Side Out Society Podcast
Welcome to the Side Out Society Podcast archive, where women’s volleyball meets culture, community, and personality. From college to the pros to Team USA, every episode dives into the stories, debates, and moments that make this sport so special.
Episode 30: Coach Jason Kidd: Grit, Growth, and the "Nervous" Reality of Being a Volleyball Dad
March 18, 2026
In this episode of Side Out Society, we are joined by a literal basketball savant and a certified power player in the world of sports: Dallas Mavericks Head Coach Jason Kidd.
While you know him as a Hall of Famer, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, and one of the greatest point guards to ever play the game, we’re diving into his newest high-stakes role: Volleyball Dad and Professional Investor.
Coach Kidd joins Tiff and Lindsay to discuss his strategic investment in the Dallas Pulse and why he believes volleyball is currently the most exciting "organic" growth story in sports.
Whether you’re a Mavs fan, a volleyball parent, or just love a good "SmartLess-style" deep dive into the business of sports, this conversation is a total ace.
Episode 29: All-Star Coaches, Icons, LOVB Nebraska Nicknames, and More
March 11, 2026
This week on Side Out Society, hosts Tiffany Oshinsky and Lindsay Harwood break down the week's professional and collegiate volleyball news. We start with Major League Volleyball, where Dan Meske and Beth Launiere have been named All-Star coaches for the March 28th game in Orlando. We also dive into this week's dominance of rookie Mimi Colyer, who is currently leading the league in both points and kills.
Over in League One Volleyball, we discuss the return of the LOVB Icons fan-voting initiative and the newly announced host cities for the playoffs. Plus, we react to the 12 nickname finalists for LOVB Nebraska — from the Cranes to the Cornadoes — and debate which one actually captures the spirit of the state.
Finally, we highlight "superhuman" performances from Lauren Carlini and Jordan Thompson, recap Louisville’s first spring game victory, and share our dream celebrity volleyball teammates.
Episode 28: State of the Leagues: All-Inclusive Bahamas, All-Star Debates, and All-Around Expansion
March 4, 2026
February is officially in the rearview mirror, which means the "spring sprint" is on. This week on Side Out Society, Tiff and Lindsay take the pulse of the professional volleyball world in their second State of the Pros address.
We kick things off with a jam-packed college update, looking ahead to a high-stakes spring schedule featuring matchups like Nebraska vs. Creighton and a Big 10 showdown between Wisconsin and Minnesota. Plus, we share some exciting intel on the new Paradise Invitational, an all-inclusive fan experience heading to the Bahamas this September where you can catch Kentucky, Houston, Purdue, and SMU in the ultimate volleyball vacation at the beach.
Then, we shift gears to the pro ranks to discuss the hiring of Jamie Weston as the new MLV Commissioner and the "Mavericks-level" investment of Jason Kidd in the Dallas Pulse. We also dive into the expansion buzz, wondering what the new Minnesota team will be named.
The real heat comes during our All-Star dissection. We pull back the curtain on our official ballots for the March 28th All-Star Game in Orlando, debating the "video game numbers" of rookies like Mimi Colyer and the defensive dominance of Morgan Hentz.
Plus, we celebrate the newest members of the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame. Grab your McDonald's Diet Coke and settle in for the full breakdown.
Episode 27: The Rise of Averi Carlson: From Diet Coke to Draft Dreams, to Finding Her Fit and Owning the Moment
February 25, 2026
In this episode, we’re joined by Atlanta Vibe setter and first-round draft pick Averi Carlson for a conversation that’s equal parts fun and insightful.
Averi takes us through her volleyball journey, from dominating high school and studying Lauren Carlini film like it was a masterclass, to navigating the uncertainty of the transfer portal, and ultimately finding her perfect fit at SMU. She opens up about taking risks, trusting her instincts, and how those decisions helped shape her into the player she is today.
We also dive into her transition to the pros, what it’s really like being a rookie in a high-speed, high-pressure environment, and how she’s learning to lead as a setter while stepping outside her comfort zone.
And of course, we get into the important stuff: Diet Coke rankings, sushi reviews with teammates, bedazzling hobbies, and life in Atlanta.
Whether you’re a setter, a player navigating your own path, or just a fan of the game, this episode is all about trusting the journey and embracing every step along the way.
Episode 26: Trades, Turmoil, and the LOVB Classic: This Week in Volleyball
February 18, 2026
This week, we’re catching up on a huge week in volleyball news — and filling Tiff in on everything she missed while at Disney.
We break down the LOVB Classic, what worked (and what didn’t), and which teams are starting to separate themselves halfway through the season. Then we dive into Major League Volleyball’s first-ever trade, what it means for both teams, and why roster moves like this could shape the league’s future. We also discuss new rule changes coming to the Volleyball Nations League and the potential impact they could have on the game.
Off the court, we talk about some of the biggest headlines around the sport, from legal developments in the pro ranks to the growing crossover between volleyball and pop culture. And to wrap things up, we share a surprising deep dive into why so many volleyball players end up becoming Olympic bobsledders — a connection we never expected but now can’t stop thinking about.
Episode 25: Reagan Cooper: Confessions of an Accidental Pro
February 11, 2026
What happens when you're ready to retire from the court, only to find out you've been drafted 14th overall while you weren't even watching? This week on the Side Out Society Podcast, we sit down with the Omaha Supernovas' "accidental pro," Reagan Cooper.
Reagan opens up about her unique transition to the pro level, the mental game of building confidence as a national standout, and why her journey from Washington State to Texas Tech to Kansas was just the beginning.
We also dive into her human side... from her "flight anxiety" to her secret life in The Sims 4. And stick around for our "Side Out Sprint" as Reagan reveals her favorite horror movies and what's in her must-have item in her bag that isn't volleyball related.
Episode 24: Mimi Colyer: Redefining Gravity as the Heartbeat of the Dallas Pulse
February 4, 2026
What does it feel like to be the first-ever number one overall pick for a brand new franchise? This week, we’re joined by the high-flying, heavy-hitting Mimi Colyer. Mimi takes us behind the scenes of her historic draft day at Wisconsin, recounting the surreal moment the confetti popped in the team room just hours before she had to lock back in for practice.
We dive into her transition from being a standout at Oregon to a legend at Wisconsin, winning the inaugural AVCA Outside Hitter of the Year award, and what it's like to now lead the charge for the Dallas Pulse in Major League Volleyball. Stick around for our "Side Out Sprint" rapid-fire round, where Mimi reveals her favorite emoji to use in a group chat and who is officially the funniest person in the Pulse locker room.
Episode 23: State of the Pros: Two Leagues, One Rant: The Great MLV vs. LOVB Breakdown
January 28, 2026
Is having two pro leagues good for the sport, or is it just confusing? This week, we issue our official "State of the Pros" address for January. We compare the start of the 2026 season for both leagues, highlighting the breakout rookie performances from Rebekkah Allick and Kiara Reinhardt, and the surprising roster moves like the sudden release of Maddie Waak.
We also debate the "Merger" timeline. Are we looking at an NFL/AFL situation, and what was up with that competing "NorCal" team announcement? From the "pink" broadcast lighting issues to the disparity in playing time for college faves, we cover the good, the bad, and the chaotic of pro volleyball’s growth.
Episode 22: LOVB Nebraska’s Kimberly Drewniok on Trusting the Process and Loving the Work
January 21, 2026
In this episode, we’re joined by Kimberly Drewniok, LOVB Nebraska's charismatic opposite, to talk about more than just volleyball.
Kimberly opens up about her mindset both on and off the court, like how she recharges, stays motivated, and continues learning through every phase of her career. From breathwork to trusting herself in high-pressure moments, she shares the habits and philosophies that keep her grounded and growing.
We also talk about the transition to LOVB, her love of the outdoors, animals and her family, and how she’s learned to redefine success, not just by wins, but by joy, growth, and connection.
Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or just someone working toward big goals, this episode is a reminder to slow down, check in, and fall in love with the process.
Episode 21: Lauren Carlini: Mind Games, Mic Drops, and the Making of a Setter
January 14, 2026
In this episode, we sit down with Lauren Carlini, U.S. National Team setter, former All-American at Wisconsin, and one of the most passionate leaders in volleyball.
We dive into her journey from elite player to emerging coach, and how her experiences competing at the highest level have shaped the way she teaches, leads, and connects with the next generation. Lauren shares what makes a great setter, how her perspective has evolved over time, and what it means to truly lead, both on and off the court.
From her fire and work ethic to the way she reads the game and motivates others, this conversation is all about growth, mindset, and loving the grind.
Episode 20: Jordan Larson: The Governor Talks Legacy, Longevity, and What’s Next
January 7, 2026
In our first episode of 2026, we sit down with volleyball legend Jordan Larson, Olympic gold medalist, founding athlete of League One Volleyball, and proud dog mom to a stubborn bulldog named Wyn.
We talk about everything from her mindset and physical longevity, to what she’s learned from playing at the highest level for decades. Jordan opens up about what’s next — both on the court and potentially off it — as she navigates her final season, ownership in LOVB Nebraska, and her evolving role in shaping the future of the sport.
We also get her thoughts on coaching, rec leagues, TikTok, and what she wishes more people asked her about. It’s the perfect way to start the new year.
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Episode 19: Wrapping 2025: Aggie Dominance, End-of-Year Awards, and What’s Next
December 23, 2025
In our final episode of 2025, we’re going all in on Texas A&M, your new NCAA Women’s Volleyball National Champions! After an unforgettable weekend in Kansas City, we reflect on the Aggies' dominant sweep over Kentucky in the title match and how Jamie Morrison’s team capped off their historic season.
We also share what it was like being on the ground for the semifinals — meeting players, coaches, fellow media members, and passionate fans — and how that experience has us even more excited for what’s coming in 2026. From Side Out Society’s growing brand to the podcast lineup we already have planned, the new year is going to be big!
To celebrate the season’s end, we hand out our inaugural superlatives, with categories like “Most Likely to Break the Radar Gun,” “Best Celebration,” and, of course, “The Great Wall of Cos-Okpalla.”
Finally, just because the college season is over doesn’t mean it’s time to stop watching! We highlight some of the top graduates who are heading to League One Volleyball and Major League Volleyball — and where you can catch your favorite stars next.
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Episode 18: Texas A&M Shocks Nebraska + Final Four Preview
December 16, 2025
The 2025 NCAA Women’s Volleyball Final Four is officially set, and in this episode, we break down how each team punched their ticket to Kansas City. We dive into the four remaining teams — Texas A&M, Pittsburgh, Kentucky, and Wisconsin — and what they did in their Regional Final wins to earn a spot in the semifinals.
We spend time on Nebraska’s shocking upset loss to Texas A&M and how Jamie Morrison has completely transformed the Aggies program. We also discuss the unique “cheat codes” each of the Final Four teams seem to have, and why that matters heading into the semifinals. To close out the segment, we share our picks for who we think will move on to the National Championship on Sunday, December 21.
We also take a look at some major transfer portal developments, including Alexis Stucky’s decision to join Penn State and reunite with Kennedy Martin, Ayden Ames entering the portal after Texas’s loss, and the potential impact of 6-foot-7 opposite Jovana Zelenevic from Kansas.
Finally, we discuss the National Player of the Year Finalists and debate who should win in what feels like one of the toughest decisions in recent memory!
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Episode 17: Broadcast Blunders, Bracket Busters, and Pro Volleyball Buzz
December 10, 2025
The NCAA Tournament deserves better.
We kick off this episode with some real talk about why it’s frustrating that the first two rounds were stuck on ESPN+, and why the production value matters for a sport that’s exploding in popularity.
Then we look ahead to the regional semifinals and finals, break down Cal Poly’s Cinderella run and their chances vs. Kentucky, and dig into Tennessee’s early exit… and the seven players now in the transfer portal .
We also highlight some big names in the portal, what they could mean for next season, and then shift to the pro scene, where League One Volleyball teased a 9th team, the Orlando Valkyries are headed to the FIVB World Club Championship, and matches will be broadcast on Vice TV.
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Bonus Episode: Building FanFlare Sports: How Two Volleyball Fans Are Changing the Game
December 3, 2025
We’re joined by LJ Rader (the mind behind Art But Make It Sports) and Elling Hofland (die-hard Minnesota Gophers fan) — two of the founders of FanFlare Sports, a new app designed to bring fans closer to women’s college volleyball.
We get into how a volleyball rookie (LJ) and a superfan (Elling) teamed up, what they’re trying to solve for fans, and how they built a one-stop-shop for schedules, where to watch, stats, and community.
Plus, we discuss our thoughts on who could take down Nebraska, the future of volleyball fandom, the outlook for Minnesota and Vanderbilt volleyball, and why FanFlare might be your new favorite app.
Download the app (iOS only... for now): https://www.fanflaresports.com/
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Episode 16: Instant Bracket Reactions, Our Bracket Challenge, & Our Picks to Win It All
December 1, 2025
The 2025 NCAA D1 Women’s Volleyball Tournament bracket is LIVE — and we’re diving in. We go region by region with first-look reactions, upset picks, strength of schedule thoughts, and who we think will win it all. Plus, we’re launching the Side Out Society Bracket Challenge! Submit your bracket at sideoutsociety.com for a chance to win an exclusive Side Out Society sweatshirt… that not even we have yet.
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Episode 15: Kentucky’s Reverse Sweep, ACC Chaos, and MLV Draft Reactions
November 26, 2025
This week, Tiff takes the mic solo to recap one of the biggest matches of the season: Kentucky’s reverse sweep over Texas to win the 2025 SEC Championship. From Eva Hudson’s 25-kill performance to Asia Thigpen’s unstoppable energy and Lizzie Carr’s nine blocks, we break down exactly how the Wildcats turned the match around.
Tiff also looks ahead to the final days of conference play, where Stanford, Louisville, and Pitt are battling for the ACC crown, and highlights newly crowned champs across the country who earned automatic bids to the NCAA Tournament.
Then it’s on to the Pros: a full review of Major League Volleyball’s 2025 Draft... top picks, surprise slides (yes, we’re looking at Flormarie Heredia Colon), roster implications, and how MLV and LOVB might overlap as the season approaches.
Also inside:
• Position Club inductions across five conferences
• Why the Indiana “heckling controversy” wasn’t actually a controversy
• The Wicked For Good social trend taking over college volleyball
• What to expect heading into Selection Sunday
A jam-packed episode leading into next week's announcement of this year’s 64-team bracket!
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Episode 14: Emily Ehman on Nebraska’s Kryptonite, ACC Chaos, and the Future of Women's Volleyball
November 19, 2025
She’s one of the best voices in volleyball, and she’s on the mic with us this week! Emily Ehman joins Side Out Society to break down Nebraska’s first loss in 48 matches, whether UCLA exposed a crack in the Huskers’ armor, and why SMU is one of the most fun teams to watch heading into tournament season. We cover the ACC power struggle between Pitt, Stanford, and more, preview the upcoming SEC Tournament (which Emily will be covering), and talk about her rise as a broadcaster, the mentors who shaped her, and what’s next for the sport. We finish, of course, with her picks for National Player of the Year and who she thinks will win it all.
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Episode 13: Solo Sets & Shoutouts: NPOY Picks, Upsets, and Volleyball’s Brightest Moments
November 12, 2025
With Lindsay out this week, Tiff takes the mic solo to break down the AVCA National Player of the Year semifinalists and share her pick for who should take home the honor. She dives into last week’s upsets (and why they didn’t shake much up), celebrates Coach Craig Skinner’s legendary desk-stand moment in Kentucky, and shouts out Malorie Boesiger’s second state title in Nebraska. Plus, updates on MLV’s new TV deal, LOVB’s First Serve schedule, and Team USA’s U17 squad dominating their debut tournament.
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Episode 12: Thirteen Upsets, Rankings Chaos, Babies on the Way & Resilience Across the Net
November 5, 2025
This week was pure madness in women’s volleyball. Thirteen upsets — including seven on Halloween — shook up the rankings as Texas dropped twice (including a sweep by Kentucky). We break down all the biggest moves: North Carolina’s jump to No. 15, Iowa State crashing the Top 25, and Nebraska’s unstoppable sweep streak.
We close with our latest Position Club picks, our must-watch matches of the week, and a heartfelt message for Rutgers head coach Caitlin Schweihofer. Plus, baby news and Jordan Thompson’s continued dominance in AU Pro Volleyball.
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Episode 11: Volleyball Betrayals, Haunted Costumes & Wrigley Field Dreams
October 29, 2025
This week, things get spooky—and a little chaotic—on The Side Out Society Podcast. Tiff and Lindsay dive into the longest matches in NCAA history, share their volleyball “betrayal list,” and debate where they’d love to see a game played next after Nebraska teased Wrigley Field.
They also run through a wild week of upsets (what’s going on with TCU?!), Nebraska’s continued dominance, and Kansas’ rollercoaster run. Plus: Matt Ulmer singing, JJ Van Niel’s coaching magic, AU’s Impact Award nominees, and Major League Volleyball’s Dallas expansion.
All that and more, wrapped up with Halloween vibes and a few laughs along the way.
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Bonus Episode: 'Girls with Balls': A breakdown of the French horror-comedy volleyball film
October 24, 2025
It’s spooky season at The Side Out Society! 🎃
In this Halloween special, hosts Tiffany Oshinsky and Lindsay Harwood take on the 2018 comedy-horror cult flick Girls with Balls. And yes, it's about volleyball... sort of They break down its wild mix of blood, bumps, and bizarre humor, diving into the team dynamics, outrageous plot twists, and all the campy chaos you’d expect from a movie this unhinged.
From rivalries to survival (and plenty of ridiculous kills), Tiff and Lindsay serve up their takes on what works, what doesn’t, and why this weird little film might just be the most entertaining volleyball movie ever made.
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Episode 10: Volleyball’s Big Reveal: Top 16, Big Ten vs. ACC, and the Sport’s Next Wave
October 22, 2025
In this episode of the Side Out Society podcast, hosts Tiffany Oshinsky and Lindsay Harwood discuss the latest happenings in women's volleyball, including the NCAA Selection Committee's top 16 reveal, analysis of top teams and rankings, and the competitive landscape between the Big Ten and ACC. They also highlight upcoming games, player performances, and the exciting expansion of pro volleyball in Los Angeles. The conversation emphasizes the growth of women's sports and the vibrant volleyball community.
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Episode 9: Reverse Sweeps, Broken Setters, and the Great Donut Debate
October 15, 2025
This week we cover everything from Miami’s stunning win over Pitt to UCLA’s revenge tour — plus what Charlie Fuerbringer’s injury means for Wisconsin and how Minnesota is even fielding a lineup right now. We welcome new members to our Position Clubs, talk about Jordan Thompson’s AU Pro Volleyball takeover, and wonder why crowds in Omaha aren’t matching Nebraska’s volleyball energy. And yes… we settle once and for all whether it’s called the donut or the campfire... Well, sort of.
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Episode 8: Nebraska Magic, Rec Hall Vibes, and 8 Wild Upsets
October 7, 2025
This week, we’re diving into a massive week for women’s volleyball — both on the court and in the stands. Tiff shares her firsthand experience at the Nebraska–Penn State matchup and what it was like meeting Andi Jackson, plus both hosts recap the incredible energy at Nebraska–Rutgers in New Jersey.
We talk about the growth of the sport we witnessed firsthand, the eight Top 25 upsets that shook up the rankings, and what those results could mean heading into next week. Then we jump to the pros for the latest on AU Pro Volleyball (before Monday’s matches) and finish with a fun story about a surprise visitor at a match in Brazil’s volleyball league.
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Episode 7: From Happy Valley to Pro Volleyball: Breaking Down the Week in Women’s Volleyball
October 1, 2025
It was an exciting week in women’s college volleyball! We’re down to just two undefeated teams — Nebraska and Texas — but the weekend was full of upsets and statement wins. We dive into Penn State’s rollercoaster weekend against USC and UCLA, Illinois’ surprise win over Purdue, and Baylor’s five-set stunner over TCU.
Then we shift to the pro side: AU Pro Volleyball announced its Week One captains — Brittany Abercrombie, Bethania De La Cruz-Mejía, Madi Kingdon Rishel, and Morgan Hentz — and we share quick bios on each of them. Plus, Team USA announced its first-ever U17 National Team, an exciting step for the future of the program.
Whether you’re following the chaos in the Big Ten or tracking the growth of the pro game, we’ve got you covered.
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Episode 6: Upsets Shake the Polls, New Club Stars, and Team USA Brings Home Gold
September 24, 2025
This week’s episode has it all—major upsets that shook up the AVCA Coaches Poll, our newest additions to the Side Out Society position clubs, and big news from the pros with AU naming its coaching roster and LOVB landing a new TV deal. We wrap things up with Team USA: their title run at the NORCECA Final Six and what their bid for the 2027 World Championships could mean for the program.
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Episode 5: ACC Wins, TCU Spins, and a Solo Mic Drop
September 16, 2025
This week it’s a one-woman show as Tiff holds down the Side Out Society mic while Lindsay vacations overseas. From Pitt’s statement sweep over Kentucky at the Shriners Showdown to TCU’s fifth (!) top-25 win behind Evan Hendrix’s monster performance, Tiff recaps all the action, drops a black-tie Baylor-Florida story from the weekend, and rants about why ranked matchups like Kentucky–SMU and Purdue–SMU deserve better broadcasts.
Plus:
The latest shakeups in the Top 25 rankings
This week’s new inductees into the Position Clubs (outside, middle, opposite, setter, libero)
AU Pro Volleyball’s newly released schedule (Volleypalooza is almost here!)
Team USA’s U23 roster kicking off the NORCECA Pan American Cup in Mexico. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@mexvolleyofficial
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Episode 4: Starck Steps Away, Upsets Rock the Rankings, and Texas vs Stanford Delivers
September 10, 2025
We're breaking down a wild week in women's volleyball. Izzy Starck's decision to step away raises big questions for Penn State, Purdue and TCU shake up the Top 25, and Texas vs. Stanford lives up to the hype. We also reveal our newest "club" members, look at AU's latest pro signings, and ask if Team USA has what it takes to battle the world's best.
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Episode 3: Upsets, Sweeps & Showdowns: Penn State Shocks, Nebraska Survives, and Texas
September 3, 2025
College volleyball brought the chaos in Week 2—and we’re here for all of it. From Penn State’s double-upset weekend to Nebraska’s reverse sweep thriller, plus Kansas playing tougher than their record shows, and Wisconsin’s rollercoaster with a win over the Jayhawks and a straight-set loss to Texas.
We also lock in our latest “club” members by position—only two overlaps this week!—before jumping to the pros with LOVB’s new adidas shoe collab. Finally, we close with Team USA’s 3–1 win over Canada in the Round of 16 at the FIVB World Championships.
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Episode 2: From First Serve to Team USA: Volleyball's Big Week
August 26, 2025
Episode 2 dives into a wild opening weekend at AVCA First Serve. We break down standout players, the shocking Florida upset over Pitt, and reveal our Players of the Week—inducted into the Libero, Setter, Outside Hitter, Middle Blocker, and Opposite Clubs of the Society. Plus, we talk Columbus’ bold push to be the “women’s sports capital” and Team USA’s hot start at the World Championships.
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Episode 1: Welcome to the society!
August 19, 2025
We’re kicking things off with the start of the college volleyball season, diving into the AVCA First Serve slate, the NCAA preseason coaches poll, and the transfers reshaping the Top 25. We break down the Nebraska alumni match, share early NCAA title predictions, and then shift to the pro game with roster moves across LOVB and MLV—including what MLV’s expansion means for the sport. Finally, we wrap with a quick look at Team USA as they begin their run at the 2025 FIVB World Championships.