Better Together

The Heart Behind the Coaching with Celeste Walton (Part 3)

In the final part of our conversation with United Programming Coordinator Celeste Walton, we're bringing her story home to United. Celeste shares what ultimately brought

Elevate & Empower with Celeste Walton (Part 2)

In Part 2 of our conversation with United Programming Coordinator Celeste Walton, we're diving deeper into what it means to coach the athlete in front of you. Celeste an

Finding Your Voice Through Volleyball with Celeste Walton (Part 1)

We're excited to welcome a new face to the United family! In Part 1 of our conversation with United's new Programming Coordinator, Celeste Walton, we get to know the per

From the Archives: Fueling Performance | Tournament Nutrition, Smart Habits, and Supporting Your Athlete with RD Alyssum Reno-Smith (Part 2)

As athletes prepare for a new season, we're continuing our look back at one of our most valuable conversations with registered dietitian Alyssum Reno-Smith. In Part 2, A

From the Archives: Fueling Performance | How Nutrition Shapes Focus, Energy, and Confidence with RD Alyssum Reno-Smith (Part 1)

As athletes head back into the gym and prepare for a new season, we're looking back on one of our most valuable conversations. In this archived episode, registered dieti

Finding Your Voice | Lessons Beyond the Game with Merritt Beason

We wrap up our three-part conversation with professional volleyball player and United ambassador Merritt Beason by talking about the lessons she's still learning - and th

The Work You Don't See: Merritt Beason on Confidence, Recovery & Giving Yourself Grace

In Part 2 of our conversation with Merritt Beason, we go even deeper into what life really looks like as a professional volleyball player. From long travel days and reco

Merritt Beason on Confidence, Growth & the Reality of Playing Pro (Part 1)

This week on Better Together, we're joined once again by United ambassador and professional volleyball player Merritt Beason. Fresh off another day in the gym with our a

Ask the Directors: Evaluation Day & Finding the Right Fit (Part 2)

Evaluations are here, and with them come excitement, nerves, and plenty of questions. In Part 2 of our Ask the Directors series, Korohen and Scott shift the conversation

Ask the Directors: What Really Happens at Volleyball Evaluations? (Part 1)

Scott and Korohen answer the biggest questions families ask before evaluations - from how athletes are assessed to what coaches are actually looking for. Evaluation seas

"Working Hard Works": Sophie Krichev Reflects on Her Freshman Season at UT Arlington

Sophie Krichev is back on Better Together. When Sophie first joined the podcast, she was preparing to begin her collegiate volleyball career at UT Arlington. Now, after

Winning the Summer: Why Doing More Isn't Always Better with Korohen Jones

Summer can feel like a race to fit everything in - camps, clinics, workouts, open gyms, vacations, jobs, and more. But does being busier actually help athletes improve?

Playing the Long Game: Building Better Athletes with Ryan Freeburg PART 2

Continuing our conversation with United Birmingham Director Ryan Freeburg, we dive into recruiting, player development, exposure, and the future of volleyball in Alabama.

One Year Later: Building United Birmingham with Ryan Freeburg PART 1

One year after launching United Birmingham, we sit down with Club Director Ryan Freeburg to reflect on what the journey has been like so far. Ryan shares the challenges

The Mental Side of Volleyball with Perry Robinson

In part two of our conversation with longtime coach Perry Robinson, we dive into the mental side of volleyball and athlete development. Perry shares perspective on confi

The Human Side of Coaching with Perry Robinson

Korohen and I recently sat down in Birmingham with longtime coach Perry Robinson, head coach at Pelham High School and coach for United Birmingham. With nearly three dec

What College Coaches Actually Look For in Recruiting with UAB Head Coach Betsy Freeburg | Part 2

Continuing our conversation with UAB Head Volleyball Coach Betsy Freeburg, she shares insight into the recruiting process from a Division I coach’s perspective, including

Betsy Freeburg on Perseverance, Leadership, and Becoming UAB’s Head Volleyball Coach

In Part 1 of our conversation with UAB Head Volleyball Coach Betsy Freeburg, we sit down inside her office at UAB to talk through her journey from player to Division I he

Volleyball Recruiting Tips: What Athletes and Parents Need to Know with Alicia Krichev

This week we’re bringing back one of our most helpful conversations around the college recruiting process with United coach Alicia Krichev. If recruiting has ever felt c

UNA Beach Volleyball | Head Coach Kaleb Vandeperre: The Mental Side Athletes Struggle With Most (Part 3)

In Part 3 of our conversation with UNA Beach Volleyball Head Coach Kaleb Vandeperre, we dive into the mental side of the game - and what truly holds athletes back from re