Advertise on podcast: The Leave It Better Podcast

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★★★★☆

4.3

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6 reviews

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Explore how to Leave it Better: in life, through the sport of Volleyball. Nebraska Hall of Fame Coach Janice Kruger speaks with the world’s best Volleyball coaches and athletes about the lessons the sport of volleyball has taught them about how to “leave it better.” Are you looking for inspiration on your path of self-discovery? Do you want to build a life with meaning? This is the podcast for you. For more than 30 years Janice Kruger has taught and coached young women leading them to become the best versions of themselves in both sport and life. Each one of her guests has a special formula that has helped them on their journey of personal growth. The ultimate goal of this show is to demonstrate the significance of the human connection and how our journey through life can help us leave it better. This show is powered by the Side-Out Foundation.

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Check latest episodes from The Leave It Better Podcast podcast

Spiking it to Cancer Through Precision Treatments, with Dr. Mariaelena Pierobon

2026/03/26

Just like you need the right player in the right position to win in volleyball, new cancer treatments are putting the right methods in place to help patients beat their disease. Dr. Mariaelena Pierobon is at the forefront of the battle to create precision medical solutions, specialized for individual cancer patients. Dr. Pierobon's work might be complicated, but the way she explains it is easy to understand: more people are getting more tomorrows. Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org.Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: [email protected]

The 100/100 Approach: Coach Becky Schmidt on Volleyball Performance Preparation

2026/03/19

Hope College Coach Becky Schmidt and her teams have been to the NCAA Division III Tournament 15 different times in 20 years. Find out what it takes to sustain that sort of intensity and talent! Becky also shares how she utilizes her assistant coaches for maximum effect. Volleyball has changed over the years. Hear why your coaching methods may not be keeping up with the times. Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org.Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: [email protected]

Humor and Healing: How Michigan Coach Kathy DeBoer Overcame Her Stroke

2026/03/12

We all have setbacks, but the Michigan State University Hall of Famer Kathy DeBoer's setback nearly killed her. Kathy suffered a devastating stroke while she was Executive Director of the American Volleyball Coaches Association, forcing her to learn how to talk and use parts of her body all over again. She tells Janice about the health risks she ignored, and about how positivity, persistence, and humor are helping her recover. Kathy still has a challenging time speaking, but her strong will and hilarious attitude will leave you laughing while feeling inspired. Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org.Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: [email protected]

The Heart of Coaching: Mentorship and Growth, with Ann Schilling

2026/03/05

"If you stop learning, you need to stop coaching." That's the motto of Bayside Academy Head Coach Ann Schilling; a legendary volleyball coach with over 37 years of experience. Janice and Ann discuss her journey in coaching, her philosophy on leadership and team culture, and her personal battle with breast cancer. Ann shares how her cancer diagnosis changed her entire outlook on life and her relationship with God. Hear about the significant experiences that have shaped her methods of passing on life lessons to her young athletes. This powerful conversation highlights the significance of resilience, faith, and the impact of sports on personal growth. Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org.Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: [email protected]

A Trainer for the Next Generation of Volleyball Stars, Cathy Noth

2026/02/26

From hall-of-fame player, to the best personal trainer volleyball has to offer, Cathy Noth is here to tell you her methods to shaping young athletes into future stars. As a former Nebraska Husker and NCAA champ, Cathy became the first Nebraska female student-athlete to have her jersey retired. Listen for great step-by-step advice on how to help players improve their skills, and what parents can do today to help their kids. Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org.Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: [email protected]

Empowering Voices: The Impact of Dig Pink

2026/02/19

The Volleyball Cancer research Charity tournament, Dig Pink, is making lasting impacts, much of it thanks to several young leaders in high school across the country. The conversation revolves around the experiences of the teenage ambassadors of the Side-Out Foundation's Dig Pink program. Learn about their personal motivations, and the big lessons they've discovered as leaders in their schools, teams, and communities. Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org.Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: [email protected]

Coaching Players AND Their Parents, with Roger Anderson

2026/02/12

You can coach your players, but how do you coach their parents? Roger Anderson, Head Coach and Director of Health and Wellness at Westborough High School in Massachusetts shares his insights on coaching philosophy, the importance of community support. Hear why student-athlete well-being and mental toughness is significant on the court. Coach Anderson also shares the core values he instills in his athletes, and the lessons he imparts to both players and parents. Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org.Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: [email protected]

A Coaching Career Built on Incredible Connections, with Ruth Nelson

2026/02/05

If you want to be the best, you need experience. That’s where Ruth Nelson shines. As a volleyball coach at all levels of the sport over many decades, Ruth walks us through her lessons with some of the most influential volleyball figures in the history of the sport. A must listen to episode for young and aspiring coaches! Veteran coaches will appreciate Ruth’s stories and connections. Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org.Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: [email protected]

Winning Wisdom & Fun Stories with 2x Olympic Medalist and NCAA Champ Haleigh Washington

2026/01/29

Hot off the court from the 2025 Paris Olympics with her Silver medal, Team USA’s Haleigh Washington shares the heart-pounding moments, the skills that carried the team, and how American volleyball can change its messaging. Also, get Haleigh’s take on who the best players in the world are right now. Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: [email protected]

From the Volleyball Court to the Lab – Our Fight Against Cancer, with Dr. Emanuel Petricoin

2026/01/22

A special episode with a unique message of hope. The sport of volleyball is the carrier for the Side-Out Foundation’s mission to end breast cancer. On the frontlines of that mission is Dr. Emanuel Petricoin. He’s a pioneering researcher in personalized medicine, and Co-Director of the Center of Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine at George Mason University. Hear how his work with the Side-Out Foundation is helping transform how we treat breast cancer. Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/digpinkHave suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: [email protected]

Empowering Lives Through Sport - Lori Okimura's Passion

2026/01/15

Everyone should have a chance to play the sports they love. As the President of ParaVolley, Lori Okimura helps players with various physical disabilities come together to compete on the volleyball court. Whether it’s using coconut trees for net posts, communicating through cultural barriers, or playing at the age of 92, as Lori tells Janice, if there’s a will, there’s a hundred ways. Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: [email protected]

The Perfect Team Demands this Essential Environment, with Coach Dan Fisher

2026/01/08

As a coach, would you choose a player with a small role on a winning team, or take a player with a big role on a losing team? University of Pittsburgh Head Volleyball Coach Dan Fisher has built a VERY successful career out of recruiting players from all types of backgrounds. He tells Janice about his methods and philosophies when it comes to standing out in an extremely competitive field. Also, discover the superstitious habit Coach Fisher got hooked on after leading his team on an incredible win streak. Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org.Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: [email protected]

After Losing His Wife, Olympian Steve Grotowski Continues His Battle Against Cancer

2026/01/01

Steve Grotowski and his wife Capri were taking beach volleyball to the next level. Steve was competing in the Olympics in Beach Volleyball, and Capri was the Head Coach of Florida Atlantic University, with Steve as her Assistant Coach. Then Capri was diagnosed with breast Cancer. She fought on for almost a decade, while still coaching with Steve nearly the entire time. Capri died in 2022. Hear how Steve keeps her memory alive as he works to defeat the terrible disease that killed her. Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: [email protected]

Coaching is so much more than X's & O's, with AVCA CEO Jaime Gordon

2025/12/25

On the path to become an influential architect, a detour into the world of coaching volleyball wasn’t what the CEO of the American Volleyball Coaches Association Dr. Jaime Gordon would have ever imagined. Now he can’t imagine doing anything else. Hear how coaching his players off the court through some of their most difficult life moments shaped the way Dr. Gordon sees the role of coaches in every sport. Sometimes there were calls to the police. Sometimes there were shoulders to cry on. Every time there were young players and people to lead. Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: [email protected]

Be Undeniably Inspirational, with Matt Althage & Claudia Garcia

2025/12/11

Sometimes terrible things can lead to wonderful good. Athletic Director Matt Althage introduced his school to the Dig Pink charity volleyball tournament in 2008 when his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Today, Matt and Head Volleyball Coach Claudia Garcia continue to inspire their players and grow their own tournaments at the Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart in Miami, Florida. Hear how Matt and Claudia's ambition and creativity lead to numerous partnerships with other schools who followed their mission. Links mentioned: For more information go to www.side-out.org. Follow the side-out organization on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutfndn/Have suggestions for the podcast? Email Janice: [email protected]

Podcast reviews

Read The Leave It Better Podcast podcast reviews

4.3 out of 5

6 reviews

★★★★★

realchristineod 2024/03/25

A show that gets it!

There are so many things sports teach us abo it life. I love how the host of this show had the experience speak a depth about what she’s learned in he...

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