Bump Set Chat! The place to hear from your favorite volleyball personalities!

Bump Set Chat Podcast

Exploring volleyball's heart and soul through players' stories and experiences. 🏐 Join us for inspiring chats! 🎙️ #VolleyballPodcast #BumpSetChat

  1. Jun 15

    The Double Life of Kofi Gyimah: Pro Volleyball Player & Recording Artist

    What happens when you step away from volleyball at the start of your pro career to chase a completely different dream?In this episode, I sit down with Daenan Gyimah, better known as Kofi, to discuss his incredible journey from Canada to UCLA, professional volleyball overseas, and representing Team Canada on the international stage.We also dive into the unique decision to take three years away from volleyball to focus on music, how he balanced two passions, what brought him back to the sport, and what he learned from betting on himself. Kofi also shares stories about playing professionally alongside some of the biggest names in volleyball, including Wilfredo León, and reflects on the lessons he's learned throughout his career.If you're a volleyball fan, an athlete pursuing multiple passions, or someone who enjoys inspiring stories of resilience and self-discovery, this conversation is for you.Topics Covered🏐 Growing up in Canada and discovering volleyball🎓 His journey to UCLA🌍 Playing professional volleyball overseas🍁 Representing Team Canada🎶 Why he left volleyball for three years to pursue music🎤 Balancing life as a recording artist and professional athlete🔥 Playing alongside Wilfredo León and other world-class players💡 Advice for young athletes chasing their dreamsDon't forget to Like 👍, Subscribe 🔔, and leave a comment with your favorite part of the interview!

    55 min
  2. May 15

    From Europe to NCAA Champions: Kristian Titriyski's Journey

    In this episode of Volleyball Journeys, Kristian Titriyski shares his remarkable path from growing up in Bulgaria to becoming a standout player for the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa men's volleyball program. Kristian discusses how he first discovered volleyball, his development through club volleyball in Bulgaria, and his experiences representing Bulgaria on the national team. He also explains why he chose Hawaiʻi instead of turning professional immediately and what it was like adjusting to college volleyball, life in Hawaii, and the unique culture surrounding UH men's volleyball. Throughout the conversation, Kristian offers valuable insights into the differences between European and NCAA volleyball, the importance of resetting mentally during matches, pregame rituals, scouting opponents, and the mentors who have helped shape his career. He also shares advice for younger hitters and international athletes considering playing college volleyball in the United States. Whether you're a volleyball player, coach, or fan, this interview provides an inside look at one of the sport's rising international talents. Discovering volleyball in BulgariaClub volleyball and national team experienceWhy Kristian chose HawaiiAdjusting to college and island lifeEuropean vs NCAA volleyballWinning the 2025 Big West Championship at homeMental reset strategiesPregame rituals and scoutingAdvice for young hittersMentors including Vlado NikolovKey Topics Covered:

    41 min
  3. May 11

    Carolyn O'Dwyer on Winning with the Pandas and Coaching on Canada’s National Team

    Carolyn O'Dwyer shares her incredible volleyball journey from discovering the sport in Calgary to playing at Mount Royal University, becoming head coach of the University of Alberta Pandas, winning a championship, and joining Volleyball Canada's senior women's national team staff. In this in-depth conversation, Carolyn discusses her development as an athlete, the importance of club volleyball, the transition from player to coach, and the lessons she learned working under legendary Alberta coach Laurie Eisler. She also shares what it was like to receive the call to join Giovanni Guidetti’s coaching staff and what she has learned from one of the most respected coaches in international volleyball. We also dive into: Winning a championship with the Alberta PandasCoaching in Volleyball Canada’s Next Gen programThe experience of the FIVB Volleyball Nations LeagueHow Canada is progressing on the world stageDifferences between U SPORTS and NCAA volleyballRecruiting and retaining top Canadian athletesWhat Carolyn looks for in recruits beyond volleyball skillsMental toughness, resetting, and reading body languageWhich volleyball position is the toughest to playFun off-court topics, including pineapple pizza and who should be interviewed nextWhether you're a player, coach, recruiter, or volleyball fan, Carolyn offers tremendous insight into athlete development, leadership, and what it takes to build a championship culture.

    1h 7m

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Exploring volleyball's heart and soul through players' stories and experiences. 🏐 Join us for inspiring chats! 🎙️ #VolleyballPodcast #BumpSetChat

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