Out of Rotation

John and Scott wrap up their WPIAL girls volleyball playoff previews with a breakdown of the 3A, 4A and 6A brackets. They discuss championship contenders, potential upsets and key matchups, plus the Queens Bracket Challenge and whose picks could survive the postseason.The episode opens with a heartfelt tribute to Pittsburgh rock legend Donnie Iris, a close friend of John’s and a supporter of the Avonworth volleyball program.

The brackets are set, and the road to a WPIAL championship starts here! On Episode 18 of Out of Rotation, we break down every matchup in the 1A, 2A, and 5A WPIAL girls volleyball playoffs, joined by section-winning coaches for their insights on the fields, key matchups, and what it takes to make a postseason run.Think you know how it will all unfold? Head to bracket.burghqueens.com to enter the Queens Bracket Challenge, make your picks, and see if you can predict every match correctly!Three classifications. Championship dreams. Let’s talk playoff volleyball!

The regular season is winding down, and every match means more! John and Scott are back on Out of Rotation to recap Week 6 of WPIAL girls volleyball and look ahead to the matchups shaping Week 7.Plus, we welcome Lelia McCollum of Waynesburg, our Week 5 Jim Shorkey Queens Player of the Week, for a special interview!We break down the results, discuss the playoff picture, and spotlight the storylines to watch as teams make their final push toward the postseason. Who’s building momentum when it matters most? Let’s talk volleyball!

What does it take to build a confident team and a culture that lasts? John and Scott welcome Dr. Jodi Burns to Out of Rotation for a conversation about the mental side of coaching and building a program. We explore player confidence, accountability, pressure, team roles, and the emotional demands coaches face—with practical situations and ideas to bring back to your next practice.Dr. Burns’ Recommended ReadingContinue the conversation with these resources recommended by Dr. Burns:Game Changers — Dan GoldStories paired with insightful questions and action plans.The Champion’s Mind: How Great Athletes Think, Train, & Thrive — Jim Afremow, PhDExplore mental skills, motivation, and reflection. Dr. Burns highlights Chapter 2, “Mastering the Mental Skills,” along with Chapters 7 and 8.Max Out Mindset — Larry Widman, M.D.Strategies and exercises for developing and practicing mental skills.The Right Call — Sally JenkinsA favorite of Dr. Burns, who considered using it as a textbook for a sports-themed first-year seminar.Playing Big: Find Your Voice, Your Mission, Your Message — Tara MohrA book focused on women finding their voice, with valuable perspective for men who coach women, too.PEAK: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise — Anders Ericsson and Robert PoolAn exploration of deliberate practice and the path to expertise. Dr. Burns gives a special shoutout to Sharon Watson, whose success she connects with this approach.Mindset: The New Psychology of Success — Carol S. Dweck, PhDA resource for exploring growth mindset and perseverance.Chasing Greatness — Karch Kiraly

The stretch run is here! In Episode 15 of Out of Rotation, we recap Week 5 across Western Pennsylvania high school volleyball and preview the Week 6 matchups with playoff berths on the line. We discuss the results shaping the standings and what to watch as teams push toward the postseason.This episode is sponsored by Elevated Performance VB.