Better Together

What was volleyball like before girls had the opportunities to compete that we know today?In Part 1 of a special Better Together conversation, host Korohen Jones sits down with her former high school coach, Hall of Fame volleyball coach Sherry Ammons, to look back at the early days of women's athletics and the people who helped pave the way.Sherry shares what it was like growing up before Title IX, when opportunities for female athletes were limited and even the chance to compete against another school was something worth celebrating. From her earliest experiences playing volleyball in Mobile to her collegiate years at Montevallo, she reflects on the teachers, coaches, and advocates who recognized the potential of women in sports and worked to create opportunities where few existed.Along the way, Sherry shares unforgettable stories about early volleyball uniforms, challenging expectations for women, and winning a collegiate state championship.It's a look at how far the game has come, the women who helped move it forward, and why understanding that history matters for the generations of athletes playing today.

In Part 3 of our conversation with Maycor Carrion, we're taking a closer look at the game behind the game.As an Assistant Coach and Technical Coordinator at Alabama A&M, Maycor gives us a behind-the-scenes look at scouting opponents, studying player tendencies, and using film and data to prepare athletes for competition. He shares what coaches notice that spectators might miss and how strategy can influence the outcome of a match long before the final point.We also explore why statistics don't always tell the full story of an athlete, what coaches look for in high-pressure situations, and the challenges of making decisions from the sidelines rather than being on the court.Maycor shares what drew him to United, his excitement about coaching both boys and girls this upcoming season, and how his experiences across different countries and programs have shaped his understanding of the game.To close out our conversation, Maycor reflects on the relationships, cultures, and opportunities volleyball has brought into his life and what it truly means to be Better Together.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Maycor, we're diving deeper into the game of volleyball - exploring what it means to truly understand the court, communicate with confidence, and grow as both a player and coach.Maycor shares his journey through multiple positions before finding his home as a libero, the importance of reading opposing teams and recognizing tendencies, and why great defensive players contribute far more than passing and digging.We also explore how his early coaching experience changed the way he approaches the game, helping him see the bigger picture, make adjustments, and understand volleyball from an entirely new perspective.Whether you're an athlete looking to elevate your volleyball IQ or a coach helping players develop their confidence and communication, this conversation offers valuable insight into what it takes to grow beyond the fundamentals.

In Part 1 of our conversation with Maycor Carrion, we go back to where his volleyball journey began in the Dominican Republic and follow the opportunities that eventually brought him all the way to Huntsville.Maycor shares how he discovered volleyball through his sister, why he set his sights on playing and studying in the United States, and the work and sacrifice it took to turn that goal into reality. From Trinity Christian to Oakland City, collegiate player to coach, and now Assistant Coach and Technical Coordinator at Alabama A&M, each step has given him a new perspective on the game.We also talk about the growth of boys volleyball, the importance of building connections, and why your volleyball journey doesn't have to end with your final match.Plus, Maycor gets candid about his own college recruiting experience, from sending nearly 100 emails to coaches to navigating scholarships, academics, highlight videos, and the realities athletes should consider when deciding where they want to play.Now joining the coaching staff at United, Maycor brings a unique perspective and a passion for creating opportunities for the next generation of athletes.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Kaelin “Coach Kae” Steele, we dig deeper into what she's learned about coaching, success, and the importance of knowing the athletes behind the jerseys.Kaelin reflects on her Coach of the Year season with 18 White and how coaching a group with different goals challenged her to adjust her approach and focus on giving each athlete an experience they could be proud of. She shares why player-coach relationships and mental check-ins have become such an important part of her coaching, and how her definition of a successful season has evolved beyond simply wins and losses.We also look ahead to her upcoming season with 17 Blue, the areas where she's still challenging herself to grow, and why building relationships and team chemistry starts long before the first match.And to close it out, Coach Kae shares what Better Together means to her after growing alongside United from nearly the beginning.