A United podcast centered around athlete development, coaching philosophies, the college recruitment process, and more! Hosted by Korohen Jones, Director of Player and Coach Development. Each week we showcase different athletes, alumni, and coaches that all help us become #bettertogether.
Finding Your Voice | Lessons Beyond the Game with Merritt Beason
22 min
We wrap up our three-part conversation with professional volleyball player and United ambassador Merritt Beason by talking about the lessons she's still learning - and the ones she hopes to pass on. From coaching young athletes and navigating difficult decisions to confidence, accountability, self-talk, and finding your voice, Merritt shares the perspective she's gained both on and off the court. She also reflects on balancing high expectations with grace, why confidence isn't something you always feel, and what it really means to keep growing as an athlete, coach, and person. Key Takeaways Questions young athletes should be asking more often Balancing accountability with grace as a coach Helping athletes separate performance from self-worth What confidence really looks like Finding your voice while remaining respectful The importance of effort, energy, and buy-in Practical strategies for managing negative self-talk Merritt's definition of "Better Together"
The Work You Don't See: Merritt Beason on Confidence, Recovery & Giving Yourself Grace
28 min
In Part 2 of our conversation with Merritt Beason, we go even deeper into what life really looks like as a professional volleyball player. From long travel days and recovery routines to nutrition, self-care, and learning to give yourself grace, Merritt shares the parts of professional volleyball that fans rarely get to see. She also reflects on the importance of finding what works for you, protecting your own well-being, and the role that faith, mentorship, and trusted relationships have played throughout her journey. Most importantly, Merritt shares why she hopes young athletes learn to be kinder to themselves long before they reach the highest levels of the game. Whether you're an athlete, parent, or coach, this episode is filled with practical wisdom and honest perspective that reaches far beyond volleyball.
Merritt Beason on Confidence, Growth & the Reality of Playing Pro (Part 1)
23 min
This week on Better Together, we're joined once again by United ambassador and professional volleyball player Merritt Beason. Fresh off another day in the gym with our athletes, Merritt sits down with Korohen to reflect on everything that's happened over the past year, from coaching and mentoring to competing with the Omaha Supernovas and making a run to the professional championship match. But this conversation isn't just about volleyball. Merritt opens up about confidence, self-talk, vulnerability, social media, handling criticism, and why growth doesn't stop once you reach the highest levels of the game. She shares what she's still learning, how coaching has changed her perspective, and why being honest about the struggles behind the scenes has become one of the most rewarding parts of her journey. Whether you're an athlete navigating evaluations, a parent supporting your player, or simply someone learning to embrace growth, this conversation is a reminder that no one has it all figured out.
Ask the Directors: Evaluation Day & Finding the Right Fit (Part 2)
27 min
Evaluations are here, and with them come excitement, nerves, and plenty of questions. In Part 2 of our Ask the Directors series, Korohen and Scott shift the conversation from how evaluations work to how athletes and families can make the most of the experience. They discuss: • Why the right team is often more important than the highest team • How athletes can prepare mentally and physically for evaluations • What parents can do to best support their athlete • Green flags and red flags coaches notice during evaluations • How to move on after mistakes • Why every athlete's journey looks different Whether your athlete is stepping into their first evaluation or has been through the process before, this conversation is full of practical advice and encouragement for evaluation week.
Ask the Directors: What Really Happens at Volleyball Evaluations? (Part 1)
47 min
Scott and Korohen answer the biggest questions families ask before evaluations - from how athletes are assessed to what coaches are actually looking for. Evaluation season is almost here, and with it comes a lot of questions—and a lot of nerves. In Part 1 of this Ask the Directors series, Scott and Korohen take listeners behind the scenes of United's evaluation process to explain how teams are formed, what coaches are actually evaluating, and why the process is designed the way it is. They discuss: • Why evaluations now happen in the summer • What coaches are really looking for beyond volleyball skills • How communication, coachability, and competitiveness influence evaluations • Common misconceptions parents have about team selection • Why one mistake won't ruin an evaluation • What happens behind the scenes before athletes ever step into the gym Whether this is your family's first evaluation season or your tenth, this episode offers practical insight to help athletes walk into the gym with confidence. Be sure to tune in next week for Part 2, where Scott and Korohen answer even more of your biggest evaluation questions!
"Working Hard Works": Sophie Krichev Reflects on Her Freshman Season at UT Arlington
32 min
Sophie Krichev is back on Better Together. When Sophie first joined the podcast, she was preparing to begin her collegiate volleyball career at UT Arlington. Now, after completing her freshman season, she returns to share what life at the Division I level has really been like. From adjusting to college athletics and building confidence as a freshman starter to navigating life away from home and developing strong relationships with teammates, Sophie offers an honest look at the transition from club volleyball to college volleyball. She also shares the lessons she learned about confidence, self-talk, coachability, leadership, and why "working hard works." Whether you're a current athlete, a parent, or someone preparing for the recruiting process, Sophie's perspective offers valuable insight into what happens after the commitment announcement and what it takes to grow at the next level.
Winning the Summer: Why Doing More Isn't Always Better with Korohen Jones
11 min
Summer can feel like a race to fit everything in - camps, clinics, workouts, open gyms, vacations, jobs, and more. But does being busier actually help athletes improve? In this solo episode, Korohen challenges athletes and families to rethink what productive summer training really looks like. Instead of chasing every opportunity, he shares why the most successful athletes often focus on a few intentional goals, prioritize recovery, and stay committed to consistent growth. In this episode: The difference between activity and true development Why athletes should focus on just 2–3 priorities The role recovery plays in performance and growth How social media can create unhealthy comparison What coaches are really looking for at evaluations A simple three-goal challenge for the rest of the summer Whether you're preparing for evaluations, school season, or simply looking to make the most of your off season, this episode offers practical advice for building a summer that leads to long-term development - not burnout.
Playing the Long Game: Building Better Athletes with Ryan Freeburg PART 2
35 min
Continuing our conversation with United Birmingham Director Ryan Freeburg, we dive into recruiting, player development, exposure, and the future of volleyball in Alabama. Ryan shares his perspective as both a club director and Division I coach, discussing what helps athletes get recruited, why exposure matters, the importance of skill development at younger ages, and the challenges that can come from prioritizing short-term results over long-term growth. We also discuss confidence, attacking mechanics, communication, coaching philosophy, and Ryan's vision for year two of United Birmingham. In Part 2 of our conversation with Ryan, we discuss: the current state of volleyball in Alabama recruiting and player exposure what college coaches are actually looking for the importance of high-level competition youth skill development confidence and long-term athlete growth winning now versus developing future players attacking mechanics and injury prevention communication between setters and hitters technical skills versus tactical strategies coaching philosophy and player development Ryan's vision for year two of United Birmingham Whether you're an athlete, parent, or coach, this conversation offers valuable perspective on what it takes to build better volleyball players over the long term.
One Year Later: Building United Birmingham with Ryan Freeburg PART 1
36 min
One year after launching United Birmingham, we sit down with Club Director Ryan Freeburg to reflect on what the journey has been like so far. Ryan shares the challenges and rewards of building a club from the ground up, creating a healthy environment for athletes and families, developing coaches, and establishing a culture centered around growth, trust, and teamwork. We also discuss the unique landscape of volleyball in Birmingham, the importance of balancing individual goals with team success, and what it takes to build something meaningful from the ground up. This conversation offers an honest look at leadership, culture, communication, and the lessons learned throughout United Birmingham's first year.
The Mental Side of Volleyball with Perry Robinson
35 min
In part two of our conversation with longtime coach Perry Robinson, we dive into the mental side of volleyball and athlete development. Perry shares perspective on confidence, pressure, perfectionism, reset rituals, and what often holds athletes back mentally both in practice and competition. We also discuss overtraining, meaningful reps versus simply logging hours, coachability, leadership, and how coaches can better help athletes navigate mistakes and adversity. This episode is full of practical insight and honest conversation for athletes, coaches, and parents alike. Show Notes: In Part 2 of our conversation with Perry Robinson, we explore: confidence and whether it can be trained helping athletes manage negative thoughts reset rituals and mental recovery during matches perfectionism in athletes meaningful reps vs overtraining what truly makes a player coachable leadership and player ownership balancing emotion and composure as a coach the mental side of competition and development building stronger athletes through communication and trust
The Human Side of Coaching with Perry Robinson
33 min
Korohen and I recently sat down in Birmingham with longtime coach Perry Robinson, head coach at Pelham High School and coach for United Birmingham. With nearly three decades of coaching experience across the college, club, and high school levels, Perry shares insight into how his approach to coaching has evolved over the years and why relationships, patience, and perspective matter so much in athlete development. Throughout the conversation, we dive into player growth, navigating frustration, building trust with athletes, creating healthy team environments, and what both players and young coaches often overlook when it comes to long term development. Perry shares: lessons learned through decades of coaching experience how his coaching philosophy has evolved over time the importance of patience and long term player development why consistency and showing up matter balancing structure, empathy, and accountability as a coach helping athletes navigate frustration and growth advice for younger coaches trying to find their footing why relationships and trust are such an important part of coaching This episode is full of wisdom, honesty, and perspective for coaches, athletes, and parents alike.
What College Coaches Actually Look For in Recruiting with UAB Head Coach Betsy Freeburg | Part 2
36 min
Continuing our conversation with UAB Head Volleyball Coach Betsy Freeburg, she shares insight into the recruiting process from a Division I coach’s perspective, including what truly stands out during recruiting, the difference between potential and consistency, common mistakes athletes make, and what players can do to better prepare for the next level. We also dive into the mental side of college volleyball, handling pressure and expectations, and the reality of transitioning from club and high school volleyball into the college game. Betsy shares insight on: recruiting the person, not just the athlete what catches a coach’s attention during evaluation the difference between potential and consistency common recruiting mistakes athletes unintentionally make why exposure and fit both matter what college coaches are really looking for in highlight videos the mental transition from club volleyball to the college game how athletes can better prepare for the next level This conversation is full of perspective and practical takeaways for athletes, parents, and coaches navigating the recruiting process!
Betsy Freeburg on Perseverance, Leadership, and Becoming UAB’s Head Volleyball Coach
31 min
In Part 1 of our conversation with UAB Head Volleyball Coach Betsy Freeburg, we sit down inside her office at UAB to talk through her journey from player to Division I head coach. Betsy shares how she accidentally found volleyball, what led her to Florida, the adversity she faced early in her college career, and how those experiences ultimately shaped her into the coach and leader she is today. We also dive into: the reality of playing at a high level handling setbacks and delayed success identity outside of sports the transition from player to coach leading a program during the uncertainty of 2020 perspective shifts that changed the way she coaches today This conversation is honest, reflective, and full of insight for athletes, parents, and coaches alike. Join us next week as we continue the conversation!
Volleyball Recruiting Tips: What Athletes and Parents Need to Know with Alicia Krichev
38 min
This week we’re bringing back one of our most helpful conversations around the college recruiting process with United coach Alicia Krichev. If recruiting has ever felt confusing, overwhelming, or like you’re falling behind, this episode is for you. We talk through what the process actually looks like today, including timelines, the impact of the transfer portal, and why most athletes don’t hear from coaches right away. Alicia also shares how families can stay grounded through it all, what really matters to recruiters beyond stats, and how to support your athlete without adding pressure. Most importantly, this conversation is a reminder that every athlete’s path is different. There’s no one “right” timeline, and comparison will only take you out of your own journey. If you’re an athlete or parent navigating recruiting, this is one to come back to.
UNA Beach Volleyball | Head Coach Kaleb Vandeperre: The Mental Side Athletes Struggle With Most (Part 3)
37 min
In Part 3 of our conversation with UNA Beach Volleyball Head Coach Kaleb Vandeperre, we dive into the mental side of the game - and what truly holds athletes back from reaching their potential. From comparison and perfectionism to confidence and identity, this episode explores the internal battles athletes face and how to work through them. Coach Vandeperre shares honest insight on what he sees at the college level, how athletes can separate themselves mentally, and the importance of understanding who you are beyond your sport. We also get into: – Why comparison is one of the biggest traps in sports – The danger of perfectionism and hesitation – How to help quieter athletes find their voice – What college coaches wish athletes understood earlier – The role of identity in performance and confidence – Whether energy can actually be coached Plus, a rapid-fire segment packed with real, practical takeaways for athletes navigating their journey. If you’re an athlete (or parent) trying to better understand the mental side of performance and recruitment, this is a must-listen.
UNA Beach Volleyball | Head Coach Kaleb Vandeperre: Recruiting Truths & What Coaches Really Look For (Part 2)
35 min
In Part 2 of our conversation with UNA Beach Volleyball Head Coach Kaleb Vandeperre, we dive into the recruiting process, what actually matters to college coaches, and how athletes can better navigate the journey. From debunking common myths about beach volleyball opportunities to breaking down what separates athletes at the next level, this episode is packed with insight for players and parents alike. Coach Vandeperre shares how he evaluates athletes beyond just performance, why “joy” and mindset matter more than you think, and what athletes often get wrong when trying to get recruited. We also explore: – Beach vs. indoor skill translation – What coaches notice (and what they don’t) – How communication and partnership impact success in beach volleyball – The importance of honesty and alignment in the recruiting process If you're serious about playing at the next level - or just want a clearer understanding of what that path actually looks like, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Part 2 Highlights: The biggest myths about beach volleyball recruiting Why opportunities are more available than athletes think What coaches look for first The role of joy, resilience, and mindset in recruiting Honest conversations athletes need to have before committing Beach vs. indoor: what translates and what doesn’t The importance of communication in 2-person teams How great partners build confidence in each other
UNA Beach Volleyball | Head Coach Kaleb Vandeperre on Identity, Culture, and Performance (Part 1)
31 min
We recently took a little trip to the University of North Alabama and had the pleasure of speaking with UNA Beach Volleyball head coach Kaleb Vandeperre about the foundation of what it really means to be a college athlete. From an unconventional path into volleyball to building a competitive beach program at UNA, Coach Caleb shares his journey and the values that shape how he leads. We dive into the concept of “confident identity” - what it means, why it matters, and how it impacts performance far beyond the court. This conversation challenges the idea that results come first and instead explores how mindset, belief, and self-awareness create lasting growth. We also get a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a college beach volleyball athlete, including training, travel, recovery, and the demands that come with competing at the next level. Join us back next week to hear more! 📝 Show Notes What “confident identity” means and why it matters Why performance should come after identity, not before Helping athletes separate who they are from results What college beach volleyball actually looks like week to week Travel, training, and recovery at the college level Common misconceptions about beach volleyball
Looking Back with Merritt Beason (Part 2): Leadership, Confidence & the Mental Game
29 min
As our season continues and teams head into qualifiers, we’re revisiting Part 2 of our conversation with United Club Ambassador, Merritt Beason - now playing professionally with the Omaha Supernovas! In this episode, Merritt shifts the conversation from recruiting to what it actually takes to grow and sustain success at a high level. She also gives a real look into routines, preparation, and how she stays grounded - even in the biggest moments. She shares insight on: The mental side of the game and why it’s often overlooked What confidence actually looks like - and how to build it Learning how to advocate for yourself and “hold your space” What people don’t talk about when it comes to high-level athletes Why relationships and trust matter in high-pressure moments
Looking Back with Merritt Beason (Part 1): Recruiting, Identity & Finding Your Way
32 min
We’re in the middle of a busy stretch of the season - travel, qualifiers, and everything that comes with it. So this week, we’re revisiting a conversation that speaks to more than just performance. In Part 1 with United Club Ambassador Merritt Beason (now with the Omaha Supernovas), we talk about recruiting, pressure, identity, and what it looks like when success doesn’t always feel like success. Merritt shares her experience navigating the highs and lows of the game - and what it took to find her way back to loving it. If you’ve ever felt the weight of expectations, uncertainty in recruiting, or just the ups and downs of being an athlete, this one will resonate.
Aija Abele on Culture, Coaching, and the Work Athletes Don’t See (Part 2)
39 min
In Part 2 of our conversation with Aija, she shares what she thought coaching would be when she first started versus what the role has actually become two years in. From reflection and responsibility to fairness, team culture, and the mental side of performance, she offers a thoughtful look at the work coaches carry long after practice ends. We talk about what athletes often don’t realize coaches are thinking about, how to balance fairness with what a team needs in the moment, how to respond when energy drops, and what it really takes to build a unified culture when skill levels vary across a roster. This conversation also gets to the heart of what “Better Together” really means - not just as a club phrase, but as a way of leading, growing, and showing up for the people around you. In this episode, we cover: • What coaching actually is versus what Aija thought it would be • Why coaching is so much more mental and relational than most people realize • The reflection process coaches go through after practices and tournaments • Leading by example and asking athletes to do only what you’re willing to do yourself • Balancing fairness, kindness, momentum, and development • What players think coaches notice - and what coaches are actually watching • How to respond when a team’s energy drops • Building trust and culture across different personalities, ages, and skill levels
