Claim OwnershipBetter Together
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A United podcast centered around athlete development, coaching philosophies, the college recruitment process, and more! Hosted by Korohen Jones, Director of Player and Coach Development. Each week we showcase different athletes, alumni, and coaches that all help us become #bettertogether.
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In part two of our conversation with Alyssum Reno-Smith, The Non-Diet Sports RD, we dive into the biggest myths and mistakes athletes make with nutrition - and how volleyball players can simplify fueling to play their best.From caffeine to common misconceptions, this episode covers what every athlete, parent, and coach needs to know to help athletes feel confident, focused, and fueled on and off the court.What you’ll hear in Part 2:How to encourage young athletes to fuel properly despite peer pressure around body imageCommon nutrition myths athletes believe (and the truth behind them)Caffeine: does it help or hurt performance?How under-fueling impacts focus, reaction time, and decision-making on the courtA common mistake athletes make with their nutrition during tournamentsAlyssum’s best advice for athletes to improve their nutrition without overcomplicating itSocial media Q&A: her answers to the most common questions athletes wanted to hear from a dietitianIf you missed part one, be sure to go back and listen to hear Alyssum’s journey from athlete to dietitian, her fueling tips for tournaments, and why hydration is the hidden key to performance.
What you eat and drink can make or break your performance on the court. And today’s guest knows exactly how to help volleyball players fuel and hydrate smarter.In this episode, we sit down with Alyssum Reno-Smith, a former athlete turned registered dietitian, to talk about how nutrition and hydration directly impact energy, recovery, and performance. From what to eat before tournaments to how to stay fueled and hydrated between matches, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can start using right away.What you’ll hear in Part 1:Alyssum’s journey from athlete to becoming a registered dietitianThe difference between an RD and a nutrition counselor (and why it matters)Why preparation is key during long tournament daysThe importance of timing meals before and after practices & matchesHow your performance can change depending on what foods you eatThe all-important topic of hydration and drinking enough waterGo-to recommendations for quick and easy pre-practice and pre-game snacksAnd this is only part one! Be sure to come back next week as we dive deeper into nutrition strategies every athlete needs to know - from recovery and travel fueling to busting the biggest myths around food and performance.
Not every athlete’s path is linear. United alum Audrey Krichev didn’t plan to play at Amherst, but when the opportunity came, she embraced it - and it’s shaped her college experience in ways she never expected.📌 Show NotesHow Audrey’s recruiting journey unfolded - and the surprises along the wayWhy she didn’t originally plan to play at Amherst, and how the opportunity openedHer mindset shift when stepping onto the teamHow volleyball has shaped her college experienceThe reality of balancing academics with athletics at a high-level institutionFrom balancing rigorous coursework with athletics to the personal growth volleyball continues to bring, Audrey opens up about her journey on and off the court.
In part two of our conversation with UNA Head Coach Tristan Johnson, we dig into the real details of recruiting that athletes often wonder about but rarely get clear answers on. From first impressions in an email to what he’s really looking for in a highlight film, Tristan shares how athletes can separate themselves in the recruiting process - and what growth looks like once they step on campus.📌 What to Expect:What makes an athlete’s initial outreach stand out - and what coaches notice first in an email.The right timing to initiate and build communication with a college coach.Why highlight films matter and how athletes should prioritize their strengths when creating one.How Tristan helps players handle the jump from club to college volleyball.The one piece of advice he wishes every recruit could hear before starting their recruiting journey.In the coming weeks, stay tuned for the third and final part of our conversation - where Tristan opens up about his own journey into volleyball, what brought him to UNA, and the lessons that continue to shape his coaching today.
In Part 1 of our conversation with University of North Alabama Head Coach Tristan Johnson, we dive into the recruitment journey from the coach’s perspective. Tristan shares what he looks for when evaluating athletes, the key reminders every recruit should hold onto, and why gratitude and character matter just as much as skill.Whether you’re an athlete chasing a roster spot, a parent guiding your athlete, or a coach supporting players through the process, this episode offers an honest look at what it takes to stand out and find your place in college volleyball.📌 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:How the recruiting process typically begins from a coach’s sideKey reminders for athletes: stop comparing, embrace gratitude, and keep an open mind to all levels What Tristan notices first when evaluating a recruitHow he defines “coachability” and why presence, demeanor, and character carry so much weightThe importance of showing who you are when things don’t go your way👉 Next week in Part 2: Tristan returns with even deeper recruitment insight and phenomenal advice for athletes looking to play at the next level.
This week on Better Together, Merritt Beason returns for Part 2 of a heartfelt conversation. From inspiring the next generation of athletes to sharing hard-earned wisdom from the highest levels of the game, Merritt opens up with the same authenticity and leadership that make her such a powerful presence on and off the court. We go deeper into the heart of what it takes to lead, evolve, and inspire.She reflects on what she hopes to change in the game, how she prepares mentally and physically, and what she’s had to unlearn to keep leveling up. You’ll hear:🌱 What Merritt hopes to help grow and change through her role as a United Ambassador - and why the next generation of athletes matters so much to her💭 The advice she would give to a young girl dreaming of playing in college (or beyond) - and why perseverance is more powerful than perfection💪 The hardest part of being a top-level athlete that no one talks about - and how she pushes through it🎧 What her pre-game routine looks like - and how it has evolved over time as she’s grown into a pro athlete🔄 Something Merritt had to unlearn as she moved up through the ranks from club to college to pro - and how it shaped her approach to the game todayMerritt’s perspective is an incredible mix of practical wisdom, personal growth, and a bold vision for the future. Whether you're a player, coach, or parent, this conversation is a reminder of the power of growth, leadership, and staying true to your why.
This week on Better Together, we’re joined by pro volleyball player, Nebraska standout, and proud United Ambassador Merritt Beason for one of our most personal and powerful conversations yet.Merritt opens up about the journey behind the jersey — the real decisions, emotions, and mindset shifts that come with chasing your dreams at the highest level.She walks us through the deeply personal process of transferring, what guided her decisions, and how she’s learning to let her “why” evolve with each season of life.You'll hear:How Merritt navigated transferring schools and made the right choices for herWhat athletes often stress about in recruiting that doesn’t matter as much as they thinkHer journey with the love of the game How she continues to grow and challenge herself in this stage of her careerWhy it’s okay - and even healthy - for your “why” to shift over timeThe lessons and mindsets she’s carried from the coaches who’ve shaped herYou do not want to miss this chat! No matter your role in the game, there’s something here for you. Merritt brings the kind of perspective and heart that will stay with you long after the episode ends - and we're so grateful for the time she spent with us!We couldn’t fit all the wisdom into one - so here’s Part 1 of our two-part episode with Merritt. Be sure to join us back next week for the rest of the conversation!
This week, we’re joined by Eli Hester - a recent commit to the University of West Alabama and a former 18 National player who took a nontraditional path to college volleyball. Hear what sparked her decision to join club her senior year, how she handled the unknowns, navigating the recruiting process, and the meaningful lessons she’ll keep long after her playing days are over. In this episode, we cover:what led her to pursue club volleyball so late in her high school journeywhat it felt like walking into a club gym for the first time at 18how she adapted quickly and found belonging in a new environmentthe challenges she faced throughout the recruiting processwhat sealed her decision to commit to West ALthe area of her game she’s most excited to grow at the next levelthe deeper life lesson volleyball has introduced to her and the part of the game she truly fell in love withHer journey proves that starting late doesn’t mean starting behind - especially when you’re all in.
Think evaluations are just about skills? Worried that one bad rep will ruin your chances? In Part 2 of our eval prep series, United Directors Korohen and Scott return to bust common myths and help athletes understand the bigger picture.They dive into:Common myths athletes believe about evaluationsWhat happens after evaluations wrapHow players can be evaluated for multiple positionsWhether you're a first-time athlete or returning player, this episode clears up confusion and helps you walk into the gym more confident and informed. We can't wait to see you this week!
It’s almost evaluation week, and we’re kicking off Season 2 with exactly what you need to walk into it with confidence. United Directors Scott and Korohen sit down to share what really matters during volleyball evaluations - whether you’re a returning player or walking into the gym for the first time.Nervous? Excited? Somewhere in between? This episode is your guide to showing up strong, staying grounded, and standing out for all the right reasons.From the energy you bring to the court to how you respond when things don’t go perfectly, this conversation is packed with real talk, helpful reminders, and honest perspective from coaches who value growth over perfection - and know what really leaves a lasting impression.Inside, we cover:Why your mindset matters more than you thinkThe qualities coaches are actually watching forWhat to do (and not do) if you want to stand outHow parents can be a calm, supportive presence — without adding pressureThe evaluation myths that need to goIf you’re ready to shift from anxious to intentional, this episode will help you step into the gym with more clarity, confidence, and purpose.We’re cheering for you. Let’s get into it.
Signing Day is this weekend- a big moment for our athletes and families!In this episode, Korohen chats with our United Registrar, Michelle, to walk through what Signing Day looks like at our club and what families can expect as the season takes shape.They touch on:How we celebrate Signing Day and why it mattersWhat to do right after you commitTips for uniform ordering and important dates to noteWhat’s coming this fall to help athletes gear up before official practicesIf you’re feeling excited but also a little unsure - this is the episode that brings clarity to the process and gets you feeling ready. Let's make it official and start this upcoming season strong!
It’s our very first podversary, and to celebrate, Korohen and Brittany are stepping behind the mic together for the first time ever! In this special episode, we reflect on the journey of Better Together - sharing stories from the very beginning, the challenges and surprises of producing a podcast, and what it truly means to honor the individuality of every athlete and coach we meet along the way. Join us for an honest, heartfelt conversation about what we’ve learned and the dreams we have for Season Two.
We’re sitting down with London Tate - United 18 Black athlete and Andrew College commit. She shares how living with diabetes has shaped her self-awareness and discipline, both on and off the court. We also talk about how her definition of success has evolved through club volleyball, her advice for younger athletes dreaming of playing in college, and the standout moments from her 18s season she’ll carry with her.
This week on the podcast, we’re joined by alumni Emily Alexander, now playing volleyball at Clarkson University. Emily shares how her recruiting journey unfolded, when she realized she wanted to pursue volleyball long term, and how being an athlete has shaped her both on and off the court. She also opens up about how she handles nerves, and what helps her reset mentally and physically through the ups and downs of the season.
Summer at United is heating up! As families start thinking ahead to the next club season, we're sitting down with our registrar to walk through everything coming up - from summer camps and development sessions to middle school and high school play dates. We also chat about the upcoming parent info meeting this weekend and how to get ahead by registering for July evaluations. Whether you’re a returning family or brand new to United, this episode is your one-stop shop for what’s around the corner!
In this episode, we sit down with United Coach Isabelle Fuell for a thoughtful conversation about her path into coaching, how she leads in the gym, and the impact she hopes to have on her players. Isabelle shares how her experience as a setter has shaped her leadership style, what drew her into coaching, and the lessons she’s taken from her own playing days into the gym. As she reflects on her first season with United, she opens up about the bigger picture - why she loves coaching at the club level and what she hopes to instill in her players, both on and off the court. It's a good one - don't miss it!
In the final installment of our three-part Ask the Directors series, Scott and Korohen dive into the evaluation process. From what to expect when trying new positions to how we handle makeup sessions and playing time conversations. They also share practical programs we offer to support skill development for our younger athletes and break down the goals and benefits of our United Unlimited membership.
In Part 2 of our three-part Ask the Directors series, Scott and Korohen tackle more real questions from our United families - finding the right coaching tone, family dynamics in team placement, what players should be aware of when navigating offers, and more.
We asked, you answered. In this special three-part series, our directors respond to questions submitted by our club families—diving into the heart of what makes our community strong, connected, and always growing. In part one, we open the conversation with insights from the top—covering how we navigate challenging team dynamics, the rewards and realities of running a club, and more.
In this episode, we sit down with Peyten Young, United 16 Black coach. We explore how his love for the game led him to coaching - and the life lessons he’s picked up along the way. He opens up about navigating moments of self-doubt, learning to lead without always having all the answers, and how coaching continues to shape his identity off the court. We also dive into how he defines success in a culture often dominated by wins and losses.
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