In this episode we answer a bunch more questions and get into some really cool topics concerning performing under pressure, meal prep for high performance athletes, and the power and structure of journaling. We discuss what we would tell our younger selves, and how being patient, curious, and authentic, can be hugely beneficial to success.The Athlete Wellness AcademyBegin your journey to pain free spiking, more aces, and personalized video analysis with AWA 🏐💪🏻Disclaimer: This post contains a...

In this episode with Brie O’Reilly we discuss some of Ben Josephson’s many philosophies, how playing different positions helps overall development and why Brie couldn't say no to her contract in Brazil. She discusses the crazy emotions that came during her year with Athlete Unlimited, how tough conversations are always worth it, and the bright future of the Canadian Woman’s National Team.The Athlete Wellness AcademyBegin your journey to pain free spiking, more aces, and personalized video ana...

In this episode we take a deep dive into what it takes to chase your dreams. Kofi discusses the power of learning from your failures, learning from your teammates, and the tool of reframing. We talk about how easy it is to be swept up in the lifestyle of a professional artist, how he has learned to balance two promising careers and the consequences of taking 4 years off from volleyball. Oh, we also heard about Kofi’s conversation with Lebron James in a hotel elevator. The Athlete Wellnes...

In this episode we discuss the trials of being a new coach, the power of the mind and how to promote curiosity, as well as why Canada is behind other nations in terms of skill development. We speak about the dichotomy of how to deal with what matters and believing that it doesn't matter, and the side businesses within recovery. We discuss the amazing opportunity of having a family overseas as well as the benefit of immersing yourself in other cultures.The Athlete Wellness AcademyBegin your jo...

In this episode we are joined by another two-time Olympian. Lucas talks about his mental state after attending two olympics, the sacrifices his family had to make to help him succeed, and the role that fun has in long term success. He breaks down why he loves playing for the National Team more than playing overseas, how volleyball has changed over his 10 year professional career, and why blocking is such a difficult skill.The Athlete Wellness AcademyBegin your journey to pain free spiking, mo...

In this episode we are joined by Eric Loeppky. Eric dives into his near career ending sickness, the pressure and sacrifices it takes to be great, and how he ended up playing for one of the most elite clubs in the world. We discuss the power of using offspeed shots, where the lefty tip came from, and what goes through his mind when he’s attacking at the highest level. We talk about the value in rest, reevaluation, and detachment and how that helps him perform on some of the biggest stages in t...

In this episode we are joined by Kevin Tillie. Kevin is a world class receiver and a back to back Olympic Gold Medalist. He shares how his volleyball journey brought him to Canada, how many people tried to change his technique along the way, and his current role in the French National Team gym. We discuss what sets the French team apart from the rest of the world, the difficulty of receiving a hybrid serve, and how important having fun and being creative is to his success.The Athlete Wellness...

In this episode we discuss the different ways you can “weaponize” your serve to gain an edge over your opponents. We reminisce about some of our best serving memories and what we were feeling, seeing and doing in those moments. Serving is a difficult and crucially important skill and we hope the tips and tricks we provide in this episode can help you become more efficient and consistent servers.Click here to begin your journey to more aces and pain free spiking: https://coach.everfit.io/packa...

In this episode with Brett Walsh – AN OLYMPIAN – we talk about all things setting. Brett’s ability to be a positive influence whether he is on the court or not helped him, through many ups and downs in his career, earn a spot in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. We talk about growing up with Dads who played on the national team, what separates great setters from good setters, and how to instill patience in yourself and those around you. We discuss the benefits of track and field training...

In this question episode we discuss the power of the birth order and the psychology of getting yourself out of a rut. We talk about the gap between Team Canada and Team France during the Olympics and how big a role a single error can play in a team’s success. Lastly, we emphasize the importance of learning from those bad games - or even the games you were on the bench - and how that perspective can greatly change the trajectory of your career.Click here to begin your journey to more aces and ...

In this episode we use a plethora of Ben Josephson quotes about golf and explain how they relate to high level volleyball performance. We talk about the power of efficiency, extension, and acceleration when performing a skill and we debate the use of boxes in a practice.

In this episode, our longtime friend, teammate, and roommate, Jackson Howe joins us as we talk about adding value to the team as an undersized middle, playing at the next level and the importance of the setter-middle relationship. We reminisce about our club days, the huge benefit of having friends overseas with you, and the importance of finding the playstyle that best suits your abilities and physical attributes.

In this episode Mathias and Jesse discuss some of their favorite ideas and quotes that have helped them in various ways throughout their career – on and off the court. We discuss how these ideas help us deal with failure, practice gratitude, connect with others, and approach fear.

In this episode we are joined by our Dad, Tom Elser, for a special Fathers Day Edition of the Pit to Pro Podcast. Our Dad had a lengthy career consisting of many years with the National Team, a National Championship with the University of Calgary Dinos, a year of professional ball in Italy, and on various masters teams -- playing well into his 50’s. We discuss topics ranging from the parents role in the recruiting process, the best memories of his career, the role of volleyball in our family,...

In this episode we talk about the role of humility and empathy in a leadership position. We further discuss what leadership means to us, how we have experienced great leadership, and we highlight some of the important leaders in our life and the amazing individual qualities each one brings to a team or a friendship.

Our first ever episode where all three of us are in the same room!!!! Listen to our second "Question and Answer" episode where we answer the remainder of your pressing question.2:08 If y’all could do something other than volleyball as a career what would you do? Oog it has to be something other than a rancher. 3:48 Jesse, why did you decide to sign with de Sète?5:44 What was the Elser boys least favorite subject in high school?7:31 What are the biggest aspects of a GOOD setter?9:38 What ...

In this episode with our first guest ever, Nick Del Bianco, we discuss a number of helpful tips, tricks, and strategies to stay healthy, play longer, lift heavier, sleep better, and even hit harder. Nick specializes in athlete holistic wellness with an emphasis on longevity and availability.

The goal of this episode is to continue to do our part in breaking the stigma around mental health – especially in athletes. We wanted to share our journey with mental health, how it has affected us, and how to create a safe space for those important people around you.

In this episode we discuss tips and tricks on how to stay present in stressful situations, how to reset after errors, and how to deal with nerves. We also discuss the power of gratitude and the role that willpower plays in performance.

We got an overwhelming number of questions so THANK YOU!!! We promise we will answer all of them. If we don't answer it in this episode that means we are using your question to shape the conversation of future episodes. Stay tuned. 1:38 How do you stop comparing yourself to others around you/on your own team? 7:08 Do you guys ever compare yourself to each other? Or how do you manage to not compare yourself? 9:38 What athlete have you played with that would be the best/ swaggiest men's league...

In this episode we talk all about teammates, accountability, and love languages. We discuss the difference between being a friend and a teammate, how to lead by example, and attempt to tackle the question of how to make those around you better.

In this episode we talk about getting recruited, how to stand out, moving away from home, and the individuality of each program. We also discuss how to deal with the stress of choosing a post-secondary institution and best practices for reaching out and building connections with coaches.

In our second episode, we talk about learning and habits. We explore two different schools of thought – how to stress your mind and body just the right amount to ensure maximum success – and the science behind creating a new habit. 

In our first episode, we talk all-things goal setting. How to achieve long term goals and how to productively and effectively stay on track as a team throughout the course of long and bumpy seasons.