Better Together

United Volleyball
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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. HACE 4 H

    Betsy Freeburg on Perseverance, Leadership, and Becoming UAB’s Head Volleyball Coach

    In Part 1 of our conversation with UAB Head Volleyball Coach Betsy Freeburg, we sit down inside her office at UAB to talk through her journey from player to Division I head coach. Betsy shares how she accidentally found volleyball, what led her to Florida, the adversity she faced early in her college career, and how those experiences ultimately shaped her into the coach and leader she is today. We also dive into: the reality of playing at a high levelhandling setbacks and delayed successidentity outside of sportsthe transition from player to coachleading a program during the uncertainty of 2020perspective shifts that changed the way she coaches today This conversation is honest, reflective, and full of insight for athletes, parents, and coaches alike. Join us next week as we continue the conversation!

    32 min

  2. 29 ABR

    Volleyball Recruiting Tips: What Athletes and Parents Need to Know with Alicia Krichev

    This week we’re bringing back one of our most helpful conversations around the college recruiting process with United coach Alicia Krichev. If recruiting has ever felt confusing, overwhelming, or like you’re falling behind, this episode is for you. We talk through what the process actually looks like today, including timelines, the impact of the transfer portal, and why most athletes don’t hear from coaches right away. Alicia also shares how families can stay grounded through it all, what really matters to recruiters beyond stats, and how to support your athlete without adding pressure. Most importantly, this conversation is a reminder that every athlete’s path is different. There’s no one “right” timeline, and comparison will only take you out of your own journey. If you’re an athlete or parent navigating recruiting, this is one to come back to.

    38 min

  3. 22 ABR

    UNA Beach Volleyball | Head Coach Kaleb Vandeperre: The Mental Side Athletes Struggle With Most (Part 3)

    In Part 3 of our conversation with UNA Beach Volleyball Head Coach Kaleb Vandeperre, we dive into the mental side of the game - and what truly holds athletes back from reaching their potential. From comparison and perfectionism to confidence and identity, this episode explores the internal battles athletes face and how to work through them. Coach Vandeperre shares honest insight on what he sees at the college level, how athletes can separate themselves mentally, and the importance of understanding who you are beyond your sport. We also get into: – Why comparison is one of the biggest traps in sports – The danger of perfectionism and hesitation – How to help quieter athletes find their voice – What college coaches wish athletes understood earlier – The role of identity in performance and confidence – Whether energy can actually be coached Plus, a rapid-fire segment packed with real, practical takeaways for athletes navigating their journey. If you’re an athlete (or parent) trying to better understand the mental side of performance and recruitment, this is a must-listen.

    38 min

  4. 15 ABR

    UNA Beach Volleyball | Head Coach Kaleb Vandeperre: Recruiting Truths & What Coaches Really Look For (Part 2)

    In Part 2 of our conversation with UNA Beach Volleyball Head Coach Kaleb Vandeperre, we dive into the recruiting process, what actually matters to college coaches, and how athletes can better navigate the journey. From debunking common myths about beach volleyball opportunities to breaking down what separates athletes at the next level, this episode is packed with insight for players and parents alike. Coach Vandeperre shares how he evaluates athletes beyond just performance, why “joy” and mindset matter more than you think, and what athletes often get wrong when trying to get recruited. We also explore: – Beach vs. indoor skill translation – What coaches notice (and what they don’t) – How communication and partnership impact success in beach volleyball – The importance of honesty and alignment in the recruiting process If you're serious about playing at the next level - or just want a clearer understanding of what that path actually looks like, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Part 2 Highlights: The biggest myths about beach volleyball recruitingWhy opportunities are more available than athletes thinkWhat coaches look for firstThe role of joy, resilience, and mindset in recruitingHonest conversations athletes need to have before committingBeach vs. indoor: what translates and what doesn’tThe importance of communication in 2-person teamsHow great partners build confidence in each other

    35 min

  5. 8 ABR

    UNA Beach Volleyball | Head Coach Kaleb Vandeperre on Identity, Culture, and Performance (Part 1)

    We recently took a little trip to the University of North Alabama and had the pleasure of speaking with UNA Beach Volleyball head coach Kaleb Vandeperre about the foundation of what it really means to be a college athlete. From an unconventional path into volleyball to building a competitive beach program at UNA, Coach Caleb shares his journey and the values that shape how he leads. We dive into the concept of “confident identity” - what it means, why it matters, and how it impacts performance far beyond the court. This conversation challenges the idea that results come first and instead explores how mindset, belief, and self-awareness create lasting growth. We also get a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a college beach volleyball athlete, including training, travel, recovery, and the demands that come with competing at the next level. Join us back next week to hear more! 📝 Show Notes What “confident identity” means and why it mattersWhy performance should come after identity, not beforeHelping athletes separate who they are from resultsWhat college beach volleyball actually looks like week to weekTravel, training, and recovery at the college levelCommon misconceptions about beach volleyball

    31 min

  6. 1 ABR

    Looking Back with Merritt Beason (Part 2): Leadership, Confidence & the Mental Game

    As our season continues and teams head into qualifiers, we’re revisiting Part 2 of our conversation with United Club Ambassador, Merritt Beason - now playing professionally with the Omaha Supernovas! In this episode, Merritt shifts the conversation from recruiting to what it actually takes to grow and sustain success at a high level. She also gives a real look into routines, preparation, and how she stays grounded - even in the biggest moments. She shares insight on: The mental side of the game and why it’s often overlookedWhat confidence actually looks like - and how to build itLearning how to advocate for yourself and “hold your space”What people don’t talk about when it comes to high-level athletesWhy relationships and trust matter in high-pressure moments

    29 min

  7. 25 MAR

    Looking Back with Merritt Beason (Part 1): Recruiting, Identity & Finding Your Way

    We’re in the middle of a busy stretch of the season - travel, qualifiers, and everything that comes with it. So this week, we’re revisiting a conversation that speaks to more than just performance. In Part 1 with United Club Ambassador Merritt Beason (now with the Omaha Supernovas), we talk about recruiting, pressure, identity, and what it looks like when success doesn’t always feel like success. Merritt shares her experience navigating the highs and lows of the game - and what it took to find her way back to loving it. If you’ve ever felt the weight of expectations, uncertainty in recruiting, or just the ups and downs of being an athlete, this one will resonate.

    32 min

  8. 18 MAR

    Aija Abele on Culture, Coaching, and the Work Athletes Don’t See (Part 2)

    In Part 2 of our conversation with Aija, she shares what she thought coaching would be when she first started versus what the role has actually become two years in. From reflection and responsibility to fairness, team culture, and the mental side of performance, she offers a thoughtful look at the work coaches carry long after practice ends. We talk about what athletes often don’t realize coaches are thinking about, how to balance fairness with what a team needs in the moment, how to respond when energy drops, and what it really takes to build a unified culture when skill levels vary across a roster. This conversation also gets to the heart of what “Better Together” really means - not just as a club phrase, but as a way of leading, growing, and showing up for the people around you. In this episode, we cover: • What coaching actually is versus what Aija thought it would be • Why coaching is so much more mental and relational than most people realize • The reflection process coaches go through after practices and tournaments • Leading by example and asking athletes to do only what you’re willing to do yourself • Balancing fairness, kindness, momentum, and development • What players think coaches notice - and what coaches are actually watching • How to respond when a team’s energy drops • Building trust and culture across different personalities, ages, and skill levels

    40 min
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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.

Información

  • Creador
    United Volleyball
  • Años de actividad
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodios
    92
  • Clasificación
    Apto