Advertise on podcast: The USA Volleyball Show

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!

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?)!

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. 

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! 

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! 

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

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!

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!

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!

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/

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

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!