In this episode of Under the Hat, Kara and Coach Sam tackle one of the most misunderstood — and most emotional — topics in college volleyball: transferring. This is not a “jump in the portal” pep talk.It's the opposite. We walk through: Why the fall semester is NOT enough time to judge a fit Emotional triggers that mislead athletes (comparison, homesickness, frustration) Coaching changes and when they do or don't justify transferring How to request and handle tough conversations with your coach What a mature, non-victim conversation actually sounds like Academic & financial realities families overlook What film you need (and why club footage won't cut it) How coaches evaluate transfers — including the red flags they look for Why the portal window is short, fast, and more stressful than the original recruiting journey If you're considering the transfer portal, already in it, or supporting an athlete who's struggling, this episode will help you slow down, reflect, and make decisions rooted in clarity — not panic.

In this episode of the Under the Hat Player of the Year Spotlight Series, we're joined by Amari Frazier — a 6'3" Class of 2028 outside hitter/right side from Xavier College Prep, one of Arizona's top high school programs. Amari talks about what it's like being part of a state title–contending team, her leadership growth from freshman to sophomore year, and how her high school squad bonds over sisterhood, food, and competitive fire. She also shares her shift from basketball to volleyball, her love for the club grind with Arizona Storm, and what she's focused on improving heading into the new season. We go deep on: The Durango Classic turning point Team bonding through food (mac & cheese and pineapple, anyone?) Her transition into leadership at Xavier The mental side of blocking and defense Why she looks up to Haleigh Washington and Andi Jackson And how she's learning to trust her training when things get tough This is Amari unfiltered — confident, hilarious, real — and ready for what's next. Watch now or listen on your favorite platform — and meet one of the most electric young hitters in the 2028 class.

She's not just one of the most decorated high school players in the country — she's a student of the game, a silent force, and a mirror for what's possible when preparation meets poise. In this episode, we sit down with five-star USC commit and modern-day modern-day legend Layli Ostovar. From her quiet rituals of visualization to the rowdy tradition of touching a coach's shoe after an ace, Layli pulls the curtain back on the work behind the wins — and the stillness that sharpens her edge. We talk siblings, team chemistry, NIL dreams, and what it means to hold your standard when no one's watching. Layli shows us how calm can be a weapon.And how competitive doesn't have to be loud to be lethal.

In this episode of the Under the Hat Player of the Year Spotlight Series, we sit down with rising setter Jocelyn Samuels — a 2028 standout repping Harrisburg High School and Kairos Elite. We talk about everything from growing up in South Dakota and finding her rhythm as a setter, to what fuels her love for the game, the moments that shaped last club season, and what she's chasing this year. Jocelyn opens up about her journey, her goals, and the balance of school, life, and high-level volleyball — all with a dose of Halloween fun and fall-season energy. Whether you're a player, parent, or coach, this one's packed with insight, heart, and early-stage fire. Tune in and meet Jocelyn — a young athlete on the rise, with the mindset to match.

In this Player of the Year Spotlight, Kara Hill and Chris Tobolski go Under the Hat with Finley Krystkowiak — outside hitter for Torrey Pines High School and Wave Volleyball Club, and future Penn State Nittany Lion. They talk about Torrey Pines' incredible season, leadership through competition, and what made Penn State feel like home. Finley also opens up about growing up in a sports family, the mental side of her game, and how she's preparing for college volleyball. It's a mix of insight, laughter, and that competitive spark that makes Finley one of the top players in the country.

In this episode of the Under the Hat Podcast, we sit down with Sydney Whisenton — a 2028 setter-opposite from Cornerstone Christian and Alamo 16 National — and a standout nominee in our Player of the Year Spotlight Series. Sydney takes us behind the scenes of her journey: from early club days to national-level competition, and through a medical diagnosis that nearly sidelined her for good. She shares what it was like to undergo two surgeries, miss critical playing time, and rebuild both her confidence and her strength. What stands out most isn't just her resilience — it's her clarity. Her voice. The way she sees the game, and herself, through a different lens now. We talk dual positions, coaching styles, superstitions, NIL dreams (yes, there's a car involved), and what it means to be “back” after the kind of season that changes everything. If you're raising, coaching, or mentoring a high-level athlete — this one is a must-listen.

We're kicking off the VBallRecruiter Player of the Year Spotlight Series with a setter who's got fire in her veins and roots in the game — Peyton Heatherly of Mother McAuley. In this episode, Peyton gets real about: What it took to earn a varsity spot as a freshman Growing up in a volleyball family (hello, First Alliance!) Her evolution from follower to leader Mental training, journaling, and building confidence Plus: energy drinks, Halloween costumes, and Spaghetti Wednesdays She's sharp, funny, self-aware — and already a force.This is the kind of athlete you don't just watch… you learn from. Hit play and meet Peyton.The series starts here.

The transfer portal feels like a fresh start — but for most athletes, it's anything but simple. In this episode, Kara Hill and Coach Sam Wolinski go deeper than timelines and tactics to explore what really needs to happen before you decide to leave. From handling tough conversations with your coach… to checking your mindset for victim-thinking… to knowing whether you're ready to be re-recruited — this is the self-evaluation moment no one teaches you. You'll hear real insight from the field, including: What most athletes overlook when they say they want to transfer How to reflect (not just react) before telling your coach A story of an athlete we helped transfer into Purdue in just 48 hours — and what made that move actually work What you risk when you skip this part of the process How to know if you're moving toward something... or just away from pain This episode is for athletes who are hurting, families who are unsure, and anyone who believes their next step deserves more than just urgency. Listen before you leap. Clarity before chaos.

The rules are changing — again.In this episode, Kara Hill and Sam talk through the proposed “5-in-5” eligibility shift and what it really means for families navigating the recruiting process. We break down: Why recruiting classes are about to get smaller What this means for underclassmen How to stay in the game when timelines shift And why your communication habits matter more than ever This is one of those quiet industry shifts that could reshape the entire recruiting landscape — and most families aren't hearing about it yet. We're pulling back the curtain so you're not blindsided. Listen in, take notes, and forward this to a family who needs it.

From adding to a dynasty, to an improbable upset and the taste of redemption, Vballrecruiter.com takes you on the journey of 5 state champions from around the country.