace of Play

01:01:11 Improving Broadcast Experience and Viewer Engagement

01:06:13 Innovations in High School Volleyball

01:15:14 Elevating the Game: AVCA's Role and Future Directions

Thanks to our Sponsor BALLTIME!!!

Dan and John are back together to talk about all things Louisville and Purdue Volleyball!!! Get an inside peak into the inner workings of two top teams from two top conferences as Dan and John go into pre season scheduling, understanding rankings, match prep, and in match stories!!!

03:14 Preseason Insights and Tournament Formats

06:14 Analyzing Rankings and RPI Dynamics

09:17 Blocking Strategies and Player Development

12:07 Coaching Preparation and Game Strategy

18:05 Yellow Card Experiences for Dan and John

Thanks to our sponsor BALLTIME!!!

The CEO of the Pro Volleyball Federation, Jen Spicher, stops by the podcast to chat about the success of the PVFs first year, goals for year 2, and insights into the world of a college athlete turned CEO!!!

Jump to a topic:

02:52 Jen Spicher's Volleyball Journey

05:12 Transitioning from Athlete to CEO

08:17 Building Relationships in Volleyball

10:31 The Need for a Pro League

12:20 Recruiting Players for the PVF

16:25 Overcoming Skepticism in the Volleyball Community

20:18 Recruiting Strategies and Player Relations

23:33 Importance of Medical Care for Athletes

26:15 Enhancing the Game Experience

28:25 Innovations in Officiating and Game Flow

29:48 The Thrill of Competition and Challenges in Volleyball

32:58 Innovations in Pro Volleyball: The Draft and Player Trades

41:56 Goals and Aspirations for Year Two of the League

46:13 A Day in the Life of a CEO in Sports

50:00 Leadership Insights and Closing Thoughts

Big thanks to our presenting sponsor BALLTIME!!!

NFL Super Bowl Champ and current UAB football head coach Trent Dilfer stops by the podcast to discuss his experiences raising three D1 college volleyball setters! Trent’s journey as a parent is chock full of life lessons and fantastic suggestions for parents of youth athletes!!!!

Jump to a topic:

00:00 Transitioning to Club Volleyball and Lessons Learned

06:19 Lessons from Failures and the Importance of Controllable Factors

08:36 The Continued Relevance of the EEAF Approach

09:00 Navigating the Youth Athletics Decision-Making Process

16:24 The Importance of Communication and Trust in Recruiting

24:32 The 'Coach's Hat': Balancing Support and Coaching

33:02 The Value of Resilience and Grit in Sports

37:24 The Importance of Transparency and Honesty in Recruiting

41:23 The Role of Parents in the Recruiting Process

44:46 The Significance of Intrinsic Motivation and Grit in Athletes

57:08 Focusing on What You're Already Great At

Thanks to our sponsor BALLTIME!

Lipscomb University Head Volleyball Coach Brandon Rosenthal joins the podcast just before the start of the 2024 NCAA Volleyball season!!! Brandon's journey is as unique as it is entertaining as we touch on Lipscomb's build over the last 23+ years both on and off the court!!!

00:00 Introduction and AVCA Showcase

02:49 The Impact of Technology on Volleyball

05:08 Brandon's Journey Hollywood Auditions to Volleyball Coach

08:09 Coaching Attire and the COVID-19 Pandemic

11:58 The Art of Hiring Coaches

19:31 The Power of Networking in Coaching

27:58 Coaching Transparency and Collaboration

30:07 The Changing Landscape of Coaching

35:58 Potential for Increased Parity

41:48 Making Women's Volleyball More Marketable for TV

57:36 Challenges of Attracting Casual Fans

01:07:11 Success of Lipscomb University's Volleyball Program

01:10:31 Unique Strategies for Player Development

01:14:02 The Role of Social Media in Promoting Volleyball

Thanks to our sponsor Balltime!!!

Dan and John are recording LIVE today on their lunch break of the LOVB coaches clinic. We start with a recap of the greatest drill ever demo'ed at a coaches clinic and finish with our thoughts on Olympic Volleyball heading into the medal rounds!

00:20- The greatest drill ever

02:00- Men's Indoor Olympic recap

12:00- Women's Indoor Olympic recap

19:00- Listener questions

We are powered by our NEW presenting sponsor, Balltime!

Check out Balltime @ https://www.balltime.com/

Dan and John discuss how their camp seasons went, the impact of new NCAA rules mandating roster limits, and everything Olympic Volleyball!!!

00:00 Introduction and Partnership with Balltime

02:00 Recap of Camp Season

09:00 Changes in Roster Limits and Scholarships in NCAA

18:00 Ranking Volleyball Olympic Events Based on Entertainment Value

25:00 Men's Olympic Preview

40:00 Women's Olympic Preview

51:00 Final Olympic Thoughts

We are powered by our NEW presenting sponsor, Balltime!

Check out Balltime @ https://www.balltime.com/

Sign up for the LOVB Coaches Clinic featuring Dan and John @ https://lovb.sprocketsports.com/club/2024coachesclinic

USE COUPON CODE: LASTCHANCE

June 15th is the OFFICIAL start of recruiting for players heading into their Junior year. With that in mind, John and Dan opened up the instagram page for your questions on all things recruiting!!! We cover initial phone calls, what coaches look for, coaches pet peeves, and so much more!!!

2x NCAA All-American Anna Hall joins us to talk about her journey from humble beginnings in Laurens, South Carolina to a shot with Team USA!!!

If you enjoy the show, please shoot us some feedback and a 5-STAR review on Apple Podcasts: ⁠Out of Rotation on iTunes ⁠

STAY CONNECTED WITH US: Instagram: ⁠@outofrotation⁠ / ⁠@Dan.Meske⁠

Thanks to John Baylor for our intro/outro. Support him @ ⁠www.ontocollege.com⁠

Thanks to Tiff Emery for our cover art. Support her @ ⁠www.artisanempire.com⁠

Thanks to our presenting sponsor The American Volleyball Network (⁠@avb_network⁠)