In Episode 27, Chuck and Brian discuss TNT's summer programs and which one is right for you! We look ahead to AAU Nationals and discuss the upcoming summer tryouts as next season quickly approaches. In addition, Chuck and Brian discuss some current events in the crazy world of Philadelphia club volleyball and provide some advice on what to look for when trying to decide which clubs to try out for.

The final episode of season 1 ends with a overview and recap of the highly-successful Play4Abbey yearly charity event held recently. If you are not familiar with Abbey's story and how it has brought about positive changes, you should not miss this episode.

Segment 1: (0:00 - 14:22)

• Summer in the Armory
• Outdoor Evenings at Penbryn
• Plans for More Experienced Players
• Availability of Small Group / Individual Private Lessons
• Upcoming Outdoor Tournament Series in Doylestown

Segment 2 (14:53 - 36:41)

• TNT Teams at AAU Nationals
• Tips for Families Attending Nationals for the First Time
• Issues Encountered by the Club Getting Nationals Teams to the Finish Line
• Upcoming Tryouts and TNT's Plans for Them
• Importance of Registering Early for Tryouts and Attending Open Gyms
• TNT's Improvements to the Tryout Process
• Expectations and Reasons for Higher Player Turnout at Tryouts

Segment 3 (37:13 - 63:00)

• Recent Local Happenings in the Club Volleyball World
• What Families Should Look For in a Club
• A Discussion of What TNT Offers for Players and Families With Regard to Facilities, Coaching, and Levels of Play
• Additional Benefits of Membership at TNT
• Club Efforts to Continue to Improve Our Practice
• Soliciting and Implementing Feedback Received from Families
• Addressing Concerns When They Arise and a Sample Scenario

Segment 4 (63:50 - 72:46)

• Thanks for Those Who Worked on Play4Abbey
• How the Event Came to Be
• The Abbey's Bakery Charity and the Importance of Openly Discussing Mental Health Concerns
• Local Businesses Who Helped Support the Event
• How the Event Benefits Others
• Wrap-Up and Words from Abbey's Father Delivered at the Play4Abbey Event

In episode 26, Chuck and Brian welcome four of the club's female coaches, Casey Jenkins, Amber Wood, Kira Campbell, and Sue Rose to the podcast for our "Ladies' Night" episode to share their experiences as players, coaches, parents, and maternal figures within the volleyball community.

This episode highlights topics such as the variety of experiences and perspectives that female coaches bring to the volleyball community, challenges that female coaches face, and the importance of female representation in the coaching ranks.

Segment 1: (0:00 - 24:24)

• Intro of guests
• Challenges and rewards of coaching one's own children vs. other players
• How differing coaching styles are based on one's personality
• Adapting between different levels of coaching from youth to college
• Effective communication between coaches and parents to avoid misunderstandings

Segment 2 (24:40 - 52:50)

• Interesting statistics about gender representation in coaching
• Discussion on the positive impact of female coaches on teen athletes
• Exploration of barriers such as stererotypes that prevent more women from becoming coaches
• Testimonials on the importance of leadership roles from women
• Team dynamics and having coaches of both genders
• Personal experiences and challenges regarding work-life balance
• Inspiring girls / young women to become coaches
• How increased media visibility is shifting narratives and aspirations regarding women in sports

Segment 3 (53:07 - 81:33)

• Personal stories of success as well as challenges
• Coaching advice that transcends gender and finding the right coach for each young person
• Reflections and lessons on how sports help teach multiple life skills that assist with personal development and forming of interpersonal relationships --- such as self-reflection, resilience, and adaptation
• The important role coaches have in guiding young athletes beyond wins and losses
• Upcoming programs at TNT including our Play4Abbey charity event, 2025-2026 tryouts, and developmental Summer programs

We're hitting the mid-season mark, and it's time to check in with the minds behind the game. In this special roundtable episode, we sit down with TNT Coaches, Players and Directors to break down the highs, lows, and surprises of the season so far.

We’re talking team development, tactical adjustments, what players are learning, and how coaches are keeping their squads focused for the stretch run. Expect honest insights, behind-the-scenes strategy, and plenty of volleyball wisdom.

Whether you're a player, coach, or just a fan of the game, this episode gives you a front-row seat to how TNT insiders navigate the grind of the season.

Segment 1: (0:00 - 26:00)

In this segment, we meet Coaches Andrew Lee and Jordan Robinson. Topics covered are the critical points they are emphasizing with players:

• Balancing the desire to push players yet also avoid player burnout,
• Achievling player development through high level competition,
• Rewarding and challenging aspects of coaching so far, and
• How building culture and setting standards helps to maximize player and team achievements.

Segment 2: (26:00 - 32:04)

Segment 2 features players Harper, Abby, and Pilar who popped in before their team practices to share some player perspectives on their journey so far this season with their teams.

Topics covered regarding the player experience so far this season include:

• How players try to support each other on and off the court,
• Dealing with the emotional aspects of the game when facing adversity,
• What they feel are the best ways for coaches to motivate players during the difficult times,
• Challenges they've faced,
• Areas of their game they feel have improved the most, and
• Favorite memories so far from this year's club experience.

Segment 3:

Part 1 (32:04 - 52:20)

Coach Dave Noll joins the discussion before the start of his team's practice as the segment begins. Topics covered with Dave include:

• How to develop team chemistry and the importance of that in the overall team concept,
• Keeping the players motivated during challenging times,
• Fostering a positive team culture, and strategies for doing so.

Next, Andrew, Jordan, and Dave have a routndtable discussion on:

• How they each approach communication with players and families in club volleyball and
• How that differs vs. other volleyball experiences (high school, college, etc.).
• The role of a floating coach and a succesful head coach / assistant coach dynamic
• How players rise to leadership roles within their teams.

Part 2 (52:20 - 94:00) Coach Sam Moyerman offers his perspective on the ongoing discussion of how leaders rise to those roles on his teams.

Andrew, Jordan, and Sam continue the roundtable discussion on:

• The need for accountability on a team and how that takes place on the teams they coach,
• Helping players to become more responsible and self-aware off the court
• Philosophies on (and the importance of) establishing rules and consequences along with routines.
• How to encourage athletes to reflect more on their personal goals vs. a team's wins
• Promoting awareness within a team of individual player goals and intangibles that appeal to coaches at the next level.

This segment ends discussion of the biggest learning moments these coaches have personally experienced in their time as coaches, along with how they personally stay focused and energized throughout the season.

Segment 4: (94:00 - 117:44)

In the final segment Chuck puts on the "Club Director hat" to discuss the season so far from an administrative perspective. Topics discussed include:

• TNT's growth and new initiatives this season,
• The most significant challenges that have popped up and how they've been addressed,
• Establishing and maintaining effective communication among all stakeholders in the club,
• The effectiveness of the new training programs that have been put in place, and
• How to maintain the club culture and expectations of a growing club.

We end the episode discussing the logistical challenges for the club as well as the future plans for club, as well as the upcoming program offerings here at TNT, including summer tryouts and open gyms.