Outside The Pins

Episode Summary: In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Outside the Pins, senior volleyball player Joslyn (Joey) Wolf shares her journey through four years at UW-Oshkosh—from uncertain beginnings to empowered endings. With graduation approaching, Joey reflects on the challenges she’s overcome, the relationships that shaped her, and the joy she found in authenticity, vulnerability, and late-night laughter with teammates. From dealing with academic pressure and personal loss to discovering how to lead with compassion, Joey’s story reminds us all that struggle and strength are deeply connected.Key Topics:🧬 Academic Grit: Joey talks through her double major and double minor in Biomedical Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, and Medical Laboratory Science, along with her hands-on phlebotomy work and the passion that drives her toward a behind-the-scenes medical career.🏐 Volleyball and Vulnerability: From feeling like a small fish in a big pond to embracing her role on the team, Joey shares her emotional evolution—especially how finding connection and support helped her thrive on and off the court.💎 Joey’s Gems: Moments of growth that shaped her experience—including the lesson that “if you’re the first to be vulnerable, it’ll domino,” the importance of taking up space, and why time between the big events matters most.💔 Adversity and Resilience: From migraines and the loss of her grandmother to wrestling with doubts about her major and role on the team, Joey opens up about how struggle forged strength—and how faith, friendship, and her support system carried her through.🌊 Leadership Through Presence: The late-career switch from “angry Joey” to joyful, competitive confidence came from one teammate’s belief—and the decision to fight for her team from a place of freedom instead of frustration.🎨 Making Time Count: Whether watercolor painting with her roommate, hanging out in the kitchen, or climbing rocks at Pikes Peak, Joey emphasizes the power of presence and savoring small moments.Final Takeaway: “Life is about making heaven crowded and being extremely grateful and content with what you have and who you have in your life.” 

Episode Summary: In this dynamic crossover episode, guest host Riley Dahlquist steps in to spotlight a special roundtable of Titan athletes from soccer, gymnastics, and basketball. Together, they reflect on what it means to live the “Gold Standard” both on and off the court. From caffeine-charged locker rooms and travel memories to emotional support and team culture, this episode celebrates the vibrant, interconnected community of UW-Oshkosh Athletics. Laughter, leadership, late-night study sessions, and sideline support all blend into one shared mission: push each other to grow and bring contagious energy every day.Key Topics:⭐ The Gold Standard, Redefined: Each team tailors the “Gold Standard” to their own identity—whether it’s a signed list of values, relentless energy, or showing up for teammates in and out of competition.🏐 Titans Backing Titans: From standing-room-only volleyball games to gymnastics quad meets and road game road trips, athletes share their favorite memories of supporting each other—and how that energy lifts entire teams.🤝 Culture Off the Court: Whether it’s spontaneous breakfasts at Blackhawk, open-invite study sessions, or campfires after finals, these Titans believe trust is built through connection outside the game.🔥 Compete Hard, Love Harder: From caffeine highs and bench warnings to emotional hugs from teammates' parents, the athletes emphasize competing with joy, intensity, and deep appreciation for each other.⚽ Team Dynamics & Leadership: Gymnastics, soccer, and basketball each offer a unique take on culture—from unconditional support and evolving standards to the power of freshmen stepping up as leaders.🎭 Coach Quirks & Catchphrases: Whiteboards get broken. Fist bumps mean “you did it right.” And sometimes… the answer to the ref is “Built on Bond.” From fiery halftime speeches to silent head nods, the coaches of UW-Oshkosh are as memorable as they are impactful.Final Takeaway: Leadership doesn’t have one look. Success isn’t one moment. And support—between teammates, sports, and friends—is the heartbeat of the Titan family.

Guest: Olivia Breunig, UW-Oshkosh Volleyball AlumEpisode Summary: In this reflective and uplifting episode, Liv Brining joins Outside the Pins to look back on her full-circle journey as a student-athlete at UW-Oshkosh. As she prepares to begin occupational therapy school at UW-Madison, Liv opens up about what truly shaped her experience—finding her voice, embracing her role, and leading with authenticity.Key Topics:🗣️ Finding Her Voice: How psychological safety and team trust unlocked Liv’s confidence as both a person and a leader.🏐 The Oshkosh Fit: From Sauk Prairie and Capital Volleyball to committing during the COVID era—how she knew UW-Oshkosh was home.🔁 Freshman to Senior: Lessons from moving through roles, managing self-worth, and building leadership through example and consistency.💪 Culture of Support: The impact of mentorship, team standards, and campus resources—from strength coaches to nutritionists.🧪 Research Recognition: A deep dive into Liv’s award-winning research on hydration and performance—and how it elevated both her academics and athlete identity.💭 Leadership with Balance: Why great leaders listen, collaborate, and make space for joy—even while holding high standards.🎓 Advice to Future Titans: Be present, work hard, and don’t let your role define your value—you are more than the game.Closing Thoughts: Liv’s story is one of purpose, perspective, and presence. Her journey is a reminder that the strongest leaders don’t lead alone—and that every role has value when it’s played with heart.

Episode Summary:In this heartfelt episode, Abby Fregien joins Outside the Pins to reflect on her journey through UW-Oshkosh Volleyball—both on and off the court. With graduation around the corner and grad school on the horizon, Abby opens up about what truly shaped her experience: family, faith, and finding her authentic voice as a leader.Key Topics:🏐 Growth through Adversity: How unconditional love and a “we over me” team culture create the foundation for meaningful development.👟 The Oshkosh Journey: From Waukesha West to club volleyball to committing to UW-Oshkosh—how she found her fit and fell in love with the program.💡 Values that Stick: Abby dives into her faith, family ties, and how gratitude and presence became daily practices.🌱 Authentic Leadership: The moment she stopped trying to emulate others and leaned into leading by example—with kindness, clarity, and work ethic.🎓 Academic Balance: Lessons from juggling elite athletics and earning her spot in UW-Madison’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program.😂 Freshman Mishaps: A laugh-out-loud story of getting lost on a preseason trip—with no phones, wild outfits, and an A&W rejection.🎯 Advice for Future Titans: Don’t wish away the hard moments—make memories, take chances, and show up as your full self.Closing Thoughts: Abby’s story is one of consistency, compassion, and quiet strength. Whether you’re a student-athlete, coach, or simply someone chasing your next chapter, this episode is packed with wisdom and warmth.

We're back with a conversation with one of our recent graduates, Kalli Mau! In this one we talk about her path from high school all the way through her collegiate career. Some of the many highlights include perfectionism and process, UWOVB support, a value driven approach, balancing nursing and volleyball, Kalli's journey to return as a 5th year, and many other fun and valuable nuggets.We hope you enjoy this conversation!Links to things mentioned in the conversation:Recruiting Highlights Recruiting Skills VideoTeam Trip to VirginiaUW-Oshkosh College of NursingUW-Oshkosh Women's Volleyball

Topics:Recruiting ExperienceThe FamMission AwardRoleEvolutionBiggest Challenge - A conversation about Jenna Barrette Travel MemoriesAdvice To Future TitansQuick HittersNet Worth:  A UW Oshkosh Volleyball Documentary

Topics:HockeyFine JewelryProgram Exit and Reentry Educational JourneyMomma Bear ClaireProgram EvolutionRole and Mission/WhyMemoriesAdvice For Future Titans

Topics:A funny city name - OshkoshEducation JourneyAuthenticityProgram EvolutionNo RoommateRole and Mission/WhySpheres of ControlFavorite Trip Advice For Future Titans

In this fun episode guest host Carissa Sundholm has a conversation with three members of the University of Oshkosh Women's Volleyball program.  The episode covers a wide variety of topics:Why UWO?What sets UWO apart?Recruiting processMajorsWhat drew you to UWOVBBiggest challenges and lessons learnedDealing with injuriesSuccess on and off the courtSpring season detailsTeam themesFunny memoriesFavorite matchAdvice to future freshmanFunniest teammatesWhat coach would survive on a deserted islandThanks for listening!

An in depth "big rock" conversation with UW Oshkosh volleyball player Carissa SundholmPrevious Conversation w/ CarissaTopics:Why UWO Favorite Team Trip - Virginia Self Identity and Self DiscoveryPersonal PhilosophyCharacterVision Psychological FrameworkOptimismControlGritSo many door slams in the background...