We’ve got a fun one for you this time on TNT Bump. Set. Mic.! 🎙️ We’re kicking things off with a recap of our 12U–14U tryouts—lots of energy, tons of talent, and a few process improvements to make this our smoothest tryout ever! If you ever wondered how we manage 250 girls in a single tryout, we give you peek under the covers.

At TNT, we are always striving for improvement, so we develped our own home grown tryout app that made this year’s process smoother, faster, and even more awesome. Chuck, Brian and Leon will give you a peek into how technology is being used at TNT to make the tryout process even better this time around.

To top it off, we’re giving you a sneak peek at our brand-new College Experience Series hosted by Leon Kasperski—real stories from college coaches and players about what it takes to play at the next level. There are plenty of resources out there to talk about how to get recruited, but nobody tells you what it is actually like once you are playing college volleyball at D1, D2, D3 and NAIA levels. Leon interviews college players and coaches at all levels to hear what they are looking for in a college athlete, and what they expect from their players. Buckle up—it’s going to be a fun, fast-paced episode you won’t want to miss! 🏐🔥

Segment 1 - TNT 12U-14U Tryout recap - 0:33s

Segment 2 - TNT tryout app - how TNT uses technology to help evaluate players and form teams. 27:00m

Segment 3 - Introduction to the College Experience Series hosted by Leon Kasperski - 47:30m

In Episode 32 of Bump. Set. Mic., Chuck and Brian dive into the heart of TNT Volleyball: our core values. From the early days of the club to today, these values have shaped who we are, how we play, and the community we build.

We’ll explore why our values matter, how they’ve evolved over the years, and the role they play in guiding every decision—from coaching and player development to building a culture of serious fun, family, and excellence.

Whether you’re a player, parent, or coach, this conversation will give you a deeper look at what makes TNT more than just a club—it’s a community fueled by passion, fun, and a commitment to growth on and off the court.

Segment 1: (0:00 - 28:12)

• Introduction and the need for Core Values
• Value 1: Passion for the Game
• Value 2: Serious. Fun.
• Value 3: Player Development

Segment 2: (28:38 - 63:12)

• Value 4: Quality Coaching
• Value 5: Community & Family
• Value 6: Achievement & Excellence
• Value 7: Accessibility for all

Segment 3: (63:42 - 75:32)

• Upcoming programs
• Intro to new program: The College Volleyball Student Athlete Experience

An exciting first for the podcast comes your way in episode 31! Chuck and Brian are joined by TNT boys' program directors Jacki Curci and Bob Minschwaner to discuss the history and growth of boys volleyball, and how they have been producing successful boys teams since 2010! They discuss relevant topics such as the challenges of building a competitive schedule, how to get recruited by colleges as well as the differences between coaching boys and girls. Chuck and Brian learn all about the underground market of Nationals jersey exchanges, and how that is a major factor when designing boys uniforms!

Segment 1 begins with some history about Jacki and Bob's backgrounds in volleyball, how the boys' program at TNT came to be. Also discussed are the boys' directors perspectives on some of the major differences between coaching boys and girls, as well as the differences in the way the game is played.

Segment 2 highlights the goals and mission of the TNT boys' program, especially with regard to developing well-rounded athletes both on and off the court. This mission is similar to the mission of the TNT girls programs. They discuss the growth of the boys' game and the impact Covid had on boys' volleyball.

Jacki and Bob then share their thoughts about where the boys' program is headed as well as ideas on how to bring the girls' and boys' programs closer together. Jacki and Bob explain how they balance running the boys' program while also coaching National teams. The segment ends with some talk of the very popular "jersey exchange" that goes on at boys' AAU Nationals.

Segment 3 discusses challenges in building competitive boys schedules in the Northeast along with steps being taken by the program directors to assist players with college recruiting. They share some success stories of TNT boys receiving quality college offers to play volleyball at the next level. The segment concludes with Jacki and Bob sharing their expectations for the coming season for the TNT boys' teams.

Segment 1: How the TNT Boys' Program Came to Be (0:00 - 22:23)

• The Volleyball Paths Taken by Our Boys' Program Directors
• How the Boys' Program Became a Reality at TNT
• The Current Size of the Boys' Program
• Staffing the Boys' Teams with Quality Coaches
• Differences Between the Boys' and Girls' Games

Segment 2: Tournament Options and Decision-Making Factors (22:53 - 40:50)

• Approaching a Player's On and Off-Court Development
• Balancing Skill Development with Character Building
• The Impact Covid Had on the Boys' Game
• Plans for Growing the Boys' Program Here at TNT
• The Club's Vision for Bringing the Two Programs Closer Together
• Balancing Running the Boys' Program While Also Coaching Club Teams
• The Boys' AAU Nationals Jersey Trade

Segment 3: Scheduling and College Recruiting (41:16- 62:24)

• Choosing Tournaments for the Boys' Teams to Attend
• USAV vs. AAU Events and How Things Have Changed Over the Years
• Supporting Players Who Want to Play at the Next Level
• Differences in Opportunities in College for Boys and Girls
• Advice for Parents and Players Navigating Through the Recrutiting Process
• The Importance of a Strong Academic Record When Players Seek Offers
• Some Recruting Success Stories for TNT Boys
• Outlook for the Boys Teams for the Upcoming Season
• Upcomng Offerings for the Boys at TNT Outside of the Club Season
• Wrap-Up

In Episode 29, Season 2 of the podcast continues with another episode from "The Owner's Box." (aka Chuck's Kitchen Table)

Segment 1 begins with a discussion of what TNT is doing to prepare for the upcoming tryouts. Chuck and Brian discuss open gyms, TNT's commitment to honoring the tryout and USAV rules by NOT extending early offers, and the rumor of "Secret Tryouts".

Chuck adds his personal feelings about the changing landscape of club volleyball and tryouts, and how TNT has had to make changes in recent years, while holding firm the the TNT Mission that all decisions should focus on "what is best for the girls".

Segment 2 addresses some changes being made to TNT's approach to Nationals' teams for the 2025-2026 season, and some of the difficulties encountered in 2025. Brian ends the segment by asking Chuck his thoughts on why players sometimes want to move from one club to another at the start of a new season.

Segment 3 focuses on why TNT is a good choice for families, and the road TNT has taken to expand into a club that has something to offer for all levels of players.

Segment 1: Preparing for Tryouts and Addressing Some Misconceptions (0:00 - 18:35)

• What TNT is Doing to Get Ready for Tryouts and a Rundown of the Tryout Schedule
• How Can Players and Their Families Survive the Stress of Tryouts and Some Prior Episodes to Listen to in that Regard
• Addressing Some Misconceptions and Reflecting on the Concerns Raised
• Why TNT Moved to Summer Tryouts Similar to Other Clubs

Segment 2: Changes to TNT's Approach to National Teams for 25-26 (19:10 - 32:25)

• TNT's Prior Approach to Nationals and Difficulties Experienced Last Season
• Designating Committed Nationals Teams at the Start and Forming Additional Teams Later for Other Players Who are Interested
• Discussing USAV vs. AAU Nationals Differences From a Club Perspective
• Reasons for Player Movement that Occurs from Season to Season

Segment 3: Why Choose TNT (33:03 - 53:49)

• Emphasis on Player Development
• The TNT Experience
• How Our Facilities Allow Us to Offer More to Families
• Coaching Philosophy
• Providing Various Levels of Competiton for a Wide Range of Players
• Supporing Those Interested in Playing in College
• A Detailed Approach to Fair Pricing
• Where Flexibility Exists for Multi-Sport Athletes at the Club
• Additional Benefits Offered by the Club
• Episode Wrap-Up

In Episode 28, Season 2 of the podcast kicks off at "The Owner's Box" ... i.e. Chuck's house. At the start, Chuck and Brian begin discussing their recent time in Orlando at AAU Nationals with the TNT girls' teams while also wishing the boys' teams who are currently competing there the best of luck. After that, they talk briefly about the quick tunraround from one season to the next before moving forward.

The first segment provides a detailed recap of Nationals for the TNT girls' teams who participated. Segment 2 includes important information about the upcoming open gyms and tryouts for both the girls' and boys' teams plus the new TNT Tryout app that will be in use. The final segment discusses TNT's vision now and moving forward in the local volleyball community. Chuck opens up about the club's desire and ability to provide for the various different experiences that players and their families now want from the club, ranging from the highly competitive to a more casual, introductory-level approach --- and everything in between.

Segment 1: The Nationals Experience (5:55 - 32:24)

• Experiencing the Orange County Convention Center and Keeping the Club Together at the Same Resort
• Overview of the Different Levels of Play at Nationals and How Our Teams Are Scheduled
• Wave 1 Recap (12 and 13U)
• Wave 2 Recap (14U)
• Wave 3 Recap (16 and 16U)
• Wave 4 Recap (15U)
• Thoughts on the New Doubles Rule
• Shouting Out an Opposing Coach at Nationals Who Listens to the Podcast
• Wrapping Up the 24-25 Season: Congratulating All Who Participated at TNT, Best Wishes to Players Moving on To New Chapters, and Hopes for Some Rest and Relaxation for Those Returning in Just a Few Weeks

Segment 2: Plans for the 2025-2026 Season Open Gyms and Tryouts (33:00 - 59:45)

• 12-14U Girls' Tryouts and Open Gyms to Be Held in the Fall
• Upcoming Open Gym Dates and Times for 15-18U Girls
• The Importance of Attending As Many Open Gyms as Possible
• The Schedule for Tryouts and Callbacks for 15-18U Girls
• How the Club Will Divide the Girls Age Groups into Specific Tryout Sessions
• Referencing Prior Episodes (6, 8, and 17) Where Families Can Learn More About Topics Such as How to Stand Out at Tryouts, The Age Group Debate, How Teams Are Formed, and Handling the Stress of Tryouts
• The Schedule for the Resumption of Open Gyms, Tryouts, and Callbacks for the Boys' Teams Once They Return from Nationals
• Catching Up With Coach Tim Fazio About the New TNT Tryout App

Segment 3: The Girls Club Vision & Various Levels of Play that TNT Offers (60:23 - 94:09)

• Chuck's Thoughts on Balancing TNT's Growth and Desire to Stay True to the Values the Club Was Built On
• What The Platinum Team Level for 15, 16, and 17U Entails
• Emphasizing the Level of Commitment Expected from Those on Higher Level Teams
• National Team Level and How It Differs From Platinum
• Travel Team Level and Expectations
• The Regional Team Experience and How it Differs From Other Levels
• Plans for the Second Year of the In-House Program
• Chuck's Advice for Families Looking at Choosing a Club
• Episode Wrap-Up

In Episode 27, Chuck and Brian discuss TNT's summer programs and which one is right for you! We look ahead to AAU Nationals and discuss the upcoming summer tryouts as next season quickly approaches. In addition, Chuck and Brian discuss some current events in the crazy world of Philadelphia club volleyball and provide some advice on what to look for when trying to decide which clubs to try out for.

The final episode of season 1 ends with a overview and recap of the highly-successful Play4Abbey yearly charity event held recently. If you are not familiar with Abbey's story and how it has brought about positive changes, you should not miss this episode.

Segment 1: (0:00 - 14:22)

• Summer in the Armory
• Outdoor Evenings at Penbryn
• Plans for More Experienced Players
• Availability of Small Group / Individual Private Lessons
• Upcoming Outdoor Tournament Series in Doylestown

Segment 2 (14:53 - 36:41)

• TNT Teams at AAU Nationals
• Tips for Families Attending Nationals for the First Time
• Issues Encountered by the Club Getting Nationals Teams to the Finish Line
• Upcoming Tryouts and TNT's Plans for Them
• Importance of Registering Early for Tryouts and Attending Open Gyms
• TNT's Improvements to the Tryout Process
• Expectations and Reasons for Higher Player Turnout at Tryouts

Segment 3 (37:13 - 63:00)

• Recent Local Happenings in the Club Volleyball World
• What Families Should Look For in a Club
• A Discussion of What TNT Offers for Players and Families With Regard to Facilities, Coaching, and Levels of Play
• Additional Benefits of Membership at TNT
• Club Efforts to Continue to Improve Our Practice
• Soliciting and Implementing Feedback Received from Families
• Addressing Concerns When They Arise and a Sample Scenario

Segment 4 (63:50 - 72:46)

• Thanks for Those Who Worked on Play4Abbey
• How the Event Came to Be
• The Abbey's Bakery Charity and the Importance of Openly Discussing Mental Health Concerns
• Local Businesses Who Helped Support the Event
• How the Event Benefits Others
• Wrap-Up and Words from Abbey's Father Delivered at the Play4Abbey Event

In episode 26, Chuck and Brian welcome four of the club's female coaches, Casey Jenkins, Amber Wood, Kira Campbell, and Sue Rose to the podcast for our "Ladies' Night" episode to share their experiences as players, coaches, parents, and maternal figures within the volleyball community.

This episode highlights topics such as the variety of experiences and perspectives that female coaches bring to the volleyball community, challenges that female coaches face, and the importance of female representation in the coaching ranks.

Segment 1: (0:00 - 24:24)

• Intro of guests
• Challenges and rewards of coaching one's own children vs. other players
• How differing coaching styles are based on one's personality
• Adapting between different levels of coaching from youth to college
• Effective communication between coaches and parents to avoid misunderstandings

Segment 2 (24:40 - 52:50)

• Interesting statistics about gender representation in coaching
• Discussion on the positive impact of female coaches on teen athletes
• Exploration of barriers such as stererotypes that prevent more women from becoming coaches
• Testimonials on the importance of leadership roles from women
• Team dynamics and having coaches of both genders
• Personal experiences and challenges regarding work-life balance
• Inspiring girls / young women to become coaches
• How increased media visibility is shifting narratives and aspirations regarding women in sports

Segment 3 (53:07 - 81:33)

• Personal stories of success as well as challenges
• Coaching advice that transcends gender and finding the right coach for each young person
• Reflections and lessons on how sports help teach multiple life skills that assist with personal development and forming of interpersonal relationships --- such as self-reflection, resilience, and adaptation
• The important role coaches have in guiding young athletes beyond wins and losses
• Upcoming programs at TNT including our Play4Abbey charity event, 2025-2026 tryouts, and developmental Summer programs