In this episode of Set the Pipe, host Patrick 'Sully' Sullivan and co-hosts CK and Bear welcome Tim Kelly, a former UCLA volleyball champion and current entrepreneur in the volleyball international tour business. The conversation explores Tim's journey from a high school athlete to a national champion, his experiences playing professionally in Europe, and the evolution of volleyball coaching. Tim shares insights on the importance of international exposure for young athletes, the current state of men's volleyball, and the challenges faced in the professional arena. The episode also highlights memorable stories from Tim's travels and the cultural experiences that have shaped his perspective on the sport. In this engaging conversation, the speakers share their experiences in volleyball, from unexpected coaching roles to cultural adventures in Colombia. They discuss the evolution of the sport, the challenges facing men's volleyball, and the importance of mentorship and community. The conversation also highlights entrepreneurial endeavors in college and the significance of giving back through sustainable initiatives in developing countries.

https://www.letskeeptheballflying.com/

Sound Bites
"You need to go. Just go."
"Tim speaks fluent Spanish."
"Everyone pays it forward."

Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Guest Introduction
02:16
Tim Kelly's Volleyball Journey
05:11
Playing at UCLA and Coaching Experience
08:05
Transitioning from Player to Agent
11:11
Building a Volleyball Business
14:10
Future of Volleyball Tours and Initiatives
24:51
Exploring International Volleyball Tours
28:17
The Impact of Global Exposure on Young Athletes
30:02
The Evolution of Professional Volleyball in the USA
32:02
Comparing Men's and Women's Volleyball Growth
32:17
Favorite Destinations and Cultural Experiences
38:57
Memorable Stories from the Volleyball World
49:10
Evolution of Volleyball: Past vs Present
53:28
Physicality and Athleticism in Modern Volleyball
59:54
Challenges Facing Men's Volleyball Today
01:05:50
The Importance of Mentorship in Volleyball
01:09:27
Future Aspirations and Global Outreach in Volleyball
01:21:03

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In this engaging conversation, Bob Samuelson, a former USA volleyball player and Olympian, reflects on his journey from a high school basketball player to a volleyball legend. He shares insights about his family, coaching experiences, and life in Las Vegas, as well as his transition to college volleyball at Cal State Northridge. Bob discusses the importance of mentorship, the thrill of wearing the USA jersey for the first time, and the legacy he hopes to leave in the sport. In this engaging conversation, Bob Samuelson shares his memorable experiences from the Olympics, including the surreal moment of marching with the Dream Team during the opening ceremonies. He discusses his alopecia condition and how it has shaped his life, as well as the controversy surrounding yellow cards during a match that led to team solidarity and a unique protest. Bob reflects on his travels, particularly in Japan, and the cultural insights he gained. The discussion also touches on the evolution of volleyball, highlighting the increased athleticism of today's players. Bob recounts some of his most significant matches, including a memorable birthday game against Spain and the bronze medal match against Cuba. The conversation concludes with heartfelt reflections on the importance of teamwork and the bonds formed through sports.

takeaways
Bob reflects on his past achievements with nostalgia.
He chose Northridge for the opportunity to play and grow.
Bob's transition from basketball to volleyball was unexpected but rewarding.
Bob's experience in Las Vegas has been positive and fulfilling.
Wearing the USA jersey was a dream come true for Bob.
Bob's journey showcases the impact of multi-sport participation. Winning the bronze medal was a surreal moment.
Alopecia is an autoimmune condition that affects hair follicles.
Team solidarity was crucial during the Olympic controversy.
Traveling opened my eyes to different cultures.
Japan is a unique and fascinating country.
I had 74 kills in a single match, a personal record.
The women's game has evolved and is incredibly exciting to watch.

Sound Bites
"Japan is awesome."
"I love the women's game."

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In this episode, the hosts reflect on the impact of their recent guests, including volleyball legends, and strategize on how to grow their podcast audience. The conversation also touches on the significance of Father's Day and their plans for the day. In this episode, the hosts celebrate Father's Day by sharing personal stories about their families and milestones. They reflect on the impact of their podcast guests, the importance of volleyball in their lives, and honor influential figures in the sport. The conversation also looks ahead to future guests and topics, emphasizing gratitude for the community and support they receive

takeaways
The hosts share personal stories about their experiences and coaching.
Recent guests have had a significant impact on the podcast's popularity.
The importance of storytelling in their podcasting approach is emphasized.
The hosts express gratitude for their journey and the guests they've had.
Father's Day serves as a backdrop for personal reflections and future plans.
Bear shares proud moments of his daughters' achievements.
Sully enjoys a special Father's Day breakfast and ride.
CK looks forward to his favorite KFC meal on Father's Day.
The hosts reflect on the significance of their podcast guests.
They express gratitude for the friendships formed through volleyball.
The importance of not taking opportunities for granted is highlighted.
Volleyball has shaped their lives and relationships significantly.
They express appreciation for their families' support in their podcasting journey.

"Rest in peace to Big Daddy."

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In this engaging conversation, legendary volleyball coach Al Scates reflects on his remarkable career, sharing insights into his coaching philosophy, memorable championships, and the evolution of NCAA volleyball. The discussion highlights key players, recruitment strategies, and the impact of Scates on the sport, culminating in a proposal to name the NCAA championship trophy in his honor. The episode is filled with anecdotes and stories that celebrate the rich history of volleyball and the friendships forged through the sport. The speakers discuss the importance of scheduling, share personal anecdotes, and highlight how mentorship shapes the next generation of coaches. In this engaging conversation, Al Scates reflects on his illustrious coaching career, the success of his players, and the personal challenges he has faced. He shares anecdotes about his experiences in volleyball, including international tours and the evolution of the sport. Scates emphasizes the impact of Karch Kiraly as a player and discusses his coaching philosophy, including the importance of psychological strategies in competition. The conversation also touches on Scates' life after coaching, including his passion for golf and his role as a caregiver. In this engaging conversation, the legendary Al Scates shares his experiences and insights from his illustrious volleyball coaching career at UCLA. The discussion covers various themes, including the legacy of his assistant coach Mike Norman, humorous anecdotes from the court, training techniques, and the impact of volleyball on personal lives. Scates reflects on significant matches, including the controversial 1991 championship loss, and honors his family's history, particularly his father's service. The conversation concludes with a heartfelt appreciation for the sport and its influence on relationships and life paths.
takeaways
Al Scates coached UCLA to 19 NCAA titles, a record in volleyball.
He produced 27 Olympians and numerous players of the year.
He was instrumental in the establishment of NCAA men's volleyball.
Scates reflects on memorable moments with players and friends.
He shares insights on the evolution of volleyball and NCAA rules.
The idea of naming the NCAA trophy after Scates is proposed.
Scates recounts his early days

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https://www.embodyfitandfood.com/
In this engaging conversation, Michelle Mooney shares her journey from a young athlete to an NCAA champion at UCLA, her experiences playing professionally overseas, and her transition into coaching and fitness. The discussion highlights her early life, the challenges and triumphs of her volleyball career, and the importance of personal growth and community in sports. With anecdotes and insights, Michelle reflects on her path and the evolution of volleyball, offering valuable lessons for aspiring athletes and coaches. In this engaging conversation, Michelle and Sully explore the journey of coaching volleyball, the challenges faced in high school sports, and the competitive spirit that drives both parenting and coaching. They share personal anecdotes, including a memorable car camping adventure that tested their patience and resilience. The discussion highlights the importance of discipline, accountability, and personal growth in both sports and life.
takeaways
Michelle started playing volleyball in high school after initially playing softball.
She was recruited by UCLA and won a national championship in her freshman year.
She played professionally in the Netherlands after college, which was a new experience for her.
Michelle's journey into personal training was driven by her passion for health and fitness.
The conversation touches on the evolution of volleyball and how the game has changed over the years.
The transition to high school coaching brought new challenges.
Discipline and accountability are crucial in coaching.
Michelle and Sully emphasize the importance of setting expectations for players.
The couple's competitive spirit extends to parenting their two boys.
Michelle's coaching style is influenced by her own experiences as a player.
The couple shares a humorous yet challenging car camping story.
Michelle's growth in confidence was influenced by her relationship with Coley.
The importance of communication and understanding in relationships is highlighted.
The couple reflects on their journey together in sports and life.

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In this engaging conversation, Marv Dunphy, a legendary volleyball coach, shares insights on coaching, mentorship, and the evolution of the sport. He reflects on his experiences from recruiting athletes to the importance of character in sports. The discussion also touches on his coaching legacy, the transition from the 1984 to 1988 Olympics, and the differences in volleyball today compared to the past. Dunphy emphasizes the significance of caring in coaching and shares personal anecdotes from his playing days and his interactions with coaching greats like John Wooden. In this engaging conversation, the speakers reflect on the legacy of John Wooden, the impact of coaching in volleyball, and the honor of representing the USA. They discuss the importance of learning from losses, coaching unique talents, and the greatest players in volleyball history. The conversation also emphasizes the need for toughness in sports, the differences in training models between the USA and Europe, and the responsibility of inspiring the next generation of athletes.

takeaways
Marv Dunphy emphasizes the importance of heart in coaching.
Character assessment is crucial in recruiting athletes.
The journey in sports is as important as the destination.
Dunphy believes that athletes today are more skilled than in the past.
Caring for players is essential for effective coaching.
Teaching heart and competitiveness can be learned.
Dunphy's experiences with John Wooden shaped his coaching philosophy.
The role of a head coach involves balancing various responsibilities. John Wooden's understanding of athlete psychology was unparalleled.
Coaching is about earning respect and confidence.
Representing the USA in coaching is a profound honor.
Losing teaches valuable lessons in sports and life.
Unique talents require unique coaching approaches.
Karch Kiraly is considered the greatest volleyball player.
Toughness and accountability are essential for young athletes.
The European training model emphasizes unstructured play and competition.

Sound Bites
"Can you teach heart?"
"You can't fool them."
"Losing is part of it."

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In this episode, Tyler Hildebrand, head coach of St. Mary's College, shares his extensive journey in volleyball, from his playing days at Long Beach State to his coaching experiences across various programs. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in building a competitive team at St. Mary's, the importance of support from administration, and the dynamics of recruitment. Tyler reflects on memorable moments in his volleyball career, emphasizing the significance of teamwork, winning, and the lasting friendships formed through the sport. In this engaging conversation, Tyler Hildebrand discusses his journey in volleyball, the importance of winning, and the challenges of coaching in the NIL era. He emphasizes the need for administrative support in college sports, the significance of mentorship, and the balance between family life and coaching. The discussion also touches on the evolution of youth volleyball training and the necessity for players to watch and learn from the game to improve their skills.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Tyler Hildebrand
02:52
Coaching Journey and Vision for St. Mary's
05:59
Transitioning Between Programs
08:57
Recruitment and Early Career Challenges
11:55
Memorable Experiences and National Championships
14:57
Reflections on Coaching and Player Development
22:30
The Journey Begins: Early Volleyball Experiences
23:50
Trials and Triumphs: Overcoming Adversity in Competition
25:32
The Paul Mitchell Experience: Team Dynamics and Challenges
30:55
The Importance of Team Spirit and Mentality
36:28
The Road to Victory: Personal Sacrifices and Team Success
43:48
The Essence of Winning: Shared Experiences and Lasting Bonds
45:31
Building a Competitive Volleyball Program
55:56
Finding Balance: Coaching and Family Life
59:56
Mentorship and Influences in Coaching
01:15:32
The Importance of Watching the Game
01:18:19
Training vs. Playing: The American Dilemma
01:20:50
Catching Up with International Competition
01:22:50
The Role of Video Analysis in Player Development
01:26:28
Learning from the Best: Emulating Top Players
01:40:40
The Story Behind the Game

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In this episode, we welcome Christian Schaefer, the D3 NCAA Player of the Year and national champion, to discuss his journey in volleyball. Christian shares insights about his early beginnings, the influence of his family, and the importance of teamwork and coaching. He reflects on his experiences at Southern Virginia University, the unique atmosphere of D3 volleyball, and his aspirations to play professionally. The conversation also touches on the lessons learned from losses and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. A surprise appearance by Coach Alan Knipe adds depth to the discussion, highlighting the significance of community and support in the sport.

takeaways
Christian Schaefer is the first active college player featured on the podcast.
Family played a significant role in his volleyball career.
Transitioning through different positions helped him develop as a player.
The D3 experience offers unique opportunities compared to D1.
Building strong relationships with coaches is crucial for success.
Southern Virginia University has a vibrant volleyball community.
Grass volleyball has been instrumental in developing his skills.
Christian aspires to play professionally and possibly for the USA team.

Sound Bites
"I want to be the guy."
"We have the best fans."
"I never lost at home."

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Christian Schaefer
02:28
Christian's Journey in Volleyball
10:57
The Role of Coaching in Development
14:54
The D3 Experience vs. D1
17:38
The Impact of Coach Peterson
18:12
Lessons from the Past: Coaching and Team Dynamics
20:18
The Heart of Southern Virginia: Community and Support
21:46
The Barn: A Unique Home Court Advantage
23:02
Building Skills: The Importance of Grass Volleyball
26:44
Aiming for Greatness: Future Aspirations and Team Culture
32:11
Challenging Environments: Toughest Places to Compete
33:12
The Thrill of Competition
34:28
Insights from the Division One Tournament
35:00
A Conversation with Coach Alan Knipe
38:52
Reflections on Loss and Redemption
41:55
The Impact of Team Dynamics
47:29
Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations

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