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Episode 20 — A New Era for Pittsburgh Volleyball | The Road to States A new name, a bigger vision, and the same passion for growing the game! John and Scott introduce 412 Volleyball, discuss the future of the organization, and invite new sponsors to help expand our support of Western Pennsylvania volleyball. Plus, we break down the WPIAL playoffs, who's still standing, who's punched their ticket to states, and what's at stake during championship week!

John and Scott wrap up their WPIAL girls volleyball playoff previews with a breakdown of the 3A, 4A and 6A brackets. They discuss championship contenders, potential upsets and key matchups, plus the Queens Bracket Challenge and whose picks could survive the postseason. The episode opens with a heartfelt tribute to Pittsburgh rock legend Donnie Iris, a close friend of John’s and a supporter of the Avonworth volleyball program.

The brackets are set, and the road to a WPIAL championship starts here! On Episode 18 of Out of Rotation, we break down every matchup in the 1A, 2A, and 5A WPIAL girls volleyball playoffs, joined by section-winning coaches for their insights on the fields, key matchups, and what it takes to make a postseason run. Think you know how it will all unfold? Head to bracket.burghqueens.com to enter the Queens Bracket Challenge, make your picks, and see if you can predict every match correctly! Three classifications. Championship dreams. Let’s talk playoff volleyball!

The regular season is winding down, and every match means more! John and Scott are back on Out of Rotation to recap Week 6 of WPIAL girls volleyball and look ahead to the matchups shaping Week 7. Plus, we welcome Lelia McCollum of Waynesburg, our Week 5 Jim Shorkey Queens Player of the Week, for a special interview! We break down the results, discuss the playoff picture, and spotlight the storylines to watch as teams make their final push toward the postseason. Who’s building momentum when it matters most? Let’s talk volleyball!

What does it take to build a confident team and a culture that lasts? John and Scott welcome Dr. Jodi Burns to Out of Rotation for a conversation about the mental side of coaching and building a program. We explore player confidence, accountability, pressure, team roles, and the emotional demands coaches face—with practical situations and ideas to bring back to your next practice. Dr. Burns’ Recommended Reading Continue the conversation with these resources recommended by Dr. Burns: Game Changers — Dan Gold Stories paired with insightful questions and action plans.The Champion’s Mind: How Great Athletes Think, Train, & Thrive — Jim Afremow, PhD Explore mental skills, motivation, and reflection. Dr. Burns highlights Chapter 2, “Mastering the Mental Skills,” along with Chapters 7 and 8.Max Out Mindset — Larry Widman, M.D. Strategies and exercises for developing and practicing mental skills.The Right Call — Sally Jenkins A favorite of Dr. Burns, who considered using it as a textbook for a sports-themed first-year seminar.Playing Big: Find Your Voice, Your Mission, Your Message — Tara Mohr A book focused on women finding their voice, with valuable perspective for men who coach women, too.PEAK: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise — Anders Ericsson and Robert Pool An exploration of deliberate practice and the path to expertise. Dr. Burns gives a special shoutout to Sharon Watson, whose success she connects with this approach.Mindset: The New Psychology of Success — Carol S. Dweck, PhD A resource for exploring growth mindset and perseverance.Chasing Greatness — Karch Kiraly

The stretch run is here! In Episode 15 of Out of Rotation, we recap Week 5 across Western Pennsylvania high school volleyball and preview the Week 6 matchups with playoff berths on the line. We discuss the results shaping the standings and what to watch as teams push toward the postseason. This episode is sponsored by Elevated Performance VB.

This week on Out of Rotation, John Skarupa and Scott Sundgren welcome Chartiers Valley head coach Cullen Vereb and players Megan Dumpman, Payton Friburger and Allegra Susenna for a look inside Colts volleyball. We talk team chemistry, the experience of a returning roster and the goals driving the program. Allegra also shares her journey from Italy to Western Pennsylvania, offering a unique perspective on volleyball, school and finding her place with a new team. Get to know the personalities behind the jerseys—and what brings this group together on and off the court.

In Episode 13 of Out of Rotation, John Skarupa and Scott Sundgren break down Week 4 results from across Western Pennsylvania and welcome Ken Wunderley for the latest Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Top 5 rankings. We also preview some of the best upcoming matchups and update Olivia Babcock’s all-time kills record watch. Section races are heating up, and there’s plenty to talk about!

We’re joined by Pitt Volleyball Associate Head Coach Kellen Petrone and Assistant Coach Michael Fisher for a special episode! We talk Olivia Babcock and Blaire Bayless returning for a fifth year, the upcoming Top 5 showdown with SMU on WPIAL High School Night, and Babcock’s chase of Pitt’s all-time career kills record. A huge week for Pitt Volleyball—and we’re breaking it all down!

Week 3 brought nine matches with first place on the line, and John and Scott are breaking down the games and their impact on the section races. Then it’s time to look ahead to Week 4, where several teams are battling for second place. Plus, Week 2 Jim Shorkey Queens Player of the Week Emily Muir joins us for a short interview.

Three Western PA programs hit the road for the Endless Summer Volleyball Tournament in Virginia Beach! Players and coaches from Avonworth, Thomas Jefferson and Frazier join us to talk about the competition, road trip, team bonding and everything that made the weekend one to remember.

Episode 9 of Out of Rotation recaps the biggest results and standout performances from Week 2 before looking ahead to a loaded Week 3, featuring nine matchups with first place in the section on the line. Plus, we crown our first-ever Jim Shorkey Queens Player of the Week, Thomas Jefferson’s Viola MacNeil!

Week 1 of Western PA volleyball delivered plenty to talk about! We recap the biggest results, surprises and performances from opening week before Ken joins us to break down the changes in the Top 5 rankings. Then, we turn the page to Week 2 and highlight the section and non-section matchups you need to have on your radar. The season is rolling — and we’re just getting started.

Episode 7 heads to Beaver Area! Head Coach Suze Pollins joins Bayli Bartley, Annsley Baker, Malaya Oster and Kaylee Kisling to look back at a tremendous 2025 season, preview what’s ahead in 2026, and discuss the special experience of hosting a college match that brought a former Beaver player back home as a college athlete.

Episode 6 of Out of Rotation takes us inside one of Western Pennsylvania’s most decorated programs: North Allegheny. Head coach Russ Hoburg joins seniors Keira Duffy, Alicia Mokube, Molly Robertson, and Luana Tripon to preview the Tigers’ 2026 season. Plus, we break down the new-look Class 6A, the teams and players to watch, and the Top 5 rankings as the season gets underway.