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The Coaches Group Chat

The Coaches Group Chat

By: Matthew Houlihan Arielle Houlihan Chad Gordon
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Grab a drink and a seat at the table with hosts Matt Houlihan, Arielle Houlihan and Chad Gordon as we chat about the world of volleyball, coaching, business, and whatever else Arielle feels like!

© 2026 The Coaches Group Chat
Volleyball
Episodes
  • S4E10: Jordan Lucas, UC Merced, and LOVB Finals
    Apr 15 2026

    We react to the Jordan Lucas broadcast clip that set off a viral storm in men’s volleyball and use it to talk about how inclusion actually shows up in sports culture. We also pivot to UC Merced’s packed gym, LOVB’s golden set playoff format, and a quick wedding update that somehow turns into bachelor party planning.

    • our apology for a lost recording and the chaos that follows
    • the UC Irvine vs CSUN moment and why the “popped” comment hits differently
    • how Jordan Lucas’ visibility shapes LGBTQ+ comfort in boys volleyball culture
    • why representation keeps young athletes playing and feeling safe
    • UC Merced’s first-year MPSF buzz and what fan energy can do for growth
    • LOVB finals, the golden set tiebreaker, and the pros and cons of the format
    • our gripe with team naming and what makes leagues feel “real”
    • the latest wedding update and the loose plan for a bachelor party

    So look it up on YouTube. Did Volleyball Fumble The Gays?


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    26 mins
  • S4E9: Volleyball Day In The Bay, Are "Yeller" Coaches Done For?
    Mar 17 2026

    Volleyball Day in the Bay becomes less about a single match and more about building a real Bay Area volleyball tradition around Stanford men’s volleyball. We unpack what worked, what fell flat, and how coaching intensity changes when trust and emotional intelligence lead the way.


    • tailgate energy and cross-club volleyball community showing up
    • beach volleyball at Stanford and why the venue feels special
    • youth clinic logistics and the value of getting kids on the floor
    • attendance goals, seating optics and making the crowd look full
    • student turnout problems and ideas for smarter campus activation
    • coaching styles from yelling to evolved communication
    • defining the line between intensity and abuse plus why follow-up talks matter

    Go look up at @GlassBoats on X for Matt's most embarrassing idioms.



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    36 mins
  • S4E8: Volleyball Antagonists, Mid Season All-Americans, Message to Younger Volleyball Self
    Mar 13 2026

    We argue about men’s volleyball “antagonists” and end up in a real debate about what turns casual fans on or off, from missed serves to confusing calls and commentary. Then we shift into mid-season player picks, youth club culture, and the hardest part of sports, being a parent or teammate who can let people fail and still feel supported.


    • Hawaii volleyball fans as the internet antagonist
    • David Kniffin as the mysteriously snubbed “bad guy”
    • Missed serves as a barrier to fan growth
    • How commentary shapes what new viewers notice
    • Mid-season All-American style picks and why they matter
    • Youth club results and why the future looks fast
    • Parenting rules at matches, anxiety, and letting kids learn
    • Lessons we’d tell our younger volleyball selves, from gratitude to academics

    So come on down if you are in the Bay Area. Come join us on Saturday!


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    37 mins
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