Better Together

What do college coaches really look for during the recruiting process? In this special Better Together recruiting recap, we’re revisiting conversations with Tristan Johnson of UNA Indoor Volleyball, Kaleb VanDePerre of UNA Beach Volleyball, and Betsy Freeburg of UAB Volleyball to hear recruiting from the coaches’ side. From getting noticed and communicating with coaches to highlight film, grades, finding the right fit, and the qualities that matter beyond talent, these three coaches share insight every athlete and parent navigating the recruiting process should hear. Whether college volleyball is a future goal or recruiting is already underway, this episode is full of practical advice to help you approach the process with more confidence and intention.

In the final part of our conversation with United Programming Coordinator Celeste Walton, we're bringing her story home to United. Celeste shares what ultimately brought her back to Alabama, what stood out to her about United, and why our commitment to creating opportunities for athletes at every level made this feel like the right place for her. We also go behind the scenes of great programming and talk about what parents may not always see: the planning, adapting, problem-solving, and heart that go into creating an environment where athletes can learn, grow, and feel safe enough to make mistakes. Plus, Celeste shares what she's most excited to grow at United and what "Better Together" means to her, not only for athletes, but for coaches who are willing to learn from one another, share what they know, and continue raising the level of the game together. We're so excited to have Celeste as part of the United family and can't wait to see the impact she'll make in the gym this season!

In Part 2 of our conversation with United Programming Coordinator Celeste Walton, we're diving deeper into what it means to coach the athlete in front of you. Celeste and Korohen talk about the lessons that come with coaching athletes at every age, from learning patience and adaptability with younger players to keeping older athletes challenged, engaged, and connected to their role on a team. They also discuss navigating burnout, understanding that every role matters, and what it means to add value to your team whether you're on the court or supporting your teammates from the sideline. And finally, Celeste shares the coaching philosophy at the heart of how she wants to impact athletes: Elevate and Empower. Elevate who they are as people and players. Empower their confidence, their voices, and their ability to advocate for themselves. Because the impact of a great coach reaches far beyond the volleyball court.

We're excited to welcome a new face to the United family! In Part 1 of our conversation with United's new Programming Coordinator, Celeste Walton, we get to know the person behind the coach and hear about the volleyball journey that ultimately brought her to United. Celeste shares how she first fell in love with the game, her experience playing multiple positions and competing at the collegiate level, and the coaches who helped shape the way she approaches athletes today. She also opens up about discovering her own calling to coach and why developing the next generation of young women means so much to her. Plus, Celeste and Korohen talk about finding your voice, where confidence really comes from, and why putting in the work can give athletes the confidence to make mistakes, learn from them, and keep growing. We're thankful to have Celeste as part of United and can't wait for you to get to know her. In This Episode How Celeste first discovered volleyball Going from libero to middle and eventually playing nearly every position How club volleyball fueled her love for the game The coaches who took the time to teach, challenge, and believe in her Celeste's collegiate volleyball experience How volleyball helped Celeste come out of her shell and find her voice Why great coaching requires finding different ways to reach different athletes The connection between preparation, repetition, and confidence Why doing the work can give athletes the confidence to make mistakes Helping young athletes explore their limits instead of fearing failure Featured Guest Celeste Walton Programming Coordinator, United Volleyball Presented By Huntsville Hair Company , the official sponsor of the Better Together podcast.

As athletes prepare for a new season, we're continuing our look back at one of our most valuable conversations with registered dietitian Alyssum Reno-Smith . In Part 2, Alyssum gets practical about what fueling can actually look like during a busy tournament weekend — from early morning matches and long days at the convention center to traveling, limited recovery time, and making sure athletes have what they need in their bags. We also talk about recognizing the signs of under-fueling, building healthy habits without creating restriction or fear around food, navigating nutrition misinformation on social media, and helping young athletes take ownership of their fueling as they grow. In this episode, we discuss: How to plan nutrition around multi-day tournament weekends What athletes should eat before, during, and after competition Simple foods and snacks to keep on hand while traveling How to prepare for early morning matches and limited recovery time Why planning ahead can make tournament nutrition much easier Signs that an athlete may be under-fueling How parents can support healthy eating without becoming overly restrictive Helping athletes develop a positive relationship with food Whether different volleyball positions have different nutritional needs Why hydration should be proactive, not just based on thirst How to make small, sustainable changes to everyday nutrition How to identify nutrition misinformation and social media red flags Common nutrition myths about carbs, fruit, protein bars, and pre-match eating Why consistency matters more than perfection when it comes to fueling Whether you're an athlete, parent, or coach, this conversation is full of practical reminders about preparing, fueling, hydrating, and supporting athletes in a way that helps them perform — both on the court and beyond it. If you missed Part 1, be sure to go back and listen to the first half of our conversation with Alyssum for even more on the connection between nutrition, focus, energy, and performance.

As athletes head back into the gym and prepare for a new season, we're looking back on one of our most valuable conversations. In this archived episode, registered dietitian Alyssum Reno-Smith joins us to discuss the powerful connection between nutrition and athletic performance. From brain function and decision making to hydration, anxiety, and sustained energy, Alyssum explains why what athletes eat before and during competition matters just as much as what they do in practice. Whether you're listening for the first time or revisiting this conversation, the information is just as relevant today as it was when we first released it. In this episode, we discuss: Why under-fueling can increase anxiety, shakiness, and mental mistakes How nutrition supports the nervous system, focus, and confidence Why carbohydrates are the brain's primary fuel The truth about energy drinks and pre-competition fueling Smart snack ideas for tournaments and long training days Why skipping meals before competition can hurt performance How hydration affects decision making and reaction time Common fueling misconceptions among athletes and parents Simple nutrition habits that support more consistent performance Whether you're an athlete, parent, or coach, this conversation is packed with practical, evidence-based advice to help athletes perform at their best. Be sure to join us next week as we revisit Part 2 of our conversation with Alyssum.

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"

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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!

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!

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.