Better Together

In Part 1 of our conversation with University of North Alabama Head Coach Tristan Johnson, we dive into the recruitment journey from the coach’s perspective. Tristan shares what he looks for when evaluating athletes, the key reminders every recruit should hold onto, and why gratitude and character matter just as much as skill.Whether you’re an athlete chasing a roster spot, a parent guiding your athlete, or a coach supporting players through the process, this episode offers an honest look at what it takes to stand out and find your place in college volleyball.📌 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:How the recruiting process typically begins from a coach’s sideKey reminders for athletes: stop comparing, embrace gratitude, and keep an open mind to all levels What Tristan notices first when evaluating a recruitHow he defines “coachability” and why presence, demeanor, and character carry so much weightThe importance of showing who you are when things don’t go your way👉 Next week in Part 2: Tristan returns with even deeper recruitment insight and phenomenal advice for athletes looking to play at the next level.

This week on Better Together, Merritt Beason returns for Part 2 of a heartfelt conversation. From inspiring the next generation of athletes to sharing hard-earned wisdom from the highest levels of the game, Merritt opens up with the same authenticity and leadership that make her such a powerful presence on and off the court. We go deeper into the heart of what it takes to lead, evolve, and inspire.She reflects on what she hopes to change in the game, how she prepares mentally and physically, and what she’s had to unlearn to keep leveling up. You’ll hear:🌱 What Merritt hopes to help grow and change through her role as a United Ambassador - and why the next generation of athletes matters so much to her💭 The advice she would give to a young girl dreaming of playing in college (or beyond) - and why perseverance is more powerful than perfection💪 The hardest part of being a top-level athlete that no one talks about - and how she pushes through it🎧 What her pre-game routine looks like - and how it has evolved over time as she’s grown into a pro athlete🔄 Something Merritt had to unlearn as she moved up through the ranks from club to college to pro - and how it shaped her approach to the game todayMerritt’s perspective is an incredible mix of practical wisdom, personal growth, and a bold vision for the future. Whether you're a player, coach, or parent, this conversation is a reminder of the power of growth, leadership, and staying true to your why.

This week on Better Together, we’re joined by pro volleyball player, Nebraska standout, and proud United Ambassador Merritt Beason for one of our most personal and powerful conversations yet.Merritt opens up about the journey behind the jersey — the real decisions, emotions, and mindset shifts that come with chasing your dreams at the highest level.She walks us through the deeply personal process of transferring, what guided her decisions, and how she’s learning to let her “why” evolve with each season of life.You'll hear:How Merritt navigated transferring schools and made the right choices for herWhat athletes often stress about in recruiting that doesn’t matter as much as they thinkHer journey with the love of the game How she continues to grow and challenge herself in this stage of her careerWhy it’s okay - and even healthy - for your “why” to shift over timeThe lessons and mindsets she’s carried from the coaches who’ve shaped herYou do not want to miss this chat! No matter your role in the game, there’s something here for you. Merritt brings the kind of perspective and heart that will stay with you long after the episode ends - and we're so grateful for the time she spent with us!We couldn’t fit all the wisdom into one - so here’s Part 1 of our two-part episode with Merritt. Be sure to join us back next week for the rest of the conversation!

Signing Day is this weekend- a big moment for our athletes and families!In this episode, Korohen chats with our United Registrar, Michelle, to walk through what Signing Day looks like at our club and what families can expect as the season takes shape.They touch on:How we celebrate Signing Day and why it mattersWhat to do right after you commitTips for uniform ordering and important dates to noteWhat’s coming this fall to help athletes gear up before official practicesIf you’re feeling excited but also a little unsure - this is the episode that brings clarity to the process and gets you feeling ready. Let's make it official and start this upcoming season strong!

This week, we’re joined by Eli Hester - a recent commit to the University of West Alabama and a former 18 National player who took a nontraditional path to college volleyball. Hear what sparked her decision to join club her senior year, how she handled the unknowns, navigating the recruiting process, and the meaningful lessons she’ll keep long after her playing days are over. In this episode, we cover:what led her to pursue club volleyball so late in her high school journeywhat it felt like walking into a club gym for the first time at 18how she adapted quickly and found belonging in a new environmentthe challenges she faced throughout the recruiting processwhat sealed her decision to commit to West ALthe area of her game she’s most excited to grow at the next levelthe deeper life lesson volleyball has introduced to her and the part of the game she truly fell in love withHer journey proves that starting late doesn’t mean starting behind - especially when you’re all in.

Think evaluations are just about skills? Worried that one bad rep will ruin your chances? In Part 2 of our eval prep series, United Directors Korohen and Scott return to bust common myths and help athletes understand the bigger picture.They dive into:Common myths athletes believe about evaluationsWhat happens after evaluations wrapHow players can be evaluated for multiple positionsWhether you're a first-time athlete or returning player, this episode clears up confusion and helps you walk into the gym more confident and informed. We can't wait to see you this week!

It’s almost evaluation week, and we’re kicking off Season 2 with exactly what you need to walk into it with confidence. United Directors Scott and Korohen sit down to share what really matters during volleyball evaluations - whether you’re a returning player or walking into the gym for the first time.Nervous? Excited? Somewhere in between? This episode is your guide to showing up strong, staying grounded, and standing out for all the right reasons.From the energy you bring to the court to how you respond when things don’t go perfectly, this conversation is packed with real talk, helpful reminders, and honest perspective from coaches who value growth over perfection - and know what really leaves a lasting impression.Inside, we cover:Why your mindset matters more than you thinkThe qualities coaches are actually watching forWhat to do (and not do) if you want to stand outHow parents can be a calm, supportive presence — without adding pressureThe evaluation myths that need to goIf you’re ready to shift from anxious to intentional, this episode will help you step into the gym with more clarity, confidence, and purpose.We’re cheering for you. Let’s get into it.

It’s our very first podversary, and to celebrate, Korohen and Brittany are stepping behind the mic together for the first time ever! In this special episode, we reflect on the journey of Better Together - sharing stories from the very beginning, the challenges and surprises of producing a podcast, and what it truly means to honor the individuality of every athlete and coach we meet along the way. Join us for an honest, heartfelt conversation about what we’ve learned and the dreams we have for Season Two.

We’re sitting down with London Tate - United 18 Black athlete and Andrew College commit. She shares how living with diabetes has shaped her self-awareness and discipline, both on and off the court. We also talk about how her definition of success has evolved through club volleyball, her advice for younger athletes dreaming of playing in college, and the standout moments from her 18s season she’ll carry with her.

This week on the podcast, we’re joined by alumni Emily Alexander, now playing volleyball at Clarkson University. Emily shares how her recruiting journey unfolded, when she realized she wanted to pursue volleyball long term, and how being an athlete has shaped her both on and off the court. She also opens up about how she handles nerves, and what helps her reset mentally and physically through the ups and downs of the season.

Summer at United is heating up! As families start thinking ahead to the next club season, we're sitting down with our registrar to walk through everything coming up - from summer camps and development sessions to middle school and high school play dates. We also chat about the upcoming parent info meeting this weekend and how to get ahead by registering for July evaluations. Whether you’re a returning family or brand new to United, this episode is your one-stop shop for what’s around the corner!

In this episode, we sit down with United Coach Isabelle Fuell for a thoughtful conversation about her path into coaching, how she leads in the gym, and the impact she hopes to have on her players. Isabelle shares how her experience as a setter has shaped her leadership style, what drew her into coaching, and the lessons she’s taken from her own playing days into the gym. As she reflects on her first season with United, she opens up about the bigger picture - why she loves coaching at the club level and what she hopes to instill in her players, both on and off the court. It's a good one - don't miss it!

In the final installment of our three-part Ask the Directors series, Scott and Korohen dive into the evaluation process. From what to expect when trying new positions to how we handle makeup sessions and playing time conversations. They also share practical programs we offer to support skill development for our younger athletes and break down the goals and benefits of our United Unlimited membership.

In Part 2 of our three-part Ask the Directors series, Scott and Korohen tackle more real questions from our United families - finding the right coaching tone, family dynamics in team placement, what players should be aware of when navigating offers, and more.

We asked, you answered. In this special three-part series, our directors respond to questions submitted by our club families—diving into the heart of what makes our community strong, connected, and always growing. In part one, we open the conversation with insights from the top—covering how we navigate challenging team dynamics, the rewards and realities of running a club, and more.

In this episode, we sit down with Peyten Young, United 16 Black coach. We explore how his love for the game led him to coaching - and the life lessons he’s picked up along the way. He opens up about navigating moments of self-doubt, learning to lead without always having all the answers, and how coaching continues to shape his identity off the court. We also dive into how he defines success in a culture often dominated by wins and losses.

In this episode, we continue our Birmingham launch series with a deeper look at what it really means to build something new - from the ground up. We sit down with Ryan, our Birmingham Director, to talk about the current volleyball landscape in the city, how United plans to contribute to its growth, and what it looks like to stay mission-aligned while creating something uniquely local.We also dive into the real work behind expansion: the challenges, the opportunities, and the heart behind it all. If you’ve been wondering what makes United different, or what’s coming next in Birmingham, this is the episode for you.We’re beyond grateful for Ryan - his leadership, heart, and belief in what we’re building together. This partnership means everything, and we can’t wait to grow with the Birmingham community.

Something special is unfolding - United is expanding, and we’re deeply excited to bring our mission and heart to Birmingham!As we grow, so does our commitment to doing things with purpose, and that’s exactly what this episode is about. We’re proud to introduce Ryan Freeburg, the new Director of our Birmingham location, and dive into how he plans to build something meaningful from the ground up.In Part 1, we explore what it means to lead a new location while staying true to the heart of United. From the intentional steps it takes to foster a club environment where athletes grow both on and off the court, to earning trust in a brand-new city, Ryan shares his vision for a club environment where character grows alongside skill - developing confident players and even better individuals.It’s a special week, so be sure to join us again for Part 2 this Friday!

We’re back with more heartfelt perspective from our volleyball moms! This week, they reflect on the balance between offering encouragement and knowing when to step back, allowing their athletes the space to grow through challenges. They also speak on how gratitude has shaped their journeys and the quiet—but powerful—role parents play in building a healthy, supportive team culture. We’re so grateful to Marianne and Melanie for their honesty and wisdom they brought to this conversation!

It’s time for the moms to take the mic! This week, we’re bringing you our second parent round table — this time featuring the voices and insights of two of our amazing volleyball moms. A special thanks to Scott Jones for joining us again and lending his voice to another meaningful round table conversation.We dig into the expectations these moms had when their families first entered the club volleyball world — and how those have shifted with experience. We also explore what “success” really looks like in club, the importance of clear communication, and offer advice for parents who may be struggling to understand or navigate their athlete’s role on the team.A heartfelt thank you to Melanie and Marianne for their time, transparency, and the valuable perspective they brought to the table. Part 2 is coming your way next week — stay tuned!

Everyone gets nervous—but what if nerves weren’t the enemy? In this solo episode, Korohen breaks down how to manage game-time jitters, shift your mindset, and show up confidently even when doubt creeps in. Whether you’re stepping onto the court, into a big moment, or just battling those inner voices, this episode will help you lean in, trust yourself, and do it scared. Let’s talk about turning nerves into your secret weapon.

This week, our liberos take over the pod—no coaches, no hosts, just them! Avery, Rylee Jo, and Kali are running the show as they dive into the toughest parts of being a libero, their go-to strategies for success, and what it really takes to thrive in the position. They’ll tackle hand-picked questions, swap stories, and even put each other on the spot with their own takes. Tune in for a candid, libero-led conversation you won’t want to miss!

This one’s for the defenders! This week, we sit down with three of our national team liberos—Avery Minskey, Rylee Jo Harbin, and Kalison Beigh. They share their experiences on skill development, team chemistry, and what separates good players from great ones when it comes to handling pressure.And the conversation doesn’t stop here—tune in next week as the girls take over for Part 2!

Does yelling actually make you play better? In this episode, Korohen breaks down why the best coaches in the world take a different approach, what truly drives motivation, and how you can push yourself to compete at your best - without needing a coach to raise their voice.

This week we have the pleasure of sitting down with current United coach and Bethel grad Sami Parker. We hear about her experience with recruitment during COVID, strategies she used to balance athletics and academics, how the idea of perfection can actually stunt your growth as a player, and how coaches should constantly be in a state of learning.

This week we have United 12 Black coach and former alum Anna Mitchell join us! We hear about what surprised her in transitioning from being a player to taking on a coaching role, skills that translate between teaching and coaching, and her thoughts on holding space for your players - allowing them to make mistakes while falling in love with the game.

In the second half of our chat with Coach Heather we dive right in and hear about what excites her the most when it comes to the future of our beach program, strength and conditioning exercises for beach athletes, how beach athletes can showcase their skills for college coaches, and upcoming happenings at The U- teams, sprouts, co-ed 4's, and more!

In the first part of our conversation with United beach director Heather Sodade, we discuss key differences between training for beach volleyball vs. indoor, how playing beach improves an athlete's overall game. and we hear her perspective on necessary mental shifts that indoor players need to make when competing in beach volleyball. Join us back next week for Part 2!

This week we chat with United 11 Black coach Alison Nagel about the overlooked skill of emotional management, fostering a positive team culture, balancing individual skill development with team cohesion, and more.

This week we sit down with former United coach and current area official Melissa Reis and hear from the other side of the ref stand! We cover common misconceptions, frequent misunderstandings, how parents or spectators can contribute to a positive playing environment, and the process that referees go through to ensure consistency and fairness.

Join us this week for Part 2 as we continue the conversation with our United dads! We discuss topics such as player development - how we can best support our athletes, guiding them through motivational slumps, creating opportunities for athletes to be in environments where others are striving for excellence, mental preparation during tournament travel, and more.

We’ve been so ready for this one! This week, we're dropping our first parent round table (shoutout to Scott Jones for coming to hang with us) and we sit down with some of our volleyball dads! We discuss everything from advice for new volleyball parents, club-wide communication, and more.We are grateful for the opportunity and conversation. Big thanks to Andy, Lawrence, and Ethan for joining us. This one will be split into two episodes - join us next week to hear part two!

This week we welcome the new year and start off our season sitting down with United alum and D1 college athlete Jasmine Brooks. We chat about her recruitment experience, major differences in club ball vs. a D1 athletic program, maintaining awareness while taking care of your mindset, keeping realistic expectations for yourself, and the importance of support.

This week we sat down with former United athlete and UAB commit Riley Lovell. We hear about how she has managed the challenges of recovering from shoulder surgery and her advice for pushing through the stresses that arise during recruitment - such as maintaining confidence, overcoming self doubt, doing your research, and keeping your options open.

KJ goes solo this week and focuses on attacking, specifically common issues that hitters face. She discusses adjustments that can be made to fix these - such as the four step approach in relation to timing and why your ball may be taping the net.

We are back this week after a Thanksgiving break and sat down with United Boys 18 Black athlete and Indiana Tech commit Taiki Peterson. We hear about his recruitment process, his thoughts on what needs to happen to bring more growth and attention to boys volleyball, and the most rewarding part of his volleyball journey so far.

This week we sat down with United 18 National and UTA commit Sophie Krichev. Join us as we talk about her recruitment experience and hear a few tips she offers fellow athletes as they navigate that process. We also cover how self worth is not found in your performance, her proudest moment as a volleyball athlete, strategies for maintaining focus during a match, and more. You don't want to miss this one!

This week we sat down with United Coach Alex Owen - and thoroughly enjoyed this conversation! We cover the importance of communication, holding yourself and your teammates accountable, and how harmony on the courts starts with harmony in the stands.

This week we sat down with Positional Coach Alicia Krichev and talk all things college recruitment - how to best support your athlete, the impact of game statistics versus other factors in the eyes of recruiters, when players should begin thinking about recruitment, and more. Most importantly, how to appreciate uniqueness in your own journey and not compare to others.

We've been excited about this chat for a long time! This week we sat down with United coach and former UF athlete Macy Phillips. We talk about everything from her recruitment experience, core philosophies she applies when creating an environment of growth for her players, and trying out for a spot on a semi-pro team in Nashville.

This week we sat down with United Coach and Oakwood VB player Cameryn Bucknor. We hear about her journey to becoming a student athlete, how discipline instills continuous growth as an athlete, and what led her to pursue coaching.

In our second solo episode, Korohen dives into the topic of serve receive - one of the most critical skills in volleyball. We cover five key elements that may help to improve your serve receive so that your team becomes an effective competitor.

We enjoyed the opportunity to sit down with United Boys Head Coach Aaryn Lee and discuss our boys volleyball program - which is going into its third year! We cover common misconceptions, challenges, increasing interest, and how we hope to help it continue to grow.

This week we sit down with HHS VB and United 15 National athlete Mary Ceil McClung. We discuss her significant ankle injury as well as how she relied on determination, passion, and her love for the game to push through that process and get back on the court.

In the second half of our discussion with Caitlin we cover the challenging transition from being an athlete to coaching, the benefits of trial and error, and what she believes are attributes that a good teammate possesses.

On this week's episode we sit down with United alum and current coach Caitlin Torok. In Part 1 of our discussion, we learn about her recruitment journey that led to her experience at Belhaven University, and how she kept herself open to opportunity while being willing to make mistakes. Part 2 drops next week!

This week, we are doing things a little differently! In our first solo episode, our host Korohen will be discussing serving - everything from fundamentals of the serve to the importance of mental training and overcoming pressure while building confidence.

In the second part of our conversation with Lydia, we talk about how important discipline is when motivation comes and goes, some personal sacrifices she has made to pursue her volleyball journey, and the impact energy has when striving to be a good teammate.

We recently sat down with United alum and current Huntingdon player Lydia Hitchcock - and it's a good one. So good that we've split it into two parts! This week, we discussed her unique recruiting experience, the benefits that come from utilizing time management, and the physicality/mentality differences in playing both beach and indoor. Join us next week for Part 2!

This week we sat down with 15 National coach Lydia Compton and discuss what it means to be a coach and the impactful role it plays in athlete's experiences, building chemistry and trust with your players, and teaching valuable lessons through losses.