The USA Volleyball Show

In this special episode, we welcome back U.S. Beach National Team members, Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss (21:21 - 1:16:50)! We catch up with TKN since we last spoke with them and congratulate them on officially punching their tickets to represent USA at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. We also talk about what they're doing now to prepare for the Olympics, we learn about their annual charity event, they share why they love their partnership with Zenni Optical and so much more!   

Presented by Zenni Optical https://www.zennioptical.com/ 

Text us!

In episode 95, we sit down with USA Volleyball's Beach Development National Team Head Coach Scott Davenport (11:30 - 1:01:40). Scott talks about his background as a player and coach, shares his coaching philosophy, and reflects on the goals he has working with the U.S. A2 beach teams. He also gives us a sneak peak into the beach competition at the Paris Olympic Games. Scott shares a lot of great insights. Enjoy!

Text us!

In episode 94, we talk volleyball and broadcasting with host, analyst and sports broadcaster Emily Ehman (10:12 - 1:18:49)! She is all over the volleyball scene: Athletes Unlimited, Big Ten Network, ESPN, Fox Sports, Pro Volleyball Federation to name a few. She is currently calling matches for Volleyball World at Volleyball Nations League. She shares her thoughts on the U.S. Women's roster for Paris and highlights what's been happening at VNL. She dives into her background including why she wanted to go into broadcasting. She also gives some great advice to the next generation of women who want a career in sports. It's such a fun look behind the scenes from Emily's point of view. Enjoy! 


If you have a question for Emily, visit: https://www.emilyehman.com/contact

Text us!

In this episode of The USA Volleyball Show, Stephen is flying solo as Clarence is in Columbus for Open National Championship. Stephen and guest host Sevrin Lavenstein then talked to U.S. Beach National Team athlete Theo Brunner (7:49 - 56:08). Theo shares all about his background from how he got into volleyball and how he was introduced to the national team. He talks about past partners and what goes into being a great beach partner. Finally, we get into the current Olympic race and so much more.

Text us!

In episode 92 of The USA Volleyball Show, Clarence and Stephen catch up ahead of the USA Volleyball Open National Championship. Then, they sit down with four-time Paralympic medalist and U.S. Women's Sitting National Team opposite Heather Erickson (15:52 - 1:31:49). Heather shares stories her introduction to the game and to the sitting national team. She talks about her Paralympic experiences, including her first when she was 15 years old. She also lets us know what it would mean to her to become a five-time Paralympian this year in Paris and so much more!

Text us!

In episode 91 of The USA Volleyball Show, Clarence and Stephen catch up after their trip to Baltimore for Girls 18s Junior National Championship. Then, they sit down with volleyball emcee Rob Espero, aka Rob on the Mic (13:56 - 1:19:31). Rob is the announcer for several USA Volleyball national team and beach events as well as AVP and NCAA men's events. He's also the host of The Viral Volley Podcast. Rob talks about his background in volleyball and beach volleyball, and shares his announcing experiences. Plus, he previews the NCAA Men's Volleyball and Beach National Championships. 

Text us!

In episode 90, we are celebrating three years of The USA Volleyball Show! Stephen is BACK and reunited with Clarence after being out on parental leave. They catch up and welcome on the Jungle Cat, U.S. Men's National Team middle blocker, Jeff Jendryk (16:25 - 1:16:39). Jeff shares his journey in volleyball from starting out to the National Team. He also chats about giving back to the next generation of volleyball players through his platform, "Middle Beast Academy" and so much more. You'll want to rise and listen to this great conversation.

Check out Middle Beast Academy: https://www.middlebeastacademy.com/

Text us!

In this episode, Clarence welcomes back guest host Curtis Ward while Stephen is out on family leave. They sit down with Paralympian and U.S. Men's Sitting Team member James Stuck (7:44 - 1:07:25). Stuck and the team are in China this week at the final qualification tournament for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. James talks about serving in the Army, how he was introduce to sitting volleyball and his Paralympic experience in Rio. James also shares what it will take to earn a spot to the 2024 Paris Paralympics and so much more! James is great and so is our conversation!  

Text us!

In this episode, Clarence welcomes back guest host Sevrin Lavenstein while Stephen is out on Family Leave. They sit down with beach volleyball world champion and U.S. Beach National Team athlete, Sara Hughes (9:50 - 47:18). Sara talks about her beach volleyball journey including her early partnership with Justine Wong-Orantes, her reunion with Kelly Cheng and her hopes for the Olympic season. Sara shares what it would mean to her to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games. We also hear about peppering with Snoop Dogg and so much more! This is a great episode that you won't want to miss! 

Text us!

In this episode, Clarence welcomes back USA Volleyball Communications Manager B.J. Hoeptner Evans as guest host. They sit down with Olympic gold medalist and U.S. Women's National Team libero Justine Wong-Orantes (7:11 - 40:57). Justine shares how she was introduced to the game and about how her experience with disappointment drove her to be a better player. Other topics including playing Germany, and how excited she is to play for League One Volleyball (LOVB) Omaha team starting in November 2024. This is such an awesome conversation with Justine, enjoy!

Text us!

In this SPECIAL episode, Clarence and Stephen are BACK together LIVE(ish) from the 2024 Women's National Team Open Program from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. They welcome back our first three-peat podcast guest, three-time Olympian, Tokyo gold medalist and U.S. Women's National Team outside hitter Jordan Larson (6:43 - 16:13). Jordan talks about preparing for the 2024 season, visiting the Women's National Team Open Program, some goals for this season and more. Enjoy this special episode!

Text us!

In this episode, we have guest host Sevrin Lavenstein joining Clarence and they sit down with the current top U.S. Beach National Team men's pair, Andy Benesh and Miles Partain (11:27 - 1:04:32). We get an in-depth look at this awesome beach team. We learn about how Andy and Miles became a team, how they were introduced to the National Team and what they do and are eating on a cheat day. They chat about the 2023 season, their goals for 2024, what it would mean to qualify for the Olympics and so much more! It was a treat to sit down with these two and learn more about them. We can't wait to see them back out on the sand this season! Enjoy!

Text us!

In this episode, we put the lid on the 2023 AVCA in Tampa with two-time Olympic medalist and former U.S. Women's National Team setter Courtney Thompson. (6:39 - 38:36). Courtney talks about her role at AVCA and shares some of her interests off-court. She looks back on her Olympic experience and talks about her involvement with League One Volleyball, or LOVB (pronounced "love"), emphasizing the importance of U.S. athletes competing professionally on home soil. Courtney is awesome and FULL of energy. Sit back and enjoy this episode. You're going to LOVB it (see what we did there?)!

Text us!

In this episode, we continue our conversations from 2023 AVCA in Tampa with a chat with Hazel Goldstein, Excelsior Empire Region Commissioner and former director of Whoosh Volleyball Club. (7:57 - 42:55). Hazel shares about her vast background in volleyball and in the region, as well as her current role as commissioner. She talks about the recent change to the region name, some of the region's successes, and her retirement plans. This is such a fun look behind the scenes in volleyball that you won't want to miss. 

Text us!

In this episode, we share our conversation from our USA Volleyball booth at the 2023 AVCA Convention in Tampa. Clarence and Stephen welcome Olympic gold medalist and U.S. Women's National Team setter, Jordyn Poulter. (8:18 - 57:44). Jordyn shares some of her personal interests including music; talks about recovery from her knee injury; looks ahead to the Paris Games; discusses being a part of League One Volleyball and so much more! Enjoy this conversation with Jordyn, it's a good one! 

Text us!

In this episode, we're coming to you LIVE(ish) from Tampa at the 2023 AVCA Convention Podcast Theater. Clarence and Stephen welcome Nickie Sanlin, who is the head men's coach, former women's head coach and assistant athletic director and director of volleyball at McKendree University. (1:19 - 59:16). Nickie talks about her background in volleyball from playing to coaching. Then, she shares the difficulties she had breaking into the men's volleyball coaching game, how she persevered, and so much more! We could have chatted with Nickie for another few hours. This was such an awesome conversation, enjoy! 

Text us!

In this episode, we have a volleyball pioneer on the show! Clarence and Stephen welcome 1968 Olympian, former U.S. Women's National Team athlete, and author Laurie Lewis Havel (13:20 - 1:15:58). We learn about Laurie's background including what it was like growing up in California and the early days of the beach volleyball boom. She also talks about her new book, "My Unusual Life," which is available at Barnes and Noble and Amazon, an autobiography that chronicles a determined spirit with twists and turns. In her book, she goes into her experience at the Olympic Games, working for Architectural Digest magazine, meeting many celebrities, her time of healing after an abusive marriage, then finding love again in a decades-long marriage filled with humor and happiness, and so much more! Grab your popcorn because this pioneer has some stories to share.

Buy your copy of 'My Unusual Life' at Barnes and Noble or on Amazon now! https://www.amazon.com/Unusual-Life-Laurie-Lewis-Havel/dp/1916770568/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1BJRN27AXLR7K&keywords=my+unusual+life+laurie+havel&qid=1702408325&sprefix=my+unusal+li%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-1

Text us!

In this episode, after Clarence and Stephen share their picks for the NCAA Division I Volleyball Championship, they welcome U.S. Women's National Team assistant coach and UCLA women's head coach Alfee Reft (16:37 - 1:16:53). Alfee takes us through his volleyball journey from his time playing on the U.S. Men's National Team to how he got into coaching. He also talks about his first season as head coach at UCLA, excitement looking ahead to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, his go-to karaoke songs and so much more! Don't miss this. Alfee is awesome and so is his episode!

Text us!

Worth every minute! In our longest episode yet, Clarence and Stephen welcome on U.S. Men's National Team middle blocker Taylor Averill (11:07 - 1:52:22). Taylor shares his often-difficult volleyball journey and how he's matured as a person. While talking about his own podcast, "The Tallest Podcast on Earth," he discusses the importance of mental health and honest conversations. He also reflects on his summer with Team USA, helping earn the U.S. a berth to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and so much more! This is a deep dive into Taylor's personal and professional path, and you don't want to miss it!

Text us!

In this episode, Clarence and Stephen are back in studio together. After catching up with each other they sit down with U.S. Women's National Team and University of Texas middle blocker, Asjia O'Neal (12:29 - 1:03:42). We learn about Asjia's background, her journey through two heart surgeries, winning the NCAA National Championship last year with Texas, her summer with the U.S. Women's National Team, and so much more! You'll want to tune in for this one!

Text us!

In this episode, Stephen flying solo as Clarence is busy in meetings prepping for the upcoming volleyball season. Stephen sits down with USA Volleyball's Sitting Volleyball Director and the U.S. Women's Sitting National Team head coach, Bill Hamiter (5:40 - 1:21:48). Bill talks about his vast background in volleyball, sitting volleyball, coaching and the impact he's made in volleyball in Oklahoma, Bill talks about the U.S. Women's Sitting National Team ahead of the World Cup, his Paralympic experiences, his hobbies and so much more! You're not going to want to miss this one!

For more information on sitting volleyball, visit: https://usavolleyball.org/play/about-sitting-volleyball/

Text us!

In this episode, Stephen makes his return from parental leave. He and Clarence catch up with each other, and Stephen shares stories about being a new dad, including already watching the Men's National Team with his son. Then, they sit down with volleyball coach, strength trainer, jump trainer, YouTuber, motivational speaker and Elevate Yourself founder, Donny Hui aka Coach Donny (12:58 - 1:23:55). Coach Donny talks about his background and shares some of the hurdles he's overcome that have shaped him and helped get him to where he is today. He also focuses on his company, Elevate Yourself, and what it means to inspire and teach young people. Grab your favorite beverage and snack, and settle in for this episode, because it's a good one!

Am I Too Short To Play Volleyball? - USA Volleyball

Text us!

In this episode, Clarence welcomes guest host and USA Volleyball's Digital Media and Content Coordinator, Sevrin Lavenstein to the show. Then, they sit down with U.S. Beach National Team pair TKN, Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss (8:54 - 59:32). They share their experiences on the FIVB Beach Pro Tour and the AVP Tour, and talk about everything that went into transitioning from indoor to beach. They also go into their friendship and sisterhood, talk about what goes into a good beach partner and so much more. This is such a great conversation and one you won't want to miss!

Text us!

In this episode, Clarence welcomes guest host and USA Volleyball's Communications Manager B.J. Hoeptner Evans to the show. Then, they sit down with four-time Olympian and two-time Olympic medalist Reid Priddy (8:21 - 1:16:55). Reid shares stories from his Olympic experiences as well as chats about his time on the indoor and beach national teams, and he talks about his newest venture, In Sand. If you're a longtime volleyball fan, you don't want to miss some of the stories he has to share!

Text us!

In this episode, Clarence is flying solo for this episode as Stephen is out for a few weeks while on parental leave. Listen to our chat with Olympic gold medalist and U.S. Women's National Team setter Micha Hancock (6:34 - 52:05). Micha gets into some of her memories from her USA Volleyball club days, chats about her time at the Tokyo Olympics, and fills us in on living overseas in Italy. 

Text us!

In this episode, Clarence and Stephen catch up for Stephen's last full episode of the podcast for a few weeks while he's out on parental leave. Then, we're getting back on the region side of things. They welcome Florida Region Executive Director and President Steve Bishop (10:40 - 1:00:33) to the show. They chat about his background in volleyball, his upcoming motorcycle trip and learn more about volleyball in the Florida Region. Then, they take a deep dive into the history and success of the All-Star Championship. 

Text us!

In this episode, Clarence and Stephen are together IN PERSON and catch up. Then, for this special LIVE(ish) episode from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, they welcome Girls U19 National Team head coach Jamie Morrison, Girls U19 National Team athlete Abby Vander Wal, Boys U19 National Team head coach Charlie Sullivan, and Boys U19 National Team athlete Sean Kelly (7:48 - 1:10:08). They get to know them, chat with them about the teams, what they're looking forward to as they train for the 2023 FIVB World Championships next week and so much more!

Text us!

In this episode, we recap our time at the 2023 Girls Junior National Championship 14-17s and the 2023 Boys Junior National Championship. Then we welcome 1992 Olympic bronze medalist and USA Volleyball Hall of Famer, Liane Sato (10:52 - 52:32). Liane is a former U.S. Women's National Team athlete who competed in both the 1988 and 1992 Olympic Games. Liane chats about her background in volleyball, growing up in and around the game, competing for Team USA, her current role as a teacher and coach and much more!

Text us!

In this episode, Clarence and Stephen chat about the 2023 Girls Junior National Championship 11-13s in Minneapolis, including seeing Stephen's doppelgänger and how they'll both be heading to Chicago for the 2023 Girls Junior National Championship 14-17s. Then they welcome on Olympic City, Colorado Springs native and U.S. Men's National Team outside hitter Cody Kessel (12:06 - 55:02). Cody talks about his background and how he got started in volleyball, he chats about his book, his recent engagement to his fiancé, what it means to put on a USA jersey, how the team is doing currently while in VNL and so much more!

Show Notes:

Cody's link page: https://linkr.bio/codykessel

Cody's Book 11 Ways to Get an Edge ($23): 

https://codykessel11.gumroad.com/l/codykessel11 

Use Discount Code: champions for 33% off

 Cody's Thesis: (free) https://codykessel11.gumroad.com/l/volleyballhistory?layout=profile

Cody's Newsletter/Blog: https://codykessel.substack.com/ 

Text us!

In this episode, Clarence and Stephen chat about the successful 2023 Open National Championship. But that's just the warmup for this big episode, as they welcome back three-time Olympian, Tokyo gold medalist and U.S. Women's National Team outside hitter Jordan Larson (12:35 - 1:03:28). Jordan talks about being back in the USA gym, shares her Olympic experiences from Tokyo and winning gold, and discuss this year's Volleyball Nations League.

Text us!

 In this episode, Clarence and Stephen kick off the episode by talking about sports highlights, including the U.S. Women's Sitting Team and the Denver Nuggets. Then they sit down with Class of 2023 USA Volleyball Hall of Fame inductee and Olympic gold medalist Ryan Millar (13:37 - 1:10:25). Ryan talks about his career and what got him interested in volleyball. He talks about his time on the U.S. Men's National Team including some stories from his past Olympic Games, what he's been doing since he retired and so much more! 

Text us!

In this episode, Clarence and Stephen kick off the episode talking about what they've been up to including Stephen's Babymoon trip to the beach. Then they sit down with Class of 2023 USA Volleyball Hall of Fame Harold T. Friermood "Frier" Award winner and Olympic gold medalist Scott Fortune (13:56 - 1:14:59). Scott shares all about his career and what got him interested in volleyball. He chats about his time on the U.S. Men's National Team along with many stories from his past Olympic Games, how he's stayed involved in the volleyball world after retiring and so much more! 

Text us!

In this episode, Clarence and Stephen catch up with one another before they travel again. Then they welcome Paralympic gold medalist and U.S. Women's Sitting National Team outside hitter and opposite, Whitney Dosty (13:58 - 1:16:46). They chat about how Whitney was introduced to the game, her background in ballet and how that's helped her volleyball game, the team winning gold in Tokyo, being inducted into the University of Arizona "Ring of Honor" and so much more! 

Text us!

In this episode, we're celebrating TWO YEARS of The USA Volleyball Show! Clarence and Stephen reminisce about everything over the last year and what has been accomplished. Then, U.S. Beach National Team athlete and three-time Manhattan Beach Open champion Trevor Crabb (16:37 - 57:19) joins us ahead of a couple FIVB Beach Pro Tour stops. Trevor talks about his background and the many different connections to the game he has in Hawaii, and he shares thoughts on what makes a good beach partner, his hobbies outside of volleyball, some of his goals for this season and much, much more! 

Text us!

In this episode, Clarence and Stephen catch up as the event season is underway. Then, four-time Paralympian and U.S. Men's Sitting National Team outside hitter Chris Seilkop (9:48 - 1:09:35) sits down with us ahead of the team's exhibition against Canada at the 2023 Lone Star Classic. Chris gives us his fitness regiment, talks about working with the YMCA, he talks about when he had to pay a ransom to get his prosthetic leg back at the Paralympics and so much more! 

Text us!

In this episode, Clarence and Stephen catchup with one another. Then, U.S. Women's National Team libero, Morgan Hentz sits down with us at the 2023 U.S. Women's National Team Open Program (8:07-35:50). Morgan talks about how she was introduced to the game, some of her experiences playing professionally both overseas and in the U.S. with Athletes Unlimited, she talks about her college expereince at Stanford, her family and much, much more!

Text us!

In this episode, Clarence and Stephen catch up as the event and travel season has started for them. Then they wrap-up their interviews recorded live at the 2022 AVCA Convention to focus on the important topic of LGBTQ+ inclusion in volleyball. They sit down with former pro volleyball player, Equality Coaching Alliance member and Headstrong Mindset LLC founder Brooke Rundle as well as DePaul University women's head coach, Marie Zidek (8:36 - 1:06:15). They discuss their involvement in the Equality Coaching Alliance, the important work they're doing to support the LGBTQ+ volleyball community, and how everyone can create a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ athletes and coaches.

Text us!

In this episode, we're wrapping up region commissioner month with Clarence and Stephen sitting down with Gateway Region Volleyball Commissioner Steve Mueth (6:26 - 38:58) back at 2022 AVCA. They talk about Steve's background in volleyball and as a coach, what Steve does as Gateway Region Commissioner, what the Gateway Region is doing to grow the game and the officials pool, how to register to play volleyball in the Gateway Region, and so much more!

Text us!

In this episode, region month continues with Clarence and Stephen sitting down with Badger Region Volleyball Association Region Commissioner, Jen Armson-Dyer (8:02 - 41:54) back at 2022 AVCA. They talk about Jen's background in volleyball and as the former SID at Penn State, what Jen does as Badger Region Commissioner, how to get involved with volleyball off the court and so much more!

Text us!

In this episode, Clarence and Stephen sit down with Columbia Empire Volleyball Association Region Commissioner Cody March (13:35 - 35:26). They talk about Cody's background, what Cody does as a commissioner, grassroots volleyball, how CEVA is growing the game in their region, getting more officials and much, much more!

Text us!

In this episode, Clarence and Stephen sit down with U.S. Women's Sitting National Team assistant coach and Beach ParaVolley program administrator, Michelle Goodall (6:39 - 44:07). They talk about Michelle's background in volleyball and coaching, talk about why Michelle is in Colorado Springs, the U.S. Women's Sitting National Team and their 2023 season and so much more!

Text us!

In this episode, Clarence and Stephen recorded LIVE from the 2022 AVCA Convention in Omaha at the USA Volleyball booth. They sit down with NIL Network founder, San Diego State NIL coordinator and former USA Volleyball Beach High Performance coordinator, Michelle Meyer (16:58 - 44:52). They talk about all things NIL, from what is NIL to how college athletes are affected by it. They also chat about Michelle's background in volleyball and so much more!

Text us!

In this episode, Clarence and Stephen recorded LIVE from the 2022 AVCA Convention Podcast Center in  Omaha . They sit down with U.S. Women’s National Team assistant coach, Tama Miyashiro (1:40 - 46:30). They talk about what Tama was doing at the AVCA Convention, the Tokyo Games and the historic gold medal win, how Tama got introduced to the game, how she got into coaching, goals for the U.S. Women’s National Team looking toward Paris and so much more!

Text us!

In this episode, Clarence and Stephen are LIVE in Omaha at the 2022 AVCA Convention. They chat about their journey to Omaha and their plans for the week at the convention and the NCAA Championships. Then, they sit down with U.S. Men's National Team and UCLA men's head coach, John Speraw (00:00 - 00:00). They discuss John's introduction to the game, fatherhood and the 2022 National Team season before looking ahead to 2023, the UCLA season, First Point Volleyball Foundation, growing the men's game and so much more!

Text us!

Finishing off the two-part episode focusing on USA Volleyball officials, Clarence and Stephen sit down with USA Volleyball official and USA Volleyball announcer, Shawn Davis (10:55 - 1:21:23). They talk about Shawn's background in volleyball, how he got into officiating, a great lesson he learned early on, the benefits of becoming an official, and much more!

Text us!

In part one of this special two-part episode focusing on USA Volleyball officials, Clarence and Stephen sit down with former collegiate and professional volleyball player and USAV official Jenn Kay Vander Meer (3:45 - 39:57). They chat about her background in volleyball, officiating, the benefits of becoming an official, how working as an official has helped her see the game from a different perspective, and so much more!

Text us!

In this MILESTONE 50th episode, Clarence and Stephen celebrate 50 episodes of hosting the show, they catch up a little and talk about their Thanksgiving meal traditions. Then they sit down with two-time Olympian and Olympic bronze medalist, Kawika Shoji (11:49 - 1:23:59)! They talk about Kawika's recent retirement, his incredible career, playing on the same team as his brother and much, much more!

Text us!

In this episode, Clarence and Stephen are going off schedule to release this special 2022 WPV Sitting World Championship Preview episode. Two-time Paralympian and U.S. Men's Sitting National Team athlete Eric Dude (12:02 - 43:34) joins to discuss the men's team goals for World Championship, talks about his current internship with Deloitte, coaching club again, and more. Then two-time Paralympic gold medalist and U.S. Women's National Team setter/libero Lexi Shifflett-Patterson (46:10 - 1:16:36) joins and talks about the goals for the women's team goals for the World Championship, winning back-to-back Paralympic gold medals, getting married and so much more!

Text us!

In this episode, Clarence and Stephen catch up, talk growth with the podcast, how time moves so fast, and getting into the fall festivities with their Halloween plans. Then they sit down with former USA Volleyball director of sport development, the one and only John Kessel (9:02 - 1:30:22). John talks about his coaching philosophy, gives some real life example coaching tips, shares his ideas about the growth of the game, how he "coaches coaches" and so much more!

Text us!

In this SPECIAL episode, Clarence and Stephen are recording LIVE from the Tattered Book Store in Denver. They are "crashing" founder and president of RealTime Performance and author Sean P. Murray's book signing event for "If Gold is Our Destiny." (6:22 - 1:28:27). Sean is joined by 1984 U.S. Men's National Team head coach and former USA Volleyball CEO Doug Beal and 1984 U.S. Men's National Team captain and current play-by-play commentator for the Denver Nuggets Chris Marlowe. They talk about the challenges leading up to the 1984 Olympic gold medal win and dig deep into some of the stories from the book.

Text us!