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Bump, Set, Mic...The TNT Volleyball Podcast

Bump, Set, Mic...The TNT Volleyball Podcast

By: Chuck Dougherty
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 The Bump, Set, Mic podcast guides you through the world of junior club volleyball through the perspective of the TNT Volleyball Club located in the Philadelphia area. Join Club Director Chuck Dougherty and his cohost Brian Mooney as they interview coaches, parents and players to get behind the scenes insight into all things important in the world of club volleyball.2024 Volleyball
Episodes
  • Ep. 31: TNT is for Boys Too! with Jacki Curci and Bob Minschwaner

    Ep. 31: TNT is for Boys Too! with Jacki Curci and Bob Minschwaner
    Aug 14 2025

    An exciting first for the podcast comes your way in episode 31! Chuck and Brian are joined by TNT boys' program directors Jacki Curci and Bob Minschwaner to discuss the history and growth of boys volleyball, and how they have been producing successful boys teams since 2010! They discuss relevant topics such as the challenges of building a competitive schedule, how to get recruited by colleges as well as the differences between coaching boys and girls. Chuck and Brian learn all about the underground market of Nationals jersey exchanges, and how that is a major factor when designing boys uniforms!

    Segment 1 begins with some history about Jacki and Bob's backgrounds in volleyball, how the boys' program at TNT came to be. Also discussed are the boys' directors perspectives on some of the major differences between coaching boys and girls, as well as the differences in the way the game is played.

    Segment 2 highlights the goals and mission of the TNT boys' program, especially with regard to developing well-rounded athletes both on and off the court. This mission is similar to the mission of the TNT girls programs. They discuss the growth of the boys' game and the impact Covid had on boys' volleyball.

    Jacki and Bob then share their thoughts about where the boys' program is headed as well as ideas on how to bring the girls' and boys' programs closer together. Jacki and Bob explain how they balance running the boys' program while also coaching National teams. The segment ends with some talk of the very popular "jersey exchange" that goes on at boys' AAU Nationals.

    Segment 3 discusses challenges in building competitive boys schedules in the Northeast along with steps being taken by the program directors to assist players with college recruiting. They share some success stories of TNT boys receiving quality college offers to play volleyball at the next level. The segment concludes with Jacki and Bob sharing their expectations for the coming season for the TNT boys' teams.

    Segment 1: How the TNT Boys' Program Came to Be (0:00 - 22:23)

    • The Volleyball Paths Taken by Our Boys' Program Directors
    • How the Boys' Program Became a Reality at TNT
    • The Current Size of the Boys' Program
    • Staffing the Boys' Teams with Quality Coaches
    • Differences Between the Boys' and Girls' Games

    Segment 2: Tournament Options and Decision-Making Factors (22:53 - 40:50)

    • Approaching a Player's On and Off-Court Development
    • Balancing Skill Development with Character Building
    • The Impact Covid Had on the Boys' Game
    • Plans for Growing the Boys' Program Here at TNT
    • The Club's Vision for Bringing the Two Programs Closer Together
    • Balancing Running the Boys' Program While Also Coaching Club Teams
    • The Boys' AAU Nationals Jersey Trade

    Segment 3: Scheduling and College Recruiting (41:16- 62:24)

    • Choosing Tournaments for the Boys' Teams to Attend
    • USAV vs. AAU Events and How Things Have Changed Over the Years
    • Supporting Players Who Want to Play at the Next Level
    • Differences in Opportunities in College for Boys and Girls
    • Advice for Parents and Players Navigating Through the Recrutiting Process
    • The Importance of a Strong Academic Record When Players Seek Offers
    • Some Recruting Success Stories for TNT Boys
    • Outlook for the Boys Teams for the Upcoming Season
    • Upcomng Offerings for the Boys at TNT Outside of the Club Season
    • Wrap-Up
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Ep 30: Building the Perfect Schedule with Leon Kasperski

    Ep 30: Building the Perfect Schedule with Leon Kasperski
    Jul 31 2025
    Did you ever wonder how clubs create tournament schedules for teams? If you have ever found yourself scratching your head or irritated about anything related to your schedule, you don't want to miss this episode. In Episode 30, Season 3, Chuck and Brian talk to the schedule maker extraordinaire, a.k.a The Unicorn, a.k.a Leon Kasperski to discuss all of the things that need to be considered when creating the tournament schedule for a team. The panel discusses important factors such as travel costs, availability, picking the right level, and college coach exposure among other things, and how they all factor into building the perfect schedule. We also welcome to BSM our FIRST podcast sponsor - Udis and Tokasz Orthodontics, located in Spring House, PA! Say Ahhh! Segment 1 focuses on planning, process, and goals when engaging in development of tournament schedules for a season. Leon shares info about when the process begins in advance of a reason, the process of registering teams for tournaments, and challenges resulting from registration that often occurs even before teams are formed. Chuck expands on TNT's approach to "responsible scheduling" and how that may differ from some other clubs. The discussion then moves towards the presence of college coaches at tournaments and how to go about that as a club, especially when wanting to put players in front of coaches they could potentially play for at the next level. Segment 2 delivers insights into the decision-making process with regard to creating individual team scheedules at each age group and level of competition. Leon presents a scaled approach as the players get older to increase their exposure, vary the experiences to some degree, and maintain appropriate levels of competition to ensure positive experiences for the teams. Chuck discusses some of the history of scheduling at TNT, how the club has evolved over the years, and balancing team and club needs with a desire to avoid unnecessary expense to families. Leon shares the reality of why teams from the same club can still sometimes end up playing each other in a tournament despite a club's best efforts. The importance of communicating realistic expectation to parents in advance of tournaments is also discussed, and Chuck and Leon present a positive view of the tournaments that provide medals for winners at various levels of competition. Segment 3 discusses how feedback from coaches and families can be an important part of the scheduling process. Some examples regarding tournament experiences received by the club from coaches are shared. Leon presents insights as to reasons why tournaments can be appealing to a club, including venue, location, attractions in the local area, and level of competition. An important point is also brought up regarding how a club really only learns about a tournament by sending teams there, especially for new events. Parent feedback about tournament destinations received from TNT parents at the end of last season is also presented. A few sucessful examples of TNT players being seen by college coaches at tournaments are mentioned, with Leon and Chuck sharing the reality of how players get noticed at tournaments, especially the importantance of a club having coaches on staff with connections to college coaches as part of that process. The group then shares some final thoughts about scheduling before wrapping up the episode. Segment 1: Scheduling for a Club Season (0:00 - 18:40) When the Process Begins in Advance of a SeasonThe Tournament Registration Process: Insights and ConcernsIssues to Consider When Building a Season ScheduleThinking About The Different Levels of Teams a Club OffersTNT's Approach to "Responsbile Scheduling"College Coaches at Club Tournaments, the Impact of Blackout / Quiet Periods, and Putting Players in Front of Coaches They Could Play for at the Next Level Additional Concerns With Regard to Tournaments at a Distance Segment 2: Tournament Options and Decision-Making Factors (19:10 - 43:22) A Scaled Approach to Selecting Different Events for the Various Age Groups and LevelsDefining a "Better Schedule" --- Providing What is Needed vs. a Schedule with Unnecessary ExpensesFinding Appropriate Competition and the Reality of What Can Occur When Teams Attend High-Level Tournaments How and Why Teams from the Same Club Can Sometimes Play Each Other in Tournaments Despite a Club's Best EffortsCommunicating Realistic Expectations to Parents in Advance of TournamentsThe Benefit of Tournaments that Provide Medals to Winners at Different Levels of Competition Segment 3: Considering Feedback from Coaches and Parents When Building Schedules (43:52 - 61:43) Examples of Tournament Feedback Received from CoachesReasons for Choosing Tournament Venues: What a Club Looks forLive and Learn: Trying to Gauge the Level of Competition Especially with Regard to New TournamentsDiscussion of and Reflection Upon Tournament Feedback Received from TNT ParentsMore Insights ...
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Ep 29: Fun in the Summertime? Tryout Season is Upon Us

    Ep 29: Fun in the Summertime? Tryout Season is Upon Us
    Jul 15 2025

    In Episode 29, Season 2 of the podcast continues with another episode from "The Owner's Box." (aka Chuck's Kitchen Table)

    Segment 1 begins with a discussion of what TNT is doing to prepare for the upcoming tryouts. Chuck and Brian discuss open gyms, TNT's commitment to honoring the tryout and USAV rules by NOT extending early offers, and the rumor of "Secret Tryouts".

    Chuck adds his personal feelings about the changing landscape of club volleyball and tryouts, and how TNT has had to make changes in recent years, while holding firm the the TNT Mission that all decisions should focus on "what is best for the girls".

    Segment 2 addresses some changes being made to TNT's approach to Nationals' teams for the 2025-2026 season, and some of the difficulties encountered in 2025. Brian ends the segment by asking Chuck his thoughts on why players sometimes want to move from one club to another at the start of a new season.

    Segment 3 focuses on why TNT is a good choice for families, and the road TNT has taken to expand into a club that has something to offer for all levels of players.

    Segment 1: Preparing for Tryouts and Addressing Some Misconceptions (0:00 - 18:35)

    • What TNT is Doing to Get Ready for Tryouts and a Rundown of the Tryout Schedule
    • How Can Players and Their Families Survive the Stress of Tryouts and Some Prior Episodes to Listen to in that Regard
    • Addressing Some Misconceptions and Reflecting on the Concerns Raised
    • Why TNT Moved to Summer Tryouts Similar to Other Clubs

    Segment 2: Changes to TNT's Approach to National Teams for 25-26 (19:10 - 32:25)

    • TNT's Prior Approach to Nationals and Difficulties Experienced Last Season
    • Designating Committed Nationals Teams at the Start and Forming Additional Teams Later for Other Players Who are Interested
    • Discussing USAV vs. AAU Nationals Differences From a Club Perspective
    • Reasons for Player Movement that Occurs from Season to Season

    Segment 3: Why Choose TNT (33:03 - 53:49)

    • Emphasis on Player Development
    • The TNT Experience
    • How Our Facilities Allow Us to Offer More to Families
    • Coaching Philosophy
    • Providing Various Levels of Competiton for a Wide Range of Players
    • Supporing Those Interested in Playing in College
    • A Detailed Approach to Fair Pricing
    • Where Flexibility Exists for Multi-Sport Athletes at the Club
    • Additional Benefits Offered by the Club
    • Episode Wrap-Up
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    54 mins
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