That Volleyball Guy
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Digging Deeper: Katarina Cepinova - The Journey to Becoming England’s First Female International Indoor Referee
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In this episode of Digging Deeper, I’m joined by Katarina Cepinova for a brilliant conversation about her remarkable journey through volleyball.
Katarina reflects on her early playing days, including her time playing in London and in the National League, and shares how a referee course with her best friend first opened the door into officiating. What began as something new soon became a huge part of her life, with playing becoming more social as her refereeing journey gathered momentum.
We talk about he...
The Heritage Show: Ron Richards — Service, Development and a Life in Volleyball
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In this latest edition of The Heritage Show, in partnership with Volleyball England, I’m joined by Ron Richards for a brilliant conversation that journeys through more than six decades of volleyball history.
Ron reflects on his early days of discovering the sport in the 1960s, what volleyball looked like in those formative years, and how the game began to evolve through the 1970s and 1980s as more sports halls became available across the country. We talk about his playing days, competing with Exeter University, and the early growth of...
Digging Deeper - Peter Bakare: Who You Become Matters More Than What You Achieve
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In this episode of Digging Deeper, I’m joined by Peter Bakare — a true mindset athlete with an incredible story of resilience, effort, and belief.
Peter shares his journey into volleyball, only picking up the sport at 18 years old, and his extraordinary four-year mission to go from beginner to representing Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympic Games. An ex-basketball player with relentless drive, Peter talks openly about the work he had to put in off the court — learni...
Digging Deeper - Changing the Game: Jodi Hill on Disability, Visibility & Women in Sport
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We kick off 2026 with an incredible conversation with Paralympian Jodi Hill — a real sportsperson with a story of grit, courage and rediscovery. After a serious accident in 2001, Jodi spent years battling pain until she chose to have her leg amputated in 2010, a decision she describes as finally finding freedom. Just three months later she stepped into a GB sitting volleyball taster session in Roehampton, and only two years after that she found herself competing on the world stage at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
Jodi talks openly about rebuilding her id...
Digging Deeper: Justin Phillips on Leadership, Legacy, and the Power of Disability Sport
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In this powerful Disability History Month special, we dig deeper with Justin Phillips — GB Women’s Sitting Volleyball Head Coach, former Paralympian, and an inspirational figure whose journey in sport began with a life-changing taster session in his late teens.
A double amputee who had tried multiple sports growing up, Justin describes the exact moment he hit the sitting volleyball court for the first time — and how he was instantly hooked. What followed was an incredible progression from complete beginner to representing Great Britain on the world stage...
The Heritage Show: Celebrating Ann Jarvis - England’s Most Capped Player and the New Hardship Fund in Her Name
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Think of the athlete who never stops showing up. That’s Anne Jarvis—England captain, Hall of Famer, and the nation’s most capped volleyball player—whose story blends grit, curiosity, and a fierce love for the team game. We trace her path from a sport-filled childhood to the senior squad at 18, where pressure drills, tough camps, and diverse coaching styles forged a competitor who prized precision as much as power. Anne explains how being coachable, filtering feedback, and learning to play smart compensated for not being the tallest on court, and why...
Digging Deeper – Nick Heckford: Whistles, World Stages, and What’s Next in the Rules
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In this episode of Digging Deeper, I’m joined by Nick Heckford, a man whose passion for volleyball and refereeing has carried him on an incredible journey from local courts in Poole, Dorset, all the way to the biggest stages in the sport. At the time of recording, Nick was speaking to me from the Philippines at three o’clock in the morning, where he was working as a Challenge Referee at the Men’s World Championships — a true sign of his dedication to the game.
Nick’s story began when...
Digging Deeper: Rajinder Singh on Diversity, Inclusion, and Creating Belonging in Volleyball
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As part of Inclusion Week, this special episode of Digging Deeper hears from a true volleyball pioneer — someone championing parts of our sport that too often don’t get a voice.
Rajinder Singh shares reflections from his 40+ years in volleyball, beginning with his early days in Bedford, watching his parents and uncles play for their local community team, before going on to compete across the London leagues. A self-confessed volleyball addict, Rajinder threw himself into the game with passion and persistence.
In this epis...
The Heritage Show - Legacy in Motion: Gordon Neale OBE on a Lifetime in Volleyball and Championing Sitting Volleyball
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In this Heritage Show episode, we celebrate the remarkable legacy of Gordon Neale OBE — a true giant of British volleyball and a pioneer of inclusive sport.
Gordon shares how his journey began in the Army, playing volleyball over a net strung between two cars in Greece. From there, he went on to play in London and the National League in Essex before establishing a formal volleyball programme for the Army. He reflects on the challenges he faced embedding the sport into military life and how it developed ov...
Digging Deeper - Davide Tiberti: From Italy to the Lionhearts – A Journey of Rediscovery and Leadership
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Digging Deeper | In partnership with Volleyball England
In this episode, I’m joined by Davide Tiberti, the London Lionhearts Women’s coach, to hear his inspiring journey through volleyball — from growing up in Italy to leaving his mark on the English game.
Davide’s story begins as a junior in a Serie A club academy in Italy, where he developed his game alongside his brothers — one of whom went on to play professionally for the Italian National Team. Volleyball was in his blood, but when D...
The Heritage Show: Legacy in Action: Freda Bussey MBE on Leading, Coaching, and Growing the Sport
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Welcome back to The Heritage Show! After a well-deserved summer break, we’re recharged and ready to dive into another incredible season celebrating the people who’ve shaped volleyball in the UK.
In this episode, I sit down with true volleyball legend Freda Bussey, MBE – a powerhouse who’s been growing the game for over 40 years.
We explore Freda’s journey from her early playing days representing England on the world stage, to her time as a PE teacher at Ashcombe S...
Coach of the Year: What I’ve Learned, and What I’m Passing On
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In this special edition of That Volleyball Guy, I’m joining in with UK Coaching Week to reflect on the Pass It On theme and what better time to do that than after being named Volleyball England’s Coach of the Year.
In this episode, I open up about my journey as a coach: how my mindset and approach have evolved over the years, the power of building connection with players, and the importance of staying grounded in purpose, not just performance. I share the key lessons I’ve learne...
The Heritage Show: 70 Years of Volleyball England - A Conversation with Brian Stalker
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Hey everyone, welcome back to another special edition of That Volleyball Guy – The Heritage Show – the series where we celebrate the rich history of volleyball and shine a light on the incredible people who’ve shaped our sport. This series is proudly produced in partnership with Volleyball England.
This week is a big one – we’re marking 70 years since the very first meeting of the Amateur Volleyball Association of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which took place on 28th May 1955. That meeting laid the foundation for what we now know as Vo...
Digging Deeper - Captain’s Mindset: Chloe Allen on Leading Malory to Glory
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In this episode of That Volleyball Guy Dig Deeper I’m joined by Chloe Allen, captain of the Malory Eagles Women’s team, who has just led her side to an unforgettable season, winning both the Super League and the National Cup. It’s been a long time since Malory were at the top, and Chloe gives us an inside look at how this team came together, grew in confidence, and found their winning edge.
Chloe takes us right back to her early volleyball roots, sharing how she first picked...
Cup Finals Special: 11 Matches, 38 Sets, and a Reverse Sweep
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This week on That Volleyball Guy, it's a Cup Finals Weekend special.
I'm joined by my fellow Volleyball England commentators Michael Hanson-Morris and Jess Smith as we recap an epic two days of volleyball action at the National Volleyball Centre in Kettering.
Across 11 matches, 38 sets of volleyball, and one unforgettable reverse sweep, we cover it all — from the Cup, Shield, Sitting, and Junior competitions. It was a true showcase of English volleyball, with fantastic crowds, outstanding performances, and a brilliant atmosphere throughout the weekend.
We deep di...
The Heritage Show: Legacy, London 2012 and the Future of the Game – The Richard Callicott Story (Part 2)
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This is Part Two of The Heritage Show, a special episode of That Volleyball Guy created in partnership with Volleyball England to honour the people, places, and pivotal moments that have shaped the sport in this country.
In this second half of our conversation, I’m once again joined by Volleyball England legend Richard Callicott, picking up from where we left off in Part One.
Richard shares his powerful reflections on being part of London 2012, the impact of the Olympic experience, and the legacy it left behind — not...
Digging Deeper - Deb and Bob Pickens: Four Decades of Volleyball Development
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In this episode of Digging Deeper, in proud partnership with Volleyball England, we sit down with two incredible champions of the sport: Deb and Bob Pickens. Originally from the USA, Deb and Bob moved to the UK over 40 years ago and what was meant to be a two-year stay turned into a lifelong commitment to developing volleyball in the South East and beyond.
Deb reflects on her NCAA playing days at the University of Missouri and shares the story of how she met Bob, before the pair made the...
Super League Timeout - Special Edition: Final 4 Preview
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It’s the ultimate volleyball showdown! In this special edition Timeout episode, I'm joined by fellow Volleyball England commentator and Super League fanatic Michael Hanson-Morris as we preview the much-anticipated Final 4 Weekend of the Dynamik Men’s Super League and Maaree Women’s Super League, taking place 5–6 April at Crystal Palace.
We dive into the drama of the regular season, break down the semi-final matchups, and make our bold predictions for who’s making the finals. Expect plenty of volleyball geekery as Michael brings the stats, insight, and passion you’d expe...
Super League Timeout - 15th and 16th March 2025
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In this episode of Super League Time-Out, I break down all the action from this weekend's matches across the Maaree Women’s Super League and Dynamik Men’s Super League!
Joining me this week are three American athletes from the Essex Rebels Women’s team—Thea, Chelsea, and Alexis—as they discuss their win over UON, reflect on their season so far, and share how they’re preparing for their Final Four semi-final against Team Sideout.
Elsewhere in the Maaree Women’s Super League, the final relegation spot has been...
The Heritage Show: Building British Volleyball from the Ground Up - The Richard Callicott Story
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Welcome to the very first episode of The Heritage Show, a special series in partnership with Volleyball England, dedicated to sharing the stories of key figures who have shaped the sport and given so much to its growth. Through these conversations, we celebrate the legacy of volleyball in England, highlighting the pioneers, visionaries, and unsung heroes who have made a lasting impact.
In this first episode, I’m joined by Richard Callicott OBE, a name synonymous with volleyball leadership in England. As the former Chair of Volleyball England and Pr...
Super League Timeout - 8th and 9th March 2025
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The Dynamik Men's and Maaree Women's Super League regular season is reaching its climax, and after a dramatic weekend with 12 matches played, the Final 4 teams are now confirmed.
This week, I’m joined by London Giants head coach Mihail Stoev and setter Seth Chen as we discuss their impressive run of six straight wins since Christmas, dropping just one set. They capped off the weekend with a dominant 3-0 win over fellow Final 4 team Newcastle Knights. Coach Stoev highlights the hard work and club support behind their rise, an in...
Super League Timeout - 1st and 2nd March
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What. A. Weekend. The Super League is the most thrilling it’s been in years, with every match delivering drama, grit, and season-defining moments! With just weeks to go, the race for the Final 4 is on, and survival battles are heating up.
💥 Maaree Women's Super League:
The East Midlands Darkstar Derbyshire squad is on fire! They stormed through the weekend with two crucial wins, including a nail-biting 3-2 victory over Leeds Gorse, lifting them out of the relegation zone. I'm joined this week by Olympian, coach...
Digging Deeper - Sam Shenton: From Pro Player to Head Coach – Building a High-Performance Culture
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In this episode of That Volleyball Guy, I sit down with someone I’ve known for years—Sam Shenton, a man for whom volleyball truly is life. From his early days at Newcastle Staffs Volleyball Club to playing professionally in France, Sweden, and the Netherlands, Sam has experienced firsthand what it means to compete at the highest level. He opens up about his journey, sharing what life is really like as a pro player—the intense training, the shift in mindset when volleyball becomes a job, and the lessons he’s carried...
Super League Timeout - 22nd and 23rd February
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It was another action-packed weekend in the MAREE Women’s Super League and the Dynamik Men’s Super League, with 10 thrilling matches showcasing some incredible volleyball!
In the men’s league, Essex Rebels were pushed to the limit by a strengthened Richmond side, who challenged them with their new signings. The Rebels managed to hold on, securing a narrow 3-2 victory. Luke is joined by Alex Porter, head coach of Essex Rebels, to break down the game and look ahead to their huge upcoming clash against second-place Malory Eagles in the...
Super League Timeout - 8th and 9th February 2025
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In the first episode of the brand-new Super League Timeout show, in partnership with Volleyball England, Luke Wiltshire dives into all the action from the latest weekend in the MAREE Women's Super League and the Dynamik Men's Super League—the top tier of English volleyball.
Luke is joined by special guest Mark Kontopoulos, head coach of Team Sideout Polonia Ladies, who reflects on his team’s impressive weekend, securing two wins—a dominant 3-0 victory over the University of Nottingham and a strong performance against London Lionhearts, a team that h...
Launching the Next Chapter: That Volleyball Guy & Volleyball England Partnership
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In this special episode, Luke Wiltshire shares exciting news about That Volleyball Guy podcast’s partnership with Volleyball England! Joined by Charlie Ford, CEO of Volleyball England, they discuss the reasons behind this collaboration, their shared mission to spread volleyball stories far and wide, and how this partnership will bring the community closer together.
Luke and Charlie dive into how That Volleyball Guy will support Volleyball England’s Heritage Project, celebrating the rich history of the sport, while also shining a spotlight on the Super League...
Time Out! Crafting Winning Game Plans: From Pre-Match Prep to Match-Day Execution
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In this Time Out! episode of That Volleyball Guy, Luke Wiltshire reflects on the critical role of having a well-crafted game plan for match success. Inspired by a recent conversation with performance analyst Hai Binh Ly, Luke explores how analyzing opposition footage on platforms like YouTube and leveraging key stats can transform the way teams approach matches.
Luke takes listeners through the step-by-step process of creating a game plan—starting with pre-match scouting, tailoring training sessions to mimic real-game scenarios, and preparing players for specific tactical adjustments. He emphasizes th...
Episode 8 - Alex Chinery: The Courage to Coach Differently and Learn Relentlessly
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In this episode of That Volleyball Guy, Luke sits down with the inspirational and talented Alex Chinery, a rising star in volleyball coaching who has already achieved so much in his career. From start to finish, this was a conversation filled with honesty, insight, and passion for the sport—one you won’t want to miss, no matter your role in volleyball!
Alex shares his journey into coaching, which began after an injury redirected his playing aspirations. Drawing on the influence of impactful coaches from his early days, Alex expl...
Time Out! Mastering Communication In Volleyball Coaching
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In this Timeout episode of That Volleyball Guy, host Luke Wiltshire delves into the crucial role communication plays in coaching, both on and off the court. As an experienced NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) practitioner and a passionate advocate for effective communication, Luke shares his insights into how coaches can connect better with their players and teams.
This episode explores the key pillars of communication: understanding and utilizing body language, harnessing the power of tone, and being deliberate in your choice of words. Luke explains why these elements are essential for...
Time Out! How To Achieve And Maintain Intensity In Training
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In this reflective 30-minute Timeout session, host Luke Wiltshire dives into the art and science of creating intensity in volleyball training. As he shares his insights, Luke highlights how intensity becomes the backbone of high-performance teams, with each aspect of training—from planning to player roles—contributing to a culture of focused, purposeful work on the court.
Luke breaks down his approach to session planning, emphasizing that carefully structured drills and activities set the tone for intensity. He’ll discuss how coaches can strategically pace their guidance, using moments of qui...
Episode 7 - Denise Austin: Icon of the Sand: Creating A Lasting Impact on UK Beach Volleyball
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In the next episode of That Volleyball Guy, host Luke Wiltshire welcomes Denise Austin, a Volleyball England Hall of Famer and a true pioneer of UK beach volleyball. Known for her grit and passion, Denise has left an indelible mark on the sport, not only as a competitor on the world stage but also as a driving force in its growth and popularity across the UK.
Denise shares her journey from her early days on UK beaches to competing internationally in Australia and the USA. She takes us through...
Time Out! Strength in Numbers: Exploring the Impact of Squad Size and Depth
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In this episode of That Volleyball Guy Timeout, I explore the crucial role that squad size and depth play in volleyball, sharing insights from my recent observations at the Superleague opening weekend. With some teams fielding large squads packed with depth and versatility, I reflect on how these roster differences influenced their performance, strategy, and overall team dynamics.
I’ll break down the pros and cons of managing a big squad. Larger rosters offer the advantage of depth, giving coaches flexibility to rotate different players for different games, tailor li...
Episode 6 - Hai Binh Ly: Using Statistics to Drive Coaching Decisions in Volleyball
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In this episode of That Volleyball Guy, Luke Wiltshire, host of the show, sits down with Hai Binh Ly, one of the most respected volleyball stats performance analysts in the UK. With over 12 years of experience, Hai Binh has made a significant impact on the sport, working with both Superleague teams and national squads. He currently serves as the performance analyst for Team Sideout Polonia Ladies in the Superleague and the England Men's National Team, bringing his expertise to the highest levels of competition.
Luke explores Hai Binh’s jo...
Time Out! Coaching Symposium - Reflections Part 2
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In the second part of this special Timeout episode of That Volleyball Guy, Luke continues to share his reflections from the Volleyball England Coaching Symposium. With Day 2 offering even more valuable insights, Luke dives into two critical sessions: using volleyball stats in the game and building athlete confidence.
First, Luke breaks down the session on volleyball statistics, examining how data-driven insights can transform a team’s strategy and performance. He discusses the practical application of stats in coaching, from analyzing individual performance metrics to using real-time data during matches to...
Dave Gunter - Coaching for Legacy: Building Impact, Ethos, and Education
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In this insightful episode of That Volleyball Guy, host Luke Wiltshire invites experienced coach Dave Gunter to reflect on his extensive coaching journey, highlighting the strengths that have defined his career. Dave dives deep into the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for athletes to perform at their best, stressing how this foundation is essential for both individual growth and team success.
Luke and Dave also explore the vital role that coaches and volunteers play in shaping not just skilled athletes but well-rounded individuals who carry the...
Time Out! Coaching Symposium - Reflections Part 1
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In this special two-part Timeout episode of That Volleyball Guy, the UK’s only volleyball podcast, Luke shares his reflections after attending the Volleyball England Coaching Symposium. Hosted by Jim Stone, USA U18 National Team coach and former Ohio State University Head Coach, this event was packed with valuable insights, discussions, and practical takeaways that will resonate with volleyball coaches at all levels.
There was so much to take in that Luke has split his reflections into two parts. In this first episode, he delves into Jim Stone’s exte...
Will McDonald - International Insights on Coaching, Stats, and Volleyball Culture
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In this exciting episode of That Volleyball Guy, host Luke Wiltshire welcomes the show’s first international guest from the USA, Will Macdonald. Originally from England, Will now works full-time as part of the University of Baylor volleyball coaching program in Texas. During this episode, we dive into Will’s journey—how he first got into volleyball, the challenges he faced, and the hard work and determination that led him to where he is today.
We also explore the differences between USA and English volleyball cultures, touching on what Englan...
Time Out! Reflecting On My Volleyball Journey
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In this special 30-minute "Timeout" session, host Luke Wiltshire takes a trip down memory lane, reflecting on his personal volleyball journey. Following last episode’s conversation with Harry Jones, Luke opens up about how his playing career gradually transitioned into coaching, and his unique experiences as a referee. After receiving questions from his social media followers about his volleyball story, Luke shares more insights into his path, answering the community's curiosities. He also takes a moment to shout out and honor the key individuals who have been influential in shaping his vo...
Harry Jones - A Journey Of Mindset, Success and Redefining Life With Volleyball
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In this feature episode, Luke Wiltshire, That Volleyball Guy, sits down with the incredibly open and reflective Harry Jones, a 3x Grand Slam winner who has navigated his journey from early junior volleyball to elite performance levels. Harry shares how his mindset has evolved over the years, offering invaluable advice for athletes and anyone experiencing transitions in life.
We delve into Harry's transition from being a full-time athlete to entering the workforce and moving to London, all while maintaining his deep passion for the sport. He discusses how his...
Time Out! How To Run a Successful Trial Session
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Preparing for the 2024-2025 season and want to make your volleyball trials a success? Curious about the best strategies for managing and coaching large trial sessions? Looking for practical tips to streamline the entire trial process? In this episode of "Timeout," we're joined by Luke Wiltshire, the mastermind behind That Volleyball Guy, who shares his comprehensive insights on running effective NVL team trials.
Whether you're a coach, player, club administrator, or simply passionate about volleyball, Luke's expert advice covers all angles—from crafting an impactful social media campaign to or...
