Bump, Set, Mic...The TNT Volleyball Podcast

Ep 30: Building the Perfect Schedule with Leon Kasperski

Did you ever wonder how clubs create tournament schedules for teams?  If you have ever found yourself scratching your head or irritated about anything related to your schedule, you don't want to miss this episode.  In Episode 30, Season 3, Chuck and Brian talk to the schedule maker extraordinaire, a.k.a The Unicorn, a.k.a Leon Kasperski to discuss all of the things that need to be considered when creating the tournament schedule for a team.  The panel discusses important factors such as travel costs, availability, picking the right level, and college coach exposure among other things, and how they all factor into building the perfect schedule. We also welcome to BSM our FIRST podcast sponsor - Udis and Tokasz Orthodontics, located in Spring House, PA!  Say Ahhh! Segment 1 focuses on planning, process, and goals when engaging in development of tournament schedules for a season. Leon shares info about when the process begins in advance of a reason, the process of registering teams for tournaments, and challenges resulting from registration that often occurs even before teams are formed. Chuck expands on TNT's approach to "responsible scheduling" and how that may differ from some other clubs. The discussion then moves towards the presence of college coaches at tournaments and how to go about that as a club, especially when wanting to put players in front of coaches they could potentially play for at the next level. Segment 2 delivers insights into the decision-making process with regard to creating individual team scheedules at each age group and level of competition. Leon presents a scaled approach as the players get older to increase their exposure, vary the experiences to some degree, and maintain appropriate levels of competition to ensure positive experiences for the teams. Chuck discusses some of the history of scheduling at TNT, how the club has evolved over the years, and balancing team and club needs with a desire to avoid unnecessary expense to families. Leon shares the reality of why teams from the same club can still sometimes end up playing each other in a tournament despite a club's best efforts. The importance of communicating realistic expectation to parents in advance of tournaments is also discussed, and Chuck and Leon present a positive view of the tournaments that provide medals for winners at various levels of competition. Segment 3 discusses how feedback from coaches and families can be an important part of the scheduling process. Some examples regarding tournament experiences received by the club from coaches are shared. Leon presents insights as to reasons why tournaments can be appealing to a club, including venue, location, attractions in the local area, and level of competition. An important point is also brought up regarding how a club really only learns about a tournament by sending teams there, especially for new events. Parent feedback about tournament destinations received from TNT parents at the end of last season is also presented. A few sucessful examples of TNT players being seen by college coaches at tournaments are mentioned, with Leon and Chuck sharing the reality of how players get noticed at tournaments, especially the importantance of a club having coaches on staff with connections to college coaches as part of that process. The group then shares some final thoughts about scheduling before wrapping up the episode. Segment 1: Scheduling for a Club Season (0:00 - 18:40) When the Process Begins in Advance of a Season The Tournament Registration Process: Insights and Concerns Issues to Consider When Building a Season Schedule Thinking About The Different Levels of Teams a Club Offers TNT's Approach to "Responsbile Scheduling" College Coaches at Club Tournaments, the Impact of Blackout / Quiet Periods, and Putting Players in Front of Coaches They Could Play for at the Next Level  Additional Concerns With Regard to Tournaments at a Distance Segment 2: Tournament Options and Decision-Making Factors (19:10 - 43:22) A Scaled Approach to Selecting Different Events for the Various Age Groups and Levels Defining a "Better Schedule" --- Providing What is Needed vs. a Schedule with Unnecessary Expenses Finding Appropriate Competition and the Reality of What Can Occur When Teams Attend High-Level Tournaments  How and Why Teams from the Same Club Can Sometimes Play Each Other in Tournaments Despite a Club's Best Efforts Communicating Realistic Expectations to Parents in Advance of Tournaments The Benefit of Tournaments that Provide Medals to Winners at Different Levels of Competition Segment 3: Considering Feedback from Coaches and Parents When Building Schedules (43:52 - 61:43)  Examples of Tournament Feedback Received from Coaches Reasons for Choosing Tournament Venues: What a Club Looks for Live and Learn: Trying to Gauge the Level of Competition Especially with Regard to New Tournaments Discussion of and Reflection Upon Tournament Feedback Received from TNT Parents More Insights Regarding Cost Considerations Related to Tournaments The Truth about How College Coaches Recruit at Tournaments, How Players Really Get Noticed, and Some TNT Success Stories Final Thoughts About Scheduling Wrap-Up

Ep 29: Fun in the Summertime? Tryout Season is Upon Us

In Episode 29, Season 2 of the podcast continues with another episode from "The Owner's Box." (aka Chuck's Kitchen Table) Segment 1 begins with a discussion of what TNT is doing to prepare for the upcoming tryouts. Chuck and Brian discuss open gyms, TNT's commitment to honoring the tryout and USAV rules by NOT extending early offers, and the rumor of "Secret Tryouts".  Chuck adds his personal feelings about the changing landscape of club volleyball and tryouts, and how TNT has had to make changes in recent years, while holding firm the the TNT Mission that all decisions should focus on "what is best for the girls". Segment 2 addresses some changes being made to TNT's approach to Nationals' teams for the 2025-2026 season, and some of the difficulties encountered in 2025. Brian ends the segment by asking Chuck his thoughts on why players sometimes want to move from one club to another at the start of a new season. Segment 3 focuses on why TNT is a good choice for families, and the road TNT has taken to expand into a club that has something to offer for all levels of players. Segment 1: Preparing for Tryouts and Addressing Some Misconceptions (0:00 - 18:35) What TNT is Doing to Get Ready for Tryouts and a Rundown of the Tryout Schedule How Can Players and Their Families Survive the Stress of Tryouts and Some Prior Episodes to Listen to in that Regard Addressing Some Misconceptions and Reflecting on the Concerns Raised Why TNT Moved to Summer Tryouts Similar to Other Clubs Segment 2: Changes to TNT's Approach to National Teams for 25-26 (19:10 - 32:25) TNT's Prior Approach to Nationals and Difficulties Experienced Last Season Designating Committed Nationals Teams at the Start and Forming Additional Teams Later for Other Players Who are Interested Discussing USAV vs. AAU Nationals Differences From a Club Perspective Reasons for Player Movement that Occurs from Season to Season Segment 3: Why Choose TNT  (33:03 - 53:49)  Emphasis on Player Development The TNT Experience How Our Facilities Allow Us to Offer More to Families Coaching Philosophy Providing Various Levels of Competiton for a Wide Range of Players Supporing Those Interested in Playing in College A Detailed Approach to Fair Pricing Where Flexibility Exists for Multi-Sport Athletes at the Club Additional Benefits Offered by the Club Episode Wrap-Up 

Ep 28: Nationals Recap & The Road Ahead

In Episode 28, Season 2 of the podcast kicks off at "The Owner's Box" ... i.e. Chuck's house. At the start, Chuck and Brian begin discussing their recent time in Orlando at AAU Nationals with the TNT girls' teams while also wishing the boys' teams who are currently competing there the best of luck. After that, they talk briefly about the quick tunraround from one season to the next before moving forward. The first segment provides a detailed recap of Nationals for the TNT girls' teams who participated. Segment 2 includes important information about the upcoming open gyms and tryouts for both the girls' and boys' teams plus the new TNT Tryout app that will be in use. The final segment discusses TNT's vision now and moving forward in the local volleyball community. Chuck opens up about the club's desire and ability to provide for the various different experiences that players and their families now want from the club, ranging from the highly competitive to a more casual, introductory-level approach --- and everything in between. Segment 1: The Nationals Experience (5:55 - 32:24) Experiencing the Orange County Convention Center and Keeping the Club Together at the Same Resort Overview of the Different Levels of Play at Nationals and How Our Teams Are Scheduled Wave 1 Recap (12 and 13U) Wave 2 Recap (14U) Wave 3 Recap (16 and 16U) Wave 4 Recap (15U) Thoughts on the New Doubles Rule Shouting Out an Opposing Coach at Nationals Who Listens to the Podcast Wrapping Up the 24-25 Season: Congratulating All Who Participated at TNT, Best Wishes to Players Moving on To New Chapters, and Hopes for Some Rest and Relaxation for Those Returning in Just a Few Weeks Segment 2: Plans for the 2025-2026 Season Open Gyms and Tryouts (33:00 - 59:45) 12-14U Girls' Tryouts and Open Gyms to Be Held in the Fall Upcoming Open Gym Dates and Times for 15-18U Girls The Importance of Attending As Many Open Gyms as Possible The Schedule for Tryouts and Callbacks for 15-18U Girls  How the Club Will Divide the Girls Age Groups into Specific Tryout Sessions Referencing Prior Episodes (6, 8, and 17) Where Families Can Learn More About Topics Such as How to Stand Out at Tryouts, The Age Group Debate, How Teams Are Formed, and Handling the Stress of Tryouts The Schedule for the Resumption of Open Gyms, Tryouts, and Callbacks for the Boys' Teams Once They Return from Nationals Catching Up With Coach Tim Fazio About the New TNT Tryout App Segment 3: The Girls Club Vision & Various Levels of Play that TNT Offers (60:23 - 94:09)  Chuck's Thoughts on Balancing TNT's Growth and Desire to Stay True to the Values the Club Was Built On What The Platinum Team Level for 15, 16, and 17U Entails Emphasizing the Level of Commitment Expected from Those on Higher Level Teams National Team Level and How It Differs From Platinum Travel Team Level and Expectations The Regional Team Experience and How it Differs From Other Levels Plans for the Second Year of the In-House Program Chuck's Advice for Families Looking at Choosing a Club Episode Wrap-Up 

Ep 27 Serving with Purpose: Abbey’s Legacy, the Road to Nationals, and Summer Programs

In Episode 27, Chuck and Brian discuss TNT's summer programs and which one is right for you! We look ahead to AAU Nationals and discuss the upcoming summer tryouts as next season quickly approaches. In addition, Chuck and Brian discuss some current events in the crazy world of Philadelphia club volleyball and provide some advice on what to look for when trying to decide which clubs to try out for. The final episode of season 1 ends with a overview and recap of the highly-successful Play4Abbey yearly charity event held recently.  If you are not familiar with Abbey's story and how it has brought about positive changes, you should not miss this episode. Segment 1: (0:00 - 14:22) Summer in the Armory Outdoor Evenings at Penbryn Plans for More Experienced Players Availability of Small Group / Individual Private Lessons Upcoming Outdoor Tournament Series in Doylestown Segment 2 (14:53 - 36:41) TNT Teams at AAU Nationals Tips for Families Attending Nationals for the First Time Issues Encountered by the Club Getting Nationals Teams to the Finish Line Upcoming Tryouts and TNT's Plans for Them Importance of Registering Early for Tryouts and Attending Open Gyms TNT's Improvements to the Tryout Process Expectations and Reasons for Higher Player Turnout at Tryouts Segment 3 (37:13 - 63:00) Recent Local Happenings in the Club Volleyball World What Families  Should Look For in a Club A Discussion of What TNT Offers for Players and Families With Regard to Facilities, Coaching, and Levels of Play  Additional Benefits of Membership at TNT Club Efforts to Continue to Improve Our Practice  Soliciting and Implementing Feedback Received from Families Addressing Concerns When They Arise and a Sample Scenario Segment 4 (63:50 - 72:46) Thanks for Those Who Worked on Play4Abbey How the Event Came to Be The Abbey's Bakery Charity and the Importance of Openly Discussing Mental Health Concerns Local Businesses Who Helped Support the Event How the Event Benefits Others Wrap-Up and Words from Abbey's Father Delivered at the Play4Abbey Event

Ep 26: Female Coaches - Girl Mom, Boy Mom, Step Mom & Newlywed with Casey Jenkins, Amber Wood, Kira Campbell, Sue Rose

In episode 26, Chuck and Brian welcome four of the club's female coaches, Casey Jenkins, Amber Wood, Kira Campbell, and Sue Rose to the podcast for our "Ladies' Night" episode to share their experiences as players, coaches, parents, and maternal figures within the volleyball community. This episode highlights topics such as the variety of experiences and perspectives that female coaches bring to the volleyball community, challenges that female coaches face, and the importance of female representation in the coaching ranks. Segment 1: (0:00 - 24:24) Intro of guests Challenges and rewards of coaching one's own children vs. other players How differing coaching styles are based on one's personality Adapting between different levels of coaching from youth to college Effective communication between coaches and parents to avoid misunderstandings Segment 2 (24:40 - 52:50) Interesting statistics about gender representation in coaching Discussion on the positive impact of female coaches on teen athletes Exploration of barriers such as stererotypes that prevent more women from becoming coaches Testimonials on the importance of leadership roles from women Team dynamics and having coaches of both genders Personal experiences and challenges regarding work-life balance Inspiring girls / young women to become coaches How increased media visibility is shifting narratives and aspirations regarding women in sports Segment 3 (53:07 - 81:33) Personal stories of success as well as challenges Coaching advice that transcends gender and finding the right coach for each young person Reflections and lessons on how sports help teach multiple life skills that assist with personal development and forming of interpersonal relationships --- such as self-reflection, resilience, and adaptation The important role coaches have in guiding young athletes beyond wins and losses Upcoming programs at TNT including our Play4Abbey charity event, 2025-2026 tryouts, and developmental Summer programs