She knew how to beat her opponents on the court, but beating breast cancer was a challenge Fatima Balza didn't know how to approach. For this former star Penn state volleyball player and current coach of Western Nebraska Community College, Fati took to treating her cancer like she was training for a tournament. In the process, it changed her outlook on everything. As Fati explains to Janice, she is a Venezuelan native who never says “no“ to a challenge. Her enthusiasm and positivity is absolutely inspiring.

Links mentioned:

• For more information go to www.side-out.org.
• Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/
• Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org

Talent comes at a young age — whether you’re playing or coaching. As someone in her mid-twenties, Katie Oleksak has quickly rose in the world of volleyball.

This NCAA Woman of the Year nominee broke the career assist record (5,083) at Colorado State University, and earned All-American honors each of her four seasons. After graduating, Katie wasted no time going pro and competing in Switzerland. She took a chance during the pandemic From there, Katie made the transition from the court to the clipboard, becoming the Director of Volleyball Operations at University of San Diego. Katie also serves as the community engagement leader for the Dig Pink organization.

Hear her philosophy on taking chances in life, even when you’re worried of the outcomes.

Links mentioned:

• For more information go to www.side-out.org.
• Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/
• Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org

There are great players to coach, there are tough players to coach, and then there are your own kids. Former Louisiana State University Coach Fran Flory coached her daughter on her NCAA volleyball team. It's just one of the hilarious stories this SEC Coach-of-the-Year shares with Janice. Her rise to Head Coach at LSU was a complicated one, despite multiple Final Four appearances -- find out why. Recently, Coach Flory has been guiding the Vegas Thrill in the Pro Volleyball Federation. Find out the difference she sees in players that make it as pros, and those that wash out.

Links mentioned:

• For more information go to www.side-out.org.
• Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/
• Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org

Team USA has only ever won four Olympic Gold medals in volleyball. One of those Golds belongs to coach Hugh McCutcheon. He led the men’s team to Gold in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Hugh then switched over to coach the U.S. Women’s National team to a Silver medal finish at the London Olympics in 2012. Now serving as the Assistant Athletics Director for the University of Minnesota, Hugh talks with Janice about his keys to success, and the differences between winning on a national stage versus winning on a global stage at the Olympics.

Links mentioned:

• For more information go to www.side-out.org.
• Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/
• Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org

If you want your team to stay strong in NCAA sports, you've got to stay up-to-date with the competitive world of coaching and recruiting in collegiate athletics. Utah Head Coach Beth Launiere is an expert at what it takes to stay in the fight for championships, season to season. Beth and Janice discuss the importance of making personal connections with today's athletes, the role of mentorship, and the balance between personal life and coaching responsibilities. Beth shares her ideas on building a strong program culture, the impact of business principles on coaching, and the significance of self-care, especially in light of her own health challenges.

Links mentioned:

• For more information go to www.side-out.org.
• Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/
• Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org

Ever wonder how balls get made, jerseys get designed, and sports equipment gets tested? Jake Licht knows. As the president and CEO of Báden Sports, it’s Jake’s responsibility not to just make your sports supplies, but make them the best.

Janice talks with Jake about the unique path that got him involved with Báden Sports. And hear how, as a CEO, he has learned to lean on himself and others during challenging times.

Links mentioned:

• For more information go to www.side-out.org.
• Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/
• Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org

What's the difference in coaching professional athletes versus college athletes? Coach Laura "Bird" Kuhn has done both; first for Texas A&M, and now for the Omaha Supernovas. Hear what makes this legendary 2019 SEC Coach of the Year respected by both her players, AND her opponents. Bird and Janice debate They explore the challenges and opportunities in coaching, the significance of community engagement, and the evolution of players in the pro landscape.

Links mentioned:

• For more information go to www.side-out.org.
• Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/
• Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org

As a coach, would you choose a player with a small role on a winning team, or take a player with a big role on a losing team? University of Pittsburgh Head Volleyball Coach Dan Fisher has built a VERY successful career out of recruiting players from all types of backgrounds. He tells Janice about his methods and philosophies when it comes to standing out in an extremely competitive field.

Also, discover the superstitious habit Coach Fisher got hooked on after leading his team on an incredible win streak.

Links mentioned:

• For more information go to www.side-out.org.
• Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/
• Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: leaveitbetter@side-out.org