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Better Together

United Volleyball

A United podcast centered around athlete development, coaching philosophies, the college recruitment process, and more! Hosted by Korohen Jones, Director of Player and Coach Development. Each week we showcase different athletes, alumni, and coaches that all help us become #bettertogether.

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  • 27 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 29 min
  • English

Episodes 27

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  • S2 · E40
    April 29 · 38 min

    Volleyball Recruiting Tips: What Athletes and Parents Need to Know with Alicia Krichev

    This week we’re bringing back one of our most helpful conversations around the college recruiting process with United coach Alicia Krichev. 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.

  • S2 · E39
    April 22 · 37 min

    UNA Beach Volleyball | Head Coach Kaleb Vandeperre: The Mental Side Athletes Struggle With Most (Part 3)

    In Part 3 of our conversation with UNA Beach Volleyball Head Coach Kaleb Vandeperre, we dive into the mental side of the game - and what truly holds athletes back from reaching their potential. 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.

  • S2 · E38
    April 15 · 35 min

    UNA Beach Volleyball | Head Coach Kaleb Vandeperre: Recruiting Truths & What Coaches Really Look For (Part 2)

    In Part 2 of our conversation with UNA Beach Volleyball Head Coach Kaleb Vandeperre, we dive into the recruiting process, what actually matters to college coaches, and how athletes can better navigate the journey. 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

  • S2 · E37
    April 8 · 31 min

    UNA Beach Volleyball | Head Coach Kaleb Vandeperre on Identity, Culture, and Performance (Part 1)

    We recently took a little trip to the University of North Alabama and had the pleasure of speaking with UNA Beach Volleyball head coach Kaleb Vandeperre about the foundation of what it really means to be a college athlete. 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

  • S2 · E36
    April 1 · 29 min

    Looking Back with Merritt Beason (Part 2): Leadership, Confidence & the Mental Game

    As our season continues and teams head into qualifiers, we’re revisiting Part 2 of our conversation with United Club Ambassador, Merritt Beason - now playing professionally with the Omaha Supernovas! 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

  • S2 · E35
    March 25 · 32 min

    Looking Back with Merritt Beason (Part 1): Recruiting, Identity & Finding Your Way

    We’re in the middle of a busy stretch of the season - travel, qualifiers, and everything that comes with it. 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.

  • S2 · E34
    March 18 · 39 min

    Aija Abele on Culture, Coaching, and the Work Athletes Don’t See (Part 2)

    In Part 2 of our conversation with Aija, she shares what she thought coaching would be when she first started versus what the role has actually become two years in. From reflection and responsibility to fairness, team culture, and the mental side of performance, she offers a thoughtful look at the work coaches carry long after practice ends. 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

Showing 21–27 of 27 episodes