Bump, Set, Mic...The Junior Club Volleyball Podcast by TNT

Outside hitters are asked to do it all: pass, defend, lead, and take big swings—often when the play is out of system. In the Season 2 finale of Bump, Set, Mic, Brian and Chuck welcome back Sam Moyerman for a deep dive into one of volleyball's most demanding positions. From what coaches look for in a young hitter to how the role changes with age and level, the conversation explores the skills, mindset, and adaptability it takes to succeed on the outside. Whether you're a player preparing for tryouts, a parent trying to understand a coach's decisions, or an athlete thinking about playing in college, this episode offers practical guidance on developing a more complete game—and finding the right fit as you progress. Segment 1 – The Outside Hitter: Role, Responsibilities, and Evolution (0:00 – 25:34) Brian and Chuck introduce the Season 2 finale and returning guest Sam Moyerman, whose coaching experience spans club, high school, and college volleyball Chuck describes the outside hitter as the team's "workhorse": a frequent attacker who is also expected to pass, defend, and contribute from the back row Why outside hitters often get the most swings—including difficult, out-of-system balls—and why they need to be ready for another touch after passing How players may move between positions as they grow: younger athletes should learn the whole game rather than get attached to a position too early How the game's shift above the net can change opportunities for shorter outside hitters as players get older Why passing ability becomes increasingly important, and how outside hitters who can pass and attack may stay on the court for all six rotations The confidence and resilience coaches value: wanting the ball, accepting mistakes, recovering quickly, and leading through positive body language Why an outside hitter's influence goes beyond kills: they can steady a team, set its tone, and help teammates share the work and credit Segment 2 – Evaluating and Developing Outside Hitters (26:25 – 58:39) What coaches notice when evaluating a hitter: size and athleticism, but also movement, transition footwork, response to teammates, and decision-making Height can help open doors at higher levels, but jumping ability, skill, and technique also matter; the coaches discuss how players may find opportunities across NCAA divisions Why young outside hitters should prioritize serve receive and passing—not just power hitting—and work on finishing the pass before transitioning to attack The importance of approach mechanics and avoiding a "goofy-footed" approach on the left side Building a varied hitting "toolbox": line and cross-court swings, rolls, tips, cut shots, and using the block Reading the defense and making the shot decision in the air, rather than deciding before the set arrives How outside hitters can contribute on imperfect sets by putting pressure on the other team, even when a kill isn't available Blocking as part of team defense: tracking the hitter, protecting the sideline, staying balanced, and using a soft block to keep the ball playable How coaches can develop aggression without recklessness, and why leadership means supporting teammates rather than blaming them Managing frustration and body language: take concerns to the coach at the right time, but stay engaged and composed on the court Segment 3 – Tryouts, Playing Time, and the Road Ahead (59:25 – 1:24:43) What parents may miss when focusing only on kills: serve-receive performance, defensive positioning, transition, teamwork, and body language all affect a player's impact Why coaches may accept some attacking errors from an aggressive hitter—and why a player who avoids mistakes but doesn't put pressure on the opponent may not be as effective Tryout advice: show potential, athleticism, effort, and what you do between contacts; don't simply play it safe to avoid making a mistake How to think about an offer at a different position: stay open-minded, ask what will support development, and consider playing time and growth—not only team or position labels What can earn or cost playing time, including serve-receive consistency, effective swings, effort on defense, positive energy, and willingness to do the team's work How to stay valuable when you're not getting many sets: pass, cover, move into position, encourage teammates, and make the most of your opportunities What college coaches may project beyond current performance, including jump touch, athletic potential, and a player's ability to contribute in multiple skills Recruiting-video guidance: include serve receive and a range of attacks, sets, tempos, and shot choices—not repeated clips of the same swing Seek realistic feedback from multiple coaches and consider the range of programs within each college division Why beach volleyball and doubles can help outside hitters improve passing, transition, ball control, and all-around play Closing advice: don't decide what to do with the ball too early—and don't pass up a chance to play defense just to preserve your chance to hit The hosts close out Season 2 and share a reminder about upcoming tryouts and TNT's in-house program for players seeking more volleyball experience

From high school standout to D3 starter, VLA athlete, and now assistant coach at West Chester University and head coach of TNT's girls' 16 Thunder National, Coach Mike Carr brings grit, versatility, and high standards to every player he mentors. In this episode of Bump, Set, Mic, Chuck and Brian sit down with Mike to explore his coaching philosophy, his emphasis on strength and conditioning, and what players can expect when working with him. Discover Mike's practical insights on his experiences playing multiple positions, building resilience through adversity, navigating the demands of college and semi-pro volleyball, and helping players thrive at the club level. Whether you're a TNT family member, a current player, or someone curious about elite volleyball coaching, this episode offers a compelling look at Coach Mike's journey as a player, coach, and mentor—and what TNT families can expect as he leads his national team into an exciting season. Segment 1 – From Late HS Start to College and VLA Player (0:00 – 23:51) Introduction of Coach Mike Carr His high school volleyball journey, versatility from playing multiple positions, and thoughts on players being open to playing multiple roles Mike's non-traditional path to college volleyball and his impressions from time spent at that level Lessons learned from overcoming adversity as a player (incluuding an ACL injury) now aiding in his work as a coach Mike's coaching journey from volunteering at his HS alma mater, the tremendous influence of Mike's coach on his own coaching career, and how Mike ended up connecting with TNT Segment 2 – Coaching at TNT, Philosophy, and Importance of Strength & Conditioning (24:01 - 50:40) A recap of how Mike ended up at TNT How first season success at 17U travel, plus positive feedback from parents and coaches, were stepping stones to Mike's appointment as a national-level 16s team head coach Mike's thoughts on coaching girls vs. boys at the club level His coaching philosophy, style, and the role of strength and conditioning in his approach with players Strategies for helpling players develop resilience and mental toughness Addressing the concern of younger coaches in prominent club roles, how Mike addresses that in his work, and the support provided by the club to coaches in similar circumstance at TNT Segment 3 – National Team Goals, What Gets Players Noticed, and How to Work with Coach Mike (50:49 – 69:33) Individual and team goals for 16 Thunder National for the upcoming season What Mike values most in players from the start of the season (tryouts) until the end Positions, systems, and how he adapts to fit his team Mike's reflections on the recent tryout experience at TNT as a national-level head coach Helping players reach the college level, including using the club's connections to college coaches and other recruiting resources Additional ways of working with Mike (lessons, academies, clinics) and his approach with athletes in those environments TNT's expanded academy-style plans for the coming season Final advice to ambitious young players How to connect with Mike along with the club and its ongoing and upcoming programs

Bump, Set, Mic, the TNT Volleyball Podcast, is thrilled to present the first episode of our new College Experience Series. So much is often discussed about how players should go about trying to get recruited, but what is life like for college players, coaches, and others involved in the college game once that occurs? The College Experience Series will have you covered with all you need to know about life in the college volleyball world from those that live in it. In this first episode of the series, Bump, Set, Mic co-hosts Chuck Dougherty and Brian Mooney sat down with TNT Director of Operations Leon Kasperski to discuss and share his recent interview with Temple University Women's Head Coach Linda Hampton-Keith and Assistant Coach / Recruiting Coordinator Olivia Vance. For the purpose of this episode, Leon's conversation with the coaches was broken down into 3 segments. In each, the guys preview the content to be shared in the clip that follows, then afterwards briefly discuss their reactions to the information presented before moving on to the next segment. Segment 1: Meet the Temple Coaching Staff (0:00 - 20:00) In this segment, Leon and his guests discuss what makes Temple's volleyball program unique and how they're navigating the major changes in college athletics, specifically the new NCAA settlement that's transforming how programs operate. You'll learn about each of the coaches and their individual roles, coaching philosophies, and how Temple is adapting from the traditional 12-scholarship model to managing 18 roster spots. This segment provides valuable insight into the leadership style and vision driving Temple's program. Segment 2: Temple's Recruiting Philosophy (20:43 - 49:19) In segment 2, listeners hear exactly what Temple's coaches are looking for in potential recruits and how they want to be contacted. You'll hear Coaches Hampton-Keith and Vance break down their recruiting timeline, what catches their attention in recruit emails and highlight videos, and how they evaluate players at tournaments. They also share their communication preferences, including their guidelines about staying in touch every three weeks, and they also explain how they use and value recruiting platforms such as University Athlete profiles. Segment 3: The Temple Experience and Finding Your Fit (50:06 - 78:39) In the final segment, Temple's coaches share what it's really like to be part of their program and what makes the Temple experience special. They touch on their prospect camps, what recruits should know about life in Philadelphia, and their philosophy on developing players both athletically and personally. They also discuss their approach to finding the right fit - not just athletically, but culturally and academically as well. With 8 freshmen currently on their roster, they also touch on the importance of establishing and building team culture and what new players can expect when they join the Temple volleyball family.

In Episode 32 of Bump. Set. Mic., Chuck and Brian dive into the heart of TNT Volleyball: our core values. From the early days of the club to today, these values have shaped who we are, how we play, and the community we build. We'll explore why our values matter, how they've evolved over the years, and the role they play in guiding every decision—from coaching and player development to building a culture of serious fun, family, and excellence. Whether you're a player, parent, or coach, this conversation will give you a deeper look at what makes TNT more than just a club—it's a community fueled by passion, fun, and a commitment to growth on and off the court. Segment 1: (0:00 - 28:12) Introduction and the need for Core Values Value 1: Passion for the Game Value 2: Serious. Fun. Value 3: Player Development Segment 2: (28:38 - 63:12) Value 4: Quality Coaching Value 5: Community & Family Value 6: Achievement & Excellence Value 7: Accessibility for all Segment 3: (63:42 - 75:32) Upcoming programs Intro to new program: The College Volleyball Student Athlete Experience

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

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

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

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