Bump Set Chat! The place to hear from your favorite volleyball personalities!

What do empowering girls through storytelling and building the future of professional volleyball have in common?

In this episode of Bump Set Chat, we sit down with Jes Wolfe, CEO of Rebel Girls and Chairwoman of LOVB San Francisco, to discuss her remarkable leadership journey and her vision for growing women's sports.

Jes shares:

Two-time Olympian Erik Sullivan joins Bump Set Chat to discuss his incredible volleyball journey from UCLA Bruins men's volleyball to the international stage with Team USA and now as the head coach of United States men's national volleyball team while also leading LOVB Austin.

We discuss:
🏐 His playing days at UCLA
🏅 Competing in two Olympic Games
🌍 Playing professionally overseas
🇺🇸 Coaching Team USA
🔥 Balancing Team USA and LOVB Austin
💪 Building championship culture
🎯 Advice for young volleyball players and coaches

If you love volleyball, coaching insights, and inspiring athlete stories, this episode is for you...

What happens when you step away from volleyball at the start of your pro career to chase a completely different dream?In this episode, I sit down with Daenan Gyimah, better known as Kofi, to discuss his incredible journey from Canada to UCLA, professional volleyball overseas, and representing Team Canada on the international stage.We also dive into the unique decision to take three years away from volleyball to focus on music, how he balanced two passions, what brought him back to the sport, and what he learned from betting on himself. Kofi also shares stories about playing professionally...

Volleyball has taken Merrick McHenry around the world, but one of the biggest themes of his journey has been learning to embrace who he is.

In this conversation, Merrick reflects on his path from youth volleyball to UCLA, Team USA, and professional volleyball in France, while also sharing the importance of confidence, authenticity, and not changing yourself to fit someone else's expectations.

We also discuss:

In this episode, we sit down with Parker Mikesch, assistant coach for the Louisville Cardinals women's volleyball, to talk about his volleyball journey, playing at Ohio State, and how he transitioned into coaching at one of the top programs in college volleyball.

We also dive into:

Recruiting philosophy

Evaluating athletes beyond talent

Match scouting and film breakdown

Preparing game plans

Working with Dan Meske and the Louisville staff

The evolving world of college volleyball recruiting

If you enjoy volleyball interviews, coaching insight, and...

Natalie Reagan joins the show to share her volleyball journey—from playing Division I volleyball at Oregon State Beavers women's volleyball to becoming the head coach of Long Beach State women's volleyball.We talk about her transition from assistant coach to head coach, the culture surrounding Long Beach State volleyball, coaching inside the iconic Walter Pyramid, recruiting, leadership, and advice for young middle blockers looking to play at the next level.🏐 Topics Include:Natalie Reagan’s volleyball journeyPlaying Division I volleyball at Oregon StateTransitioning into coachingBecoming head coach at Long Beach StateBuilding team cultureRecruiting advice for athletesTips for young middle...

In this episode of Volleyball Journeys, Kristian Titriyski shares his remarkable path from growing up in Bulgaria to becoming a standout player for the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa men's volleyball program.

Kristian discusses how he first discovered volleyball, his development through club volleyball in Bulgaria, and his experiences representing Bulgaria on the national team. He also explains why he chose Hawaiʻi instead of turning professional immediately and what it was like adjusting to college volleyball, life in Hawaii, and the unique culture surrounding UH men's volleyball.

Throughout the conversation, Kristian offers val...

Carolyn O'Dwyer shares her incredible volleyball journey from discovering the sport in Calgary to playing at Mount Royal University, becoming head coach of the University of Alberta Pandas, winning a championship, and joining Volleyball Canada's senior women's national team staff.

In this in-depth conversation, Carolyn discusses her development as an athlete, the importance of club volleyball, the transition from player to coach, and the lessons she learned working under legendary Alberta coach Laurie Eisler. She also shares what it was like to receive the call to join Giovanni Guidetti’s coaching staff and what she has learned fr...

Brie O’Reilly joins the show to share her incredible volleyball journey—from playing at Trinity Western University to becoming a setter for Canada Women's National Volleyball Team, competing professionally in Germany and Brazil, and now playing with LOVB Austin.

We talk about:

🏐 Making Team Canada in 2019

🥇 Competing in the VNL's🌍 Playing professionally

🇨🇦 Olympic dreams and the road to 2028 Summer Olympics🧠 Being coached by Erik Sullivan and Giovanni Guidetti

🔥 Life now with LOVB Austin

If you’re a volleyball player, coach, or fan, this conversation i...

Jordan Lucas is everywhere right now.

After a viral broadcast comment questioned his on-court celebrations, the volleyball world exploded—millions of views, debates, and nonstop reactions.

But there’s a lot more to his story.

From being recruited by GCU, coming in as an outside hitter then switching to libero. Saw the writing on the wall before GCU cancelled the volleyball program—Jordan’s journey is definitely unique in college volleyball.

In this interview, he breaks it all down:
🔥 The viral moment
🏐 His position switch
💪 Getting out of GCU
🎯 What dri...

Thana Fayad’s journey isn’t just about volleyball—it’s about resilience. After suffering two ACL tears during her time at the University of San Diego, her career was put on hold. Many would have walked away.

She didn’t.

After stepping away from the game, Thana fought her way back—earning a chance to play professionally and ultimately representing Team Canada at the World Championships.

This is a story about perseverance, belief, and refusing to quit when everything says you should.

In this episode of Bump Set Chat, we sit down with legendary coach Alan Knipe to talk about life after stepping away from Long Beach State Men's Volleyball.

Walking away from college after another national championship, Coach Knipe shares what retirement has really been like, what it’s like watching his team from the outside, and how his perspective on coaching has evolved.

We also dive into his new venture, Champions Unlimited—a unique offseason training environment designed to help athletes at every level prepare, develop, and compete at a higher standard.

Plus, we b...

In this interview, we sit down with MSOE Women’s Volleyball Head Coach Kris Susak to talk about her journey from playing Division I volleyball at South Dakota to leading a Division III program.

We dive into:

Her path from athlete to coach

The real differences between D1 and D3 volleyball

Why D3 is often misunderstood

What recruits and families need to know

Why finding the right fit matters more than the division label

If you’re going through the recruiting process or trying to deci...

In this episode we sit down with Tread Rosenthal, standout setter for the University of Hawaiʻi volleyball program, to talk about his volleyball journey and what it takes to compete at the highest level.

Tread shares how he got started in volleyball, the path that led him to Hawaiʻi, and what it means to represent the United States Men's National Volleyball Team.

We also dive into:

His development as a setter

The culture of Hawaiʻi volleyball

Competing at the NCAA level

Representing Team USA

Abby Guezen is a standout player for the University of Alberta Pandas and a member of Team Canada.In this interview, Abby shares her volleyball journey, what it’s like competing at the university level in Canada, and the experience of representing her country on the international stage.Topics include:University volleyball in CanadaThe path to Team CanadaTraining and competition at the national levelAdvice for aspiring athletes📺 Watch the full interview to hear Abby’s story.#TeamCanada #CanadianVolleyball #USportsVolleyball #AbbyGuezen

In this exclusive interview, UCLA volleyball standout Cam Thorne shares his journey from early beginnings in the sport to competing at the highest level for Team USA.

Cam opens up about:
• His development as a player
• The transition to UCLA volleyball
• What it takes to earn a spot with Team USA
• The mindset required to compete internationally
• Advice for young athletes chasing big goals

If you’re a volleyball player, coach, or fan, this conversation gives real insight into the dedication, discipline, and belief it takes to reach the next level.

From the Court to the Commentary Booth: Ci Michel's Volleyball Journey

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ci Michel, Team GB Olympian and VNL broadcaster, as she shares her incredible journey through the world of volleyball.From competing at the University of Miami to representing Great Britain at the Olympics, playing professionally, and now bringing her expertise to broadcasting college volleyball and the Volleyball Nations League, Ci gives us an inside look at every chapter of her career.In this interview, we discuss:✅ Her college volleyball experience at Miami ✅ The path to becoming a Team GB Olym...

In this interview, Long Beach State libero Kellen Larson sits down to talk about his volleyball journey — from the early grind to winning a NCAA National Championship and earning the opportunity to represent Team USA.

Kellen breaks down what it takes to compete at the highest level, the mindset behind elite defense, and how Long Beach State’s championship culture helped shape him as a player. He also shares what it meant to wear the red, white, and blue and compete with some of the best players in the country.

Whether you’re a volleyball player...

Gage Worsley talks about his volleyball journey, the challenges he faced, and co-creating Out of System — a platform reshaping volleyball media and culture.

In this interview, we discuss Gage’s path in the sport, lessons learned as a libero, and how Out of System became a space for authentic volleyball storytelling. A deep dive into the mindset, creativity, and passion behind the brand.

McKenzie Adams’ volleyball journey is proof that there’s more than one path to the top.In this interview, LOVB Atlanta outside hitter McKenzie Adams opens up about her road through some of the best professional volleyball leagues in the world, navigating a career without the national team on her resume, and how hard work, consistency, and belief carried her to the highest level of the game.Now playing professionally in her home country with LOVB, McKenzie reflects on what it means to bring elite volleyball back to the USA, represent Atlanta, and compete in a league built to elev...

In this interview, Tali opens up about growing up playing volleyball in Israel, the challenges of moving across the world, and what it really takes to earn a spot playing college volleyball at the University of Hawaii.

She shares the sacrifices, cultural adjustments, and mental strength required to compete at the NCAA level while representing her home country on a global stage.This is a must-watch for aspiring college athletes, international players, and anyone chasing a dream that takes them far from home.👇

Topics covered:

Growing up playing volleyball in Isr...

In this episode, we sit down with Luciano Palonsky, professional volleyball player for Argentina, to break down his incredible volleyball journey—from growing up in Argentina to competing on the world’s biggest stage at the Paris Olympics.

Luciano shares what it takes to become an Olympic volleyball player, the sacrifices behind playing professional volleyball overseas, and the mental and physical demands of representing Argentina at the Olympics. We also dive into the international competition, and what separates elite players from the rest.

Whether you’re a volleyball athlete, coach, fan, or aspiring Olympian, this interv...

In this interview, Nick MacRae, the new head coach of Long Beach State Men’s Volleyball, opens up about his transition from longtime assistant to taking over one of the most iconic programs in NCAA volleyball. After spending over a decade under legendary coach Alan Knipe, Nick shares what he learned, how he found out about the coaching change, and what it means to follow in the footsteps of a national championship coach.

We also dive into Long Beach’s 2024 national championship run, the culture behind their success, and the huge summer for Long Beac...

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with 4-time Olympic volleyball player Luciano De Cecco, one of the greatest setters in the world, to break down his incredible volleyball journey from Argentina to the global stage.

De Cecco shares:

How he started playing volleyball

His rise through Argentina’s national team

What it’s like competing in four Olympic Games

The mindset behind becoming one of the best setters in volleyball history

Lessons learned from international club volleyball and elite competition

Whether you’...

In this exclusive interview, legendary volleyball coach Giovanni Guidetti opens up about his coaching journey — from dominating with VakifBank Istanbul, to developing world-class talent, to taking on a new challenge with Canada’s women’s volleyball team.We dive into:🏐 His coaching philosophy🏆 How he builds championship culture👥 Coaching some of the biggest names in volleyball🍁 Why he chose to lead Team Canada🔥 His advice for athletes and coachesDon’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more volleyball stories and coaching interviews!

Long Beach State’s Nato Dickinson shares his journey to becoming a national champion, the culture that drives LBSU Volleyball, and why being adaptable is key to success.

#NatoDickinson #LBSUVolleyball #LongBeachState #CollegeVolleyball #NationalChampion

Discover the volleyball journey of Nataliia Klimenova — from learning the sport in Eastern Europe, to playing professional volleyball overseas, competing in U SPORTS at Mount Royal University in Canada, and now coaching the next generation through Natke Volleyball.

In this interview, Nataliia shares:

How she discovered volleyball and developed strong fundamentals

What life is really like playing professional volleyball in Europe

Her experience as a student-athlete in Canada

The vision and training philosophy behind Natke Volleyball coaching

If you're a volleyball player, parent, or coach looking for pl...

In this exclusive interview, Bay to Bay Volleyball Club Director Matt Houlihan shares his incredible journey from playing for Bay to Bay as a kid to leading the program alongside his wife, Arielle Houlihan. Matt reflects on how his experiences as an athlete shaped his coaching philosophy, what makes Bay to Bay unique, and how the club continues to develop top volleyball talent on and off the court.

Whether you’re a player, coach, or parent, this episode offers insight into the culture, community, and leadership that define Bay to Bay Volleyball.

In this exclusive interview, Erin Virtue, Head Coach of Michigan Volleyball and Team USA Women’s Volleyball assistant coach, shares her inspiring journey from college athlete to one of the most respected volleyball coaches in the nation.

Erin opens up about her early playing days, the mentors who shaped her career, and how she transitioned from being a standout college player to coaching at the Olympic level. She discusses her coaching philosophy, how she builds culture within her teams, and the lessons she’s learned from working with elite athletes around the world.

Whether you’re a v...

In this exclusive Team USA volleyball interview, TJ DeFalco, a two-time Olympian and pro athlete, talks about his volleyball journey, career lessons, and what it takes to compete at the highest level.Learn how TJ went from Long Beach State standout to representing the U.S. on the Olympic stage, and what continues to motivate him as one of the sport’s top players.

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Vladimir Nikolov, one of Bulgaria’s greatest volleyball players and a true international legend. In this exclusive interview, Nikolov reflects on his incredible professional career, his time with the Bulgarian National Team, and what it’s like to raise two of the brightest stars in world volleyball — Alex and Moni Nikolov.🏐 Topics include:His early volleyball journey in BulgariaCareer highlights on the international stageTransition from player to mentor and fatherHow Alex and Moni developed into world-class athletesThis is the story of a volleyball dynasty in the making.

Join us for an exclusive conversation with Alan Knipe, head coach of Long Beach State Men’s Volleyball and former USA Volleyball head coach. In this interview, Knipe shares his coaching journey, the lessons learned along the way, and the philosophy that has helped him build championship teams at Long Beach.

👉 We talk about:His playing and coaching career highlights

Building a winning culture at Long Beach State

Lessons from coaching Team USA

His philosophy on leadership and player development

<...

🏐 Brittany Abercrombie shares her incredible volleyball journey — from playing at USC, competing with Athletes Unlimited, to becoming a pro with the Orlando Valkyries in the Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF). Discover what it takes to compete at the highest level of women’s pro volleyball and how her career has shaped her on and off the court.

📌 Subscribe for more stories from the world of women’s professional volleyball!

Join us for an exclusive interview with Eleu Choy, standout player for the University of Hawaiʻi Men’s Volleyball team. In this conversation, Eleu shares his journey growing up in Hawaiʻi, his path to joining UH, and what it means to represent the Rainbow Warriors on the court.

If you’re a fan of Hawaiʻi volleyball, the NCAA men’s volleyball scene, or simply love hearing athlete stories, this interview is for you.

📌 Topics Covered:

Eleu Choy’s volleyball beginnings in Hawaiʻi

His experience playing for the University of H...

From overcoming a devastating childhood injury to competing at the highest levels of volleyball, Cassidy Lichtman’s story is one of resilience and passion. She played for Stanford, represented Team USA, competed professionally around the world, and is now shaping the future of the sport as the Director of Volleyball for Athletes Unlimited. In this interview, Cassidy shares her incredible journey, the challenges she’s overcome, and how she’s giving back to the game she loves.

From Hawaiian roots to the Olympic stage — Taylor Crabb’s volleyball journey is as exciting as it is inspiring. After dominating at Long Beach State, Taylor spent time playing pro indoor volleyball before finding his home on the beach, winning on the AVP Tour, and earning his spot at the Tokyo Olympics. But just days before competing, a positive COVID test forced him to stay on the sidelines.In this exclusive interview, Taylor shares the highs and lows of his career, how he overcame adversity, and what’s next as he continues to chase greatness in pro beach volleyball.

Nyadholi Thokbuom discusses her volleyball journey: Mount Royal University ➡️ Pro Volleyball ➡️ Team Canada. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with one of Canada’s rising stars.

What does it take to go from college volleyball to the professional stage? Stanford star Sami Francis gives us an inside look after her spring with LOVB Omaha and ahead of her next big adventure in Japan.

From Long Beach to the world stage, Dustin Watten’s journey is one of grit, patience, and relentless hard work. Not the star player, but the one who refused to quit—Dustin fought his way to represent Team USA in international volleyball. Now, through his project NOEZYBUCKETS, he’s sharing his lessons, helping the next generation of athletes find their own path.

📌 In this interview, we dive into:

His beginnings in Long Beach volleyball

The mindset that carried him to Team USA

The challenges of chasing a dream without the spotlight

His...

Kristen Kelsay talks about her volleyball career, her time as a player at Michigan State, and her return to East Lansing as head coach of Spartan Volleyball.
#KristenKelsay #MSUVolleyball #BigTenSports #VolleyballCoach #NCAAWomensVolleyball #SpartanVolleyball #CollegeSports