Sideline Strategy: A Volleyball Podcast - Presented by JVA

From a small town to professional volleyball, Maya Sands’ journey has been built on adaptability, confidence and a willingness to keep betting on herself.In this episode, Maya shares how she found volleyball, navigated her college career at UNLV and Mizzou, entered the professional draft process and experienced her first season in Houston.She opens up about the transition from college to professional volleyball, learning to contribute in a different role, developing confidence and experiencing the “pinch me” moments that made becoming a professional athlete feel real.Maya also discusses the importance of her support system, the underdog mentality that has shaped her career, life outside of volleyball and what it means to serve as a Nike Volleyball ambassador.Whether you’re an athlete pursuing the next level, a coach helping players navigate their path or a volleyball fan curious about the professional game, Maya offers an inside look at what it takes to make, and adjust to, the jump to pro volleyball.For more junior volleyball education visit www.jvavolleyball.org

On this episode of Sideline Strategy, Dr. Jen Fry joins us to talk sports geography, volleyball research, leadership, conflict management and the environments we create for young athletes.Jen shares how she carved out her own lane as a sports geographer, why volleyball needs more research specific to our sport, and how coaches and Club Directors can better prepare for difficult conversations before they happen.We also get into building confidence and voice in young women, recognizing healthy vs. unhealthy sports environments, communicating with parents, creating more inclusive volleyball communities, and how culture and geography shape the way people experience sport.Plus, Jen shares stories from her career, her work with athletes and organizations, and a few volleyball history facts that might surprise you.In this episode:• Sports geography and volleyball culture• Volleyball-specific research and thought leadership• Conflict management in youth sports• Parent and athlete communication• Leadership development for coaches and athletes• Building confidence and voice in young women• Creating healthy, inclusive sports environments• Recognizing abuse and unhealthy environmentsWatch the full episode of Sideline Strategy with Dr. Jen Fry.

Winning at the highest level of club volleyball is hard enough. Doing it in Dallas, where some of the best clubs in the country are right down the road, is a different animal. Texas Advantage Volleyball Executive Director Jason Nicholson joins Sideline Strategy to break down what keeps TAV competing at the top, how an ultra-competitive volleyball market raises the standard for everyone, and what it takes to build a culture athletes and coaches want to be part of. He also shares what’s next for TAV, including a new volleyball-focused school partnership with Texas Sports Academy and an innovative Nike sponsorship model aimed at creating more opportunities for elite female athletes. From building championship programs to rethinking what’s possible in youth sports, this conversation goes well beyond wins and losses.For more junior volleyball education visit www.jvavolleyball.org

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 impactFor more junior volleyball education visit www.jvavolleyball.org

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

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 Volleyball05:27 Innovative Adaptive Programs for All11:12 Building Community Through Volleyball12:51 Future Plans and Special Olympics Partnership14:25 Advice for Aspiring Club DirectorsFor more junior volleyball education visit www.jvavolleyball.org

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

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

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 Entrepreneurship00:30 Joining JVA and Resources for Coaches04:21 Alivia's Volleyball Journey and Love for Beach Volleyball07:02 Transition from Indoor to Beach Volleyball10:11 Starting Sandblazers Beach Volleyball13:50 Favorite Aspects of Coaching and Community Impact16:56 Challenges and Strategies in Youth Volleyball Programs18:47 Future Plans and Growth of SandblazersFor more junior volleyball education visit www.jvavolleyball.org

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.