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.

If you thought Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) just applied to D1 College athletes (like we did!), boy were you wrong! Courtney Altemus from Advance NIL joins Chuck and Brian to set the record straight.

In Episode 24 of Bump. Set. Mic, we dive deep into the world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights, focusing on how it's changing things in the college world and also impacting high school athletes, too. NIL has been a game-changer in the sports world, allowing athletes to profit from their personal brand, but what does this mean for high school students navigating this new landscape?

In Segment 1, we break down the basics of NIL, Courtney talks about her experiences advising athletes at various levels, and the history of history how things evolved to this point with regard to NIL. In addition, we explore the opportunities and challenges it presents as Courtney offers expert insights on how high school athletes can start preparing to leverage their personal brand effectively and responsibly.

In Segment 2, we discuss the importance of branding and Courtney shares tips on how to build a successful personal brand. She also shares her expertise on how to apply safeguards to avoid being taken advantage of and/or falling into legal trouble and who should be involved in that process to help athletes along the way.

In Segment 3 we discuss the future of NIL and how shifts in the ever-changing landscape could impact high school athletes moving forward. Courtney also addresses some practical considerations and points listeners in the right direction for sources of additional information about the process.

No matter the sport, whether you're an athlete thinking about the future, a parent, or a coach, this episode provides crucial information to help you understand the evolving NIL landscape and its potential impact on high school sports.

Key Topics:

• What is NIL, and how did it come to be?
• The pros and cons of NIL for high school athletes.
• Understanding NIL deals and how to navigate the business side of sports.
• The impact of NIL on college recruitment and high school sports.
• Legal and ethical issues surrounding NIL for high school students.
• How to start building your personal brand as a high school athlete.

Tune in to get informed and empowered about NIL in high school sports!

Check out some FREE courses from Advance NIL

Ever wonder if you should try to squeeze in Strength and Conditioning Training during the Season? We have the science and data to answer that question! Ever wonder how your athlete should be eating at a tournament to keep fresh all day long? Listen to what we learned!

In Episode 23, Chuck and Brian welcome back Emily Neff from Relentless Athletics to share her findings from her research on In-Season strength training. The results will surprise you! Suffice to say, you are probably doing it wrong!

In Segment 1 Emily explains why it is important for young athletes to find time for strength and conditioning training during the season. She dispells the old-school training methods that many were raised on such as "Suck it Up", "Play Multiple Sports", and "If you want to jump higher, jump more".

In Segment 2, Emily dives into her research project results and shares her shocking findings on how to improve your vertical, and what happens to players that out-prioritize strength training in favor of more volleyball training. Learn how to focus on things that will make your athlete better, stronger, and more equipped for the season.

In Segment 3, Emily explains what an effective strenth and conditioning program looks like. She shares her thoughts on how athletes should eat during tournaments, and how parents can tell when they are eating the wrong things.

The Episode ends with Chuck describing all of the exciting offerings from TNT planned for the Summer of 2026.

Segment 1 - 0m 45s

Segment 2 - 22m 51s

Segment 3 - 38m 20s

TNT Summer Update - 55m 10s