In this episode, Greg Reitz shares his journey as a volleyball coach, starting from his early days to becoming the head coach at Lourdes University. He discusses the challenges and rewards of building a new program, the unique aspects of coaching in the NAIA, and the impact of NIL on college sports. Greg emphasizes the importance of mentorship, the evolution of volleyball players, and the growth of men's volleyball. He also reflects on the transfer portal and recruiting strategies, highlighting the significance of finding the right fit for his program. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of the NAIA volleyball tournament, discussing team performance, coaching challenges, and the impact of international players on domestic talent. They explore the importance of mentorship in coaching and share personal experiences, including a unique trip with Athletes in Action. The dialogue emphasizes the need for growth in youth sports and the significance of fostering a love for the game among young athletes.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Greg Reitz and His Coaching Journey
02:44
The Joy of Coaching Volleyball
05:41
Starting a New Program at Lourdes University
08:51
The Growth of Men's Volleyball in NAIA
11:43
Navigating the NAIA Landscape
14:45
The Impact of NIL on College Sports
17:28
Transfer Rules and Their Implications
20:37
Recruiting Strategies and Player Development
26:22
Recruiting and Player Development
29:11
Coaching Philosophy and Impact
30:50
The Evolution of Player Size and Skill
35:14
Comparing NAIA and NCAA Volleyball
38:41
Tournament Structure and Opportunities
44:07
Coaching Challenges and Time Management
48:52
The Influence of Coaching Across Gender in Volleyball
51:38
Crossover Techniques: Learning from Each Other
53:01
International vs Domestic Players in NAIA Volleyball
55:30
The State of Volleyball in the U.S.: Opportunities and Challenges
01:00:32
Mentorship and Coaching Stories in Volleyball
01:10:28
Athletes in Action: A Unique Experience in Volleyball

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In this episode of Set the Pipe, the hosts discuss various topics related to volleyball, including the recent cuts to men's volleyball programs, the California junior college volleyball championship, and the upcoming women's beach volleyball championship. They also recap the D3 men's volleyball championship and reflect on the importance of inclusivity in the sport. Personal experiences and insights are shared, highlighting the emotional impact of these events on players and the volleyball community

• The recent cuts to men's volleyball programs are a significant concern for the sport's future.
• Grand Canyon University's decision to cut its men's volleyball program has sparked widespread discussion.
• The California junior college volleyball championship showcased the competitive nature of the sport at the grassroots level.
• Women's beach volleyball is gaining popularity, with exciting matchups set for the upcoming championship.
• The D3 men's volleyball championship featured intense competition and showcased the talent of smaller programs.
• Inclusivity in volleyball, including sitting volleyball, is an important topic that needs more attention.
• Personal experiences in volleyball can shape one's perspective on the sport and its community.
• The emotional impact of program cuts is felt deeply by players, coaches, and fans alike.
• The growth of volleyball at the youth level is promising for the future of the sport.
• The camaraderie and support within the volleyball community are vital for its continued success.

Chapters

00:57
The Impact of GCU's Men's Volleyball Program Cancellation

06:59
California Junior College Volleyball Championship Highlights

14:01
Women's Beach Volleyball Championship Preview

20:49
Tournament Highlights and Shoutouts

21:33
Division One Pairings and Excitement

24:23
D3 Championship Overview and Insights

40:03
Inspiring Comebacks in Sports

41:28
Exploring Team Handball and Personal Stories

43:34
The Impact of Paralympic Sports

46:40
Reflections on Life, Family, and Sports Aspirations

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In this engaging conversation, Alfee Reft, the head coach of UCLA women's volleyball, shares his journey from a successful playing career to coaching at one of the most prestigious programs in the country. He discusses the pressures and expectations that come with the role, the evolving landscape of college sports due to NIL and the transfer portal, and the importance of building a strong culture within the team. Alfee also reflects on the growth of women's volleyball and the relationship between indoor and beach volleyball, emphasizing the need for coaches to adapt and find the right fit for their programs. In this engaging conversation, the speakers discuss the journey of Alfee Reft, the head coach of UCLA volleyball, exploring themes of risk-taking, personal growth, and the evolution of volleyball in the U.S. They delve into Alfee's experiences playing overseas, the challenges of transitioning between conferences, and the importance of supporting athletes' aspirations. The conversation highlights the growth of professional volleyball and the impact of young talent on the game, emphasizing the need for a strong vision and strategy in coaching.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Alfee Reft and His Journey
02:36
Transition from Player to Coach
05:44
The Pressure of Coaching at UCLA
08:48
Navigating the NIL Landscape
11:49
Building a Culture of Excellence
14:46
The Excitement of Volleyball's Growth
31:27
Building Community Connections in Volleyball
32:18
The Art of Recruiting: Balancing Talent and Character
35:14
Navigating the Information Overload in Recruitment
37:37
Betting on Yourself: The Leap to Hawaii
46:13
Comparing Conferences: Pac-12 vs. Big Ten
54:00
Travel Challenges and Athlete Recovery
55:08
Embracing Change in Collegiate Sports
56:04
Building a Vision for UCLA Volleyball
58:08
Supporting Athletes' Aspirations
59:48
The Future of Women's Professional Volleyball
01:01:38
The Evolution of Volleyball Culture
01:05:16
Visibility and Opportunities for Young Athletes
01:07:22
The Impact of Role Models in Volleyball
01:11:27
Training for the Next Generation of Players

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From Newbury Park to the Olympics: Casey Patterson's Journey

In this engaging conversation, Casey Patterson shares his journey from a young volleyball player in Newbury Park to becoming an Olympian and a prominent figure in the AVP. He discusses the importance of coaching, the legacy of volleyball in his family, and the significance of beach volleyball in developing skills. The conversation highlights the culture of volleyball in Provo, the transition to the AVP, and the competitive spirit that drives him as a coach. In this conversation, Casey Patterson shares his journey in beach volleyball, emphasizing the importance of learning from better players, the grind of becoming an Olympic athlete, and the future of the sport. He reflects on his experiences in tournaments, the significance of the Six-Man event, and the need for a supportive system for young athletes. The discussion highlights the evolution of volleyball and the community surrounding it, showcasing the passion and dedication required to succeed in the sport.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Casey Patterson

02:52
Reflections on a Volleyball Career

05:33
The Importance of Coaching and Legacy

08:12
Growing Up in Newbury Park

12:46
Transitioning to College Volleyball

15:40
The Value of Beach Volleyball for Skill Development

18:23
The Beach Volleyball Dream Begins

21:23
The Culture of Volleyball in Provo

24:52
The Journey of Coaching and Mentorship

30:14
The Path to the AVP and International Play

34:18
Experiencing the Olympics: A Dream Realized

38:54
The Journey of an Olympian

40:55
Legacy and Competition in Beach Volleyball

42:55
The Future of USA Volleyball

48:53
The Magic of the Six Man Tournament

01:00:05
New Chapter

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In this engaging conversation, Chris McGee, a prominent figure in volleyball and broadcasting, shares his journey from being a backup setter to becoming a celebrated announcer. He recounts memorable experiences from his volleyball career, including a gold medal win in Columbia and his unexpected appearance on 'The Price is Right.' The discussion highlights the importance of friendship, teamwork, and the impact of early experiences on personal growth and career paths. In this engaging conversation, the speakers share their experiences from 'The Price is Right' to their volleyball journeys at Northridge. They reflect on memorable moments, the importance of team spirit, and the life lessons learned through sports. The discussion also touches on the impact of winning, celebrations, and the enduring connections formed through their shared experiences. The speakers emphasize the significance of chemistry in teams and the joy of watching their children succeed in sports.

Sound Bites
"I was just being myself."
"I was clueless up there."
"I sold that car for 16 grand."

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Chris McGee
02:42
Memorable Experiences in Columbia
05:47
The Journey to Becoming an Announcer
08:44
Reflections on Team Dynamics and Winning
11:52
The Impact of Early Experiences on Career
14:37
The Power of Friendship and Memories
19:07
Introduction and Personal Anecdotes
21:58
The Price is Right Experience
34:54
Reflections on Winning the Car
36:51
Memorable Moments in Volleyball
40:10
Team Spirit and Memorable Wins
42:27
Bonding Through Adversity
45:16
Creating a Unique Team Culture
48:23
The Importance of Chemistry in Sports
52:50
Celebrating Personal Milestones
56:13
Looking Ahead: Future Stories and Connections
59:31
New Chapter

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In this episode, Sully, CK, and Bear welcome Dave Neely, the director of Renaissance Volleyball Club. They discuss Dave's unique journey in volleyball, from his early days playing and coaching to managing a successful club. The conversation delves into the growth of Renaissance Volleyball Club, the challenges of running a club, and the importance of good coaching. They also touch on the recruitment process, parent expectations, and the significance of high school volleyball. The episode concludes with a light-hearted story about a hot air balloon adventure involving Dave and Bear. In this engaging conversation, the guests share thrilling stories from a hot air balloon adventure, delve into the dynamics of youth volleyball, and discuss the importance of finding the right fit for athletes in their sports journey. They also explore the challenges and triumphs of training for an Ironman, emphasizing the significance of multi-sport participation for young athletes. The discussion wraps up with reflections on the future of sports and the importance of creating a supportive environment for athletes.

Sound Bites
"We got chased by the cops."
"A good fit's a good fit."

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Dave Neely and Renaissance Volleyball Club
03:34
Dave Neely's Journey into Volleyball Coaching
06:15
Transitioning from Passion to Profession
08:54
The Growth of Renaissance Volleyball Club
11:55
Navigating the Business of Club Volleyball
14:31
Understanding Parent Expectations and Club Philosophy
17:15
The Impact of Tryout Timing on Players
20:00
Challenges and Solutions in Club Management
29:35
Understanding the Costs of Youth Sports
32:31
The Importance of Quality Coaching
35:15
The Path to Becoming a Coach
37:08
The Hot Air Balloon Adventure
45:45
Success Stories and Alumni Achievements
51:30
Finding the Right Fit in Sports
54:50
The Journey of an Athlete: Experiences and Aspirations
58:33
The Ironman Challenge: A Personal Journey
01:03:50
Building Relationships in Sports: The Importance of Community
01:11:17

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In this episode, the hosts discuss recent upsets in men's volleyball, particularly Long Beach State's surprising losses to UCI. They delve into the dynamics of D1 and D3 volleyball, including the new NCAA Power Index and playoff formats. The conversation also touches on the growth of women's sports, particularly flag football, and the potential for men's volleyball to expand further with more NCAA support. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of volleyball and the importance of storytelling in sports.

Takeaways
Long Beach State's recent losses highlight the unpredictability of D1 volleyball.
UCI's size and skill contributed to their victory over Long Beach State.
The NCAA Power Index aims to improve the selection process for D3 volleyball tournaments.
D3 volleyball is seeing significant growth and interest.
The playoff format for D3 includes 19 teams, with 14 bids and 5 at-large spots.
Men's volleyball is gaining popularity, as evidenced by sold-out matches.
The potential for men's volleyball to grow is immense, especially with NCAA support.
Women's flag football is rapidly growing and will be an Olympic sport in 2028.
The financial dynamics of college sports impact the growth of men's volleyball.
Title IX discussions highlight the challenges and opportunities for women's sports.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Recent Upsets in Volleyball
02:59
D3 Volleyball Updates and NCAA Power Index
05:37
Playoff Format and Conference Dynamics
08:26
Future of D3 Volleyball and Expansion Possibilities
11:12
Reflections on Long Beach State's Performance
13:57
Growth of Volleyball and Upcoming Championships
15:28
Investing in Volleyball's Future
17:02
Barriers to Growth in Men's Volleyball
19:28
The Financial Landscape of College Sports
20:49
The Rise of Women's Flag Football
23:28
Future of College Volleyball Programs
28:15

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​ @setthepipe
In this conversation, Travis Turner, head coach at Orange Coast College and Balboa Bay Club, shares his journey in volleyball, from his early days as a player to becoming a successful coach. He discusses the importance of building a winning culture, the challenges of recruiting in the current landscape, and the impact of international players on college volleyball. Turner emphasizes the need for mental toughness in young athletes and the importance of fostering a love for the sport. He also reflects on his commitment to coaching at the junior college level and the relationships he has built within the volleyball community. In this engaging conversation, the speakers discuss the evolving landscape of volleyball recruiting, the importance of experience over mere accolades, and the need for growth in men's volleyball programs. They reflect on memorable coaching experiences, the significance of relationships in the sport, and the journey of being a player and coach. The discussion also touches on the current season's challenges and aspirations, emphasizing the passion and dedication required in coaching and developing young athletes.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Travis Turner
02:14
Travis's Journey into Volleyball
04:31
Coaching Philosophy and Success
08:04
Building a Winning Team
10:40
Navigating Changes in NCAA Eligibility
13:35
Recruitment Challenges in Volleyball
16:52
The Impact of International Players
19:41
Future of Volleyball Programs
20:43
Training Approaches: A Comparative Analysis
24:24
The Importance of Training Over Competition
28:09
The Role of Competition in Youth Sports
31:00
Finding Your Coaching Fit
34:48
Recruitment Strategies in Volleyball
38:32
The Future of Men's Volleyball Programs
41:58
Memorable Teams and Lasting Impact
46:06
The Importance of Relationships in Volleyball
48:53
Embracing the Journey Over Achievements
50:39
Memorable Moments as a Player
53:42
Coaching Philosophy and Future Aspirations
57:10
Current Season Insights and Challenges
01:01:49
New Chapter

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