Max Out Mindset

Dr. Larry Widman hosts the Max Out Mindset Podcast with special guest Coach Steven Gream, head coach of Cowley College Volleyball—a junior college powerhouse with a staggering 307–46 record, 81 straight wins, and two back-to-back national championships. Coach Gream shares how sustained excellence is built from the inside out. He reveals why mindset matters most, suggesting a 3:1 mental-to-physical ratio in performance, and reflects on how COVID-19 reshaped his approach to coaching. From his roots in basketball to building a volleyball dynasty, Gream unpacks his philosophy on team culture, leadership development, and staying composed under pressure. Max Out Mindset for Volleyball Book Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here. Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht Instagram:@max_out_mindset Twitter: @Doc_elitemind Instgram: @scottpapek Twitter: @scottpapek

On this episode of the Max Out Mindset Podcast, we welcome back Trish Siedlik, head coach of Bellevue University Volleyball, for an in-depth conversation about the journey to sustained success. Trish has built an incredible program, leading her team to multiple national tournament appearances and a recent national championship runner-up finish. With over 20 years of coaching experience, she has learned that success isn't just about talent—it's about culture, leadership, and the ability to evolve. We dive into the evolution of her coaching mindset, from trusting her players and staff to building a culture centered on positive intent. Trish shares how she has adapted to the changing landscape of coaching, the importance of showing love and belief in her players, and the role that ownership and leadership development played in Bellevue's historic run. We also discuss: ✅ How championship teams are built from the inside out ✅ Why trust and alignment between coaches and players are critical ✅ The impact of positive intent on team culture and performance ✅ What Trish learned from the highest of highs and lowest of lows this season ✅ How mindset played a key role in the team's ability to stay resilient and max out when it mattered most This episode is packed with wisdom for coaches, athletes, and leaders looking to develop a winning mindset. Tune in to learn how elite teams are made—and how they sustain success even through challenges. 🎧 Listen now!

Welcome to the Max Out Mindset Podcast. This is your host, Dr. Larry Widman, and my co-host, Coach Jess Knecht. Our guest today is someone who knows all about performing under pressure and achieving greatness. She has had an extraordinary athletic and coaching career. Her journey started as a standout athlete at Georgia Tech University, where she played on the right side and helped her team reach the Elite Eight in 2003. Her coaching career has been equally impressive, with stops at Appalachian State, the University of Miami, and the University of Kansas. As an assistant coach at Kansas, she played a key role in leading the program to its first-ever Final Four appearance. From there, she became the head coach at Texas A&M, where she guided the team to a Sweet 16 appearance. Most recently, she stepped into the professional volleyball world as an assistant coach for the Omaha Supernovas in the Pro Volleyball Federation. She quickly rose to the position of interim head coach and led the team to an incredible inaugural season, culminating in a national championship. That championship was particularly special, as it marked the first professional volleyball league national championship in America. She embodies everything it means to max out with an overall coaching record of 444-172. Bird emphasizes the foundational role of relationships, mental toughness, and authenticity in her coaching approach. She candidly shares the challenges she faced, particularly in navigating role acceptance within a professional league and the importance of strong administrative support. Reflecting on her decision to return for a second season, she highlights the value of relationships and the competitive chemistry within her team as driving factors. Please welcome Coach Laura "Bird" Kuhn to the Max Out Mindset Podcast. We are so excited to have you here to share your journey and insights. Let's dive in! Max Out Mindset for Volleyball Book Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here. Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht Instagram:@max_out_mindset Twitter: @Doc_elitemind

Today's guest is an accomplished athlete from Elkhart, Indiana, a two-time state champion at Penn High School and an All-American at Purdue University. She was named the 2019 Best Opposite at the FIVB World Cup and USA Volleyball Player of the Year, having been a member of the national team since 2017. A key player on the 2020 Tokyo Olympic team that won the first-ever gold medal for U.S. Volleyball, she came off the bench as a game-changer before starting the final games, leading the team with 97 points and 88 kills. In 2024, she followed up with a silver medal at the Paris Olympics and broke the all-time points record for a U.S. volleyball player, surpassing the previous record set by Destiny Hooker. Most of our listeners will truly appreciate Annie Drews's willingness to explore the role that mindset training can play in elevating performance at this point in her career. Please welcome Annie Drews to the Max Out Mindset podcast. Max Out Mindset for Volleyball Book Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here. Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht Instagram:@max_out_mindset Twitter: @Doc_elitemind

Today, we are thrilled to welcome Sydney Hilley to the Max Out Mindset podcast. Sydney was a four-time captain at the University of Wisconsin, showcasing her leadership and commitment. She was named Big 10 Setter of the Year three times, and for those Nebraska fans out there, you'll remember her stellar performance in the five-set victory that secured Wisconsin the 2021 National Championship. Sydney's collegiate career boasts 6,138 assists, with a remarkable 78 assists in a single match! On the national stage, Sydney contributed to the bronze medal win at the Pan-Am Cup and played a pivotal role in securing the gold medal at the 2023 NORCECA Pan-American Final Six. I first met Sydney through the Omaha Supernovas, where she helped lead them to victory in the inaugural Pro Volleyball Federation National Championship and was named the MVP of the championship match. Join us as we dive into the journey and mindset of this incredible leader and athlete, Sydney Hilley. Despite not playing much during the last few weeks of the season, when her number was called, she was ready for her moment and delivered when it mattered most. Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here. Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht Instagram:@max_out_mindset Twitter: @Doc_elitemind

From Cave Creek, Arizona, Kam Gibadlo grew up as a multi-sport athlete. She was recently named to the 2024 USA Volleyball U21 National Team roster and just completed her freshman year at the University of Utah. She earned post-season honors as she was named to the 2023 Pac-12 Freshman Team. Past accomplishments include being a member of the 2023 USAV GJNC 18 Open All-American team, where her team finished third in the nation. In this episode, Kam shares her inspiring journey and opens up about how cultivating joy on and off the court has given her a competitive edge. From overcoming self-confidence challenges to celebrating her strengths, Kam's contagious competitive spirit and joy on and off the court will have you rethinking the powerful role of joy in achieving peak performance. This rising star offers an insightful perspective on finding purpose beyond just the sport you play. Want to learn more about mindset training with Coach Jess? Please visit www.maxoutmindset.com. Follow Coach Jess on Instagram @max_out_mind_jess and X @JessKnecht.

In this episode of the Max Out Mindset podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Coach Paul Limongi, a highly accomplished football coach with an impressive track record. Although I have only known Coach Limongi for a couple of years, his impact on the athletic world has been significant and long-lasting. Before joining Westside High School, my alma mater, Coach Limongi, spent 16 years at Burke High School in Omaha, Nebraska. During his tenure there, he led his team to one state championship in 2018 and amassed an impressive 106-55 record. Coach Limongi's ability to nurture and develop talent has been instrumental in helping many of his players continue their careers at the collegiate level. Two years ago, Coach Limongi transitioned to Westside High School, where he has continued his success. In his time at Westside, he has led the team to a remarkable 25-1 record and two consecutive state championships. In this episode, we will delve into Coach Limongi's journey, discussing the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from a successful program at Burke to a previously successful culture at Westside, and how he managed to merge the two. Moreover, we will explore the personal adversity Coach Limongi faced when he was diagnosed with a tumor on his tonsils. This earth-shattering news undoubtedly had a profound impact on his life and career. Join us as we explore Coach Paul Limongi's insights, experiences, and the valuable lessons he has learned throughout his coaching career and personal life on the Max Out Mindset podcast. Max out Mindset services here. Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht Instagram:@max_out_mindset Twitter: @Doc_elitemind