Volley Talk with Sarah Pavan

31 Episodes
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By: Sarah Pavan

The podcast created for volleyball lovers who want to dig deep into what is going on in NCAA and international volleyball.Hosted by Olympian, World Champion, and former Nebraska Cornhusker All-American Sarah Pavan and her husband, international volleyball coach and stats wizard Adam Schulz, Volley Talk brings you weekly highlights from the world of NCAA and international volleyball.Sarah and Adam also give insights and opinions on feature matches, as well as some hot takes, sharing their knowledge and drawing on decades of experience playing and coaching the game at the highest level.

Women's VNL Preview and Roster Breakdown
#31
Last Monday at 10:01 AM

In this episode of Volley Talk, we take a look ahead at what to expect from the Women's VNL competition, starting June 3. The USA roster had a lot of people talking, and we take a look at the selections that were made, who was potentially snubbed, and how we think things will go for this new squad this season compared to the rosters submitted by other top programs around the world.

If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at...


Long Beach State Dominates UCLA to Win 4th NCAA Men's Volleyball Championship
#30
05/15/2025

In this episode of Volley Talk, we are jumping in a little earlier than usual to cover the NCAA men's volleyball championship. Long Beach State dominated all weekend long, earning the program's 4th national title in a definitive 3-0 victory over UCLA in the final.

If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com!

Instagram: http://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast

YouTube: http://youtube.com/@SarahPavanVolleyball


PVF Championship and Season Recap
#29
05/12/2025

In this episode of Volley Talk, we go over the PVF Championship that happened this past weekend in Las Vegas. Omaha, Indy, Atlanta, and Orlando went head to head to claim the highly coveted $1 million prize, and we break down the semifinals and final.

With the 2nd PVF season coming to an end, Sarah and Adam run through a bit of an analysis of the league in general, from format and level of play to branding and presentation.

If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to...


NCAA Men's Championship & PVF Championship Previews
#28
05/05/2025

In this episode of Volley Talk, we look ahead to both the NCAA Men's Volleyball Championship and the PVF Championship, which are happening this weekend. The field is set for both events, and we throw out our predictions on how the weekend will go down.

Pro leagues are wrapping up overseas, the CEV Women's Champions League Final Four was played in Istanbul, and we get to it with some great Volleyball 101 questions.

If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on...


Hawai'i Takes Down Long Beach State for Big West Title, Conegliano Wins 7 in a Row in Italy
#27
04/28/2025

In this episode of Volley Talk, we discuss the NCAA men's conference tournaments that happened this past weekend with a particular focus on the incredible match between Hawai'i and Long Beach State for the Big West title. The stage is set for the NCAA tournament, but the lingering question is, who will get the 2 at-large bids??

The Italian A1 Women's Final is over, and there is a lot going on off the court that Sarah & Adam have some big opinions about.

If you have questions for us or topics you would...


LOVB Finals and an Analysis of the Inaugural Season
#26
04/15/2025

In this episode of Volley Talk, we discuss all things LOVB. The inaugural season wrapped up this past weekend with the LOVB Finals in Louisville. There were some very exciting matches played, and "upset" seemed to be the word of the weekend.

With the season now behind us, Sarah and Adam talk about different aspects of the league. What went well? What could be improved? Will there be any changes next season??

If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on...


Wild Week in NCAA Men's Volleyball, PVF Omaha Supernovas Make a Statement Against Orlando
#25
04/07/2025

In this episode of Volley Talk, we discuss the PVF playoff battle happening as the regular season winds down, in particular the matchup between the Omaha Supernovas and the Orlando Valkyries. Also, in a wild week of NCAA men's volleyball, USC and Pepperdine put on a good show, and we break down the first of two matches they played.

The LOVB regular season finished up in preparation for the grand finale in Louisville this week, Sarah and Adam rate the week's upsets, and the listener questions were some tough ones.

If...


#5 UC Irvine Sweeps #1 Long Beach State, LOVB Atlanta Feeling Good Heading into Playoffs
#24
03/31/2025

In this episode of Volley Talk, we discuss the match between LOVB's top 2 teams, Atlanta and Houston. Houston has had Atlanta's number all season, but Atlanta picked a good time to turn the table and fight back. Also, #1 Long Beach State suffered their first loss of the season at the hands of Big West rival UC Irvine, which makes the remainder of conference play very interesting.

NCAA men's volleyball was all over the place this week, PVF's Atlanta Vibe is making moves heading into the later part of the season, and Sarah & Adam play a...


LOVB Madison Battles into 3rd Place, PVF Indy Ignite Blanks Supernovas in Omaha
#23
03/24/2025

In this episode of Volley Talk, take a look at the very interesting 5-set match between then-third-place teams LOVB Madison and LOVB Salt Lake. We also dive into the PVF match between number 1 Omaha Supernovas and the Indy Ignite, who recently lost top scorer Leketor Member-Meneh to a season-ending injury.

The race is on in LOVB, PVF, and for the NCAA men as playoffs loom closer and closer. Who is going to rise to the occasion and who is going to fall? Adam and Sarah also play a fun round of Pavan's Percentages.

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Vakifbank Takes Down Fenerbahçe in a Golden Set, Olympiacos Stuns Jastrzebski in 5
#22
03/17/2025

In this episode of Volley Talk, we focus on Champions League. The men's quarterfinals got underway, and the women's semifinals are now set. 3 Italian teams and 1 Turkish team will battle it out in Istanbul for the 2025 title.

Madison is clawing their way up the LOVB ranks, Omaha and Orlando are flip-flopping for that number 1 PVF spot, and Sarah & Adam make predictions for some upcoming matches.

If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan...


PVF's Vegas Thrill Continues to Struggle, Women's Champions League Quarters Start with 4 Sweeps
#21
03/10/2025

In this episode of Volley Talk, we dive into the women's Champions League Quarterfinal matches, with a closer look at Milano vs Eczacibasi and Łodz vs Scandicci. We may be seeing some Golden Sets this week! Also, Vegas Thrill drops a 4-setter to the Indy Ignite, sparking questions about the trajectory of the team and who should be on the floor.

Confirm of Deny makes a reappearance, and Sarah & Adam answer several listener questions.

If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a l...


LOVB Madison is Back on the Winning Track, #15 Lewis Takes Down #7 Loyola Chicago in 4
#20
03/03/2025

In this episode of Volley Talk, we talk about Madison's back to back wins over the weekend, in particular their 3-0 over a disjointed Austin team. Lewis looked really good in their Midwestern matchup vs Loyola Chicago and executed a really good serve and blocking strategy.

Champions League men's quarterfinal matchups are set, we take a look at several listener questions, and Sarah & Adam predict who will win each of the leagues currently taking place.

If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us...


LOVB Houston Handles Omaha 3-0, Columbus Fury is Moving Up the PVF Ranks
#19
02/24/2025

In this episode of Volley Talk, we break down the LOVB Houston match vs LOVB Omaha. Houston was looking a little fatigued, but took care of business 3-0. Also, the Columbus Fury have seemed to hit their stride in the PVF, posting back to back wins and surpassing the San Diego Mojo in the rankings.

Adam introduces us to a new game, Champions League Women's quarterfinal matchups are set, and the men's NCAA season is heating up!

If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore...


#2 UC Irvine Outlasts #5 USC 26-24 in 5th, Conegliano Sweeps Milano in Coppa Italia Final
#18
02/17/2025

In this episode of Volley Talk, we discuss the absolute slug-fest that was NCAA men's UC Irvine vs USC. There was not an ounce of defense to be seen, but it was impressive nonetheless. We also mix things up a little bit and turn our attention overseas to the classic Conegliano vs Milano match-up in the A1 Women's Coppa Italia final.

The PVF All-Star match is coming up, so Sarah & Adam discuss the changes they would make, and the USA Women's National Team coaching lineup has been finalized.

If you have...


#9 Stanford Hands #4 Hawai'i Their First Loss of the Season, Jordan Thompson Comes Up Big for LOVB Houston
#17
02/10/2025

In this episode of Volley Talk, we talk about the back to back NCAA men's series between #4 Hawai'i and #9 Stanford. Spoiler alert: they split the series, and Hawai'i lost its unbeaten record. We also take a look at the LOVB Texas Showdown between Houston and Austin.

Mary Wise announces her retirement from Florida after 34 years at the helm of the program, we take a look at the recent NCAA grads playing pro overseas, and Sarah & Adam play a game of Magic GM.

If you have questions for us or topics you...


Pritchard Makes the Difference in 5-Set Grand Rapids PVF Win, #3 UCLA Gets Revenge on #13 Ohio State
#16
02/03/2025

In this episode of Volley Talk, we break down the Grand Rapids Rise's 5-set victory over the Orlando Valkyries in the PVF. We also dive into the NCAA men's rematch between UCLA and Ohio State that happened in Columbus over the weekend. Ohio State dethroned UCLA from their #1 AVCA ranking a few weeks ago.

There is some huge news coming out of Lincoln, Nebraska, Adam gives listeners a roundup of what LOVB and PVF rookies are up to, and we take some time to answer listener questions.

If you have questions...


LOVB Omaha Beats Madison with Balance, San Diego Deals Indy Their First Loss of the PVF Season
#15
01/27/2025

In this episode of Volley Talk, we take a close look at the LOVB Omaha vs LOVB Madison match, and discuss what happened in the Indy Ignite's first PVF loss of the season.

Sarah & Adam answer some listener questions, play a fun round of Level of Concern, and share what has been happening in NCAA men's volleyball this week!

If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com!

Instagram: http://instagram...


#5 BYU Takes Two 5-Set Wins Over #6 Ball State, Franklin Shines in LOVB Madison Win Over Salt Lake City
#14
01/20/2025

In this episode of Volley Talk, we take a look at some NCAA men's volleyball and LOVB, in particular BYU vs Ball State and LOVB Madison vs Salt Lake City. Sarah Franklin carried a big load for Madison, and a late substitution for BYU was the turning point they were looking for against Ball State.

Yet another professional volleyball league is entering the American landscape, Sarah & Adam answer some listener questions, and play another round of Pick a Player.

If you have questions for us or topics you would like us...


Strong LOVB Debuts By Mruzik & Skinner, Omaha Survives a 5-Set PVF Battle at Home vs Atlanta
#13
01/13/2025

In this episode of Volley Talk, we do a side by side comparison of the LOVB and PVF pro volleyball leagues after having watched some matches from each one. We also break down the LOVB Houston vs Austin match and PVF Omaha vs Atlanta.

The transfer portal is still popping off, NCAA men's volleyball preseason is in full swing, and we address a couple listener comments.

If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info...


NCAA Volleyball Transfer Portal Always Brings The Drama, LOVB & PVF Season Previews
#12
12/30/2024

In this episode of Volley Talk, we take a look at the NCAA Volleyball Transfer Portal with a particular focus on "Big News," the biggest poachers, and programs that have lost A LOT of athletes. Also, with 2025 right around the corner, a little LOVB and PVF preview is in order.

Sarah and Adam take some time to answer some listener questions, and play a tough round of Pick A Player.

If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or...


Penn State Defeats Louisville 3-1 to Win 2024 NCAA Women's Volleyball Championship
#11
12/23/2024

In this episode of Volley Talk, we talk about the NCAA Women's Volleyball Final Four. We do deep dives into all of the matches from the weekend, including Pitt vs Louisville, Penn State vs Nebraska, and the big Penn State vs Louisville final!

A huge congrats to Penn State on earning their 8th National Championship!

If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com!

Instagram: http://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast

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NCAA Women's Volleyball Final Four is Set. An ACC or B1G Champion Will Be Crowned
#10
12/16/2024

In this episode of Volley Talk, we talk about the NCAA Volleyball Tournament Regionals and what to expect from the Final Four matchups.

Sarah and Adam dig deep into each of the 4 Regional Finals matches and give recaps of each Regional Semifinal match. How is NCAA Women's Volleyball season coming to an end already?!

If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com!

Instagram: http://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast

...


NCAA Volleyball Tournament Rounds 1 and 2 Deliver Excitement and Some Surprises
#9
12/09/2024

In this episode of Volley Talk, we talk about the NCAA Volleyball Tournament Rounds 1 and 2. There were some big upsets and some nail-biting, down-to-the-wire matches, and we go through most of them.

Also, Sarah and Adam break down the PVF Draft and answer some listener questions in another round of Volleyball 101.

If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com!

Instagram: http://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast

YouTube: http://youtube...


#1 Pitt Beats #3 Louisville for ACC Championship, #4 Penn State Forces #2 Nebraska to Share B1G Title
#8
12/02/2024

In this episode of Volley Talk, we do a deep dive into the battles for the ACC and Big 10 Championships. Pitt claims the ACC crown outright with a 3-1 win over Louisville, while Penn State stuns Nebraska in 4, handing the Huskers their first Big 10 loss of the season and forcing them to give up a share of the Big 10 Conference title.

The NCAA Championship Bracket was released, and there are some TOUGH potential second-round matches. We take a peek at what the Regional match-ups could be, and if all holds true, it looks like it...


#2 Nebraska Completes Season Sweep of #6 Wisconsin, #15 Georgia Tech Struggles to Finish ACC Season Strong
#7
11/25/2024

In this episode of Volley Talk, we get real about Wisconsin's lack of performance against Big 10 rivals Nebraska in the Huskers' straight-forward sweep of the Badgers in Lincoln. This was the first time that Nebraska had a season sweep over Wisconsin in 12 years!

Sarah and Adam take a closer look at Georgia Tech after the Yellow Jackets' back to back losses this week, and get your brackets ready because Selection Sunday is coming!!

If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line...


Florida Steals #2 SEC Spot From Missouri, AVCA Announces 14 POY Semifinalists
#6
11/18/2024

In this episode of Volley Talk, we take a closer look at the 5-set, high stakes SEC match-up between #21 Florida and #25 Missouri.

Sarah and Adam also break down the AVCA's National Player of the Year Semifinalist list, and give a little Volleyball 101 lesson for newer volleyball fans who want to increase their knowledge of the rules and terminology.

If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com!

Instagram: http://instagram.com...


#7 Wisconsin Destroys #3 Penn State, What is Going on With Minnesota and Kansas?
#5
11/11/2024

In this episode of Volley Talk, we discuss the highly anticipated match between #7 Wisconsin and #3 Penn State. There was a lot of excitement and speculation about how Wisconsin would respond following their 3-0 loss to Nebraska last week. Spoiler alert: it was a blood bath.

Sarah and Adam do analyses on both Minnesota and Kansas following both teams' 0-2 records this week, and how to block effectively one-on-one in the middle.

If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram...


Upset Week in the Power 4 Conferences, #2 Nebraska Stuns #7 Wisconsin in 3
#4
11/04/2024

In this episode of Volley Talk, we discuss the numerous upsets that happened throughout the Power 4 conferences last week. Only the Big 12 was spared. Also, the Wisconsin White Out turned into a 3-0 shutout in favor of Nebraska as the Cornhuskers took care of business in a fan favorite Big 10 matchup.

Texas is probably hitting the panic button right about now, Arizona State survives their trip to Utah, and Sarah & Adam are talking percentages.

If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a...


#1 Pitt vs #4 Louisville Did Not Disappoint, Setting Woes for #7 Texas in Loss to Texas A&M
#3
10/28/2024

In this episode of Volley Talk, we discuss the highly anticipated match between ACC and NCAA powerhouses Pitt and Louisville. We also take a look at #7 Texas' upset loss at home to unranked Texas A&M.

The NCAA released its Top 16 list, Adam and Sarah play a game of "Fill in the Blank," and just how many players are on this National Player of the Year Watchlist?!

If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at...


#8 Kansas Survives Sunflower Showdown, Penn State's Izzy Starck is the Real Deal
#2
10/21/2024

In this episode of Volley Talk, we discuss two exciting 5-set matches- the Sunflower Showdown between the #8 Kansas Jayhawks and the Kansas State Wildcats, as well as #3 Penn State vs Ohio State.

Verify or Veto makes its debut on Volley Talk, and should Minnesota really be ranked #14??

If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com!

Instagram: http://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast

YouTube: http://youtube.com/@SarahPavanVolleyball


#1 Pitt Falls to SMU, Beason Needs to Play 6 Rotations for Nebraska
#1
10/16/2024

Welcome to Volley Talk! We are so excited to share our love of volleyball with you! In this episode, we break down two 5-set thrillers from this past week- #1 Pitt vs #15 SMU and #2 Nebraska vs #10 Purdue.

Also, back row attacking is BACK and Sarah has some questions about teams' defensive choices.

If you have questions for us or topics you would like us to explore, drop us a line on Instagram or email us at info@sarahpavan.com!

Instagram: http://instagram.com/volleytalk_podcast

YouTube: http://youtube...