Sideline Strategy: A Volleyball Podcast - Presented by JVA

From a small town to professional volleyball, Maya Sands’ journey has been built on adaptability, confidence and a willingness to keep betting on herself.In this episode, Maya shares how she found volleyball, navigated her college career at UNLV and Mizzou, entered the professional draft process and experienced her first season in Houston.She opens up about the transition from college to professional volleyball, learning to contribute in a different role, developing confidence and experiencing the “pinch me” moments that made becoming a professional athlete feel real.Maya also discusses the importance of her support system, the underdog mentality that has shaped her career, life outside of volleyball and what it means to serve as a Nike Volleyball ambassador.Whether you’re an athlete pursuing the next level, a coach helping players navigate their path or a volleyball fan curious about the professional game, Maya offers an inside look at what it takes to make, and adjust to, the jump to pro volleyball.For more junior volleyball education visit www.jvavolleyball.org

On this episode of Sideline Strategy, Dr. Jen Fry joins us to talk sports geography, volleyball research, leadership, conflict management and the environments we create for young athletes.

Jen shares how she carved out her own lane as a sports geographer, why volleyball needs more research specific to our sport, and how coaches and Club Directors can better prepare for difficult conversations before they happen.

We also get into building confidence and voice in young women, recognizing healthy vs. unhealthy sports environments, communicating with parents, creating more inclusive volleyball communities, and how culture and geography shape the way people experience sport.

Plus, Jen shares stories from her career, her work with athletes and organizations, and a few volleyball history facts that might surprise you.

In this episode:
• Sports geography and volleyball culture
• Volleyball-specific research and thought leadership
• Conflict management in youth sports
• Parent and athlete communication
• Leadership development for coaches and athletes
• Building confidence and voice in young women
• Creating healthy, inclusive sports environments
• Recognizing abuse and unhealthy environments

Watch the full episode of Sideline Strategy with Dr. Jen Fry.

Winning at the highest level of club volleyball is hard enough. Doing it in Dallas, where some of the best clubs in the country are right down the road, is a different animal. Texas Advantage Volleyball Executive Director Jason Nicholson joins Sideline Strategy to break down what keeps TAV competing at the top, how an ultra-competitive volleyball market raises the standard for everyone, and what it takes to build a culture athletes and coaches want to be part of. He also shares what’s next for TAV, including a new volleyball-focused school partnership with Texas Sports Academy and an innovative Nike sponsorship model aimed at creating more opportunities for elite female athletes. From building championship programs to rethinking what’s possible in youth sports, this conversation goes well beyond wins and losses.For more junior volleyball education visit www.jvavolleyball.org

What does it take to build a lasting legacy in volleyball?

On this episode of Sideline Strategy, we sit down with legendary coach Mike Lingenfelter, whose influence on the sport has spanned more than 40 years. From his early days coaching as a teenager to helping build Munciana Volleyball into one of the nation's premier club programs, Mike shares the experiences, mentors, and values that have defined his career.

Together, we explore what it truly means to lead, the difference between building a championship culture and a culture of champions, and why relationships, not just results, are at the heart of sustained success. Mike also discusses his exciting new role with Ultra Performance (UP) and how he's helping prepare the next generation of athletes for success at the collegiate level and beyond.

Whether you're a coach, club director, athlete, or passionate fan of the game, this conversation is packed with leadership lessons, coaching wisdom, and practical takeaways you can apply both on and off the court.

In this episode:

• Mike's coaching journey and the mentors who shaped him

• Lessons learned from Don Shondell and the Munciana coaching tree

• Building a culture that develops leaders and champions

• Why love and relationships are central to great coaching

• The vision behind Ultra Performance (UP)

• Preparing athletes for success beyond junior volleyball

• Advice for young coaches looking to leave a lasting impact

For more junior volleyball education visit www.jvavolleyball.org

Growing boys volleyball doesn't happen by accident.Sarah Conklin joins the podcast to break down how North Carolina went from grassroots passion to official high school sanctioning. She shares the wins, the setbacks, and the strategies that helped build momentum, including the role of social media, community buy-in, and relentless advocacy.If you're invested in the future of boys volleyball, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 🏐00:00 Outreach and Education for Sanctioning27:17 The Future of Boys Volleyball29:52 Recruitment and Opportunities in Men's VolleyballFor more junior volleyball education visit www.jvavolleyball.org

Learn how Minnesota Warriors transformed youth volleyball through inclusive programming. Discover actionable insights for creating accessible sports teams.When we think about youth sports, inclusivity should be at the forefront. Yet, many aspiring athletes face barriers that prevent them from participating fully. In a recent interview with Len Dohm, Director of Minnesota Warriors, we explored how this club is breaking down those barriers to create opportunities for all. Here’s what you can learn about building an inclusive sports environment.

00:00 The Birth of Minnesota Warriors Volleyball

05:27 Innovative Adaptive Programs for All

11:12 Building Community Through Volleyball

12:51 Future Plans and Special Olympics Partnership

14:25 Advice for Aspiring Club Directors

For more junior volleyball education visit www.jvavolleyball.org

What does it really take to inspire young athletes and keep them growing beyond the game?In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Anitra Brockman, coach, educator, and former head coach at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, to talk about mentorship, leadership, and building athletes from the inside out.With more than a decade of collegiate coaching experience, Dr. Brockman shares why coaching is bigger than wins and losses. From creating trust with athletes to developing leadership skills and navigating adversity, this conversation is packed with real insight for coaches, parents, and anyone invested in youth sports.In this episode, we cover:🏐 Why mentorship matters in athlete development🏐 How to build trust and open communication with players🏐 The importance of individualized coaching over one-size-fits-all methods🏐 Teaching leadership, resilience, and conflict management🏐 How passion for the game can shape the next generationWhether you’re coaching your first team or leading at the highest level, this episode is a reminder that the best coaches don’t just build athletes—they build people.#Volleyball #Coaching #YouthSports #Leadership #Mentorship #AthleteDevelopment

On this episode of Sideline Strategy, Rakecia Jenkins talks about the transition from athlete to coach, building trust with players, and why mentorship and representation matter more than ever in volleyball.From coaching philosophy to showing up authentically in leadership roles, this conversation is full of the kind of insight that sticks with you long after the episode ends.Topics include:• Rakecia Jenkins’ journey from player to coach• The impact of AOCA in athlete development and representation• The importance of mentorship in sports• Balancing professionalism and authenticity as a coach00:00 Introduction and Background of Coaches00:38 Journey into Volleyball: Personal Stories03:20 The Impact of AOCA on Athletes06:04 Experiences at the Baltimore Event09:03 Coaching Philosophy and Personal Connection11:48 Navigating Identity as Female Coaches14:46 Preparing Athletes for Life Beyond Volleyball16:37 The Evolution of Casual Attire in Sports19:25 Fun Segment: Trivia and Pet Peeves in Volleyball24:13 Coaching Reflections and Future AspirationsFor more junior volleyball education visit www.jvavolleyball.org

In this episode, Alivia Orvieto shares her inspiring journey from college volleyball star to founder of Sandblazers Beach Volleyball and her efforts to grow the sport in Pennsylvania. Discover her insights on coaching, building a community, and balancing business and sport.

00:00 Alivia's College Volleyball and Entrepreneurship

00:30 Joining JVA and Resources for Coaches

04:21 Alivia's Volleyball Journey and Love for Beach Volleyball

07:02 Transition from Indoor to Beach Volleyball

10:11 Starting Sandblazers Beach Volleyball

13:50 Favorite Aspects of Coaching and Community Impact

16:56 Challenges and Strategies in Youth Volleyball Programs

18:47 Future Plans and Growth of Sandblazers

For more junior volleyball education visit www.jvavolleyball.org

In this episode, Alexis Leo, a talented volleyball player and founder of Volleleaders, shares her journey from beginner to leader, emphasizing mental health, athlete communication, and leadership development. Discover practical strategies for supporting young athletes and fostering a positive sports culture.

Professional volleyball player Ifenna Cos-Okpalla shares her journey from high school to pro, her training, leadership, and insights into the sport. Discover her tips for aspiring athletes, her experiences in college and professional volleyball, and her advice on staying true to oneself.

In this episode, Candace Coleman, a dedicated volleyball coach and advocate for inclusivity, shares her journey from a young volleyball enthusiast to a leader in promoting racial equity and community support within the sport. She discusses her personal experiences, the impact of the AOCA initiative, and future plans to expand opportunities and foster meaningful conversations.

In this episode, Taye Im, Owner and Director of Team One Volleyball, shares insights on hybrid volleyball training, recruiting strategies, and fostering a positive club culture. Discover how to balance indoor and beach volleyball development, avoid common recruiting mistakes, and create a supportive environment for young athletes.

In this week's episode of Sideline Strategy, Monica Wang, a certified volleyball official and TikTok sensation, shares her journey balancing motherhood and officiating, her passion for the sport, and her efforts to inspire the next generation of referees.#officiationweek2026

Join us as Taylor McColskey, a seasoned volleyball coach with 14 years of Division I experience, shares insights on coaching, recruiting, and balancing life and career. Discover practical advice on athlete development, the college recruiting process, and the evolving landscape of volleyball coaching.

In this episode of Sideline Strategy, guest Frank Flanagan discusses his journey in volleyball, from his early days in Southern California to becoming the director of Iowa Select Volleyball. He shares insights on the growth of the club, the challenges of managing player rosters, and the importance of coaching philosophy in player development. Flanagan emphasizes the need for community support among Club Directors and the impact of a positive coaching environment on young athletes.

Casey Jennings, former professional volleyball player and coach, shares his path from growing up in a large family in Las Vegas to building a career at the highest levels of the sport. He discusses his early exposure to sports, his transition to volleyball, and his collegiate career at BYU. Casey reflects on his professional playing experience and the lessons that shaped his approach to leadership and development.He also discusses founding Lake Tahoe Volleyball Academy and J5 Beach Volleyball Club, with a clear focus on long-term athlete development. Casey emphasizes the value of multi-sport participation, strong fundamentals, and the mental side of coaching. Throughout the conversation, he offers practical insight for coaches and club owners, reinforcing the importance of developing young athletes, creating positive environments, and keeping the joy of the game at the center of the experience.

Hear from Kim Oden, an Olympic bronze medalist and 2x Team Captain for Team USA, 3x All-American at Stanford, National Player of the Year, and AVCA Player of the Decade. Kim is the Co-Founder and current Board Chair of Starlings USA, which is a valued partner of JVA.

Hear from Head Coach & Vice President of Volleyball Operations at Major League Volleyball's Orlando Valkyries. Amy Pauly discusses her leadership role, as well as relives her memories as a young volleyball athlete.

Join Kevin Pratte and Todd Hollenbeck with MiddleHitter.com and the Kevin Pratte Foundation as they dive into the exciting world of boys' volleyball. Discover their insights, stories, and the passion that drives this dynamic sport.