In this conversation, Tony Gaetan shares his journey from a promising baseball career in Puerto Rico to becoming a dedicated volleyball coach in Houston. He discusses the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way, emphasizing the importance of life lessons, empathy, and building strong relationships with players. Tony reflects on the growth of volleyball in Puerto Rico, the impact of Hurricane Maria, and the significance of mental health awareness in sports. He concludes with aspirations for the future and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of athletes.

Takeaways

Tony's transition from baseball to volleyball was influenced by his mother's insistence on education.
The growth of volleyball in Puerto Rico has been significant, with passionate fans and players.
Coaching is not just about the sport; it's about mentoring and teaching life skills.
Empathy is crucial in coaching, helping to build strong relationships with players.
Antonio emphasizes the importance of learning from losses rather than focusing on winning.
The impact of Hurricane Maria on sports facilities in Puerto Rico was devastating but has led to resilience.
Building a supportive community around athletes is essential for their development.
Mental health awareness in sports is a growing concern that needs to be addressed.
Tony's coaching philosophy includes teaching players about responsibility and consequences.
The bond between a coach and their players can last a lifetime, impacting their lives beyond sports.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Antonio Gaetan
04:16 Transition from Baseball to Volleyball
10:38 The Growth of Volleyball in Puerto Rico
15:19 Coaching Journey and Experiences
16:33 Coaching Journey and Challenges
18:23 Building Connections and Team Spirit
20:50 The Impact of Coaching on Life
26:01 Empathy in Coaching
28:58 The Importance of Mental Health Awareness
33:14 Future Aspirations in Coaching
34:13 The Role of Respect in Coaching
36:29 Navigating Coach-Athlete Relationships
38:02 Cultural Connections Through Food
39:27 The Future of Youth Sports
45:11 Building a Legacy in Coaching

Support the show

Instagram
instagram.com/setthepipe

TikTok
x.com/SETTHEPIPE

Spotify
open.spotify.com/show/6vzpcOYw2BKWMgaR5kKWOw

Spotify
...

In this episode, Teagan Sullivan shares her journey as a young athlete balancing dual sports in college, her involvement in fundraising for St. Jude's Hospital, and the importance of mental health in sports. Teagan discusses her athletic background, family dynamics, and aspirations for the future, emphasizing the significance of support systems and personal growth in her athletic career.
takeaways
Teagan is participating in the Dunlap to St. Jude Peoria run to raise funds for cancer research.
Team Tessa was established in memory of Teagan's friend who passed away from cancer.
Teagan chose track over volleyball for the opportunity to compete at a higher level.
She is majoring in psychology with a minor in sports psychology.
Teagan journals daily to track her feelings and performance.
She emphasizes the importance of mental health in sports and has been working with a sports psychologist.
Teagan enjoys the camaraderie and support of her college volleyball team.
She is excited about the upcoming season and the potential for success.
Teagan's family dynamics are competitive but supportive, fostering her athletic growth.
She is open to the possibility of running or playing volleyball internationally after college.
Sound Bites
"I wish I could deny any of it."
"I always have my headphones on me."
"I journal every day actually."
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:49
Fundraising for St. Jude's Hospital
02:49
Team Tessa and Personal Stories
04:42
Teagan's Athletic Journey
08:28
Family Dynamics and Competition
11:55
Choosing Track Over Volleyball
15:31
Preparing for College Athletics
19:16
Balancing Two Sports in College
23:15
The Role of Technology in Training
26:10
Navigating the High School Sports Landscape
28:39
The Journey to College Volleyball
34:04
Building Team Chemistry and Competition
37:06
Academic Aspirations and Future Plans
41:36
The Importance of Mental Health in Sports

Buy Set The Pipe a Beer or a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/setthepipe

Support the show

Instagram
instagram.com/setthepipe

TikTok
x.com/SETTHEPIPE

Spotify
open.spotify.com/show/6vzpcOYw2BKWMgaR5kKWOw

Spotify
...

In this conversation, the hosts discuss various themes surrounding sports, particularly volleyball and basketball, and their personal experiences as athletes and parents. They reflect on the emotional journey of watching their children grow up in sports, the lessons learned from competition, and the importance of gratitude for the opportunities provided by youth sports. The conversation also touches on memorable moments from their athletic careers, the growth of volleyball as a sport, and the significance of community and support in the journey of parenting and athletics.

Gratitude for experiences in sports can lead to personal growth.
The significance of teamwork and roles in achieving success.
Putting oneself out there can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Upcoming volleyball events are generating excitement among fans.
Personal stories in sports create lasting memories and connections.
The World University Games provided unforgettable experiences for athletes.
Coaching can teach valuable life lessons beyond the sport itself.
Parenting through sports is an emotional journey filled with ups and downs.
Saying goodbye to a chapter in sports can be bittersweet.
Gratitude for the opportunities in youth sports is essential.
Sports foster growth, friendship, and life skills in children.
The journey in sports is as important as the destination.

Chapters
02:47
Reflecting on Coaching Experiences
05:35
The Impact of Team Sports
09:13
Opportunities in Volleyball
13:59
Memorable Moments in Sports
19:06
The Importance of Storytelling in Sports
19:27
The Power of Teamwork in Sports
22:31
Transformative Experiences Through Competition
26:19
Camps and Coaching: Shaping the Next Generation
30:16
Traveling the World Through Volleyball
34:11
The Growth of Volleyball in New Regions
37:58
Memorable Stories from the Past
44:16
Reflecting on Opportunities and Lessons Learned
48:56
The Emotional Journey of Parenting in Sports
54:56
Saying Goodbye to a Chapter
57:36
The Importance of Gratitude in Youth Sports
01:06:10
The Impact of Sports on Personal Growth

Support the show

Instagram
instagram.com/setthepipe

TikTok
x.com/SETTHEPIPE

Spotify
open.spotify.com/show/6vzpcOYw2BKWMgaR5kKWOw

Spotify
...

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Devin Busam, a young volleyball enthusiast who transitioned from being cut from his high school team to becoming a team manager and eventually securing a position at Orange Coast College. Devin shares his experiences, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he learned along the way. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, mentorship, and community in sports, while also expressing his excitement for the future and his aspirations in the world of volleyball.

Devin's journey into volleyball began later than most.
He faced challenges but found his passion for the sport.
Becoming a team manager opened new opportunities for him.
He learned valuable skills in statistics and analytics.
Devin's experience at Mira Costa shaped his love for volleyball.
He is excited to continue his journey at Orange Coast College.
The importance of resilience in sports was emphasized.
Devin's story highlights the value of mentorship in sports.
He plans to study statistics and business in college.
Devin aims to stay connected with the volleyball community.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Devin Busam
02:53
Devin's Journey into Volleyball
05:42
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Passion
08:27
Role as a Team Manager
11:24
Experiences at Mira Costa High School
14:18
Future Plans at Orange Coast College
18:54
Exploring Women's Volleyball and Its Growth
20:04
The Role of Analytics in Coaching
22:14
Experiences at Nationals and Team Dynamics
24:51
Balancing Coaching and Team Relationships
27:08
Future Aspirations and Academic Interests
31:48
Path to Orange Coast College and Opportunities
35:00
Reflections on Resilience and Personal Growth

Support the show

Instagram
instagram.com/setthepipe

TikTok
x.com/SETTHEPIPE

Spotify
open.spotify.com/show/6vzpcOYw2BKWMgaR5kKWOw

Spotify
...

This conversation explores the intertwining themes of travel, family responsibilities, and the impact of volleyball on friendships and life lessons. The speakers share personal stories about planning a trip to Africa, navigating family dynamics, and the importance of youth sports in building lifelong connections. They emphasize that the journey in sports and life is just as significant as the destination, highlighting the joy and memories created along the way. In this conversation, the speakers reflect on their experiences with volleyball, emphasizing the unique culture and community surrounding the sport. They discuss the importance of connections and networking, particularly for the younger generation, and how these relationships can lead to opportunities. The conversation also touches on the evolution of volleyball, including trends and developments in the game, and concludes with reflections on their journey and aspirations for the future.

Buy Set The Pipe a Beer or a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/setthepipe
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/setthepipe/
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@setthepipe
Follow us on X: https://x.com/SETTHEPIPE
Listen of Spotify: creators.spotify.com/pod/show/setthepipe
Our website: www.setthepipe.com
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/set-the-pipe/id1666435172
Volleyball. The Stories. The Stories within the Stories. Volleyball Legends. Volleyball updates. NCAA Volleyball. D1. D2. D3. NAIA. JUCO. USA National Team. USAV Juniors. Pro Beach. AVP. Pro Indoor Volleyball. FOVB. PVF. Athletes Unlimited.
Sully, CK and Bear take you on historical volleyball interviews and insights to the current state of volleyball. These three are highly respected in the volleyball world and the podcasts are only getting better per episode. Join them and subscribe!!

Support the show

Instagram
instagram.com/setthepipe

TikTok
x.com/SETTHEPIPE

Spotify
open.spotify.com/show/6vzpcOYw2BKWMgaR5kKWOw

Spotify
...

In this episode of Set the Pipe, host Patrick 'Sully' Sullivan and co-hosts CK and Bear welcome Tim Kelly, a former UCLA volleyball champion and current entrepreneur in the volleyball international tour business. The conversation explores Tim's journey from a high school athlete to a national champion, his experiences playing professionally in Europe, and the evolution of volleyball coaching. Tim shares insights on the importance of international exposure for young athletes, the current state of men's volleyball, and the challenges faced in the professional arena. The episode also highlights memorable stories from Tim's travels and the cultural experiences that have shaped his perspective on the sport. In this engaging conversation, the speakers share their experiences in volleyball, from unexpected coaching roles to cultural adventures in Colombia. They discuss the evolution of the sport, the challenges facing men's volleyball, and the importance of mentorship and community. The conversation also highlights entrepreneurial endeavors in college and the significance of giving back through sustainable initiatives in developing countries.

https://www.letskeeptheballflying.com/

Sound Bites
"You need to go. Just go."
"Tim speaks fluent Spanish."
"Everyone pays it forward."

Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Guest Introduction
02:16
Tim Kelly's Volleyball Journey
05:11
Playing at UCLA and Coaching Experience
08:05
Transitioning from Player to Agent
11:11
Building a Volleyball Business
14:10
Future of Volleyball Tours and Initiatives
24:51
Exploring International Volleyball Tours
28:17
The Impact of Global Exposure on Young Athletes
30:02
The Evolution of Professional Volleyball in the USA
32:02
Comparing Men's and Women's Volleyball Growth
32:17
Favorite Destinations and Cultural Experiences
38:57
Memorable Stories from the Volleyball World
49:10
Evolution of Volleyball: Past vs Present
53:28
Physicality and Athleticism in Modern Volleyball
59:54
Challenges Facing Men's Volleyball Today
01:05:50
The Importance of Mentorship in Volleyball
01:09:27
Future Aspirations and Global Outreach in Volleyball
01:21:03

Support the show

Instagram
instagram.com/setthepipe

TikTok
x.com/SETTHEPIPE

Spotify
open.spotify.com/show/6vzpcOYw2BKWMgaR5kKWOw

Spotify
...

In this engaging conversation, Bob Samuelson, a former USA volleyball player and Olympian, reflects on his journey from a high school basketball player to a volleyball legend. He shares insights about his family, coaching experiences, and life in Las Vegas, as well as his transition to college volleyball at Cal State Northridge. Bob discusses the importance of mentorship, the thrill of wearing the USA jersey for the first time, and the legacy he hopes to leave in the sport. In this engaging conversation, Bob Samuelson shares his memorable experiences from the Olympics, including the surreal moment of marching with the Dream Team during the opening ceremonies. He discusses his alopecia condition and how it has shaped his life, as well as the controversy surrounding yellow cards during a match that led to team solidarity and a unique protest. Bob reflects on his travels, particularly in Japan, and the cultural insights he gained. The discussion also touches on the evolution of volleyball, highlighting the increased athleticism of today's players. Bob recounts some of his most significant matches, including a memorable birthday game against Spain and the bronze medal match against Cuba. The conversation concludes with heartfelt reflections on the importance of teamwork and the bonds formed through sports.

takeaways
Bob reflects on his past achievements with nostalgia.
He chose Northridge for the opportunity to play and grow.
Bob's transition from basketball to volleyball was unexpected but rewarding.
Bob's experience in Las Vegas has been positive and fulfilling.
Wearing the USA jersey was a dream come true for Bob.
Bob's journey showcases the impact of multi-sport participation. Winning the bronze medal was a surreal moment.
Alopecia is an autoimmune condition that affects hair follicles.
Team solidarity was crucial during the Olympic controversy.
Traveling opened my eyes to different cultures.
Japan is a unique and fascinating country.
I had 74 kills in a single match, a personal record.
The women's game has evolved and is incredibly exciting to watch.

Sound Bites
"Japan is awesome."
"I love the women's game."

Support the show

Instagram
instagram.com/setthepipe

TikTok
x.com/SETTHEPIPE

Spotify
open.spotify.com/show/6vzpcOYw2BKWMgaR5kKWOw

Spotify
...

In this episode, the hosts reflect on the impact of their recent guests, including volleyball legends, and strategize on how to grow their podcast audience. The conversation also touches on the significance of Father's Day and their plans for the day. In this episode, the hosts celebrate Father's Day by sharing personal stories about their families and milestones. They reflect on the impact of their podcast guests, the importance of volleyball in their lives, and honor influential figures in the sport. The conversation also looks ahead to future guests and topics, emphasizing gratitude for the community and support they receive

takeaways
The hosts share personal stories about their experiences and coaching.
Recent guests have had a significant impact on the podcast's popularity.
The importance of storytelling in their podcasting approach is emphasized.
The hosts express gratitude for their journey and the guests they've had.
Father's Day serves as a backdrop for personal reflections and future plans.
Bear shares proud moments of his daughters' achievements.
Sully enjoys a special Father's Day breakfast and ride.
CK looks forward to his favorite KFC meal on Father's Day.
The hosts reflect on the significance of their podcast guests.
They express gratitude for the friendships formed through volleyball.
The importance of not taking opportunities for granted is highlighted.
Volleyball has shaped their lives and relationships significantly.
They express appreciation for their families' support in their podcasting journey.

"Rest in peace to Big Daddy."

Support the show

Instagram
instagram.com/setthepipe

TikTok
x.com/SETTHEPIPE

Spotify
open.spotify.com/show/6vzpcOYw2BKWMgaR5kKWOw

Spotify
...