Episodes
In episode 90, we are celebrating three years of The USA Volleyball Show! Stephen is BACK and reunited with Clarence after being out on parental leave. They catch up and welcome on the Jungle Cat, U.S. Men's National Team middle blocker, Jeff Jendryk (16:25 - 1:16:39). Jeff shares his journey in volleyball from starting out to the National Team. He also chats about giving back to the next generation of volleyball players through his platform, "Middle Beast Academy" and so much more. You'll...
Published 04/17/24
Published 04/17/24
In this episode, Clarence welcomes back guest host Curtis Ward while Stephen is out on family leave. They sit down with Paralympian and U.S. Men's Sitting Team member James Stuck (7:44 - 1:07:25). Stuck and the team are in China this week at the final qualification tournament for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. James talks about serving in the Army, how he was introduce to sitting volleyball and his Paralympic experience in Rio. James also shares what it will take to earn a spot to the 2024...
Published 04/03/24
In this episode, Clarence welcomes back guest host Sevrin Lavenstein while Stephen is out on Family Leave. They sit down with beach volleyball world champion and U.S. Beach National Team athlete, Sara Hughes (9:50 - 47:18). Sara talks about her beach volleyball journey including her early partnership with Justine Wong-Orantes, her reunion with Kelly Cheng and her hopes for the Olympic season. Sara shares what it would mean to her to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games. We also hear about...
Published 03/20/24
In this episode, Clarence welcomes back USA Volleyball Communications Manager B.J. Hoeptner Evans as guest host. They sit down with Olympic gold medalist and U.S. Women's National Team libero Justine Wong-Orantes (7:11 - 40:57). Justine shares how she was introduced to the game and about how her experience with disappointment drove her to be a better player. Other topics including playing Germany, and how excited she is to play for League One Volleyball (LOVB) Omaha team starting in November...
Published 03/06/24
In this SPECIAL episode, Clarence and Stephen are BACK together LIVE(ish) from the 2024 Women's National Team Open Program from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. They welcome back our first three-peat podcast guest, three-time Olympian, Tokyo gold medalist and U.S. Women's National Team outside hitter Jordan Larson (6:43 - 16:13). Jordan talks about preparing for the 2024 season, visiting the Women's National Team Open Program, some goals for this season and...
Published 02/28/24
In this episode, we have guest host Sevrin Lavenstein joining Clarence and they sit down with the current top U.S. Beach National Team men's pair, Andy Benesh and Miles Partain (11:27 - 1:04:32). We get an in-depth look at this awesome beach team. We learn about how Andy and Miles became a team, how they were introduced to the National Team and what they do and are eating on a cheat day. They chat about the 2023 season, their goals for 2024, what it would mean to qualify for the Olympics and...
Published 02/21/24
In this episode, we put the lid on the 2023 AVCA in Tampa with two-time Olympic medalist and former U.S. Women's National Team setter Courtney Thompson. (6:39 - 38:36). Courtney talks about her role at AVCA and shares some of her interests off-court. She looks back on her Olympic experience and talks about her involvement with League One Volleyball, or LOVB (pronounced "love"), emphasizing the importance of U.S. athletes competing professionally on home soil. Courtney is awesome and FULL of...
Published 02/07/24
In this episode, we continue our conversations from 2023 AVCA in Tampa with a chat with Hazel Goldstein, Excelsior Empire Region Commissioner and former director of Whoosh Volleyball Club. (7:57 - 42:55). Hazel shares about her vast background in volleyball and in the region, as well as her current role as commissioner. She talks about the recent change to the region name, some of the region's successes, and her retirement plans. This is such a fun look behind the scenes in volleyball that...
Published 01/24/24
In this episode, we share our conversation from our USA Volleyball booth at the 2023 AVCA Convention in Tampa. Clarence and Stephen welcome Olympic gold medalist and U.S. Women's National Team setter, Jordyn Poulter. (8:18 - 57:44). Jordyn shares some of her personal interests including music; talks about recovery from her knee injury; looks ahead to the Paris Games; discusses being a part of League One Volleyball and so much more! Enjoy this conversation with Jordyn, it's a good one! 
Published 01/10/24
In this episode, we're coming to you LIVE(ish) from Tampa at the 2023 AVCA Convention Podcast Theater. Clarence and Stephen welcome Nickie Sanlin, who is the head men's coach, former women's head coach and assistant athletic director and director of volleyball at McKendree University. (1:19 - 59:16). Nickie talks about her background in volleyball from playing to coaching. Then, she shares the difficulties she had breaking into the men's volleyball coaching game, how she persevered, and so...
Published 12/27/23
In this episode, we have a volleyball pioneer on the show! Clarence and Stephen welcome 1968 Olympian, former U.S. Women's National Team athlete, and author Laurie Lewis Havel (13:20 - 1:15:58). We learn about Laurie's background including what it was like growing up in California and the early days of the beach volleyball boom. She also talks about her new book, "My Unusual Life," which is available at Barnes and Noble and Amazon, an autobiography that chronicles a determined spirit with...
Published 12/13/23
In this episode, after Clarence and Stephen share their picks for the NCAA Division I Volleyball Championship, they welcome U.S. Women's National Team assistant coach and UCLA women's head coach Alfee Reft (16:37 - 1:16:53). Alfee takes us through his volleyball journey from his time playing on the U.S. Men's National Team to how he got into coaching. He also talks about his first season as head coach at UCLA, excitement looking ahead to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, his go-to karaoke songs...
Published 11/28/23
Worth every minute! In our longest episode yet, Clarence and Stephen welcome on U.S. Men's National Team middle blocker Taylor Averill (11:07 - 1:52:22). Taylor shares his often-difficult volleyball journey and how he's matured as a person. While talking about his own podcast, "The Tallest Podcast on Earth," he discusses the importance of mental health and honest conversations. He also reflects on his summer with Team USA, helping earn the U.S. a berth to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and so...
Published 11/15/23
In this episode, Clarence and Stephen are back in studio together. After catching up with each other they sit down with U.S. Women's National Team and University of Texas middle blocker, Asjia O'Neal (12:29 - 1:03:42). We learn about Asjia's background, her journey through two heart surgeries, winning the NCAA National Championship last year with Texas, her summer with the U.S. Women's National Team, and so much more! You'll want to tune in for this one!
Published 10/31/23
In this episode, Stephen flying solo as Clarence is busy in meetings prepping for the upcoming volleyball season. Stephen sits down with USA Volleyball's Sitting Volleyball Director and the U.S. Women's Sitting National Team head coach, Bill Hamiter (5:40 - 1:1621:48). Bill talks about his vast background in volleyball, sitting volleyball, coaching and the impact he's made in volleyball in Oklahoma, Bill talks about the U.S. Women's Sitting National Team ahead of the World Cup, his Paralympic...
Published 10/18/23
In this episode, Stephen makes his return from parental leave. He and Clarence catch up with each other, and Stephen shares stories about being a new dad, including already watching the Men's National Team with his son. Then, they sit down with volleyball coach, strength trainer, jump trainer, YouTuber, motivational speaker and Elevate Yourself founder, Donny Hui aka Coach Donny (12:58 - 1:23:55). Coach Donny talks about his background and shares some of the hurdles he's overcome that have...
Published 10/03/23
In this episode, Clarence welcomes guest host and USA Volleyball's Digital Media and Content Coordinator, Sevrin Lavenstein to the show. Then, they sit down with U.S. Beach National Team pair TKN, Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss (8:54 - 59:32). They share their experiences on the FIVB Beach Pro Tour and the AVP Tour, and talk about everything that went into transitioning from indoor to beach. They also go into their friendship and sisterhood, talk about what goes into a good beach partner and so...
Published 09/20/23
In this episode, Clarence welcomes guest host and USA Volleyball's Communications Manager B.J. Hoeptner Evans to the show. Then, they sit down with four-time Olympian and two-time Olympic medalist Reid Priddy (8:21 - 1:16:55). Reid shares stories from his Olympic experiences as well as chats about his time on the indoor and beach national teams, and he talks about his newest venture, In Sand. If you're a longtime volleyball fan, you don't want to miss some of the stories he has to share!
Published 09/05/23
In this episode, Clarence is flying solo for this episode as Stephen is out for a few weeks while on parental leave. Listen to our chat with Olympic gold medalist and U.S. Women's National Team setter Micha Hancock (6:34 - 52:05). Micha gets into some of her memories from her USA Volleyball club days, chats about her time at the Tokyo Olympics, and fills us in on living overseas in Italy. 
Published 08/23/23
In this episode, Clarence and Stephen catch up for Stephen's last full episode of the podcast for a few weeks while he's out on parental leave. Then, we're getting back on the region side of things. They welcome Florida Region Executive Director and President Steve Bishop (10:40 - 1:00:33) to the show. They chat about his background in volleyball, his upcoming motorcycle trip and learn more about volleyball in the Florida Region. Then, they take a deep dive into the history and success of the...
Published 08/09/23
In this episode, Clarence and Stephen are together IN PERSON and catch up. Then, for this special LIVE(ish) episode from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, they welcome Girls U19 National Team head coach Jamie Morrison, Girls U19 National Team athlete Abby Vander Wal, Boys U19 National Team head coach Charlie Sullivan, and Boys U19 National Team athlete Sean Kelly (7:48 - 1:10:08). They get to know them, chat with them about the teams, what they're looking...
Published 07/26/23
In this episode, we recap our time at the 2023 Girls Junior National Championship 14-17s and the 2023 Boys Junior National Championship. Then we welcome 1992 Olympic bronze medalist and USA Volleyball Hall of Famer, Liane Sato (10:52 - 52:32). Liane is a former U.S. Women's National Team athlete who competed in both the 1988 and 1992 Olympic Games. Liane chats about her background in volleyball, growing up in and around the game, competing for Team USA, her current role as a teacher and coach...
Published 07/12/23
In this episode, Clarence and Stephen chat about the 2023 Girls Junior National Championship 11-13s in Minneapolis, including seeing Stephen's doppelgänger and how they'll both be heading to Chicago for the 2023 Girls Junior National Championship 14-17s. Then they welcome on Olympic City, Colorado Springs native and U.S. Men's National Team outside hitter Cody Kessel (12:06 - 55:02). Cody talks about his background and how he got started in volleyball, he chats about his book, his recent...
Published 06/28/23
In this episode, Clarence and Stephen chat about the successful 2023 Open National Championship. But that's just the warmup for this big episode, as they welcome back three-time Olympian, Tokyo gold medalist and U.S. Women's National Team outside hitter Jordan Larson (12:35 - 1:03:28). Jordan talks about being back in the USA gym, shares her Olympic experiences from Tokyo and winning gold, and discuss this year's Volleyball Nations League.
Published 06/14/23