Episodes
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
In this episode, Clarence and Stephen kick off the episode by talking about sports highlights, including the U.S. Women's Sitting Team and the Denver Nuggets. Then they sit down with Class of 2023 USA Volleyball Hall of Fame inductee and Olympic gold medalist Ryan Millar (13:37 - 1:10:25). Ryan talks about his career and what got him interested in volleyball. He talks about his time on the U.S. Men's National Team including some stories from his past Olympic Games, what he's been doing since...
Published 05/17/23
In this episode, Clarence and Stephen kick off the episode talking about what they've been up to including Stephen's Babymoon trip to the beach. Then they sit down with Class of 2023 USA Volleyball Hall of Fame Harold T. Friermood "Frier" Award winner and Olympic gold medalist Scott Fortune (13:56 - 1:14:59). Scott shares all about his career and what got him interested in volleyball. He chats about his time on the U.S. Men's National Team along with many stories from his past Olympic Games,...
Published 05/17/23
In this episode, Clarence and Stephen catch up with one another before they travel again. Then they welcome Paralympic gold medalist and U.S. Women's Sitting National Team outside hitter and opposite, Whitney Dosty (13:58 - 1:16:46). They chat about how Whitney was introduced to the game, her background in ballet and how that's helped her volleyball game, the team winning gold in Tokyo, being inducted into the University of Arizona "Ring of Honor" and so much more!
Published 05/03/23
In this episode, we're celebrating TWO YEARS of The USA Volleyball Show! Clarence and Stephen reminisce about everything over the last year and what has been accomplished. Then, U.S. Beach National Team athlete and three-time Manhattan Beach Open champion Trevor Crabb (16:37 - 57:19) joins us ahead of a couple FIVB Beach Pro Tour stops. Trevor talks about his background and the many different connections to the game he has in Hawaii, and he shares thoughts on what makes a good beach partner,...
Published 04/19/23
In this episode, Clarence and Stephen catch up as the event season is underway. Then, four-time Paralympian and U.S. Men's Sitting National Team outside hitter Chris Seilkop (9:48 - 1:09:35) sits down with us ahead of the team's exhibition against Canada at the 2023 Lone Star Classic. Chris gives us his fitness regiment, talks about working with the YMCA, he talks about when he had to pay a ransom to get his prosthetic leg back at the Paralympics and so much more!
Published 04/05/23
In this episode, Clarence and Stephen catchup with one another. Then, U.S. Women's National Team libero, Morgan Hentz sits down with us at the 2023 U.S. Women's National Team Open Program (8:07-35:50). Morgan talks about how she was introduced to the game, some of her experiences playing professionally both overseas and in the U.S. with Athletes Unlimited, she talks about her college expereince at Stanford, her family and much, much more!
Published 03/22/23
In this episode, Clarence and Stephen catch up as the event and travel season has started for them. Then they wrap-up their interviews recorded live at the 2022 AVCA Convention to focus on the important topic of LGBTQ+ inclusion in volleyball. They sit down with former pro volleyball player, Equality Coaching Alliance member and Headstrong Mindset LLC founder Brooke Rundle as well as DePaul University women's head coach, Marie Zidek (8:36 - 1:06:15). They discuss their involvement in the...
Published 03/08/23
In this episode, we're wrapping up region commissioner month with Clarence and Stephen sitting down with Gateway Region Volleyball Commissioner Steve Mueth (6:26 - 38:58) back at 2022 AVCA. They talk about Steve's background in volleyball and as a coach, what Steve does as Gateway Region Commissioner, what the Gateway Region is doing to grow the game and the officials pool, how to register to play volleyball in the Gateway Region, and so much more!
Published 02/22/23
In this episode, region month continues with Clarence and Stephen sitting down with Badger Region Volleyball Association Region Commissioner, Jen Armson-Dyer (8:02 - 41:54) back at 2022 AVCA. They talk about Jen's background in volleyball and as the former SID at Penn State, what Jen does as Badger Region Commissioner, how to get involved with volleyball off the court and so much more!
Published 02/15/23
In this episode, Clarence and Stephen sit down with Columbia Empire Volleyball Association Region Commissioner Cody March (13:35 - 35:26). They talk about Cody's background, what Cody does as a commissioner, grassroots volleyball, how CEVA is growing the game in their region, getting more officials and much, much more!
Published 02/08/23