The Coaches Group Chat

Matthew Houlihan, Arielle Houlihan, Chad Gordon

Grab a drink and a seat at the table with hosts Matt Houlihan, Arielle Houlihan and Chad Gordon as we chat about the world of volleyball, coaching, business, and whatever else Arielle feels like!

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20 episodes
Updated May 15
Explicit

Episodes20

Newest first

May 15 · 32 min
S4E14: NCAA Championship Recap, Tourney Expansion, Transfer Portal
We come back from the NCAA men’s volleyball national championship trip fired up about the crowd, the chaos, and how good the event felt in person. We also get honest about what still holds the sport back on TV, plus the portal and replay issues that keep stealing oxygen from the volleyball. • getting media passes and roaming the arena like it’s normal • why the building sounded full but the broadcast looked empty • ticket pricing and camera-side seating as a fixable problem • why tournament expansion and two weekends build better storylines • making replay challenges faster, clearer, and more fun for fans • sponsor-funded challenge systems as a realistic path forward • transfer portal timing, tampering, and the mental load on coaches • Hawaii’s traveling fans and why that atmosphere matters • end-of-year awards, bench energy, and our season shout outs
May 6 · 24 min
S4E13: May Madness, Touch-Gate, Final Four Predictions
The NCAA men’s volleyball tournament delivers a chaos filled quarterfinal weekend where matches swing on stoppages, challenges, and pure nerve. We break down the biggest replay controversies, talk about how momentum collapses after an overturned finish, then lock in our completely split Final Four champion picks. • Tournament expansion paying off with high drama matchups • Penn State vs Irvine fifth set chaos and long stoppages • Cameron Kosty blood delay and the legendary sport coat moments • Pepperdine vs Ball State touch review debate at match point • UCLA vs Irvine challenge overturn that changes everything • Frustration with replay systems and not showing what officials see • How mental swings decide tight fifth sets after “game over” moments • Last chance bracket reset and how many perfect brackets remain • Final Four predictions for Long Beach State, Hawaii, Irvine, Ball State • Taking the pod on the road for the national championship • Wedding venue delays and a New York City venue plea We’re gonna put our last chance bracket up online. So if you want to go back, go back in and put your final four predictions in. But if you’re there, come on down. And if you got tickets, let us know because we don’t have those yet. If anyone has a wedding venue in New York City that they would like to be incredible, they’d like to offer up as a sacrifice for ball state. Please DM us at the coaches group chat.
April 30 · 41 min
S4E12: Bracket Challenge, Big West is More Entertaining Than MPSF, Milan Mania
We lock in our NCAA men’s volleyball tournament predictions and argue where the real upset windows are hiding, especially around UC Irvine’s ability to turn a match with serving pressure. Then we zoom out to the sport itself, from Big West entertainment value and rivalry heat to what “Milan Mania” teaches about training, leadership, and letting athletes put on a show. • bracket pick’em challenge details and why the submission data is interesting • UC Irvine vs Penn State picks and what makes Irvine dangerous • how a play-in winner can threaten UCLA at home • Pepperdine vs Ball State as a true coin-flip match • USC vs Hawaii matchup factors including health and lineup questions • why tournament parity feels tighter than past seasons • Big West fan culture and player personality compared with the MPSF • rivalry moments and why drama helps men’s volleyball reach new fans • how coaches can encourage celebration without losing control • what “Milan Mania” really is beyond drills and why buy-in matters Head on over if you want to fill out your bracket, test yourself. We need tickets to the finals. I’m not saying like bad tickets, I need like front row tickets. Give us a call.
April 24 · 32 min
S4E11: Conference Tournaments, Pacific Gives, D-Ops
We run the full men’s volleyball playoff gauntlet, from the NEC and EIVA through the MIVA, MPSF, and Big West, then put real picks on the table for who wins and who sweats the bubble. Along the way we get into bracket expansion math, Pacific Gives fundraising chaos, and why behind-the-scenes ops work is the secret weapon of great programs. • Stanford season ends at BYU and the playoff mood shifts fast • NEC and EIVA quick hits, matchups that feel like annual destiny • MIVA final prediction talk with the usual playoff truths • MPSF semifinals recap, USC vs UCLA championship stakes • Big West reactions, Hawaii, Long Beach State, UC Irvine, UC San Diego scenarios • At-large bids with a 12-team bracket, who’s safe, who’s first out, what upset breaks it • Pacific Gives recap, donor match strategy, swimmer wager and the “fake donors” saga • Arielle’s DI-ops realization, what great ops actually solve, and why food logistics matter If you watch this, like, comment, subscribe.
April 15 · 26 min
S4E10: Jordan Lucas, UC Merced, and LOVB Finals
We react to the Jordan Lucas broadcast clip that set off a viral storm in men’s volleyball and use it to talk about how inclusion actually shows up in sports culture. We also pivot to UC Merced’s packed gym, LOVB’s golden set playoff format, and a quick wedding update that somehow turns into bachelor party planning. • our apology for a lost recording and the chaos that follows • the UC Irvine vs CSUN moment and why the “popped” comment hits differently • how Jordan Lucas’ visibility shapes LGBTQ+ comfort in boys volleyball culture • why representation keeps young athletes playing and feeling safe • UC Merced’s first-year MPSF buzz and what fan energy can do for growth • LOVB finals, the golden set tiebreaker, and the pros and cons of the format • our gripe with team naming and what makes leagues feel “real” • the latest wedding update and the loose plan for a bachelor party So look it up on YouTube. Did Volleyball Fumble The Gays?
March 17 · 35 min
S4E9: Volleyball Day In The Bay, Are "Yeller" Coaches Done For?
Volleyball Day in the Bay becomes less about a single match and more about building a real Bay Area volleyball tradition around Stanford men’s volleyball. We unpack what worked, what fell flat, and how coaching intensity changes when trust and emotional intelligence lead the way. • tailgate energy and cross-club volleyball community showing up • beach volleyball at Stanford and why the venue feels special • youth clinic logistics and the value of getting kids on the floor • attendance goals, seating optics and making the crowd look full • student turnout problems and ideas for smarter campus activation • coaching styles from yelling to evolved communication • defining the line between intensity and abuse plus why follow-up talks matter Go look up at @GlassBoats on X for Matt's most embarrassing idioms.
March 13 · 36 min
S4E8: Volleyball Antagonists, Mid Season All-Americans, Message to Younger Volleyball Self
We argue about men’s volleyball “antagonists” and end up in a real debate about what turns casual fans on or off, from missed serves to confusing calls and commentary. Then we shift into mid-season player picks, youth club culture, and the hardest part of sports, being a parent or teammate who can let people fail and still feel supported. • Hawaii volleyball fans as the internet antagonist • David Kniffin as the mysteriously snubbed “bad guy” • Missed serves as a barrier to fan growth • How commentary shapes what new viewers notice • Mid-season All-American style picks and why they matter • Youth club results and why the future looks fast • Parenting rules at matches, anxiety, and letting kids learn • Lessons we’d tell our younger volleyball selves, from gratitude to academics So come on down if you are in the Bay Area. Come join us on Saturday!
March 4 · 26 min
S4E7: Hecklers, Banners, And Volleyball Day in the Bay
We swap our favorite heckling stories, then shift to a thoughtful case for reinstating Hawaii’s vacated 2002 title before rallying the Bay Area for a massive volleyball day push. Humor, history, and a concrete plan to pack the stands drive the hour. • mid-season energy and a new competitive drill • whiteboard wit and the line between sharp and mean • Big West heckling culture and nostalgia • Stanford deep dives and Hawaii’s electric arena • the 2002 Hawaii title, rule changes, and fairness • why banners matter for community and recruiting • Volleyball Day in the Bay schedule and goals • youth clinic, open tailgate, and giveaways • specific roles we take to grow attendance Like and subscribe!
February 25 · 31 min
S4E6: Chair Etiquette, NCAA Rule Changes, Setter Dunks
We kick off with a viral chair-etiquette debate, then push into real fixes: retire work teams with smarter tech, clarify NCAA rule changes, and make the case to let setters dunk with two hands. Along the way we argue for consistent officiating, cleaner gyms, and better fan behavior. • chair etiquette and common-sense seating • parents’ role in sideline tension • removing work teams with AI-assisted tools • rebranding officiating roles for clarity • NCAA pursuit rule and space constraints • challenge timing limits and game theory • court and jersey commercialization pros and cons • the two-handed setter dump legality and consistency • reducing judgment calls to improve flow • culture notes on food lines and venue design • quick hit: Chad’s Wedding Woundup update Like, comment, and subscribe!
February 12 · 36 min
S4E5: All-Puerto Rico Team, Volleyball Fumbled the Gays, Middles Obsolete?
Super Bowl week turned San Francisco into a branded maze and sparked a bigger talk about how events shape cities and attention. We celebrate Puerto Rican volleyball legends, question why volleyball hasn’t captured LGBTQ fandom like hockey has, and debate whether modern lineups make traditional middles expendable. • citywide Super Bowl activations and event fatigue • Benito Bowl reactions and why representation hits • all‑time Puerto Rican NCAA picks across eras • why programs should teach their own history • hockey’s queer mainstream moment vs volleyball’s silence • ideas for LGBTQ visibility and better commentary • are middles obsolete or being reimagined • pins converting to middle and no‑libero experiments • serving value, development gaps, and recruiting bias • versatility as the new recruiting edge
February 5 · 25 min
S3E4: Euro Talent, Hawai'i Insider, Building a Program From Scratch
We argue whether the surge of European players lifts the NCAA at the expense of USA Volleyball, then turn to how culture and community create lasting power. Devin Young’s hire at Pacific sparks a blueprint for rebuilding fast with Europe, the portal, club stars, NIL, and storytelling. • tradeoffs between international recruiting and USA athlete development • whether the NCAA should test international roster caps • why Hawaii’s culture creates stars and traveling crowds • tapping Asian American and LGBTQ+ communities to grow attendance • Devin Young to Pacific and what a smart rebuild looks like • balancing portal veterans with freshmen and overlooked club talent • NIL as targeted investment plus content and transparency • analytics and NCVF as market inefficiencies to exploit Like, comment, subscribe, or... don't
January 28 · 23 min
S4E2: Matt at Stanford, Daniel's Conspiracies, Volleyball Fyre Fest
Matt shares a short-term leap onto the Stanford bench, how it reshapes his voice and time, and why serving the team takes priority over hot takes. We also unpack the canceled Honda Center NIL event, question rankings logic, and preview Stanford vs UC Irvine with deep club ties. • a three‑month Stanford coaching role and its constraints • honoring family coaching legacy and purpose • social media boundaries when you represent a program • the NIL tournament cancellation and missing details • credibility risks for men’s volleyball events • rankings transparency and results over potential • Stanford vs UC Irvine storylines and Beta Bay roots • community moments that keep the sport vibrant Like, comment, subscribe. Or don’t.
January 22 · 38 min
S4E1: The 2026 Prediction Episode
We trade life updates for bold calls, then break down who wins men’s college volleyball and why. Awards, freshmen to watch, coaching philosophies, officiating shifts, and the growth of the sport all get a clear, candid look. • Title picks for UCLA, USC and Stanford with reasons • Player of the year cases for Andrew Rowan, Dillon Klein and Jaylen Phillips • Freshman standouts including UCI’s French pipeline and Sosa • Coach of the year criteria and nods to Kniffin, Winder and Pavlik • Technical trends like the two-handed recycle and no-double setting • Juniors officiating contrasts with college play on lifts and throws • NIL gravity and the squeeze on high-academic programs • Program expansion logic at smaller private schools
Dec 1, 2025 · 24 min
University of the Pacific Men’s Volleyball Returns
The headline is big, but the backstory is bigger: Pacific is bringing back men’s volleyball, and we walk through how it actually happened—step by step, meeting by meeting, and milestone by milestone. From the first conversations with President Callahan to the detailed planning with Athletic Director Adam, we saw how patient leadership, alumni persistence, and the right partners turned a long shot into a green light. We dig into the mechanics behind the moment: why First Point Volleyball Foundation’s involvement mattered, what conference alignment with the MPSF looks like, and how budgets, scholarships, and staffing were mapped before the announcement. Beyond logistics, we explore a core belief that shaped this comeback: men’s and women’s volleyball are stronger together. Cut one and you weaken the culture; invest in both and you raise the floor and the ceiling—better recruiting, bigger crowds, and a campus identity people want to be part of. There’s also a candid look at the enrollment strategy driving decisions at private universities. Men’s volleyball can bring in domestic and international students, boost retention, and anchor community engagement. With that context, we talk about the head coach archetype that fits this moment—a builder who can recruit at speed, fundraise with credibility, and set a standard from day one. Expect some names, some laughs, and a bold attendance line for the home opener that dares Stockton to show up loud. We’re proud, we’re relieved, and we’re ready to help this program thrive. If you want more schools to follow Pacific’s lead, share this with an AD or president who needs a playbook. Subscribe, rate, and pass it along to a volleyball friend—then tell us your pick to lead the Tigers and your over/under for opening night.
Oct 10, 2025 · 25 min
S3E2: Volleyball Rehab, Death to #GrowTheGame, & Mid-Major Tournaments
We recap a whirlwind women’s volleyball weekend, break down Stanford vs Louisville with real tactical detail, and lay out a case for mandatory mid-major conference tournaments. We also explain how Bay to Bay chartered flights to save families money and why “grow the game” needs to retire. • Stanford vs Louisville as a gritty benchmark for the 4–10 tier • Louisville setter as the match’s key differentiator • Stanford stronger in the middle, Louisville deeper at the pins • Santa Clara–Pepperdine detour and a St. Mary’s “volleyball rehab” vibe • Packed gym energy and what real community looks like • Why mid-major conferences should host a top-six tournament • Keeping teams alive longer, creating late-season stakes • A rebuttal to “best representative” fears with best-of-five logic • Retiring “grow the game” in favor of confident, concrete action • AVCA convention curation vs salesy sessions, and open debate • How Matt chartered planes and broke the internet with AI • AI mockups, virality, and clear messaging around real logistics • Building The Grape Man event from 10 to 100 teams
Sep 30, 2025 · 27 min
S3E1: NCAA Women's Volleyball Vibe Check
We return with a pop-up episode to track the surge in women’s volleyball—national TV windows, marquee kickoff events, and a top tier led by Nebraska and Texas—while naming sleepers that no one wants in a Sweet 16 draw. We also break down Milan’s move to UCLA and grade USA men’s first season of a youth-forward reset. • AVCA First Serve impact, ESPN and Fox spotlight • Nebraska and Texas separating, context on early undefeateds • UCLA’s transfer haul and the Penn State win • Texas practice insights, talent depth, and scheduling • Top 10 snapshot with ASU, TCU, SMU storylines • Sleeper teams that create matchup nightmares • Men’s update: Milan to UCLA and visa questions • USA men graded A- for youth and identity • Plans for an AVCA live lobby show Please let us know if you would like us to keep giving our thoughts on women (volleyball).
May 13, 2025 · 31 min
S2E14: Natty Champs Recap, Long Beach Culture, Too Early Predictions
Long Beach State secures another national championship with a commanding sweep over UCLA, showcasing their unparalleled team culture and championship mentality. Their "blue collar" approach and ride-or-die brotherhood has created a volleyball program where bench energy is so intense it earned yellow cards during their championship celebration. • Long Beach's first set domination, hitting nearly .800 against UCLA • Moni Nikolov's clutch serving, delivering two consecutive aces when UCLA led 20-18 in the second set • The stark contrast between UCLA's grim timeout huddle and Long Beach's electrified bench • Long Beach volleyball culture as elite, gritty, and built on intense loyalty • Post-match championship F-bomb continuing the Long Beach tradition • Way-too-early predictions for next season's contenders: Hawaii, Stanford, and USC • High school volleyball update with Open Division Championship preview Join us for season three as the podcast may be moving to a new home with some exciting changes ahead!
Apr 29, 2025 · 47 min
S2E13: Grand Canyon Cuts Men's Volleyball, NCAA Bracketology, VNL Roster Predictions
Grand Canyon University has abruptly cut their men's volleyball program, effective immediately, with no advance warning to coaches or players, sending shockwaves through the volleyball community. We explore what this means for the future of men's volleyball and share insights from our personal experiences with program cuts at Stanford and University of Pacific. • Blueprint for fighting program cuts based on Stanford's successful campaign to save their program • Importance of building alumni databases and organizing coordinated responses • Strategies for fundraising through pledges rather than immediate donations • Critical timing of GCU's announcement during peak men's volleyball season • Complete NCAA tournament field breakdown and selection committee controversies • Final Four predictions with analysis of key matchups • Potential collegiate players likely to join USA Volleyball's training team this summer If your program doesn't already have a comprehensive alumni database and communication system in place, start building one today. Don't wait for an emergency announcement to begin organizing your support network.
Apr 16, 2025 · 41 min
S2E12: Long Beach v. Hawaii, USC Injuries, Volleyball Tariffs
Arielle, Chad, and Matt dive into a lively discussion of recent collegiate men's volleyball action and debate the future of the game. • Hawaii splits with Long Beach State • USC battles significant injuries to key players, creating strategic challenges for upcoming matches • Conference tournament predictions across MIVA, EIVA, Big West, and MPSF • Data reveals NCAA men's volleyball is 16% international athletes • Discussion of whether international roster limits would benefit American player development • Proposal for rule changes to improve men's volleyball as a television product, including a service "foul out" rule • Brief recap of LOVB Championship results, with Austin defeating Omaha in a sweep Support our podcast by following, leaving a review, or showing off your new silver chain just like Chad.
Apr 8, 2025 · 49 min
S2E11: Weekend Upsets, Foreign Roster Caps, Long Beach v. Hawaii, KBB to LOVB
The NCAA's back-to-back scheduling format deflates the impact of big upsets by forcing immediate rematches, preventing storylines from developing and limiting media coverage opportunities. • The weekend featured multiple top-5 upsets including CSUN over Hawaii, UC San Diego over UC Irvine, and GCU over UCLA • Back-to-back scheduling forces teams to play the same opponent twice in consecutive days, eliminating the buildup between matchups • The upcoming 18-man roster cap will significantly impact recruitment strategies and player movement between programs • International players dominate many starting lineups in NCAA men's volleyball, raising questions about American player development • American volleyball development lags behind European counterparts that use academy systems with more frequent, specialized training • Hawaii vs. Long Beach State this weekend is the most anticipated matchup of the regular season with major NCAA tournament implications • The coaches predict Long Beach will likely win at least one match, with Nikolov expected to excel in the high-pressure environment Join us for a potential live stream "Manning Cast" style commentary during the Hawaii vs. Long Beach matches this weekend!

The Coaches Group Chat

S4E14: NCAA Championship Recap, Tourney Expansion, Transfer Portal

S4E13: May Madness, Touch-Gate, Final Four Predictions

S4E12: Bracket Challenge, Big West is More Entertaining Than MPSF, Milan Mania

S4E11: Conference Tournaments, Pacific Gives, D-Ops

S4E10: Jordan Lucas, UC Merced, and LOVB Finals

S4E9: Volleyball Day In The Bay, Are "Yeller" Coaches Done For?

S4E8: Volleyball Antagonists, Mid Season All-Americans, Message to Younger Volleyball Self

S4E7: Hecklers, Banners, And Volleyball Day in the Bay

S4E6: Chair Etiquette, NCAA Rule Changes, Setter Dunks

S4E5: All-Puerto Rico Team, Volleyball Fumbled the Gays, Middles Obsolete?

S3E4: Euro Talent, Hawai'i Insider, Building a Program From Scratch

S4E2: Matt at Stanford, Daniel's Conspiracies, Volleyball Fyre Fest

S4E1: The 2026 Prediction Episode

University of the Pacific Men’s Volleyball Returns

S3E2: Volleyball Rehab, Death to #GrowTheGame, & Mid-Major Tournaments

S3E1: NCAA Women's Volleyball Vibe Check

S2E14: Natty Champs Recap, Long Beach Culture, Too Early Predictions

S2E13: Grand Canyon Cuts Men's Volleyball, NCAA Bracketology, VNL Roster Predictions

S2E12: Long Beach v. Hawaii, USC Injuries, Volleyball Tariffs

S2E11: Weekend Upsets, Foreign Roster Caps, Long Beach v. Hawaii, KBB to LOVB