Volley Talk with Sarah Pavan

Sarah Pavan

The podcast created for volleyball lovers who want to dig deep into what is going on in NCAA and international volleyball.

Hosted by Olympian, World Champion, and former Nebraska Cornhusker All-American Sarah Pavan and her husband, international volleyball coach and stats wizard Adam Schulz, Volley Talk brings you weekly highlights from the world of NCAA and international volleyball.

Sarah and Adam also give insights and opinions on feature matches, as well as some hot takes, sharing their knowledge and drawing on decades of experience playing and coaching the game at the highest level.

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20 episodes
Updated July 20

Episodes20

Newest first

July 20 · 1 hr 11 min
Turkiye & Ukraine Earn Men's VNL Final 8 Berths for the First Time, Canada is Relegated
In this episode of Volley Talk, we discuss Week 3 of the Men's VNL. Japan finished the preliminary round 12-0, and both Turkiye & Ukraine made the Final 8 for the first time! We try to create a men's VNL Dream Team and spend a lot of time dissecting Canada's path to relegation. Will they recover from this in time for the Olympics?? If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com! Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast YouTube: http://youtube.com/@SarahPavanVolleyball
July 13 · 1 hr 27 min
2026 Women's VNL Final 8 is Set- Poland is Out, Netherlands and Canada are In
In this episode of Volley Talk, we discuss Week 3 of the Women's VNL. The Final 8 is set, and while we were close in predicting which teams would make it, our ranking predictions were nowhere close! Canada qualifies for their first ever VNL Final 8, Poland is out, and Bulgaria is relegated. Lots of interesting happenings in the volleyball world this week too... Russia is back! If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com! Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast YouTube: http://youtube.com/@SarahPavanVolleyball
June 29 · 1 hr 19 min
Japan Looking Strong at 8-0 in Men's VNL, Brazil Drops from 1st to 9th
In this episode of Volley Talk, we discuss Week 2 of the Men's VNL. A couple of teams are looking better and better as the tournament goes on and a couple are on a serious decline. The men's competition is always so tight and several matches this week were incredibly exciting. Heading into Week 3, we try to predict who will make the cut for the Final 8, and what the semifinals may look like. If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com! Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast YouTube: http://youtube.com/@SarahPavanVolleyball
June 22 · 1 hr 4 min
No Undefeated Teams Remain in Women's VNL, USA Sits in Top Spot
In this episode of Volley Talk, we discuss Week 2 of the Women's VNL. Things were all over the place with teams losing and winning unexpected matches. There was a lot of movement, but USA has taken over the number one ranking heading into Week 3! Dominican Republic and France will have to make a push to avoid relegation. If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com! Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast YouTube: http://youtube.com/@SarahPavanVolleyball
June 15 · 54 min
Brazil & Japan Go 4-0 in Men's VNL Week 1, France is Struggling
In this episode of Volley Talk, we take a look at what happened during Week 1 of the 2026 Men's VNL competition. As we saw with the women's side, both Brazil and Japan are undefeated and are at the top of the ranks. Cuba and Argentina are still looking for their first win, and France had a rough week in Ottawa, going 1-3. If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com! Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast YouTube: http://youtube.com/@SarahPavanVolleyball
June 8 · 1 hr 13 min
Brazil & Japan Undefeated After VNL Week 1, Canada & USA Are Up And Down
In this episode of Volley Talk, we take a look at what happened during Week 1 of the 2026 Women's VNL competition. There are only 2 undefeated teams, and Italy's 39-match win streak has come to an end. With 4 new teams in both MLV and LOVB for the 2027 season, there has been an influx of new talent signing contracts to play in the US. Men's VNL Week 1 is coming this week! If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com! Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast YouTube: http://youtube.com/@SarahPavanVolleyball
May 19 · 1 hr 11 min
USA Women Announce 2026 VNL Wide Roster, Perugia Wins Back to Back Champions League Titles
In this episode of Volley Talk, we take a look at the USA women's wide roster for the 2026 VNL. Which players have us scratching our heads and who do we think was missed? Will this roster have what it takes to win a medal this season? Men's Champions League wraps up with Perugia dominating the Final Four in Torino, and we address one of the most highly requested topics of the week: Pitt's Europe Trip! We are taking some time off before VNL starts up, so we will see you back here the week of June 8! If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com! Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast YouTube: http://youtube.com/@SarahPavanVolleyball
May 13 · 1 hr 23 min
Hawai'i Wins 2026 Men's NCAA National Championship, Dallas Pulse Takes MLV Title
It was a big weekend for volleyball! MLV finished up their third season, and Dallas Pulse took the title in a win over the Omaha Supernovas. On the NCAA men's side, it was an all-Big West final with Hawai'i taking down UC Irvine in 4. It might not have been the most exciting volleyball we have seen recently, but we love a final, and there is only one more league left to finish up before international season starts! If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com! Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast YouTube: http://youtube.com/@SarahPavanVolleyball
May 5 · 1 hr 20 min
2026 NCAA Men's Final Four is Set, Vakifbank Takes Champions League Crown
There is a lot to cover in the volleyball world this week! The NCAA Men's Regionals happened this past weekend with one particularly surprising result that not many people saw coming... Women's Champions League Final Four went down in Istanbul with a new champion emerging victorious, and the MLV Championship is upon us! Get ready for a lot of analysis, predictions, and heartache (from Sarah). Join our MLV fantasy league for the 2026 season!! Go to playvoli.com/volleytalk to participate. Download the app on iOS or Android to get in on the action! If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com! Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast YouTube: http://youtube.com/@SarahPavanVolleyball
April 28 · 56 min
2026 NCAA Men's Volleyball Championship Preview
In this episode of Volley Talk, we break down the upcoming NCAA Men's Volleyball Championship. With 12 teams participating for the first time and 4 locations for the Regional matchups, this is going to be a really exciting tournament! UCLA, Hawaii, Long Beach State, and Ball State earned the 1-seeds so they get a first round bye and the luxury of hosting the Regionals matches. Will there be any upsets or will the 1-seeds all make it to the Final Four in LA? Join our MLV fantasy league for the 2026 season!! Go to playvoli.com/volleytalk to participate. Download the app on iOS or Android to get in on the action! If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com! Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast YouTube: http://youtube.com/@SarahPavanVolleyball
April 20 · 1 hr 11 min
Austin Wins 2026 LOVB Championship with Golden Set Victory Over Salt Lake
In this episode of Volley Talk, we dive into the LOVB Championship that happened this past weekend in LA. Austin and Salt Lake went the distance, with Austin ultimately winning their second straight LOVB title in the Golden Set. We also expand our Fraudulent or For Real game to some recently successful NCAA women's teams. Who is on the right track for the long term and who is going to fade out? Join our MLV fantasy league for the 2026 season!! Go to playvoli.com/volleytalk to participate. Download the app on iOS or Android to get in on the action! If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com! Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast YouTube: http://youtube.com/@SarahPavanVolleyball
April 13 · 1 hr 31 min
Austin vs Salt Lake in LOVB Finals, Men's International & Domestic Dream Teams
In this episode of Volley Talk, we talk about the LOVB Playoffs that happened in Louisville this past weekend. For the second year, neither top seed made it to the final. We will be seeing Austin vs Salt Lake in Long Beach this weekend! MIVA upsets have become the norm, Indy and Dallas are the only teams guaranteed an MLV playoff spot, and we do a men's version of our domestic and international dream teams. Join our MLV fantasy league for the 2026 season!! Go to playvoli.com/volleytalk to participate. Download the app on iOS or Android to get in on the action! If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com! Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast YouTube: http://youtube.com/@SarahPavanVolleyball
April 7 · 1 hr 5 min
Jordan Larson's Playing Career Officially Comes to an End, Houston Wins LOVB Regular Season
Go to our sponsor https://joinissa.com/sarahpavan to become a Certified Personal Trainer and get $100 off your order! In this episode of Volley Talk, we talk a lot about what has been going on with LOVB this week. The end of an era amid playoff controversy, player suspensions, and more. UCLA men are no longer undefeated, MLV playoff spots are up for grabs, and men's Champions League Final Four is set! Join our MLV fantasy league for the 2026 season!! Go to playvoli.com/volleytalk to participate. Download the app on iOS or Android to get in on the action! If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com! Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast YouTube: http://youtube.com/@SarahPavanVolleyball
March 30 · 1 hr 16 min
Scandicci Outlasts Fenerbahce in Champions League Golden Set, International & Domestic Dream Teams
In this episode of Volley Talk, we break down the Champions League quarterfinal series between Scandicci and Fenerbahce. This was the only women's quarterfinal to go to a Golden Set, and the level of play was so entertaining to watch! We also make women's Dream Team selections for international volleyball, Team USA, and NCAA. We know there will be some varied opinions here, so let's hear your picks! Join our MLV fantasy league for the 2026 season!! Go to playvoli.com/volleytalk to participate. Download the app on iOS or Android to get in on the action! If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com! Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast YouTube: http://youtube.com/@SarahPavanVolleyball
March 24 · 1 hr 7 min
MLV All-Star Teams Announced, Crunch Time for Some Teams Heading into LOVB Final Weeks
In this episode of Volley Talk, we take a look at the fan-voted (?), league-determined (?) player-inputted (?) MLV All-Star teams. Basically, we have no idea how exactly these teams were chosen, but we have some thoughts. We also break down some of the longer winning and losing streaks in various leagues. Are they indicative of how the team actually plays or is something weird going on? Join our MLV fantasy league for the 2026 season!! Go to playvoli.com/volleytalk to participate. Download the app on iOS or Android to get in on the action! If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com! Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast YouTube: http://youtube.com/@SarahPavanVolleyball
March 16 · 1 hr 12 min
Ranking NCAA Women's National Freshmen of the Year, International Transfer Portal?
In this episode of Volley Talk, we look back at the NCAA Women's National Freshmen of the Year from 2010-present. This exercise is a bit tougher than the POY segment we did last week, but we try to rank their collegiate and pro careers. UCLA remains unbeaten after taking down Hawai'i 3-0, Indy and Dallas have clearly separated themselves on the MLV front, and what would happen if there was a "transfer portal" internationally? Join our MLV fantasy league for the 2026 season!! Go to playvoli.com/volleytalk to participate. Download the app on iOS or Android to get in on the action! If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com! Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast YouTube: http://youtube.com/@SarahPavanVolleyball
March 9 · 1 hr 7 min
Ranking Former NCAA Women's POYs, Hawai'i and Pepperdine Trade Punches
In this episode of Volley Talk, we look back at the NCAA Women's Players of the Year from 2010-present. We have some fun and try to rank their collegiate careers and see how their pro careers stacked up to expectation. Confirm or Deny makes a comeback, and the Hawai'i vs Pepperdine series was a lot of fun- honestly, much more competitive than we were expecting! Will Hawai'i hand UCLA their first loss of the season this week? Join our MLV fantasy league for the 2026 season!! Go to playvoli.com/volleytalk to participate. Download the app on iOS or Android to get in on the action! If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com! Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast YouTube: http://youtube.com/@SarahPavanVolleyball
March 2 · 1 hr 19 min
Things are Ramping Up in Champions League & Overseas, Listener Questions Level Up
In this episode of Volley Talk, we take a look at the playoff matchups happening in the Italian leagues and Champions League. We get out our crystal balls to predict how various leagues will finish their regular seasons and playoffs. Will we be correct? The FIVB officially released the rule changes they will be testing in the 2026 VNL (no libero changes, thankfully!), and we dive into the LOVB double sub situation and wonder... which national team has the strongest double sub (other than Italy, of course). Join our MLV fantasy league for the 2026 season!! Go to playvoli.com/volleytalk to participate. Download the app on iOS or Android to get in on the action! If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com! Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast YouTube: http://youtube.com/@SarahPavanVolleyball
February 24 · 58 min
USA Volleyball Collegiate Training Camp, Where is Kendall Kipp?
In this episode of Volley Talk, we take a look at the invitees to the USA Volleyball Collegiate Training Camp. Who would make our starting 7? Any surprise selections or snubs? Our listeners have been on the same page lately, and many people have been submitting the same questions, which is awesome. We dive into some of the most popular questions, including why we don't talk more about Kendall Kipp, and we make our own MLV All-Star picks. Join our MLV fantasy league for the 2026 season!! Go to playvoli.com/volleytalk to participate. Download the app on iOS or Android to get in on the action! If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com! Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast YouTube: http://youtube.com/@SarahPavanVolleyball
February 16 · 1 hr 2 min
New Rules in VNL 2026, An Interesting MLV Trade, and Blocking Strategy 201
In this episode of Volley Talk, we go over some of the rule changes we will see implemented in VNL 2026. Some are ok, and some are... not our cup of tea. Grand Rapids and Omaha made a very interesting trade in MLV that has us shaking our heads, and we dive into the pros and cons of some different blocking tactics. Join our MLV fantasy league for the 2026 season!! Go to playvoli.com/volleytalk to participate. Download the app on iOS or Android to get in on the action! If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com! Instagram: https://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast YouTube: http://youtube.com/@SarahPavanVolleyball

Volley Talk with Sarah Pavan

Turkiye & Ukraine Earn Men's VNL Final 8 Berths for the First Time, Canada is Relegated

2026 Women's VNL Final 8 is Set- Poland is Out, Netherlands and Canada are In

Japan Looking Strong at 8-0 in Men's VNL, Brazil Drops from 1st to 9th

No Undefeated Teams Remain in Women's VNL, USA Sits in Top Spot

Brazil & Japan Go 4-0 in Men's VNL Week 1, France is Struggling

Brazil & Japan Undefeated After VNL Week 1, Canada & USA Are Up And Down

USA Women Announce 2026 VNL Wide Roster, Perugia Wins Back to Back Champions League Titles

Hawai'i Wins 2026 Men's NCAA National Championship, Dallas Pulse Takes MLV Title

2026 NCAA Men's Final Four is Set, Vakifbank Takes Champions League Crown

2026 NCAA Men's Volleyball Championship Preview

Austin Wins 2026 LOVB Championship with Golden Set Victory Over Salt Lake

Austin vs Salt Lake in LOVB Finals, Men's International & Domestic Dream Teams

Jordan Larson's Playing Career Officially Comes to an End, Houston Wins LOVB Regular Season

Scandicci Outlasts Fenerbahce in Champions League Golden Set, International & Domestic Dream Teams

MLV All-Star Teams Announced, Crunch Time for Some Teams Heading into LOVB Final Weeks

Ranking NCAA Women's National Freshmen of the Year, International Transfer Portal?

Ranking Former NCAA Women's POYs, Hawai'i and Pepperdine Trade Punches

Things are Ramping Up in Champions League & Overseas, Listener Questions Level Up

USA Volleyball Collegiate Training Camp, Where is Kendall Kipp?

New Rules in VNL 2026, An Interesting MLV Trade, and Blocking Strategy 201