Long Beach State Men's Volleyball Head Coach Alan Knipe has announced that he will retire at the end of the calendar year following an extraordinary 25-year career spanning both his time as a standout student-athlete and his tenure as one of the most celebrated coaches in Long Beach State history.

Knipe was recently selected as a member of the Class of 2025 for induction into the AVCA Hall of Fame, national recognition for his accomplishments on the collegiate and international level. That comes on the heels of his induction into the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame as well as his induction both as a player and as part of the 1991 National Championship team into the Long Beach State Athletics Hall of Fame.

Long Beach State Men's Volleyball is coming off of an outstanding season which saw the Beach claim a fourth NCAA Men's Volleyball national championship. A transformative figure for Long Beach State, Knipe has been a part of all four of those championships, winning as a player in 1991 before collecting three more trophies as the head coach in 2018, 2019 and 2025.

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In this heartfelt Thanksgiving episode, the hosts reflect on their gratitude for family, friends, and the journey of their podcast. They share personal stories of growth, the joy of reconnecting with volleyball, and the excitement surrounding upcoming tournaments. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, the love for the sport, and the impact of relationships in their lives. In this conversation, the speakers reflect on themes of gratitude, aging, and the impact of pets in their lives. They share personal stories about their health, rekindling friendships, and the importance of family connections. The discussion also touches on the significance of volleyball in their lives, including statistics and records, and concludes with appreciation for their guests and listeners. In this episode, the hosts discuss the evolution of women's volleyball, highlighting the excitement and growth of the game. They share insights from high school volleyball, including recent championship highlights, and delve into the historical records held by notable players. The conversation shifts to the impact of rally scoring on the game and the art of serving, particularly the effectiveness of float serves. The episode concludes with a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the sport and the connections it has fostered among the hosts.

Chapters
00:00
Thanksgiving Reflections
02:59
Gratitude for the Podcast Journey
06:02
The Love for Volleyball
08:59
Personal Stories of Gratitude
12:06
Family and Life Changes
14:51
Excitement for Upcoming Volleyball Tournaments
18:00
Celebrating Achievements and Growth
25:13
Reflections on Aging and Pets
27:17
Gratitude and Family Connections
29:40
Health and Well-being
31:49
Rekindling Old Friendships
34:32
The Impact of Volleyball on Lives
39:15
Statistics and Records in Volleyball
40:45
Appreciation for Guests and Listeners
41:11
The Evolution of Women's Volleyball
42:59
High School Volleyball Highlights
43:32
Record Holders in Volleyball History
45:30
The Impact of Rally Scoring
49:01
The Art of Serving in Volleyball
51:03
Gratitude for Volleyball's Journey

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In this conversation, Tracy Dahl, head coach of Cal Poly Pomona's volleyball team, shares her journey from a successful player to a distinguished coach. She discusses her coaching philosophy, the challenges of recruitment, and the impact of the transfer portal and NIL on Division II volleyball. Tracy emphasizes the importance of building a strong team culture and the growth of women's volleyball, highlighting the competitive nature of her conference and her aspirations for her program. The conversation also touches on the balance between athletics and academics, and the future of volleyball as a sport. In this conversation, Traci Dahl reflects on her journey from a promising volleyball career to coaching, discussing her regrets, the challenges of recruiting, and the importance of building a positive team culture. She shares insights on the grind of coaching, the role of parental involvement in athlete development, and the potential changes in NCAA eligibility rules. The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics and the commitment required from both coaches and players to succeed.

Sound Bites
"The days are gone where we're just student athletes."
"It's fantastic to see the game grow."
"I think that there's just more to come."
"I would have gone to Spain and played."
"I started living what I thought was life."
"You have to trust the system."

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Tracy Dahl and Her Journey
02:59
Coaching Philosophy and Team Culture
05:59
Recruitment Strategies and Challenges
09:02
The Impact of the Transfer Portal and NIL
11:55
Comparing Division I and Division II Volleyball
15:00
The Growth of Women's Volleyball
18:02
Building a Winning Program at Cal Poly Pomona
20:59
The Future of Volleyball and Player Development
23:49
Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks
33:42
Reflecting on Career Choices
36:00
Transitioning to Coaching
39:08
Recruiting Challenges in Volleyball
41:08
The Grind of Coaching
44:01
Building a Winning Culture
49:04
Navigating Parental Involvement
52:08
Future of NCAA Eligibility
57:07

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In this episode, the hosts discuss personal stories, family milestones, and the latest updates in women's volleyball. They reflect on the emotional aspects of life, share injury recovery stories, and analyze team chemistry and strategies. The conversation highlights the growth of women's volleyball, the impact of international players, and the upcoming matches and events. The episode concludes with a celebration of USA volleyball's success and a look forward to future episodes.
takeaways
Life is a mix of joy and sorrow.
Team chemistry is crucial for success.
Emerging talent is reshaping women's volleyball.
Injuries can be a significant hurdle for athletes.
The growth of women's volleyball is exciting to witness.
Personal stories add depth to sports discussions.
Celebrating family milestones is important.
The impact of international players is growing.
Upcoming matches will be thrilling to watch.
USA volleyball continues to achieve great success.

Sound Bites
"Congratulations Bear!"
"The sun will rise tomorrow."
"She's back!"

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In this engaging conversation, Kevin Pratte shares his journey in volleyball, from his playing days at the University of the Pacific to his current role as a coach and community advocate. The discussion highlights the importance of reviving men's volleyball programs, particularly at the University of the Pacific, and the role of organizations like First Point in supporting these initiatives. Pratte emphasizes the growth of D3 volleyball and the opportunities it presents for young athletes, as well as the critical role of junior colleges in developing talent. The conversation also touches on the significance of building relationships with D3 programs and the mission of the Kevin Pratte Foundation to support young volleyball players financially. In this engaging conversation, Kevin Pratte shares his unexpected journey as a national recruiting coordinator for boys' volleyball, emphasizing the importance of community and giving back to the sport. He discusses the establishment of his foundation aimed at helping young athletes, particularly those from Title I schools, gain access to volleyball camps and college opportunities. The conversation also touches on the significance of recognizing talent through initiatives like the Fab 50 and the challenges of ranking players. Kevin reflects on his roots in Hemet and his aspirations for the future of volleyball, highlighting the need for continued growth and engagement in the sport.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Guest Welcome
02:45
Kevin Pratte's Background and Passion for Volleyball
05:45
Coaching Journey and Community Involvement
08:33
The Future of Men's Volleyball at UOP
11:26
Growing the Game and Alumni Involvement
14:18
Connecting with D3 Programs and National Outreach
20:10
The Journey of a Recruiting Coordinator
23:20
Understanding Division 3 Volleyball Opportunities
28:54
The Importance of Junior College Pathways
32:10
Building a Foundation for Future Generations
37:58
Engaging Communities Through Volleyball Camps
43:25
Engaging the Community Through Volleyball
46:36
The Fab 50: Ranking and Recognition in Volleyball
52:53
Growing Up in Hemet: The Journey to Volleyball
58:44

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In this engaging conversation, Steve Obradovich shares his journey as a dual-sport athlete, reflecting on his experiences in both football and volleyball at USC. OB is the only USC player in history to ever letter in both football and volleyball at the same time. The discussion delves into the evolution of athletes, highlighting the increased discipline and training methods of today's players compared to the past. Steve also discusses the growth of the Newport Beach Volleyball Invitational, emphasizing the importance of grassroots support and community involvement in promoting the sport. The conversation touches on celebrity connections, marketing challenges faced in the past, and the potential for four-man volleyball to attract more fans. Finally, Steve shares anecdotes from his movie career, showcasing his multifaceted legacy in sports and entertainment. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the realities of volleyball as portrayed in media, the evolution of the sport's rules, and the competitive spirit that drives players. They discuss the importance of training and conditioning, the impact of modern training methods on athlete performance, and the future of volleyball in terms of popularity and viewership.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Legends
02:56
The Dual Athlete Experience
05:48
Evolution of Athletic Training
08:49
The Rise of Beach Volleyball Events
11:43
Building a Volleyball Community
14:34
The Importance of Grassroots Initiatives
17:36
Collaborations and Partnerships in Sports
20:29
Paving the Way for Future Generations
24:00
The Importance of Superstars in Sports
25:19
Grassroots Development and League Formation
26:20
Future of Volleyball Leagues
29:21
Inside Out: A Movie Career
31:45
Memorable TV Appearances
33:30
The Evolution of Volleyball and Media Representation
35:56
The Role of the Libero in Modern Volleyball
41:43
The Fiery Spirit of Competition
42:20
The Dynamics of Competition in Sports
47:08
Training Regimens and Athletic Performance
49:05
The Evolution of Volleyball and Its Players
53:24
Statistics and Strategy in Modern Volleyball
55:28

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In this episode of 'Set The Pipe,' Richard and Priscilla Tallman join the hosts to discuss their experiences in volleyball, both as players and coaches. They delve into the evolution of the sport, the challenges of transitioning from college to professional play, and the importance of mental health and resilience in athletes. The conversation also touches on the cultural differences in sports training and the impact of modern analytics on the game.
Priscilla Tallman: 'I taught myself how to jump serve watching Eric Sato in the 1988 Olympics.'
Richard Tallman: 'The size and power in men's volleyball today is next level.'
Priscilla: 'You don't know you want it until you get cut and feel that sting.'
Richard: 'Men's hockey and volleyball are the most exciting sports to watch live.'
Priscilla: 'I love the opportunities for women in volleyball today.'
Richard: 'The club season for women's volleyball is too long.'
Priscilla: 'Athletes need to learn how to transfer skills to the corporate world.'
Richard: 'We truly did enjoy the college experience, but we also had each other's backs.'
Priscilla: 'It's important to push athletes in a compassionate way.'
Richard: 'Finding balance in training is crucial for longevity in sports.'

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The Set The Pipe crew takes a half an hour to get caught up on some volleyball events and thoughts. Join us!
takeaways
Traditions strengthen friendships and create lasting memories.
Community connections enhance the podcasting experience.
Commentary quality can greatly affect viewer enjoyment.
Engaging with listeners is crucial for podcast growth.

Chapters
00:00
Traditions and Friendships
02:45
Fantasy Football Fun
05:19
Youth Sports and Coaching Challenges
08:58
Health and Fitness Journeys
11:39
Adventures in Nature
14:43
Gun Safety and Responsibility
18:05
Shoutouts and Community Connections
20:41

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