The USA Volleyball Show
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89 episodes
In this episode, Clarence welcomes back guest host Sevrin Lavenstein while Stephen is out on Family Leave. They sit down with beach volleyball world champion and U.S. Beach National Team athlete, Sara Hughes (9:50 - 47:18). Sara talks about her beach volleyball journey including her early partnership with Justine Wong-Orantes, her reunion with Kelly Cheng and her hopes for the Olympic season. Sara shares what it would mean to her to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games. We also hear about peppering with Snoop Dogg and so much more! This is a great episode that you wont want to miss!
In this episode, Clarence welcomes back USA Volleyball Communications Manager B.J. Hoeptner Evans as guest host. They sit down with Olympic gold medalist and U.S. Womens National Team libero Justine Wong-Orantes (7:11 - 40:57). Justine shares how she was introduced to the game and about how her experience with disappointment drove her to be a better player. Other topics including playing Germany, and how excited she is to play for League One Volleyball (LOVB) Omaha team starting in November 2024. This is such an awesome conversation with Justine, enjoy!
In this SPECIAL episode, Clarence and Stephen are BACK together LIVE(ish) from the 2024 Womens National Team Open Program from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. They welcome back our first three-peat podcast guest, three-time Olympian, Tokyo gold medalist and U.S. Womens National Team outside hitter Jordan Larson (6:43 - 16:13). Jordan talks about preparing for the 2024 season, visiting the Womens National Team Open Program, some goals for this season and more. Enjoy this special episode!
In this episode, we have guest host Sevrin Lavenstein joining Clarence and they sit down with the current top U.S. Beach National Team mens pair, Andy Benesh and Miles Partain (11:27 - 1:04:32). We get an in-depth look at this awesome beach team. We learn about how Andy and Miles became a team, how they were introduced to the National Team and what they do and are eating on a cheat day. They chat about the 2023 season, their goals for 2024, what it would mean to qualify for the Olympics and so much more! It was a treat to sit down with these two and learn more about them. We cant wait to see them back out on the sand this season! Enjoy!
In this episode, we put the lid on the 2023 AVCA in Tampa with two-time Olympic medalist and former U.S. Womens National Team setter Courtney Thompson. (6:39 - 38:36). Courtney talks about her role at AVCA and shares some of her interests off-court. She looks back on her Olympic experience and talks about her involvement with League One Volleyball, or LOVB (pronounced "love"), emphasizing the importance of U.S. athletes competing professionally on home soil. Courtney is awesome and FULL of energy. Sit back and enjoy this episode. Youre going to LOVB it (see what we did there?)!
In this episode, we continue our conversations from 2023 AVCA in Tampa with a chat with Hazel Gold stein, Excelsior Empire Region Commissioner and former director of Whoosh Volleyball Club. (7:57 - 42:55). Hazel shares about her vast background in volleyball and in the region, as well as her current role as commissioner. She talks about the recent change to the region name, some of the regions successes, and her retirement plans. This is such a fun look behind the scenes in volleyball that you wont want to miss.
In this episode, we share our conversation from our USA Volleyball booth at the 2023 AVCA Convention in Tampa. Clarence and Stephen welcome Olympic gold medalist and U.S. Womens National Team setter, Jordyn Poulter. (8:18 - 57:44). Jordyn shares some of her personal interests including music; talks about recovery from her knee injury; looks ahead to the Paris Games; discusses being a part of League One Volleyball and so much more! Enjoy this conversation with Jordyn, its a good one!
In this episode, were coming to you LIVE(ish) from Tampa at the 2023 AVCA Convention Podcast Theater. Clarence and Stephen welcome Nickie Sanlin, who is the head mens coach, former womens head coach and assistant athletic director and director of volleyball at McKendree University. (1:19 - 59:16). Nickie talks about her background in volleyball from playing to coaching. Then, she shares the difficulties she had breaking into the mens volleyball coaching game, how she persevered, and so much more! We could have chatted with Nickie for another few hours. This was such an awesome conversation, enjoy!
In this episode, we have a volleyball pioneer on the show! Clarence and Stephen welcome 1968 Olympian, former U.S. Womens National Team athlete, and author Laurie Lewis Havel (13:20 - 1:15:58). We learn about Lauries background including what it was like growing up in California and the early days of the beach volleyball boom. She also talks about her new book, "My Unusual Life," which is available at Barnes and Noble and Amazon, an autobiography that chronicles a determined spirit with twists and turns. In her book, she goes into her experience at the Olympic Games, working for Architectural Digest magazine, meeting many celebrities, her time of healing after an abusive marriage, then finding love again in a decades-long marriage filled with humor and happiness, and so much more! Grab your popcorn because this pioneer has some stories to share. Buy your copy of My Unusual Life at Barnes and Noble or on Amazon now! https://www.amazon.com/Unusual-Life-Laurie-Lewis-Havel/dp/1916770568/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1BJRN27AXLR7K&keywords=my+unusual+life+laurie+havel&qid=1702408325&sprefix=my+unusal+li%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-1
In this episode, after Clarence and Stephen share their picks for the NCAA Division I Volleyball Championship, they welcome U.S. Womens National Team assistant coach and UCLA womens head coach Alfee Reft (16:37 - 1:16:53). Alfee takes us through his volleyball journey from his time playing on the U.S. Mens National Team to how he got into coaching. He also talks about his first season as head coach at UCLA, excitement looking ahead to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, his go-to karaoke songs and so much more! Dont miss this. Alfee is awesome and so is his episode!
Worth every minute! In our longest episode yet, Clarence and Stephen welcome on U.S. Mens National Team middle blocker Taylor Averill (11:07 - 1:52:22). Taylor shares his often-difficult volleyball journey and how hes matured as a person. While talking about his own podcast, "The Tallest Podcast on Earth," he discusses the importance of mental health and honest conversations. He also reflects on his summer with Team USA, helping earn the U.S. a berth to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and so much more! This is a deep dive into Taylors personal and professional path, and you dont want to miss it!
In this episode, Clarence and Stephen are back in studio together. After catching up with each other they sit down with U.S. Womens National Team and University of Texas middle blocker, Asjia ONeal (12:29 - 1:03:42). We learn about Asjias background, her journey through two heart surgeries, winning the NCAA National Championship last year with Texas, her summer with the U.S. Womens National Team, and so much more! Youll want to tune in for this one!
In this episode, Stephen flying solo as Clarence is busy in meetings prepping for the upcoming volleyball season. Stephen sits down with USA Volleyballs Sitting Volleyball Director and U.S. Womens Sitting National Team head coach, Bill Hamiter (5:40 - 1:1621:48). Bill talks about his vast background in volleyball, sitting volleyball, coaching and the impact hes made in volleyball in Oklahoma, Bill talks about the U.S. Womens Sitting National Team ahead of the World Cup, his Paralympic experiences, his hobbies and so much more! Youre not going to want to miss this one! For more information on sitting volleyball, visit: https://usavolleyball.org/play/about-sitting-volleyball/
In this episode, Stephen makes his return from parental leave. He and Clarence catch up with each other, and Stephen shares stories about being a new dad, including already watching the Mens National Team with his son. Then, they sit down with volleyball coach, strength trainer, jump trainer, YouTuber, motivational speaker and Elevate Yourself founder, Donny Hui aka Coach Donny (12:58 - 1:23:55). Coach Donny talks about his background and shares some of the hurdles hes overcome that have shaped him and helped get him to where he is today. He also focuses on his company, Elevate Yourself, and what it means to inspire and teach young people. Grab your favorite beverage and snack, and settle in for this episode, because its a good one!
In this episode, Clarence welcomes guest host and USA Volleyballs Digital Media and Content Coordinator, Sevrin Lavenstein to the show. Then, they sit down with U.S. Beach National Team pair TKN, Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss (8:54 - 59:32). They share their experiences on the FIVB Beach Pro Tour and the AVP Tour, and talk about everything that went into transitioning from indoor to beach. They also go into their friendship and sisterhood, talk about what goes into a good beach partner and so much more. This is such a great conversation and one you wont want to miss!
In this episode, Clarence welcomes guest host and USA Volleyballs Communications Manager B.J. Hoeptner Evans to the show. Then, they sit down with four-time Olympian and two-time Olympic medalist Reid Priddy (8:21 - 1:16:55). Reid shares stories from his Olympic experiences as well as chats about his time on the indoor and beach national teams, and he talks about his newest venture, In Sand. If youre a longtime volleyball fan, you dont want to miss some of the stories he has to share!
In this episode, Clarence is flying solo for this episode as Stephen is out for a few weeks while on parental leave. Listen to our chat with Olympic gold medalist and U.S. Womens National Team setter Micha Hancock (6:34 - 52:05). Micha gets into some of her memories from her USA Volleyball club days, chats about her time at the Tokyo Olympics, and fills us in on living overseas in Italy.
In this episode, Clarence and Stephen catch up for Stephens last full episode of the podcast for a few weeks while hes out on parental leave. Then, were getting back on the region side of things. They welcome Florida Region Executive Director and President Steve Bishop (10:40 - 1:00:33) to the show. They chat about his background in volleyball, his upcoming motorcycle trip and learn more about volleyball in the Florida Region. Then, they take a deep dive into the history and success of the All-Star Championship.
In this episode, Clarence and Stephen are together IN PERSON and catch up. Then, for this special LIVE(ish) episode from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, they welcome Girls U19 National Team head coach Jamie Morrison, Girls U19 National Team athlete Abby Vander Wal, Boys U19 National Team head coach Charlie Sullivan, and Boys U19 National Team athlete Sean Kelly (7:48 - 1:10:08). They get to know them, chat with them about the teams, what theyre looking forward to as they train for the 2023 FIVB World Championships next week and so much more!
In this episode, we recap our time at the 2023 Girls Junior National Championship 14-17s and the 2023 Boys Junior National Championship. Then we welcome 1992 Olympic bronze medalist and USA Volleyball Hall of Famer, Liane Sato (10:52 - 52:32). Liane is a former U.S. Womens National Team athlete who competed in both the 1988 and 1992 Olympic Games. Liane chats about her background in volleyball, growing up in and around the game, competing for Team USA, her current role as a teacher and coach and much more!
In this episode, Clarence and Stephen chat about the 2023 Girls Junior National Championship 11-13s in Minneapolis, including seeing Stephens doppelgänger and how theyll both be heading to Chicago for the 2023 Girls Junior National Championship 14-17s. Then they welcome on Olympic City, Colorado Springs native and U.S. Mens National Team outside hitter Cody Kessel (12:06 - 55:02). Cody talks about his background and how he got started in volleyball, he chats about his book, his recent engagement to his fiancé, what it means to put on a USA jersey, how the team is doing currently while in VNL and so much more! Show Notes: Codys link page: https://linkr.bio/codykessel Codys Book 11 Ways to Get an Edge ($23): https://codykessel11.gumroad.com/l/codykessel11 Use Discount Code: champions for 33% off Codys Thesis: (free) https://codykessel11.gumroad.com/l/volleyballhistory?layout=profile Codys Newsletter/Blog: https://codykessel.substack.com/
In this episode, Clarence and Stephen chat about the successful 2023 Open National Championship. But thats just the warmup for this big episode, as they welcome back three-time Olympian, Tokyo gold medalist and U.S. Womens National Team outside hitter Jordan Larson (12:35 - 1:03:28). Jordan talks about being back in the USA gym, shares her Olympic experiences from Tokyo and winning gold, and discuss this years Volleyball Nations League.
In this episode, Clarence and Stephen kick off the episode by talking about sports highlights, including the U.S. Womens Sitting Team and the Denver Nuggets. Then they sit down with Class of 2023 USA Volleyball Hall of Fame inductee and Olympic gold medalist Ryan Millar (13:37 - 1:10:25). Ryan talks about his career and what got him interested in volleyball. He talks about his time on the U.S. Mens National Team including some stories from his past Olympic Games, what hes been doing since he retired and so much more!
In this episode, Clarence and Stephen kick off the episode talking about what theyve been up to including Stephens Babymoon trip to the beach. Then they sit down with Class of 2023 USA Volleyball Hall of Fame Harold T. Friermood "Frier" Award winner and Olympic gold medalist Scott Fortune (13:56 - 1:14:59). Scott shares all about his career and what got him interested in volleyball. He chats about his time on the U.S. Mens National Team along with many stories from his past Olympic Games, how hes stayed involved in the volleyball world after retiring and so much more!
In this episode, Clarence and Stephen catch up with one another before they travel again. Then they welcome Paralympic gold medalist and U.S. Womens Sitting National Team outside hitter and opposite, Whitney Dosty (13:58 - 1:16:46). They chat about how Whitney was introduced to the game, her background in ballet and how thats helped her volleyball game, the team winning gold in Tokyo, being inducted into the University of Arizona "Ring of Honor" and so much more!
In this episode, were celebrating TWO YEARS of The USA Volleyball Show! Clarence and Stephen reminisce about everything over the last year and what has been accomplished. Then, U.S. Beach National Team athlete and three-time Manhattan Beach Open champion Trevor Crabb (16:37 - 57:19) joins us ahead of a couple FIVB Beach Pro Tour stops. Trevor talks about his background and the many different connections to the game he has in Hawaii, and he shares thoughts on what makes a good beach partner, his hobbies outside of volleyball, some of his goals for this season and much, much more!
In this episode, Clarence and Stephen catch up as the event season is underway. Then, four-time Paralympian and U.S. Mens Sitting National Team outside hitter Chris Seilkop (9:48 - 1:09:35) sits down with us ahead of the teams exhibition against Canada at the 2023 Lone Star Classic. Chris gives us his fitness regiment, talks about working with the YMCA, he talks about when he had to pay a ransom to get his prosthetic leg back at the Paralympics and so much more!
In this episode, Clarence and Stephen catchup with one another. Then, U.S. Womens National Team libero, Morgan Hentz sits down with us at the 2023 U.S. Womens National Team Open Program (8:07-35:50). Morgan talks about how she was introduced to the game, some of her experiences playing professionally both overseas and in the U.S. with Athletes Unlimited, she talks about her college expereince at Stanford, her family and much, much more!
In this episode, Clarence and Stephen catch up as the event and travel season has started for them. Then they wrap-up their interviews recorded live at the 2022 AVCA Convention to focus on the important topic of LGBTQ+ inclusion in volleyball. They sit down with former pro volleyball player, Equality Coaching Alliance member and Headstrong Mindset LLC founder Brooke Rundle as well as DePaul University womens head coach, Marie Zidek (8:36 - 1:06:15). They discuss their involvement in the Equality Coaching Alliance, the important work theyre doing to support the LGBTQ+ volleyball community, and how everyone can create a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ athletes and coaches.
In this episode, were wrapping up region commissioner month with Clarence and Stephen sitting down with Gateway Region Volleyball Commissioner Steve Mueth (6:26 - 38:58) back at 2022 AVCA. They talk about Steves background in volleyball and as a coach, what Steve does as Gateway Region Commissioner, what the Gateway Region is doing to grow the game and the officials pool, how to register to play volleyball in the Gateway Region, and so much more!
