As athletes head back into the gym and prepare for a new season, we're looking back on one of our most valuable conversations.In this archived episode, registered dietitian Alyssum Reno-Smith joins us to discuss the powerful connection between nutrition and athletic performance. From brain function and decision making to hydration, anxiety, and sustained energy, Alyssum explains why what athletes eat before and during competition matters just as much as what they do in practice.Whether you're listening for the first time or revisiting this conversation, the information is just as relevant today as it was when we first released it.In this episode, we discuss:Why under-fueling can increase anxiety, shakiness, and mental mistakesHow nutrition supports the nervous system, focus, and confidenceWhy carbohydrates are the brain's primary fuelThe truth about energy drinks and pre-competition fuelingSmart snack ideas for tournaments and long training daysWhy skipping meals before competition can hurt performanceHow hydration affects decision making and reaction timeCommon fueling misconceptions among athletes and parentsSimple nutrition habits that support more consistent performanceWhether you're an athlete, parent, or coach, this conversation is packed with practical, evidence-based advice to help athletes perform at their best.Be sure to join us next week as we revisit Part 2 of our conversation with Alyssum.

We wrap up our three-part conversation with professional volleyball player and United ambassador Merritt Beason by talking about the lessons she's still learning - and the ones she hopes to pass on.From coaching young athletes and navigating difficult decisions to confidence, accountability, self-talk, and finding your voice, Merritt shares the perspective she's gained both on and off the court.She also reflects on balancing high expectations with grace, why confidence isn't something you always feel, and what it really means to keep growing as an athlete, coach, and person.Key TakeawaysQuestions young athletes should be asking more oftenBalancing accountability with grace as a coachHelping athletes separate performance from self-worthWhat confidence really looks likeFinding your voice while remaining respectfulThe importance of effort, energy, and buy-inPractical strategies for managing negative self-talkMerritt's definition of "Better Together"

In Part 2 of our conversation with Merritt Beason, we go even deeper into what life really looks like as a professional volleyball player.From long travel days and recovery routines to nutrition, self-care, and learning to give yourself grace, Merritt shares the parts of professional volleyball that fans rarely get to see.She also reflects on the importance of finding what works for you, protecting your own well-being, and the role that faith, mentorship, and trusted relationships have played throughout her journey.Most importantly, Merritt shares why she hopes young athletes learn to be kinder to themselves long before they reach the highest levels of the game.Whether you're an athlete, parent, or coach, this episode is filled with practical wisdom and honest perspective that reaches far beyond volleyball.

This week on Better Together, we're joined once again by United ambassador and professional volleyball player Merritt Beason.Fresh off another day in the gym with our athletes, Merritt sits down with Korohen to reflect on everything that's happened over the past year, from coaching and mentoring to competing with the Omaha Supernovas and making a run to the professional championship match.But this conversation isn't just about volleyball.Merritt opens up about confidence, self-talk, vulnerability, social media, handling criticism, and why growth doesn't stop once you reach the highest levels of the game. She shares what she's still learning, how coaching has changed her perspective, and why being honest about the struggles behind the scenes has become one of the most rewarding parts of her journey.Whether you're an athlete navigating evaluations, a parent supporting your player, or simply someone learning to embrace growth, this conversation is a reminder that no one has it all figured out.

Evaluations are here, and with them come excitement, nerves, and plenty of questions.In Part 2 of our Ask the Directors series, Korohen and Scott shift the conversation from how evaluations work to how athletes and families can make the most of the experience.They discuss:• Why the right team is often more important than the highest team• How athletes can prepare mentally and physically for evaluations• What parents can do to best support their athlete• Green flags and red flags coaches notice during evaluations• How to move on after mistakes• Why every athlete's journey looks differentWhether your athlete is stepping into their first evaluation or has been through the process before, this conversation is full of practical advice and encouragement for evaluation week.

Scott and Korohen answer the biggest questions families ask before evaluations - from how athletes are assessed to what coaches are actually looking for.Evaluation season is almost here, and with it comes a lot of questions—and a lot of nerves. In Part 1 of this Ask the Directors series, Scott and Korohen take listeners behind the scenes of United's evaluation process to explain how teams are formed, what coaches are actually evaluating, and why the process is designed the way it is.They discuss:• Why evaluations now happen in the summer• What coaches are really looking for beyond volleyball skills• How communication, coachability, and competitiveness influence evaluations• Common misconceptions parents have about team selection• Why one mistake won't ruin an evaluation• What happens behind the scenes before athletes ever step into the gymWhether this is your family's first evaluation season or your tenth, this episode offers practical insight to help athletes walk into the gym with confidence.Be sure to tune in next week for Part 2, where Scott and Korohen answer even more of your biggest evaluation questions!

Sophie Krichev is back on Better Together.When Sophie first joined the podcast, she was preparing to begin her collegiate volleyball career at UT Arlington. Now, after completing her freshman season, she returns to share what life at the Division I level has really been like.From adjusting to college athletics and building confidence as a freshman starter to navigating life away from home and developing strong relationships with teammates, Sophie offers an honest look at the transition from club volleyball to college volleyball.She also shares the lessons she learned about confidence, self-talk, coachability, leadership, and why "working hard works."Whether you're a current athlete, a parent, or someone preparing for the recruiting process, Sophie's perspective offers valuable insight into what happens after the commitment announcement and what it takes to grow at the next level.

Summer can feel like a race to fit everything in - camps, clinics, workouts, open gyms, vacations, jobs, and more. But does being busier actually help athletes improve?In this solo episode, Korohen challenges athletes and families to rethink what productive summer training really looks like. Instead of chasing every opportunity, he shares why the most successful athletes often focus on a few intentional goals, prioritize recovery, and stay committed to consistent growth.In this episode:The difference between activity and true developmentWhy athletes should focus on just 2–3 prioritiesThe role recovery plays in performance and growthHow social media can create unhealthy comparisonWhat coaches are really looking for at evaluationsA simple three-goal challenge for the rest of the summerWhether you're preparing for evaluations, school season, or simply looking to make the most of your off season, this episode offers practical advice for building a summer that leads to long-term development - not burnout.

Continuing our conversation with United Birmingham Director Ryan Freeburg, we dive into recruiting, player development, exposure, and the future of volleyball in Alabama.Ryan shares his perspective as both a club director and Division I coach, discussing what helps athletes get recruited, why exposure matters, the importance of skill development at younger ages, and the challenges that can come from prioritizing short-term results over long-term growth.We also discuss confidence, attacking mechanics, communication, coaching philosophy, and Ryan's vision for year two of United Birmingham.In Part 2 of our conversation with Ryan, we discuss:the current state of volleyball in Alabamarecruiting and player exposurewhat college coaches are actually looking forthe importance of high-level competitionyouth skill developmentconfidence and long-term athlete growthwinning now versus developing future playersattacking mechanics and injury preventioncommunication between setters and hitterstechnical skills versus tactical strategiescoaching philosophy and player developmentRyan's vision for year two of United BirminghamWhether you're an athlete, parent, or coach, this conversation offers valuable perspective on what it takes to build better volleyball players over the long term.

One year after launching United Birmingham, we sit down with Club Director Ryan Freeburg to reflect on what the journey has been like so far.Ryan shares the challenges and rewards of building a club from the ground up, creating a healthy environment for athletes and families, developing coaches, and establishing a culture centered around growth, trust, and teamwork.We also discuss the unique landscape of volleyball in Birmingham, the importance of balancing individual goals with team success, and what it takes to build something meaningful from the ground up.This conversation offers an honest look at leadership, culture, communication, and the lessons learned throughout United Birmingham's first year.