Better Together

United Volleyball
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  • VOLLEYBALL

A United podcast centered around athlete development, coaching philosophies, the college recruitment process, and more! Hosted by Korohen Jones, Director of Player and Coach Development. Each week we showcase different athletes, alumni, and coaches that all help us become #bettertogether.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Beyond the Athlete: Family Dynamics in Youth Sports with Dr. Amanda Aguilar (Part 1)

    In this first part of a three-part conversation, we sit down with Dr. Amanda Aguilar, a professor in the Sport and Fitness Management program at University of Alabama in Huntsville, to explore how youth sports impact not just the athlete — but the entire family. Dr. Aguilar brings a unique perspective as a former college athlete, high school coach, parent of four, and youth sport researcher. Together, we discuss the growing professionalization of youth sports, early specialization, time and financial demands, and how families can unintentionally lose balance along the way. This episode is about awareness, boundaries, and perspective — helping families make informed decisions that allow both athletes and families to thrive, not just survive. 🎧 This is Part 1 of a three-part series on family dynamics in sport. In this episode, we discuss: Dr. Aguilar’s research on elite youth sports and the family unitWhy youth sports have become more professionalized - and what that means for kidsEarly specialization vs. multi-sport participationThe time, financial, and emotional demands placed on familiesHow youth sports can unintentionally impact siblings and family relationshipsWhy “fun” matters more than outcomes, especially at young agesThe myth that “earlier is better” - and what research actually shows This conversation offers families and coaches the perspective needed to create healthier boundaries, realistic expectations, and environments where athletes can grow without sacrificing the family unit.

    37 min

  2. 28 JAN

    Creating Confidence: Jeff Norman on Effort, Environment, and Athlete Belief - PART 2

    In part two of our conversation with United 16 Blue head coach Jeff Norman, we dive deeper into how coaches can build confidence while still challenging athletes to grow and compete. Jeff shares how creating a safe, growth-focused environment allows players to take risks, try new skills, and improve long-term - rather than staying stuck in what feels comfortable. We explore the impact of effort-based praise, how to respond to mistakes in high-pressure moments, and why encouragement and belief matter just as much as technical instruction. This episode is packed with practical insight for coaches looking to move away from fear-based approaches and toward a culture that helps athletes build confidence, resilience, and trust - both in themselves and in their team. In this episode, we cover: How to balance pushing athletes to compete while building confidence and self-beliefThe difference between fear-based environments and growth-focused environmentsWhy playing it safe can limit long-term developmentThe power of praising effort over outcomesHow effort-based feedback encourages athletes to keep growingCreating freedom for athletes to try new skills - even when results aren’t perfectHelping athletes stay encouraged through mistakes and setbacksWhy encouragement matters even more during matches than in practiceHow coaches can model emotional control in high-pressure momentsThe importance of bench energy, cheering, and team engagementUsing simple, symbolic resets to help athletes let go of mistakesBuilding a culture where athletes know their coach believes in themWhat “Better Together” means through unity, support, and shared purpose This episode is a powerful reminder that confidence, encouragement, and environment aren’t soft skills - they’re foundational to real growth.

    26 min

  3. 21 JAN

    One Point at a Time: Jeff Norman on Coaching with Purpose, Love, and Intention - PART 1

    In this episode of Better Together, we sit down with United 16 Blue head coach Jeff Norman to talk about what it truly means to coach with purpose. Jeff shares his unique path into volleyball and how starting without prior volleyball experience shaped the way he approaches teaching, learning, and player development. We dive into servant leadership, fear-based versus love-based coaching, and how competitiveness can show up in healthy, team-first ways. In this conversation, we cover: Jeff’s journey into volleyball and how starting without prior volleyball experience shaped his coaching approachWhy being a lifelong learner is essential for effective player developmentThe difference between fear-based coaching and love-based coachingHow servant leadership shows up in everyday moments on the courtWhat true competitiveness looks like in a team sportHelping athletes navigate mistakes, bad days, and tough performancesWhy focusing on the next point matters more than dwelling on the last oneCoaching athletes through the pivotal developmental stage of the 16s age groupBalancing joy, accountability, and high expectationsTeaching athletes to support teammates - and themselves - through adversity This episode is packed with insight for coaches, athletes, and parents who believe that meaningful development goes far beyond the scoreboard. Join us back next week for Part 2!

    25 min

  4. 14 JAN

    Fueling Through the Season: Planning, Habits, and Performance Nutrition for Volleyball Athletes (Part 2)

    In part two of our conversation with registered dietitian Alyssum Reno-Smith, we zoom out and tackle what fueling looks like across an entire volleyball season - especially from a parent’s perspective. Through real tournament scenarios, age-specific examples, and audience-submitted questions, Alyssum breaks down how families can plan ahead, build healthy habits, and support athletes without creating restriction or pressure. This episode goes beyond food lists and focuses on preparation, consistency, and setting athletes up for success both on and off the court. Whether you’re navigating early-morning matches, multi-day qualifiers, or the influence of social media nutrition advice, this episode offers practical guidance you can actually use. What you’ll hear in Part 2: How to fuel a 12U athlete during early-morning, multi-day tournamentsAdjusting nutrition needs for older athletes competing at qualifiersWhy planning ahead matters more than “perfect” mealsHow parents can support fueling without creating restriction or food shameSigns an athlete may be under-fueling - physically and hormonallyWhy hydration needs to be proactive, not reactiveHow different volleyball positions may influence fueling needsA realistic “stair-step” approach to improving nutrition habitsHow to navigate nutrition misinformation on social mediaMyth vs. fact: common beliefs about nerves, fruit, and protein barsAlyssum’s advice for parents supporting long-term athlete health and confidenceWhat it truly means to be better together when it comes to fueling athletes If you missed Part 1, go back and listen as we explore how nutrition impacts nerves, focus, hydration, and mental performance during competition.

    26 min

  5. 7 JAN

    Fueling the Mind: How Nutrition Impacts Nerves, Focus, and Performance with RD Alyssum Reno-Smith (Part 1)

    What if some of the nerves, brain fog, and missed decisions on the court aren’t about skill - but about fueling? In part one of our conversation with registered dietitian Alyssum Reno-Smith, we dig into how nutrition directly impacts the nervous system, focus, confidence, and in-game decision making for volleyball athletes. From energy drinks and hydration to carbs as brain fuel, this episode connects the dots between what athletes eat and how they perform - mentally and physically. This conversation is especially timely as club season kicks off and athletes prepare for long competition days, early mornings, and high-pressure moments. What you’ll hear in Part 1:How under-fueling can increase anxiety, shakiness, and in-game mistakesThe connection between nutrition, the nervous system, and mental toughnessWhy carbs are the brain’s primary fuel - and how that affects focus and reaction timeHow energy drinks can worsen nerves when they replace real foodSmart snack strategies for between matches and setsWhy “not eating at all” before competition can backfireHow hydration impacts decision making, not just physical performanceCommon fueling misunderstandings parents have - especially for anxious athletesThe importance of timing food to support both calm and sustained energy This is just part one - be sure to come back next week as we continue the conversation!

    20 min

  6. 31/12/2025

    Ask The Directors: Making the Journey Easier - PART 3

    In Part 3, the final episode of our Ask the Directors series, Coach Korohen and Coach Scott bring the conversation full circle with practical advice, reflection, and a little fun. They start by sharing simple but impactful ways parents can make tournament weekends easier and less stressful for their athletes. From there, they reflect on favorite memories from coaching at United and the moments that remind them why relationships matter just as much as results. The episode wraps with some lighthearted questions - from choosing a “United Volleyball theme song” to building a dream team from our coaching staff - offering a behind-the-scenes look at the people, personalities, and values that shape our club. Thanks to all of the families and athletes who submitted questions throughout this series. Your curiosity and honesty helped shape these conversations, and we’re grateful to be part of the journey with you! 📝 SHOW NOTES - PART 3Tips from Coach Korohen and Coach Scott for reducing stress on tournament weekendsWhy preparation, consistency, and parent energy matterCreating a supportive environment before athletes ever step on the courtMoments that go beyond wins and lossesChoosing a “United Volleyball” theme songBuilding a volleyball team from United coaches

    27 min

  7. 17/12/2025

    Ask the Directors: Supporting the Whole Athlete - PART 2

    In Part 2 of our Ask the Directors series, we shift the focus from the court to the bigger picture - how to support young athletes in a healthy, sustainable way. This episode dives into multi-sport participation, how parents can encourage skill development without burnout, and what meaningful support really looks like for athletes who are new to volleyball or new to United. We also touch on future opportunities, including beach volleyball, boys’ recruiting pathways, and options for athletes who want to play in college without being on a national team. Rather than focusing on quick results, this conversation centers on guidance, balance, and long-term development - the pieces that help athletes stay healthy, confident, and connected to the sport. 📝 SHOW NOTES - PART 2Specialization vs. multi-sport participation: when to lean in and when to pull backFueling for practices and competition: nutrition guidance we trust and whyEncouraging skill work at home without pressure or burnoutHow parents can best support growth - and what to avoidWhat to expect from United’s spring beach volleyball programRecruiting pathways for boys in volleyballPlaying in college without a national team background

    32 min

  8. 10/12/2025

    Ask The Directors: Playing Time, Placement & Growth - PART 1

    In this episode, we kick off our second Ask the Directors series - shaped entirely by questions from our United families and athletes. You asked thoughtful, honest questions and today, our directors are sitting down to talk through them. This conversation offers transparency, context, and insight into the decisions that drive our club environment and athlete experience. Thank you for sending in your questions - we’re excited to keep the conversation going across this series!

    27 min
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About

A United podcast centered around athlete development, coaching philosophies, the college recruitment process, and more! Hosted by Korohen Jones, Director of Player and Coach Development. Each week we showcase different athletes, alumni, and coaches that all help us become #bettertogether.

Information

  • Creator
    United Volleyball
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    79
  • Rating
    Clean

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