With nearly three decades of coaching experience across the college, club, and high school levels, Perry shares insight into how his approach to coaching has evolved over the years and why relationships, patience, and perspective matter so much in athlete development.

Throughout the conversation, we dive into player growth, navigating frustration, building trust with athletes, creating healthy team environments, and what both players and young coaches often overlook when it comes to long term development.

Perry shares:

• lessons learned through decades of coaching experience
• how his coaching philosophy has evolved over time
• the importance of patience and long term player development
• why consistency and showing up matter
• balancing structure, empathy, and accountability as a coach
• helping athletes navigate frustration and growth
• advice for younger coaches trying to find their footing
• why relationships and trust are such an important part of coaching

This episode is full of wisdom, honesty, and perspective for coaches, athletes, and parents alike.

We also dive into the mental side of college volleyball, handling pressure and expectations, and the reality of transitioning from club and high school volleyball into the college game.

Betsy shares insight on:

• recruiting the person, not just the athlete
• what catches a coach’s attention during evaluation
• the difference between potential and consistency
• common recruiting mistakes athletes unintentionally make
• why exposure and fit both matter
• what college coaches are really looking for in highlight videos
• the mental transition from club volleyball to the college game
• how athletes can better prepare for the next level

This conversation is full of perspective and practical takeaways for athletes, parents, and coaches navigating the recruiting process!

Betsy shares how she accidentally found volleyball, what led her to Florida, the adversity she faced early in her college career, and how those experiences ultimately shaped her into the coach and leader she is today.

We also dive into:

• the reality of playing at a high level
• handling setbacks and delayed success
• identity outside of sports
• the transition from player to coach
• leading a program during the uncertainty of 2020
• perspective shifts that changed the way she coaches today

This conversation is honest, reflective, and full of insight for athletes, parents, and coaches alike. Join us next week as we continue the conversation!

If recruiting has ever felt confusing, overwhelming, or like you’re falling behind, this episode is for you.

We talk through what the process actually looks like today, including timelines, the impact of the transfer portal, and why most athletes don’t hear from coaches right away. Alicia also shares how families can stay grounded through it all, what really matters to recruiters beyond stats, and how to support your athlete without adding pressure.

Most importantly, this conversation is a reminder that every athlete’s path is different. There’s no one “right” timeline, and comparison will only take you out of your own journey.

If you’re an athlete or parent navigating recruiting, this is one to come back to.

From comparison and perfectionism to confidence and identity, this episode explores the internal battles athletes face and how to work through them.

Coach Vandeperre shares honest insight on what he sees at the college level, how athletes can separate themselves mentally, and the importance of understanding who you are beyond your sport.

We also get into:

– Why comparison is one of the biggest traps in sports

– The danger of perfectionism and hesitation

– How to help quieter athletes find their voice

– What college coaches wish athletes understood earlier

– The role of identity in performance and confidence

– Whether energy can actually be coached

Plus, a rapid-fire segment packed with real, practical takeaways for athletes navigating their journey.

If you’re an athlete (or parent) trying to better understand the mental side of performance and recruitment, this is a must-listen.

From debunking common myths about beach volleyball opportunities to breaking down what separates athletes at the next level, this episode is packed with insight for players and parents alike.

Coach Vandeperre shares how he evaluates athletes beyond just performance, why “joy” and mindset matter more than you think, and what athletes often get wrong when trying to get recruited.

We also explore:

– Beach vs. indoor skill translation

– What coaches notice (and what they don’t)

– How communication and partnership impact success in beach volleyball

– The importance of honesty and alignment in the recruiting process

If you're serious about playing at the next level - or just want a clearer understanding of what that path actually looks like, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Part 2 Highlights:

• The biggest myths about beach volleyball recruiting
• Why opportunities are more available than athletes think
• What coaches look for first
• The role of joy, resilience, and mindset in recruiting
• Honest conversations athletes need to have before committing
• Beach vs. indoor: what translates and what doesn’t
• The importance of communication in 2-person teams
• How great partners build confidence in each other

From an unconventional path into volleyball to building a competitive beach program at UNA, Coach Caleb shares his journey and the values that shape how he leads.

We dive into the concept of “confident identity” - what it means, why it matters, and how it impacts performance far beyond the court. This conversation challenges the idea that results come first and instead explores how mindset, belief, and self-awareness create lasting growth.

We also get a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a college beach volleyball athlete, including training, travel, recovery, and the demands that come with competing at the next level.

Join us back next week to hear more!

📝 Show Notes

• What “confident identity” means and why it matters
• Why performance should come after identity, not before
• Helping athletes separate who they are from results
• What college beach volleyball actually looks like week to week
• Travel, training, and recovery at the college level
• Common misconceptions about beach volleyball

In this episode, Merritt shifts the conversation from recruiting to what it actually takes to grow and sustain success at a high level. She also gives a real look into routines, preparation, and how she stays grounded - even in the biggest moments.

She shares insight on:

• The mental side of the game and why it’s often overlooked
• What confidence actually looks like - and how to build it
• Learning how to advocate for yourself and “hold your space”
• What people don’t talk about when it comes to high-level athletes
• Why relationships and trust matter in high-pressure moments

So this week, we’re revisiting a conversation that speaks to more than just performance.

In Part 1 with United Club Ambassador Merritt Beason (now with the Omaha Supernovas), we talk about recruiting, pressure, identity, and what it looks like when success doesn’t always feel like success.

Merritt shares her experience navigating the highs and lows of the game - and what it took to find her way back to loving it.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of expectations, uncertainty in recruiting, or just the ups and downs of being an athlete, this one will resonate.

We talk about what athletes often don’t realize coaches are thinking about, how to balance fairness with what a team needs in the moment, how to respond when energy drops, and what it really takes to build a unified culture when skill levels vary across a roster.

This conversation also gets to the heart of what “Better Together” really means - not just as a club phrase, but as a way of leading, growing, and showing up for the people around you.

In this episode, we cover:

• What coaching actually is versus what Aija thought it would be

• Why coaching is so much more mental and relational than most people realize

• The reflection process coaches go through after practices and tournaments

• Leading by example and asking athletes to do only what you’re willing to do yourself

• Balancing fairness, kindness, momentum, and development

• What players think coaches notice - and what coaches are actually watching

• How to respond when a team’s energy drops

• Building trust and culture across different personalities, ages, and skill levels

Aija grew up in a Latvian-American household, spending her early years moving between countries before eventually landing in North Alabama. She reflects on how those experiences shaped her identity, her perspective on learning, and the way she now approaches leadership.

We also dive into her volleyball journey - from playing at Bob Jones High School to competing in college club volleyball at the University of Alabama. What began as a leadership role on her college team eventually turned into her first real experience navigating the responsibilities of coaching.

Aija also shares the moment that nudged her toward the sideline - a simple question during an adult open gym that forced her to reconsider what her next chapter in volleyball might look like.

In this episode we talk about:

• Growing up between cultures as a Latvian-American

• Moving internationally before settling in North Alabama

• Her playing career and college club volleyball experience

• The unexpected leadership lessons from running a college club team

• Finding community through volleyball after college

• The conversation that ultimately led her to coaching

In Part 2, we shift the conversation toward the realities of coaching - from managing pressure and team dynamics to building culture and helping athletes grow both on and off the court.

You’ll also hear practical insight on creating team culture fast (consistency, communication, small compliments), helping athletes stop apologizing for mistakes, and why progress often looks like “messing up” first. Chloe connects those lessons to real life, opening up about choosing a non-traditional path after high school, navigating expectations, and embracing the mindset shift that’s carried her through volleyball and her professional life: “I don’t have to be here - I get to be here.”

In this episode, we cover:

• Coaching different personalities (quiet vs. loud) and helping a team connect

• Creating a low-pressure gym: “there are no stupid questions”

• Growth mindset in action: why she tells athletes not to apologize for mistakes

• Progress over perfection - and why “it gets worse before it gets better”

• Lessons from the salon: relationships, consistency, professionalism, and uncomfortable growth

• Choosing a non-traditional path after graduation and trusting your own timeline

In this short episode, Korohen shares the five foundations she wishes someone had laid out when she first stepped into the gym: why skill comes before system, how to coach the age in front of you, how to choose systems based on your athletes, why culture is built early, and how clear communication prevents most problems before they start.

This conversation is for:

• first-time coaches stepping into the role
• former players navigating their first season on the other side of the net
• experienced coaches adjusting to a new age group
• anyone staring at a blank practice plan wondering where to begin

If you’ve ever felt like you’re reacting instead of leading, this episode will help you reset and refocus on what actually drives athlete development.

Korohen also introduces a new digital course built to give volleyball coaches structure, clarity, and direction - from foundational skill progressions and teaching cues to practice planning, systems, communication, and culture.

Coaching matters. The way you teach, communicate, and lead shapes athletes far beyond the scoreboard.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What distinguishes environments that develop the whole athlete, not just performance
• The role clubs play in setting expectations, communication, and culture
• Holistic athlete support: mental health, nutrition, recovery, and identity
• Helping athletes build confidence beyond their sport
• Encouraging athlete voice and self-advocacy
• Recognizing when alignment leads to healthier athlete and family experiences

This conversation closes the series with a reminder that youth sports work best when they function as a partnership - because when athletes feel supported, families feel connected, and organizations stay aligned, everyone benefits.

This conversation explores how parents’ words, emotions, and expectations shape an athlete’s experience - from the car ride home to sideline behavior and everyday communication. We also discuss burnout signals, mental and physical well-being, and how strong communication between athletes, parents, and coaches helps create a more stable and positive sport environment.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The difference between encouragement and performance pressure
• Why athletes taking the lead matters for motivation and ownership
• The importance of the car ride home - reflection vs. evaluation
• Sideline behavior and the messages athletes receive without words
• Emotional and physical burnout signals to watch for
• Sleep, recovery, and overall well-being during a season
• The youth sport “triangle”: athlete, parent, and coach - and how communication strengthens it
• Supporting development, confidence, and long-term love of the game

➡️ Stay tuned for Part 3 as we continue the conversation and explore the long-term identity and relational impacts youth sports can have on athletes and families.

Dr. Aguilar brings a unique perspective as a former college athlete, high school coach, parent of four, and youth sport researcher. Together, we discuss the growing professionalization of youth sports, early specialization, time and financial demands, and how families can unintentionally lose balance along the way.

This episode is about awareness, boundaries, and perspective — helping families make informed decisions that allow both athletes and families to thrive, not just survive.

🎧 This is Part 1 of a three-part series on family dynamics in sport.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Dr. Aguilar’s research on elite youth sports and the family unit
• Why youth sports have become more professionalized - and what that means for kids
• Early specialization vs. multi-sport participation
• The time, financial, and emotional demands placed on families
• How youth sports can unintentionally impact siblings and family relationships
• Why “fun” matters more than outcomes, especially at young ages
• The myth that “earlier is better” - and what research actually shows

This conversation offers families and coaches the perspective needed to create healthier boundaries, realistic expectations, and environments where athletes can grow without sacrificing the family unit.

Jeff shares how creating a safe, growth-focused environment allows players to take risks, try new skills, and improve long-term - rather than staying stuck in what feels comfortable. We explore the impact of effort-based praise, how to respond to mistakes in high-pressure moments, and why encouragement and belief matter just as much as technical instruction.

This episode is packed with practical insight for coaches looking to move away from fear-based approaches and toward a culture that helps athletes build confidence, resilience, and trust - both in themselves and in their team.

In this episode, we cover:

• How to balance pushing athletes to compete while building confidence and self-belief
• The difference between fear-based environments and growth-focused environments
• Why playing it safe can limit long-term development
• The power of praising effort over outcomes
• How effort-based feedback encourages athletes to keep growing
• Creating freedom for athletes to try new skills - even when results aren’t perfect
• Helping athletes stay encouraged through mistakes and setbacks
• Why encouragement matters even more during matches than in practice
• How coaches can model emotional control in high-pressure moments
• The importance of bench energy, cheering, and team engagement
• Using simple, symbolic resets to help athletes let go of mistakes
• Building a culture where athletes know their coach believes in them
• What “Better Together” means through unity, support, and shared purpose

This episode is a powerful reminder that confidence, encouragement, and environment aren’t soft skills - they’re foundational to real growth.

Jeff shares his unique path into volleyball and how starting without prior volleyball experience shaped the way he approaches teaching, learning, and player development. We dive into servant leadership, fear-based versus love-based coaching, and how competitiveness can show up in healthy, team-first ways.

In this conversation, we cover:

• Jeff’s journey into volleyball and how starting without prior volleyball experience shaped his coaching approach
• Why being a lifelong learner is essential for effective player development
• The difference between fear-based coaching and love-based coaching
• How servant leadership shows up in everyday moments on the court
• What true competitiveness looks like in a team sport
• Helping athletes navigate mistakes, bad days, and tough performances
• Why focusing on the next point matters more than dwelling on the last one
• Coaching athletes through the pivotal developmental stage of the 16s age group
• Balancing joy, accountability, and high expectations
• Teaching athletes to support teammates - and themselves - through adversity

This episode is packed with insight for coaches, athletes, and parents who believe that meaningful development goes far beyond the scoreboard. Join us back next week for Part 2!

Through real tournament scenarios, age-specific examples, and audience-submitted questions, Alyssum breaks down how families can plan ahead, build healthy habits, and support athletes without creating restriction or pressure. This episode goes beyond food lists and focuses on preparation, consistency, and setting athletes up for success both on and off the court.

Whether you’re navigating early-morning matches, multi-day qualifiers, or the influence of social media nutrition advice, this episode offers practical guidance you can actually use.

What you’ll hear in Part 2:

• How to fuel a 12U athlete during early-morning, multi-day tournaments
• Adjusting nutrition needs for older athletes competing at qualifiers
• Why planning ahead matters more than “perfect” meals
• How parents can support fueling without creating restriction or food shame
• Signs an athlete may be under-fueling - physically and hormonally
• Why hydration needs to be proactive, not reactive
• How different volleyball positions may influence fueling needs
• A realistic “stair-step” approach to improving nutrition habits
• How to navigate nutrition misinformation on social media
• Myth vs. fact: common beliefs about nerves, fruit, and protein bars
• Alyssum’s advice for parents supporting long-term athlete health and confidence
• What it truly means to be better together when it comes to fueling athletes

If you missed Part 1, go back and listen as we explore how nutrition impacts nerves, focus, hydration, and mental performance during competition.

In part one of our conversation with registered dietitian Alyssum Reno-Smith, we dig into how nutrition directly impacts the nervous system, focus, confidence, and in-game decision making for volleyball athletes. From energy drinks and hydration to carbs as brain fuel, this episode connects the dots between what athletes eat and how they perform - mentally and physically.

This conversation is especially timely as club season kicks off and athletes prepare for long competition days, early mornings, and high-pressure moments.

What you’ll hear in Part 1:

• How under-fueling can increase anxiety, shakiness, and in-game mistakes
• The connection between nutrition, the nervous system, and mental toughness
• Why carbs are the brain’s primary fuel - and how that affects focus and reaction time
• How energy drinks can worsen nerves when they replace real food
• Smart snack strategies for between matches and sets
• Why “not eating at all” before competition can backfire
• How hydration impacts decision making, not just physical performance
• Common fueling misunderstandings parents have - especially for anxious athletes
• The importance of timing food to support both calm and sustained energy

This is just part one - be sure to come back next week as we continue the conversation!

They start by sharing simple but impactful ways parents can make tournament weekends easier and less stressful for their athletes. From there, they reflect on favorite memories from coaching at United and the moments that remind them why relationships matter just as much as results.

The episode wraps with some lighthearted questions - from choosing a “United Volleyball theme song” to building a dream team from our coaching staff - offering a behind-the-scenes look at the people, personalities, and values that shape our club.

Thanks to all of the families and athletes who submitted questions throughout this series. Your curiosity and honesty helped shape these conversations, and we’re grateful to be part of the journey with you!

📝 SHOW NOTES - PART 3

• Tips from Coach Korohen and Coach Scott for reducing stress on tournament weekends
• Why preparation, consistency, and parent energy matter
• Creating a supportive environment before athletes ever step on the court
• Moments that go beyond wins and losses
• Choosing a “United Volleyball” theme song
• Building a volleyball team from United coaches

This episode dives into multi-sport participation, how parents can encourage skill development without burnout, and what meaningful support really looks like for athletes who are new to volleyball or new to United. We also touch on future opportunities, including beach volleyball, boys’ recruiting pathways, and options for athletes who want to play in college without being on a national team.

Rather than focusing on quick results, this conversation centers on guidance, balance, and long-term development - the pieces that help athletes stay healthy, confident, and connected to the sport.

📝 SHOW NOTES - PART 2

• Specialization vs. multi-sport participation: when to lean in and when to pull back
• Fueling for practices and competition: nutrition guidance we trust and why
• Encouraging skill work at home without pressure or burnout
• How parents can best support growth - and what to avoid
• What to expect from United’s spring beach volleyball program
• Recruiting pathways for boys in volleyball
• Playing in college without a national team background

You asked thoughtful, honest questions and today, our directors are sitting down to talk through them. This conversation offers transparency, context, and insight into the decisions that drive our club environment and athlete experience.

Thank you for sending in your questions - we’re excited to keep the conversation going across this series!

In honor of Thanksgiving, we pulled answers to one question we ask every guest - “What does it mean to be better together?” - from across both seasons.

It’s a celebration of the people, stories, and shared values that make our community what it is… and a reminder of how thankful we are for each of you.

From all of us at United, thank you for being part of our community - for showing up, growing with us, and reminding us that we’re all better together. Happy Thanksgiving!

From embracing mistakes to celebrating growth to helping young athletes find their voice, this conversation is full of wisdom for parents, players, and coaches alike.

📌 What We Cover

• Why encouragement and positivity are foundational in his coaching
• Balancing fundamentals with giving athletes freedom to explore instincts
• Why mistakes are essential - and how he teaches athletes to embrace them
• The importance of proactive communication with players and parents
• Helping 14s develop confidence, emotional agility, and joy in the process
• How to build a team culture of forgiveness, support, and no-fear volleyball
• The generation shift: why players today want the why behind the game plan
• Scott’s favorite coaching moments, his goals for this season, and the motto he wants his team to live by
• Rapid-fire insights: toughest position to coach, favorite drills, and more

Recruitment is more than just choosing a program - it’s about understanding who you are as a player and a person. These stories highlight the lessons, mindset, and trust it takes to step confidently into the next chapter.

We can’t wait to catch up with these athletes later this winter to hear how the transition to college life has shaped them - how they’ve grown, adapted, and continued building on the foundation they’ve worked hard to create.

Our conversation covers what parents, coaches, and players really need to know about recognizing warning signs, building healthy recovery habits, and optimizing training the right way - not just harder.

Discover what sets Triple Threat apart, how communication between coaches and care teams impacts return-to-play success, and why proper sleep might just be the ultimate performance enhancer.

📝 Show Notes

• Recognizing red flags: How to tell when fatigue signals something bigger than normal tiredness
• The truth about recovery: Why sleep is the most powerful performance tool available
• Warm-up & cool-down essentials: Preventing injuries before they happen
• Soreness vs. injury: How athletes can tell the difference and respond safely
• Triple Threat’s edge: What makes their certified staff and methods stand out
• The power of communication: How trainers, coaches, and parents can align for athlete success
• Trust in the process: Why belief in your recovery team matters just as much as the work itself
• Innovations in sports medicine: How technology like force plates and data-driven testing are shaping the future of youth athletics

We explore what holistic athlete care really looks like - and how collaboration between coaches, parents, and medical professionals builds a more supportive environment for every player.

This partnership is about more than performance - it’s about people. Together with SportsMED and Triple Threat Performance, we’re building a system where athletes can grow stronger, recover smarter, and thrive both on and off the court. 

Join Korohen as she sits down with the SportsMED and Triple Threat team to talk about what this collaboration means for our athletes, parents, and coaches - and how holistic care can transform the athlete experience.

Show Notes:

• What inspired the partnership and how it benefits United athletes year-round
• Why quick access to care matters for player availability and confidence
• How prevention, treatment, and training now work hand in hand
• What “return-to-sport” really looks like done the right way
• How United is building a stronger, healthier athlete community

This partnership is about more than performance - it’s about empowering athletes to move better, play longer, and reach their full potential. Be sure to join us next week as we continue the conversation!

We also explore what “Better Together” means to her - and how celebration, joy, and connection show up in her coaching philosophy and team culture.

📌 In this episode:

• Audrey’s most memorable coaching moment with United
• The biggest influence on her coaching journey - and the lessons that stuck
• How the United community has helped her grow on and off the court
• What “Better Together” means to her in coaching and life
• Why celebration, joy, and gratitude are vital parts of team culture

A heartfelt close to this two-part series that reminds us why we coach, how we grow, and what it truly means to lead with heart.

From growing up with a new coach every season to playing every position in college, Audrey’s volleyball journey taught her how to read people, reflect deeply, and stay grounded in her “why.” She opens up about her recruiting story, what keeps her coaching year after year, and the lessons that continue shaping her approach to developing players - both on and off the court.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Audrey’s experience as a multi-position athlete and how it shaped her perspective as a coach
• Lessons learned from having a new coach nearly every season growing up
• Her recruiting story and the decision-making process behind choosing a college
• What keeps her motivated and fulfilled as a coach season after season
• How reflection and observation guide her coaching style
• Key principles she instills in players for growth on and off the court
• The importance of adaptability, confidence, and creativity for 14U athletes

Whether you’re a coach, parent, or athlete, this episode is full of thoughtful takeaways on growth, competition, and connection.

In this episode, we sit down with Emma to talk about:

• Guiding players through the challenges of balancing school, sports, and the emotional ups and downs of being a student-athlete.
• How growing up with her mom as a coach shaped not only her love for volleyball, but the way she shows up for her players today.
• The lessons she hopes to leave with athletes that go far beyond the skills on the court.
• What qualities she and the UAH staff look for when evaluating high school athletes
• Living with a servant mindset: how to show up for teammates, coaches, athletes, and the program as a whole.

Full of heart, insight, and practical wisdom, this episode speaks to anyone striving to grow in sport or life. Emma’s reflections on mindset, teamwork, and leadership are thoughtful, grounded, and easy to carry into the game.

Growing up with volleyball in his family, Tristan’s path started unexpectedly. Through chance encounters, bold moves, and taking on responsibility at a young age, he climbed the coaching ranks - from Blinn Junior College to powerhouse programs like Alabama, Arkansas State, and Southern Illinois -before landing at UNA. Along the way, he gained national team experience, learned from elite mentors, and built a network that helped shape his philosophy.

In this episode, Tristan shares:

• How early experiences and family influenced his love for the game
• Seizing opportunities and taking responsibility as a young coach
• Lessons learned from elite programs and national team involvement
• The mindset and habits that helped him grow as both a coach and a person

Tune in to hear Tristan’s candid insights, powerful advice, and the story behind his rise to UNA volleyball - a conversation packed with lessons for athletes, coaches, and anyone navigating their path to success.

From caffeine to common misconceptions, this episode covers what every athlete, parent, and coach needs to know to help athletes feel confident, focused, and fueled on and off the court.

What you’ll hear in Part 2:

• How to encourage young athletes to fuel properly despite peer pressure around body image
• Common nutrition myths athletes believe (and the truth behind them)
• Caffeine: does it help or hurt performance?
• How under-fueling impacts focus, reaction time, and decision-making on the court
• A common mistake athletes make with their nutrition during tournaments
• Alyssum’s best advice for athletes to improve their nutrition without overcomplicating it
• Social media Q&A: her answers to the most common questions athletes wanted to hear from a dietitian

If you missed part one, be sure to go back and listen to hear Alyssum’s journey from athlete to dietitian, her fueling tips for tournaments, and why hydration is the hidden key to performance.

In this episode, we sit down with Alyssum Reno-Smith, a former athlete turned registered dietitian, to talk about how nutrition and hydration directly impact energy, recovery, and performance. From what to eat before tournaments to how to stay fueled and hydrated between matches, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can start using right away.

What you’ll hear in Part 1:

• Alyssum’s journey from athlete to becoming a registered dietitian
• The difference between an RD and a nutrition counselor (and why it matters)
• Why preparation is key during long tournament days
• The importance of timing meals before and after practices & matches
• How your performance can change depending on what foods you eat
• The all-important topic of hydration and drinking enough water
• Go-to recommendations for quick and easy pre-practice and pre-game snacks

And this is only part one! Be sure to come back next week as we dive deeper into nutrition strategies every athlete needs to know - from recovery and travel fueling to busting the biggest myths around food and performance.

📌 Show Notes

• How Audrey’s recruiting journey unfolded - and the surprises along the way
• Why she didn’t originally plan to play at Amherst, and how the opportunity opened
• Her mindset shift when stepping onto the team
• How volleyball has shaped her college experience
• The reality of balancing academics with athletics at a high-level institution

From balancing rigorous coursework with athletics to the personal growth volleyball continues to bring, Audrey opens up about her journey on and off the court.

📌 What to Expect:

• What makes an athlete’s initial outreach stand out - and what coaches notice first in an email.
• The right timing to initiate and build communication with a college coach.
• Why highlight films matter and how athletes should prioritize their strengths when creating one.
• How Tristan helps players handle the jump from club to college volleyball.
• The one piece of advice he wishes every recruit could hear before starting their recruiting journey.

In the coming weeks, stay tuned for the third and final part of our conversation - where Tristan opens up about his own journey into volleyball, what brought him to UNA, and the lessons that continue to shape his coaching today.

Whether you’re an athlete chasing a roster spot, a parent guiding your athlete, or a coach supporting players through the process, this episode offers an honest look at what it takes to stand out and find your place in college volleyball.

📌 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• How the recruiting process typically begins from a coach’s side
• Key reminders for athletes: stop comparing, embrace gratitude, and keep an open mind to all levels
• What Tristan notices first when evaluating a recruit
• How he defines “coachability” and why presence, demeanor, and character carry so much weight
• The importance of showing who you are when things don’t go your way

👉 Next week in Part 2: Tristan returns with even deeper recruitment insight and phenomenal advice for athletes looking to play at the next level.

She reflects on what she hopes to change in the game, how she prepares mentally and physically, and what she’s had to unlearn to keep leveling up. You’ll hear:

🌱 What Merritt hopes to help grow and change through her role as a United Ambassador - and why the next generation of athletes matters so much to her

💭 The advice she would give to a young girl dreaming of playing in college (or beyond) - and why perseverance is more powerful than perfection

💪 The hardest part of being a top-level athlete that no one talks about - and how she pushes through it

🎧 What her pre-game routine looks like - and how it has evolved over time as she’s grown into a pro athlete

🔄 Something Merritt had to unlearn as she moved up through the ranks from club to college to pro - and how it shaped her approach to the game today

Merritt’s perspective is an incredible mix of practical wisdom, personal growth, and a bold vision for the future. Whether you're a player, coach, or parent, this conversation is a reminder of the power of growth, leadership, and staying true to your why.

Merritt opens up about the journey behind the jersey — the real decisions, emotions, and mindset shifts that come with chasing your dreams at the highest level.

She walks us through the deeply personal process of transferring, what guided her decisions, and how she’s learning to let her “why” evolve with each season of life.

You'll hear:

• How Merritt navigated transferring schools and made the right choices for her
• What athletes often stress about in recruiting that doesn’t matter as much as they think
• Her journey with the love of the game
• How she continues to grow and challenge herself in this stage of her career
• Why it’s okay - and even healthy - for your “why” to shift over time
• The lessons and mindsets she’s carried from the coaches who’ve shaped her

You do not want to miss this chat! No matter your role in the game, there’s something here for you. Merritt brings the kind of perspective and heart that will stay with you long after the episode ends - and we're so grateful for the time she spent with us!

We couldn’t fit all the wisdom into one - so here’s Part 1 of our two-part episode with Merritt. Be sure to join us back next week for the rest of the conversation!

In this episode, Korohen chats with our United Registrar, Michelle, to walk through what Signing Day looks like at our club and what families can expect as the season takes shape.

They touch on:

• How we celebrate Signing Day and why it matters
• What to do right after you commit
• Tips for uniform ordering and important dates to note
• What’s coming this fall to help athletes gear up before official practices

If you’re feeling excited but also a little unsure - this is the episode that brings clarity to the process and gets you feeling ready. Let's make it official and start this upcoming season strong!

In this episode, we cover:

• what led her to pursue club volleyball so late in her high school journey
• what it felt like walking into a club gym for the first time at 18
• how she adapted quickly and found belonging in a new environment
• the challenges she faced throughout the recruiting process
• what sealed her decision to commit to West AL
• the area of her game she’s most excited to grow at the next level
• the deeper life lesson volleyball has introduced to her
• and the part of the game she truly fell in love with

Her journey proves that starting late doesn’t mean starting behind - especially when you’re all in.

They dive into:

• Common myths athletes believe about evaluations
• What happens after evaluations wrap
• How players can be evaluated for multiple positions

Whether you're a first-time athlete or returning player, this episode clears up confusion and helps you walk into the gym more confident and informed. We can't wait to see you this week!

Nervous? Excited? Somewhere in between? This episode is your guide to showing up strong, staying grounded, and standing out for all the right reasons.

From the energy you bring to the court to how you respond when things don’t go perfectly, this conversation is packed with real talk, helpful reminders, and honest perspective from coaches who value growth over perfection - and know what really leaves a lasting impression.

Inside, we cover:

• Why your mindset matters more than you think
• The qualities coaches are actually watching for
• What to do (and not do) if you want to stand out
• How parents can be a calm, supportive presence — without adding pressure
• The evaluation myths that need to go

If you’re ready to shift from anxious to intentional, this episode will help you step into the gym with more clarity, confidence, and purpose.

We’re cheering for you. Let’s get into it.

We also dive into the real work behind expansion: the challenges, the opportunities, and the heart behind it all. If you’ve been wondering what makes United different, or what’s coming next in Birmingham, this is the episode for you.

We’re beyond grateful for Ryan - his leadership, heart, and belief in what we’re building together. This partnership means everything, and we can’t wait to grow with the Birmingham community.

As we grow, so does our commitment to doing things with purpose, and that’s exactly what this episode is about. We’re proud to introduce Ryan Freeburg, the new Director of our Birmingham location, and dive into how he plans to build something meaningful from the ground up.

In Part 1, we explore what it means to lead a new location while staying true to the heart of United. From the intentional steps it takes to foster a club environment where athletes grow both on and off the court, to earning trust in a brand-new city, Ryan shares his vision for a club environment where character grows alongside skill - developing confident players and even better individuals.

It’s a special week, so be sure to join us again for Part 2 this Friday!

We dig into the expectations these moms had when their families first entered the club volleyball world — and how those have shifted with experience. We also explore what “success” really looks like in club, the importance of clear communication, and offer advice for parents who may be struggling to understand or navigate their athlete’s role on the team.

A heartfelt thank you to Melanie and Marianne for their time, transparency, and the valuable perspective they brought to the table. Part 2 is coming your way next week — stay tuned!

And the conversation doesn’t stop here—tune in next week as the girls take over for Part 2!

We are grateful for the opportunity and conversation. Big thanks to Andy, Lawrence, and Ethan for joining us. This one will be split into two episodes - join us next week to hear part two!