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. 3 hr ago

    From the Archives: Fueling Performance | Tournament Nutrition, Smart Habits, and Supporting Your Athlete with RD Alyssum Reno-Smith (Part 2)

    As athletes prepare for a new season, we're continuing our look back at one of our most valuable conversations with registered dietitian Alyssum Reno-Smith. In Part 2, Alyssum gets practical about what fueling can actually look like during a busy tournament weekend — from early morning matches and long days at the convention center to traveling, limited recovery time, and making sure athletes have what they need in their bags. We also talk about recognizing the signs of under-fueling, building healthy habits without creating restriction or fear around food, navigating nutrition misinformation on social media, and helping young athletes take ownership of their fueling as they grow. In this episode, we discuss: How to plan nutrition around multi-day tournament weekendsWhat athletes should eat before, during, and after competitionSimple foods and snacks to keep on hand while travelingHow to prepare for early morning matches and limited recovery timeWhy planning ahead can make tournament nutrition much easierSigns that an athlete may be under-fuelingHow parents can support healthy eating without becoming overly restrictiveHelping athletes develop a positive relationship with foodWhether different volleyball positions have different nutritional needsWhy hydration should be proactive, not just based on thirstHow to make small, sustainable changes to everyday nutritionHow to identify nutrition misinformation and social media red flagsCommon nutrition myths about carbs, fruit, protein bars, and pre-match eatingWhy consistency matters more than perfection when it comes to fuelingWhether you're an athlete, parent, or coach, this conversation is full of practical reminders about preparing, fueling, hydrating, and supporting athletes in a way that helps them perform — both on the court and beyond it. If you missed Part 1, be sure to go back and listen to the first half of our conversation with Alyssum for even more on the connection between nutrition, focus, energy, and performance.

  2. 6 days ago

    From the Archives: Fueling Performance | How Nutrition Shapes Focus, Energy, and Confidence with RD Alyssum Reno-Smith (Part 1)

    As athletes head back into the gym and prepare for a new season, we're looking back on one of our most valuable conversations. In this archived episode, registered dietitian Alyssum Reno-Smith joins us to discuss the powerful connection between nutrition and athletic performance. From brain function and decision making to hydration, anxiety, and sustained energy, Alyssum explains why what athletes eat before and during competition matters just as much as what they do in practice. Whether you're listening for the first time or revisiting this conversation, the information is just as relevant today as it was when we first released it. In this episode, we discuss: Why under-fueling can increase anxiety, shakiness, and mental mistakesHow nutrition supports the nervous system, focus, and confidenceWhy carbohydrates are the brain's primary fuelThe truth about energy drinks and pre-competition fuelingSmart snack ideas for tournaments and long training daysWhy skipping meals before competition can hurt performanceHow hydration affects decision making and reaction timeCommon fueling misconceptions among athletes and parentsSimple nutrition habits that support more consistent performanceWhether you're an athlete, parent, or coach, this conversation is packed with practical, evidence-based advice to help athletes perform at their best. Be sure to join us next week as we revisit Part 2 of our conversation with Alyssum.

  3. 29 Jul

    Finding Your Voice | Lessons Beyond the Game with Merritt Beason

    We wrap up our three-part conversation with professional volleyball player and United ambassador Merritt Beason by talking about the lessons she's still learning - and the ones she hopes to pass on. From coaching young athletes and navigating difficult decisions to confidence, accountability, self-talk, and finding your voice, Merritt shares the perspective she's gained both on and off the court. She also reflects on balancing high expectations with grace, why confidence isn't something you always feel, and what it really means to keep growing as an athlete, coach, and person. Key TakeawaysQuestions young athletes should be asking more oftenBalancing accountability with grace as a coachHelping athletes separate performance from self-worthWhat confidence really looks likeFinding your voice while remaining respectfulThe importance of effort, energy, and buy-inPractical strategies for managing negative self-talkMerritt's definition of "Better Together"

  4. 23 Jul

    The Work You Don't See: Merritt Beason on Confidence, Recovery & Giving Yourself Grace

    In Part 2 of our conversation with Merritt Beason, we go even deeper into what life really looks like as a professional volleyball player. From long travel days and recovery routines to nutrition, self-care, and learning to give yourself grace, Merritt shares the parts of professional volleyball that fans rarely get to see. She also reflects on the importance of finding what works for you, protecting your own well-being, and the role that faith, mentorship, and trusted relationships have played throughout her journey. Most importantly, Merritt shares why she hopes young athletes learn to be kinder to themselves long before they reach the highest levels of the game. Whether you're an athlete, parent, or coach, this episode is filled with practical wisdom and honest perspective that reaches far beyond volleyball.

  5. 15 Jul

    Merritt Beason on Confidence, Growth & the Reality of Playing Pro (Part 1)

    This week on Better Together, we're joined once again by United ambassador and professional volleyball player Merritt Beason. Fresh off another day in the gym with our athletes, Merritt sits down with Korohen to reflect on everything that's happened over the past year, from coaching and mentoring to competing with the Omaha Supernovas and making a run to the professional championship match. But this conversation isn't just about volleyball. Merritt opens up about confidence, self-talk, vulnerability, social media, handling criticism, and why growth doesn't stop once you reach the highest levels of the game. She shares what she's still learning, how coaching has changed her perspective, and why being honest about the struggles behind the scenes has become one of the most rewarding parts of her journey. Whether you're an athlete navigating evaluations, a parent supporting your player, or simply someone learning to embrace growth, this conversation is a reminder that no one has it all figured out.

  6. 9 Jul

    Ask the Directors: Evaluation Day & Finding the Right Fit (Part 2)

    Evaluations are here, and with them come excitement, nerves, and plenty of questions. In Part 2 of our Ask the Directors series, Korohen and Scott shift the conversation from how evaluations work to how athletes and families can make the most of the experience. They discuss: • Why the right team is often more important than the highest team • How athletes can prepare mentally and physically for evaluations • What parents can do to best support their athlete • Green flags and red flags coaches notice during evaluations • How to move on after mistakes • Why every athlete's journey looks different Whether your athlete is stepping into their first evaluation or has been through the process before, this conversation is full of practical advice and encouragement for evaluation week.

  7. 2 Jul

    Ask the Directors: What Really Happens at Volleyball Evaluations? (Part 1)

    Scott and Korohen answer the biggest questions families ask before evaluations - from how athletes are assessed to what coaches are actually looking for. Evaluation season is almost here, and with it comes a lot of questions—and a lot of nerves. In Part 1 of this Ask the Directors series, Scott and Korohen take listeners behind the scenes of United's evaluation process to explain how teams are formed, what coaches are actually evaluating, and why the process is designed the way it is. They discuss: • Why evaluations now happen in the summer • What coaches are really looking for beyond volleyball skills • How communication, coachability, and competitiveness influence evaluations • Common misconceptions parents have about team selection • Why one mistake won't ruin an evaluation • What happens behind the scenes before athletes ever step into the gym Whether this is your family's first evaluation season or your tenth, this episode offers practical insight to help athletes walk into the gym with confidence. Be sure to tune in next week for Part 2, where Scott and Korohen answer even more of your biggest evaluation questions!

  8. 24 Jun

    "Working Hard Works": Sophie Krichev Reflects on Her Freshman Season at UT Arlington

    Sophie Krichev is back on Better Together. When Sophie first joined the podcast, she was preparing to begin her collegiate volleyball career at UT Arlington. Now, after completing her freshman season, she returns to share what life at the Division I level has really been like. From adjusting to college athletics and building confidence as a freshman starter to navigating life away from home and developing strong relationships with teammates, Sophie offers an honest look at the transition from club volleyball to college volleyball. She also shares the lessons she learned about confidence, self-talk, coachability, leadership, and why "working hard works." Whether you're a current athlete, a parent, or someone preparing for the recruiting process, Sophie's perspective offers valuable insight into what happens after the commitment announcement and what it takes to grow at the next level.

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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
    106
  • Rating
    Clean

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