Better Together

We recently took a little trip to the University of North Alabama and had the pleasure of speaking with UNA Beach Volleyball head coach Kaleb Vandeperre about the foundation of what it really means to be a college athlete.From an unconventional path into volleyball to building a competitive beach program at UNA, Coach Caleb shares his journey and the values that shape how he leads.We dive into the concept of “confident identity” - what it means, why it matters, and how it impacts performance far beyond the court. This conversation challenges the idea that results come first and instead explores how mindset, belief, and self-awareness create lasting growth.We also get a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a college beach volleyball athlete, including training, travel, recovery, and the demands that come with competing at the next level.Join us back next week to hear more!📝 Show Notes What “confident identity” means and why it mattersWhy performance should come after identity, not beforeHelping athletes separate who they are from resultsWhat college beach volleyball actually looks like week to weekTravel, training, and recovery at the college levelCommon misconceptions about beach volleyball

As our season continues and teams head into qualifiers, we’re revisiting Part 2 of our conversation with United Club Ambassador, Merritt Beason - now playing professionally with the Omaha Supernovas!In this episode, Merritt shifts the conversation from recruiting to what it actually takes to grow and sustain success at a high level. She also gives a real look into routines, preparation, and how she stays grounded - even in the biggest moments.She shares insight on:The mental side of the game and why it’s often overlookedWhat confidence actually looks like - and how to build itLearning how to advocate for yourself and “hold your space”What people don’t talk about when it comes to high-level athletesWhy relationships and trust matter in high-pressure moments

We’re in the middle of a busy stretch of the season - travel, qualifiers, and everything that comes with it.So this week, we’re revisiting a conversation that speaks to more than just performance.In Part 1 with United Club Ambassador Merritt Beason (now with the Omaha Supernovas), we talk about recruiting, pressure, identity, and what it looks like when success doesn’t always feel like success.Merritt shares her experience navigating the highs and lows of the game - and what it took to find her way back to loving it.If you’ve ever felt the weight of expectations, uncertainty in recruiting, or just the ups and downs of being an athlete, this one will resonate.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Aija, she shares what she thought coaching would be when she first started versus what the role has actually become two years in. From reflection and responsibility to fairness, team culture, and the mental side of performance, she offers a thoughtful look at the work coaches carry long after practice ends.We talk about what athletes often don’t realize coaches are thinking about, how to balance fairness with what a team needs in the moment, how to respond when energy drops, and what it really takes to build a unified culture when skill levels vary across a roster.This conversation also gets to the heart of what “Better Together” really means - not just as a club phrase, but as a way of leading, growing, and showing up for the people around you.In this episode, we cover:• What coaching actually is versus what Aija thought it would be• Why coaching is so much more mental and relational than most people realize• The reflection process coaches go through after practices and tournaments• Leading by example and asking athletes to do only what you’re willing to do yourself• Balancing fairness, kindness, momentum, and development• What players think coaches notice - and what coaches are actually watching• How to respond when a team’s energy drops• Building trust and culture across different personalities, ages, and skill levels

United 16 Black coach Aija Abele shares the story behind how she found her way into coaching - and it wasn’t something she originally planned.Aija grew up in a Latvian-American household, spending her early years moving between countries before eventually landing in North Alabama. She reflects on how those experiences shaped her identity, her perspective on learning, and the way she now approaches leadership.We also dive into her volleyball journey - from playing at Bob Jones High School to competing in college club volleyball at the University of Alabama. What began as a leadership role on her college team eventually turned into her first real experience navigating the responsibilities of coaching.Aija also shares the moment that nudged her toward the sideline - a simple question during an adult open gym that forced her to reconsider what her next chapter in volleyball might look like.In this episode we talk about:• Growing up between cultures as a Latvian-American• Moving internationally before settling in North Alabama• Her playing career and college club volleyball experience• The unexpected leadership lessons from running a college club team• Finding community through volleyball after college• The conversation that ultimately led her to coachingIn Part 2, we shift the conversation toward the realities of coaching - from managing pressure and team dynamics to building culture and helping athletes grow both on and off the court.

Chloe Walker is a United alum, first-year coach in our Locals program, and a young professional building her career through a salon apprenticeship at Huntsville Hair Company. In this conversation, Chloe shares what it feels like to go full circle - from being coached at United to now stepping onto the sideline herself.You’ll also hear practical insight on creating team culture fast (consistency, communication, small compliments), helping athletes stop apologizing for mistakes, and why progress often looks like “messing up” first. Chloe connects those lessons to real life, opening up about choosing a non-traditional path after high school, navigating expectations, and embracing the mindset shift that’s carried her through volleyball and her professional life: “I don’t have to be here - I get to be here.”In this episode, we cover:• Coaching different personalities (quiet vs. loud) and helping a team connect• Creating a low-pressure gym: “there are no stupid questions”• Growth mindset in action: why she tells athletes not to apologize for mistakes• Progress over perfection - and why “it gets worse before it gets better”• Lessons from the salon: relationships, consistency, professionalism, and uncomfortable growth• Choosing a non-traditional path after graduation and trusting your own timeline

Coaching can feel overwhelming - especially when no one ever showed you where to start.In this short episode, Korohen shares the five foundations she wishes someone had laid out when she first stepped into the gym: why skill comes before system, how to coach the age in front of you, how to choose systems based on your athletes, why culture is built early, and how clear communication prevents most problems before they start.This conversation is for:first-time coaches stepping into the roleformer players navigating their first season on the other side of the netexperienced coaches adjusting to a new age groupanyone staring at a blank practice plan wondering where to beginIf you’ve ever felt like you’re reacting instead of leading, this episode will help you reset and refocus on what actually drives athlete development.Korohen also introduces a new digital course built to give volleyball coaches structure, clarity, and direction - from foundational skill progressions and teaching cues to practice planning, systems, communication, and culture.Coaching matters. The way you teach, communicate, and lead shapes athletes far beyond the scoreboard.

In the final part of our three-part conversation with Dr. Amanda Aguilar, we focus on the role clubs play in shaping culture, communication, and expectations - and how partnership between families and organizations supports both athlete development and family well-being. We discuss the importance of transparency, role clarity, holistic support, and creating environments where athletes can grow not just in skill, but in confidence, identity, and resilience.In this episode, we discuss:What distinguishes environments that develop the whole athlete, not just performanceThe role clubs play in setting expectations, communication, and cultureHolistic athlete support: mental health, nutrition, recovery, and identityHelping athletes build confidence beyond their sportEncouraging athlete voice and self-advocacyRecognizing when alignment leads to healthier athlete and family experiencesThis conversation closes the series with a reminder that youth sports work best when they function as a partnership - because when athletes feel supported, families feel connected, and organizations stay aligned, everyone benefits.

In Part 2 of our three-part series with Dr. Amanda Aguilar (UAH), we focus on one of the most important dynamics in youth sports: the difference between supportive parenting and performance pressure.This conversation explores how parents’ words, emotions, and expectations shape an athlete’s experience - from the car ride home to sideline behavior and everyday communication. We also discuss burnout signals, mental and physical well-being, and how strong communication between athletes, parents, and coaches helps create a more stable and positive sport environment.In this episode, we discuss:The difference between encouragement and performance pressureWhy athletes taking the lead matters for motivation and ownershipThe importance of the car ride home - reflection vs. evaluationSideline behavior and the messages athletes receive without wordsEmotional and physical burnout signals to watch forSleep, recovery, and overall well-being during a seasonThe youth sport “triangle”: athlete, parent, and coach - and how communication strengthens itSupporting development, confidence, and long-term love of the game➡️ Stay tuned for Part 3 as we continue the conversation and explore the long-term identity and relational impacts youth sports can have on athletes and families.

In this first part of a three-part conversation, we sit down with Dr. Amanda Aguilar, a professor in the Sport and Fitness Management program at University of Alabama in Huntsville, to explore how youth sports impact not just the athlete — but the entire family.Dr. Aguilar brings a unique perspective as a former college athlete, high school coach, parent of four, and youth sport researcher. Together, we discuss the growing professionalization of youth sports, early specialization, time and financial demands, and how families can unintentionally lose balance along the way.This episode is about awareness, boundaries, and perspective — helping families make informed decisions that allow both athletes and families to thrive, not just survive.🎧 This is Part 1 of a three-part series on family dynamics in sport.In this episode, we discuss:Dr. Aguilar’s research on elite youth sports and the family unitWhy youth sports have become more professionalized - and what that means for kidsEarly specialization vs. multi-sport participationThe time, financial, and emotional demands placed on familiesHow youth sports can unintentionally impact siblings and family relationshipsWhy “fun” matters more than outcomes, especially at young agesThe myth that “earlier is better” - and what research actually showsThis conversation offers families and coaches the perspective needed to create healthier boundaries, realistic expectations, and environments where athletes can grow without sacrificing the family unit.

In part two of our conversation with United 16 Blue head coach Jeff Norman, we dive deeper into how coaches can build confidence while still challenging athletes to grow and compete.Jeff shares how creating a safe, growth-focused environment allows players to take risks, try new skills, and improve long-term - rather than staying stuck in what feels comfortable. We explore the impact of effort-based praise, how to respond to mistakes in high-pressure moments, and why encouragement and belief matter just as much as technical instruction.This episode is packed with practical insight for coaches looking to move away from fear-based approaches and toward a culture that helps athletes build confidence, resilience, and trust - both in themselves and in their team.In this episode, we cover:How to balance pushing athletes to compete while building confidence and self-beliefThe difference between fear-based environments and growth-focused environmentsWhy playing it safe can limit long-term developmentThe power of praising effort over outcomesHow effort-based feedback encourages athletes to keep growingCreating freedom for athletes to try new skills - even when results aren’t perfectHelping athletes stay encouraged through mistakes and setbacksWhy encouragement matters even more during matches than in practiceHow coaches can model emotional control in high-pressure momentsThe importance of bench energy, cheering, and team engagementUsing simple, symbolic resets to help athletes let go of mistakesBuilding a culture where athletes know their coach believes in themWhat “Better Together” means through unity, support, and shared purposeThis episode is a powerful reminder that confidence, encouragement, and environment aren’t soft skills - they’re foundational to real growth.

In this episode of Better Together, we sit down with United 16 Blue head coach Jeff Norman to talk about what it truly means to coach with purpose.Jeff shares his unique path into volleyball and how starting without prior volleyball experience shaped the way he approaches teaching, learning, and player development. We dive into servant leadership, fear-based versus love-based coaching, and how competitiveness can show up in healthy, team-first ways.In this conversation, we cover:Jeff’s journey into volleyball and how starting without prior volleyball experience shaped his coaching approachWhy being a lifelong learner is essential for effective player developmentThe difference between fear-based coaching and love-based coachingHow servant leadership shows up in everyday moments on the courtWhat true competitiveness looks like in a team sportHelping athletes navigate mistakes, bad days, and tough performancesWhy focusing on the next point matters more than dwelling on the last oneCoaching athletes through the pivotal developmental stage of the 16s age groupBalancing joy, accountability, and high expectationsTeaching athletes to support teammates - and themselves - through adversityThis episode is packed with insight for coaches, athletes, and parents who believe that meaningful development goes far beyond the scoreboard. Join us back next week for Part 2!

In part two of our conversation with registered dietitian Alyssum Reno-Smith, we zoom out and tackle what fueling looks like across an entire volleyball season - especially from a parent’s perspective.Through real tournament scenarios, age-specific examples, and audience-submitted questions, Alyssum breaks down how families can plan ahead, build healthy habits, and support athletes without creating restriction or pressure. This episode goes beyond food lists and focuses on preparation, consistency, and setting athletes up for success both on and off the court.Whether you’re navigating early-morning matches, multi-day qualifiers, or the influence of social media nutrition advice, this episode offers practical guidance you can actually use.What you’ll hear in Part 2:How to fuel a 12U athlete during early-morning, multi-day tournamentsAdjusting nutrition needs for older athletes competing at qualifiersWhy planning ahead matters more than “perfect” mealsHow parents can support fueling without creating restriction or food shameSigns an athlete may be under-fueling - physically and hormonallyWhy hydration needs to be proactive, not reactiveHow different volleyball positions may influence fueling needsA realistic “stair-step” approach to improving nutrition habitsHow to navigate nutrition misinformation on social mediaMyth vs. fact: common beliefs about nerves, fruit, and protein barsAlyssum’s advice for parents supporting long-term athlete health and confidenceWhat it truly means to be better together when it comes to fueling athletesIf you missed Part 1, go back and listen as we explore how nutrition impacts nerves, focus, hydration, and mental performance during competition.

What if some of the nerves, brain fog, and missed decisions on the court aren’t about skill - but about fueling?In part one of our conversation with registered dietitian Alyssum Reno-Smith, we dig into how nutrition directly impacts the nervous system, focus, confidence, and in-game decision making for volleyball athletes. From energy drinks and hydration to carbs as brain fuel, this episode connects the dots between what athletes eat and how they perform - mentally and physically.This conversation is especially timely as club season kicks off and athletes prepare for long competition days, early mornings, and high-pressure moments.What you’ll hear in Part 1:How under-fueling can increase anxiety, shakiness, and in-game mistakesThe connection between nutrition, the nervous system, and mental toughnessWhy carbs are the brain’s primary fuel - and how that affects focus and reaction timeHow energy drinks can worsen nerves when they replace real foodSmart snack strategies for between matches and setsWhy “not eating at all” before competition can backfireHow hydration impacts decision making, not just physical performanceCommon fueling misunderstandings parents have - especially for anxious athletesThe importance of timing food to support both calm and sustained energyThis is just part one - be sure to come back next week as we continue the conversation!

In Part 3, the final episode of our Ask the Directors series, Coach Korohen and Coach Scott bring the conversation full circle with practical advice, reflection, and a little fun.They start by sharing simple but impactful ways parents can make tournament weekends easier and less stressful for their athletes. From there, they reflect on favorite memories from coaching at United and the moments that remind them why relationships matter just as much as results.The episode wraps with some lighthearted questions - from choosing a “United Volleyball theme song” to building a dream team from our coaching staff - offering a behind-the-scenes look at the people, personalities, and values that shape our club.Thanks to all of the families and athletes who submitted questions throughout this series. Your curiosity and honesty helped shape these conversations, and we’re grateful to be part of the journey with you!📝 SHOW NOTES - PART 3Tips from Coach Korohen and Coach Scott for reducing stress on tournament weekendsWhy preparation, consistency, and parent energy matterCreating a supportive environment before athletes ever step on the courtMoments that go beyond wins and lossesChoosing a “United Volleyball” theme songBuilding a volleyball team from United coaches