Podcast
Volley Talk with Sarah Pavan
The podcast created for volleyball lovers who want to dig deep into what is going on in NCAA and international volleyball.
Hosted by Olympian, World Champion, and former Nebraska Cornhusker All-American Sarah Pavan and her husband, international volleyball coach and stats wizard Adam Schulz, Volley Talk brings you weekly highlights from the world of NCAA and international volleyball.
Sarah and Adam also give insights and opinions on feature matches, as well as some hot takes, sharing their knowledge and drawing on decades of experience playing and coaching the game at the highest level.
- Volleyball chart
- #2
- Episodes
- 98
- Releases
- Weekly
- Typical length
- 1 hr 12 min
- On air since
- 2024
- Latest episode
- 8 hours ago
Episodes
98 episodes, newest first
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1 hr 6 min
Texas Looking Back in Form vs Texas A&M, Tennessee Goes 0-2
Episode 98
Show notes
In this episode of Volley Talk, we discuss the matches we tuned in for this week. The SEC is officially the most exciting conference in NCAA women's volleyball with teams beating up on each other left and right. How are the standings going to shake out at the end of conference play and will it even matter come the SEC Tournament?
Stanford is still struggling, Indiana reverse sweeps Michigan State, and Kenna Wollard discloses what has been going on in her life this season.
If you want to participate in our NCAA Fantasy League, be sure to sign up for free at playvoli.com/volleytalk. Don't miss out of the NCAA Tournament Bracket Challenge! Sign up is open!
If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com!
Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast
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1 hr 30 min
Kentucky Loses Back to Back, Washington Surprises Wisconsin
Episode 97
Show notes
In this episode of Volley Talk, we discuss some big upsets from this week, including Washington beating Wisconsin in 5 in Madison, and Kentucky's back to back losses vs Tennessee and Texas A&M.
The NCAA revealed their Top 16, 2027 Women's World Cup pools are set, and we talk about our biggest surprises and disappointments from individual players.
If you want to participate in our NCAA Fantasy League, be sure to sign up for free at playvoli.com/volleytalk. Don't miss out of the NCAA Tournament Bracket Challenge! Sign up is open!
If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com!
Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast
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1 hr 4 min
Penn State Blows Big Lead Against UCLA, Surprise Teams of 2026 NCAA Season
Episode 96
Show notes
In this episode of Volley Talk, we discuss what we see happening with Penn State after watching them live. Miami upsets SMU in Dallas, and does Florida beating Texas still feel like an upset?
We also do a rundown of our biggest surprises so far in NCAA season (good and bad), and do an extra long list of listener questions.
If you want to participate in our NCAA Fantasy League, be sure to sign up for free at playvoli.com/volleytalk. This is the last week to join, as there are only a few weeks left of the regular season!
If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com!
Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast
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1 hr 23 min
Nebraska Crushes Wisconsin, SMU Hands Pitt its First Loss of the Season
Episode 95
Show notes
In this episode of Volley Talk, we discuss some of the most exciting and boring (lol) matches of the week, especially the Pitt vs SMU double-header.
Adam and Sarah finish the listener segment started last week and go over their picks for top NCAA middles, setters, and opposites.
If you want to participate in our NCAA Fantasy League, be sure to sign up for free at playvoli.com/volleytalk. Late entries join with the average score, so it is never too late to get started!
If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com!
Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast
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1 hr 18 min
Florida Takes Down Tennessee & Kentucky, NCAA Libero and OH Rankings
Episode 94
Show notes
In this episode of Volley Talk, we go over some results from NCAA conference play, including Florida shooting to the top of the SEC rankings with huge wins over Tennessee and Kentucky! Purdue faltered on their Western road trip, while Illinois, Washington, and Michigan State continue to add to their win columns in the Big 10.
Adam and Sarah go over their picks for top NCAA liberos and outside hitters, and try to predict which current NCAA players will represent the US at the 2032 Olympics.
If you want to participate in our NCAA Fantasy League, be sure to sign up for free at playvoli.com/volleytalk. Late entries join with the average score, so it is never too late to get started!
If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com!
Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast
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1 hr 6 min
Unpredictable Start to NCAA Conference Play, Olivia Babcock Returning for 5th Year
Episode 93
Show notes
In this episode of Volley Talk, we discuss the first week of NCAA Women's conference play. The Big 12 and Big 10 were all over the place, while the SEC delivered some really fun matches to watch!
Adam tests Sarah's viewer IQ, comparing her intuition to what is actually happening statistically. Tunisia and Poland qualify for LA 2028.
If you want to participate in our NCAA Fantasy League, be sure to sign up for free at playvoli.com/volleytalk. Late entries join with the average score, so it is never too late to get started!
If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com!
Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast
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1 hr 7 min
Things are Heating Up Heading into NCAA Conference Play, Cuba & Brazil Qualify for LA 2028
Episode 92
Show notes
In this episode of Volley Talk, we discuss teams that are on an upswing and those that look to be struggling as we begin conference play. We also throw out some early end of conference ranking predictions based on what we've seen so far.
Cuba and Brazil have officially qualified for the LA 2028 Olympic Games, joining Japan and USA as the only teams to have qualified so far on the men's side.
If you want to participate in our NCAA Fantasy League, be sure to sign up for free at playvoli.com/volleytalk. Late entries join with the average score, so it is never too late to get started!
If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com!
Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast
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56 min
Upsets Abound in NCAA Volleyball, Impact Freshmen & Difference Makers
Episode 91
Show notes
In this episode of Volley Talk, we discuss the messy week we just saw in NCAA volleyball. There was a lot of inconsistency across the board with some teams following up big wins by getting upset. There is a lot of parity so far and it is so hard to predict what will happen week to week!
We also take a look at some freshmen making a big impact and talk about which players we think we be the keys to victory for some of the top programs.
If you want to participate in our NCAA Fantasy League, be sure to sign up for free at playvoli.com/volleytalk. Late entries join with the average score, so it is never too late to get started!
If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com!
Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast
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1 hr 12 min
5 Teams Qualified for LA 2028 Women's Volleyball, Wrigley Field Flop
Episode 90
Show notes
In this episode of Volley Talk, we discuss two Continental final matchups- Thailand vs China and Italy vs Turkiye. We now have 5 teams qualified for the LA 2028 Olympic Games on the women's side, including the US!
There weren't a ton of super exciting matchups in the NCAA this week, but there were a few that caught our eyes, including the much-anticipated but highly disappointing matches at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
If you want to participate in our NCAA Fantasy League, be sure to sign up for free at playvoli.com/volleytalk. The league kicks off September 9th and is a ton of fun! We'd love to see you there!
If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com!
Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast
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1 hr 19 min
Nebraska & Pitt Looking Strong, What's the Deal With Texas?
Episode 89
Show notes
In this episode of Volley Talk, we discuss the first two weeks of NCAA women's volleyball season. Some teams are looking better than expected, and some are looking.... rough. We revisit our Top 5 teams and discuss who will improve most by season's end.
Thailand and Canada have earned berths to the 2028 Olympic Games in LA and Iran won their first gold medal at the U17 Boys' World Championships!
If you want to participate in our NCAA Fantasy League, be sure to sign up for free at playvoli.com/volleytalk. The league kicks off September 9th and is a ton of fun! We'd love to see you there!
If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com!
Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast
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1 hr 14 min
NCAA 2026 Preseason Top 8, Canada Takes Down USA 2-0 in USAV Cup
Episode 88
Show notes
In this episode of Volley Talk, we take a look at the AVCA Preseason rankings and discuss our thoughts on the Top 8, including who each team lost, who they brought in, and whether or not we agree with their ranking.
USA won the U17 Girls World Championship in a dominant fashion, and Canada took down the US in the USAV Cup over the weekend winning both matches 3-1.
If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com!
Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast
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54 min
VNL Lineup & NCAA Transfer Portal Listener Challenges
Episode 87
Show notes
In this episode of Volley Talk, we are bridging the gap between VNL and the start of the NCAA season with some fun listener segments! These were really interesting to think about and some were much more straight forward than others! We are curious to hear your takes!
If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com!
Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast
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1 hr 29 min
Turkiye & Poland are 2026 VNL Champions, Vargas and Fornal Named MVPs
Episode 86
Show notes
In this episode of Volley Talk, we are playing catch up on both the men's and women's VNL Final 8 tournaments. Turkiye took home the gold on the women's side, defeating Brazil in 4 sets in the final. On the men's side, Poland and USA went the distance with Poland ultimately pulling out the win in 5 sets.
The American women, 1-seed going into playoffs, made an early exit with a quarterfinal loss to China, while the men's 1-seed, Japan, ended up in 4th place.
If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com!
Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast
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1 hr 11 min
Turkiye & Ukraine Earn Men's VNL Final 8 Berths for the First Time, Canada is Relegated
Episode 85
Show notes
In this episode of Volley Talk, we discuss Week 3 of the Men's VNL. Japan finished the preliminary round 12-0, and both Turkiye & Ukraine made the Final 8 for the first time!
We try to create a men's VNL Dream Team and spend a lot of time dissecting Canada's path to relegation. Will they recover from this in time for the Olympics??
If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com!
Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast
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1 hr 28 min
2026 Women's VNL Final 8 is Set- Poland is Out, Netherlands and Canada are In
Episode 84
Show notes
In this episode of Volley Talk, we discuss Week 3 of the Women's VNL. The Final 8 is set, and while we were close in predicting which teams would make it, our ranking predictions were nowhere close!
Canada qualifies for their first ever VNL Final 8, Poland is out, and Bulgaria is relegated. Lots of interesting happenings in the volleyball world this week too... Russia is back!
If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com!
Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast
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1 hr 20 min
Japan Looking Strong at 8-0 in Men's VNL, Brazil Drops from 1st to 9th
Episode 83
Show notes
In this episode of Volley Talk, we discuss Week 2 of the Men's VNL. A couple of teams are looking better and better as the tournament goes on and a couple are on a serious decline. The men's competition is always so tight and several matches this week were incredibly exciting.
Heading into Week 3, we try to predict who will make the cut for the Final 8, and what the semifinals may look like.
If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com!
Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast
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1 hr 5 min
No Undefeated Teams Remain in Women's VNL, USA Sits in Top Spot
Episode 82
Show notes
In this episode of Volley Talk, we discuss Week 2 of the Women's VNL. Things were all over the place with teams losing and winning unexpected matches. There was a lot of movement, but USA has taken over the number one ranking heading into Week 3! Dominican Republic and France will have to make a push to avoid relegation.
If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com!
Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast
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54 min
Brazil & Japan Go 4-0 in Men's VNL Week 1, France is Struggling
Episode 81
Show notes
In this episode of Volley Talk, we take a look at what happened during Week 1 of the 2026 Men's VNL competition. As we saw with the women's side, both Brazil and Japan are undefeated and are at the top of the ranks. Cuba and Argentina are still looking for their first win, and France had a rough week in Ottawa, going 1-3.
If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com!
Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast
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1 hr 13 min
Brazil & Japan Undefeated After VNL Week 1, Canada & USA Are Up And Down
Episode 80
Show notes
In this episode of Volley Talk, we take a look at what happened during Week 1 of the 2026 Women's VNL competition. There are only 2 undefeated teams, and Italy's 39-match win streak has come to an end.
With 4 new teams in both MLV and LOVB for the 2027 season, there has been an influx of new talent signing contracts to play in the US. Men's VNL Week 1 is coming this week!
If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com!
Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast
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1 hr 11 min
USA Women Announce 2026 VNL Wide Roster, Perugia Wins Back to Back Champions League Titles
Episode 79
Show notes
In this episode of Volley Talk, we take a look at the USA women's wide roster for the 2026 VNL. Which players have us scratching our heads and who do we think was missed? Will this roster have what it takes to win a medal this season?
Men's Champions League wraps up with Perugia dominating the Final Four in Torino, and we address one of the most highly requested topics of the week: Pitt's Europe Trip!
We are taking some time off before VNL starts up, so we will see you back here the week of June 8!
If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com!
Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast
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