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Sideline Strategy: A Volleyball Podcast - Presented by JVA

JUNIOR VOLLEYBALL ASSOCIATION

Educational resources for youth volleyball directors, coaches, parents, and players! At JVA, our focus is helping the volleyball community grow and providing the tools to help volleyball leaders!

  • 20 episodes
  • Updated July 28

Episodes20

  • July 28 · 31 min

    Building a Legacy with Mike Lingenfelter | Sideline Strategy: A Volleyball Podcast

    What does it take to build a lasting legacy in volleyball? On this episode of Sideline Strategy, we sit down with legendary coach Mike Lingenfelter, whose influence on the sport has spanned more than 40 years. From his early days coaching as a teenager to helping build Munciana Volleyball into one of the nation's premier club programs, Mike shares the experiences, mentors, and values that have defined his career. Together, we explore what it truly means to lead, the difference between building a championship culture and a culture of champions, and why relationships, not just results, are at the heart of sustained success. Mike also discusses his exciting new role with Ultra Performance (UP) and how he's helping prepare the next generation of athletes for success at the collegiate level and beyond. Whether you're a coach, club director, athlete, or passionate fan of the game, this conversation is packed with leadership lessons, coaching wisdom, and practical takeaways you can apply both on and off the court. In this episode: • Mike's coaching journey and the mentors who shaped him • Lessons learned from Don Shondell and the Munciana coaching tree • Building a culture that develops leaders and champions • Why love and relationships are central to great coaching • The vision behind Ultra Performance (UP) • Preparing athletes for success beyond junior volleyball • Advice for young coaches looking to leave a lasting impact For more junior volleyball education visit www.jvavolleyball.org

  • July 6 · 32 min

    Boys Volleyball Sanctioning | Sideline Strategy: A Volleyball Podcast

    Growing boys volleyball doesn't happen by accident.Sarah Conklin joins the podcast to break down how North Carolina went from grassroots passion to official high school sanctioning. She shares the wins, the setbacks, and the strategies that helped build momentum, including the role of social media, community buy-in, and relentless advocacy.If you're invested in the future of boys volleyball, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 🏐00:00 Outreach and Education for Sanctioning27:17 The Future of Boys Volleyball29:52 Recruitment and Opportunities in Men's VolleyballFor more junior volleyball education visit www.jvavolleyball.org

  • June 30 · 16 min

    Inclusive Programming with MN Warriors | Sideline Strategy: A Volleyball Podcast

    Learn how Minnesota Warriors transformed youth volleyball through inclusive programming. Discover actionable insights for creating accessible sports teams.When we think about youth sports, inclusivity should be at the forefront. Yet, many aspiring athletes face barriers that prevent them from participating fully. In a recent interview with Len Dohm, Director of Minnesota Warriors, we explored how this club is breaking down those barriers to create opportunities for all. Here’s what you can learn about building an inclusive sports environment. 00:00 The Birth of Minnesota Warriors Volleyball 05:27 Innovative Adaptive Programs for All 11:12 Building Community Through Volleyball 12:51 Future Plans and Special Olympics Partnership 14:25 Advice for Aspiring Club Directors For more junior volleyball education visit www.jvavolleyball.org

  • June 15 · 38 min

    How to Inspire Young Athletes: Dr. Anitra Brockman | Sideline Strategy - A Volleyball Podcast

    What does it really take to inspire young athletes and keep them growing beyond the game?In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Anitra Brockman, coach, educator, and former head coach at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, to talk about mentorship, leadership, and building athletes from the inside out.With more than a decade of collegiate coaching experience, Dr. Brockman shares why coaching is bigger than wins and losses. From creating trust with athletes to developing leadership skills and navigating adversity, this conversation is packed with real insight for coaches, parents, and anyone invested in youth sports.In this episode, we cover:🏐 Why mentorship matters in athlete development🏐 How to build trust and open communication with players🏐 The importance of individualized coaching over one-size-fits-all methods🏐 Teaching leadership, resilience, and conflict management🏐 How passion for the game can shape the next generationWhether you’re coaching your first team or leading at the highest level, this episode is a reminder that the best coaches don’t just build athletes—they build people.#Volleyball #Coaching #YouthSports #Leadership #Mentorship #AthleteDevelopment

  • May 19 · 26 min

    Leading with Love: Coaching Philosophy of ​Coach Rakecia Jenkins

    On this episode of Sideline Strategy, Rakecia Jenkins talks about the transition from athlete to coach, building trust with players, and why mentorship and representation matter more than ever in volleyball.From coaching philosophy to showing up authentically in leadership roles, this conversation is full of the kind of insight that sticks with you long after the episode ends.Topics include:• Rakecia Jenkins’ journey from player to coach• The impact of AOCA in athlete development and representation• The importance of mentorship in sports• Balancing professionalism and authenticity as a coach00:00 Introduction and Background of Coaches00:38 Journey into Volleyball: Personal Stories03:20 The Impact of AOCA on Athletes06:04 Experiences at the Baltimore Event09:03 Coaching Philosophy and Personal Connection11:48 Navigating Identity as Female Coaches14:46 Preparing Athletes for Life Beyond Volleyball16:37 The Evolution of Casual Attire in Sports19:25 Fun Segment: Trivia and Pet Peeves in Volleyball24:13 Coaching Reflections and Future AspirationsFor more junior volleyball education visit www.jvavolleyball.org

  • April 27 · 20 min

    From College to Business Owner with Alivia Orvieto | Sideline Strategy - A Volleyball Podcast

    In this episode, Alivia Orvieto shares her inspiring journey from college volleyball star to founder of Sandblazers Beach Volleyball and her efforts to grow the sport in Pennsylvania. Discover her insights on coaching, building a community, and balancing business and sport. 00:00 Alivia's College Volleyball and Entrepreneurship 00:30 Joining JVA and Resources for Coaches 04:21 Alivia's Volleyball Journey and Love for Beach Volleyball 07:02 Transition from Indoor to Beach Volleyball 10:11 Starting Sandblazers Beach Volleyball 13:50 Favorite Aspects of Coaching and Community Impact 16:56 Challenges and Strategies in Youth Volleyball Programs 18:47 Future Plans and Growth of Sandblazers For more junior volleyball education visit www.jvavolleyball.org

  • April 20 · 19 min

    Student Athlete Author - Alexis Leo | Sideline Strategy: A Volleyball Podcast

    In this episode, Alexis Leo, a talented volleyball player and founder of Volleleaders, shares her journey from beginner to leader, emphasizing mental health, athlete communication, and leadership development. Discover practical strategies for supporting young athletes and fostering a positive sports culture.

  • April 6 · 25 min

    Promoting Racial Equity & Community in Volleyball | Sideline Strategy - A Volleyball Podcast

    In this episode, Candace Coleman, a dedicated volleyball coach and advocate for inclusivity, shares her journey from a young volleyball enthusiast to a leader in promoting racial equity and community support within the sport. She discusses her personal experiences, the impact of the AOCA initiative, and future plans to expand opportunities and foster meaningful conversations.

  • March 23 · 27 min

    Monica the TikTok Ref | Sideline Strategy - A Volleyball Podcast

    In this week's episode of Sideline Strategy, Monica Wang, a certified volleyball official and TikTok sensation, shares her journey balancing motherhood and officiating, her passion for the sport, and her efforts to inspire the next generation of referees.#officiationweek2026

  • March 10 · 45 min

    Building Trust with Gratitude

    Join us as Taylor McColskey, a seasoned volleyball coach with 14 years of Division I experience, shares insights on coaching, recruiting, and balancing life and career. Discover practical advice on athlete development, the college recruiting process, and the evolving landscape of volleyball coaching.

  • February 23 · 31 min

    Eight-person Volleyball Team Model

    In this episode of Sideline Strategy, guest Frank Flanagan discusses his journey in volleyball, from his early days in Southern California to becoming the director of Iowa Select Volleyball. He shares insights on the growth of the club, the challenges of managing player rosters, and the importance of coaching philosophy in player development. Flanagan emphasizes the need for community support among Club Directors and the impact of a positive coaching environment on young athletes.

  • February 9 · 55 min

    Importance of Multi-Sport Athletes with Casey Jennings

    Casey Jennings, former professional volleyball player and coach, shares his path from growing up in a large family in Las Vegas to building a career at the highest levels of the sport. He discusses his early exposure to sports, his transition to volleyball, and his collegiate career at BYU. Casey reflects on his professional playing experience and the lessons that shaped his approach to leadership and development.He also discusses founding Lake Tahoe Volleyball Academy and J5 Beach Volleyball Club, with a clear focus on long-term athlete development. Casey emphasizes the value of multi-sport participation, strong fundamentals, and the mental side of coaching. Throughout the conversation, he offers practical insight for coaches and club owners, reinforcing the importance of developing young athletes, creating positive environments, and keeping the joy of the game at the center of the experience.

  • Dec 16, 2025 · 31 min

    Kim Oden & Starlings USA

    Hear from Kim Oden, an Olympic bronze medalist and 2x Team Captain for Team USA, 3x All-American at Stanford, National Player of the Year, and AVCA Player of the Decade. Kim is the Co-Founder and current Board Chair of Starlings USA, which is a valued partner of JVA.

  • Dec 2, 2025 · 18 min

    Amy Pauly, Major League Volleyball, and Badminton

    Hear from Head Coach & Vice President of Volleyball Operations at Major League Volleyball's Orlando Valkyries. Amy Pauly discusses her leadership role, as well as relives her memories as a young volleyball athlete.

  • Nov 18, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min

    Boys' Volleyball Growth with Kevin Pratte & Todd Hollenbeck

    Join Kevin Pratte and Todd Hollenbeck with MiddleHitter.com and the Kevin Pratte Foundation as they dive into the exciting world of boys' volleyball. Discover their insights, stories, and the passion that drives this dynamic sport.

  • Oct 14, 2025 · 26 min

    The Volleyball Academy - Youth Training

    Rodrigo Gomes isn’t just a coach. He’s a builder. The founder of The Volleyball Academy, Rodrigo turned his vision for youth volleyball into one of the most forward-thinking programs in the game, introducing kids as young as three to the sport we all love. A former pro and collegiate athlete, Rodrigo brings decades of experience, energy, and purpose to everything he does. His mission? To make volleyball more accessible, more inspiring, and more fun for every athlete who walks through the door. For over 20 years, he’s been driving the growth of the game, here in the U.S. and around the world, proving that the future of volleyball starts with opportunity, passion, and a whole lot of heart. Listen to this week's episode of Sideline Strategy to hear about his new program!

  • Sep 22, 2025 · 44 min

    Youth Programming & Shifting the Focus from Doing to Learning

    In this episode of Sideline Strategy, Roberta Holehouse McGuiney and Casey Pyszczymuka discuss their experiences in youth volleyball, emphasizing the importance of fostering a love for the game among young athletes. They share insights on coaching philosophies, the significance of quality training, and the need for passionate coaches who prioritize the development of fundamental skills.

  • Aug 11, 2025 · 25 min

    Critical Role of Strength Training in Volleyball

    In this episode of Sideline Strategy, we dive into the critical role of strength training in volleyball with Peter Christofferson, head of athletic performance at T3 Performance. Discover how tailored strength and conditioning programs can prevent overuse injuries, enhance performance, and support athletes through the demanding transitions between club and high school seasons. Peter shares insights on building a strong foundation for volleyball athletes, emphasizing the importance of communication between coaches and players to maintain health and performance. Tune in to learn how to maximize training benefits while keeping the game fun and engaging.