Bump, Set, Mic...The Junior Club Volleyball Podcast by TNT cover art

Bump, Set, Mic...The Junior Club Volleyball Podcast by TNT

Bump, Set, Mic...The Junior Club Volleyball Podcast by TNT

Written by: Chuck Dougherty
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The Bump, Set, Mic podcast guides you through the world of junior club volleyball through the perspective of the TNT Volleyball Club located in the Philadelphia area. Join Club Director Chuck Dougherty and his cohost Brian Mooney as they interview coaches, parents and players to get behind the scenes insight into all things important in the world of club volleyball.2024 Volleyball
Episodes
  • Ep 47: Visible, Not Vulnerable: Social Media & Volleyball Recruiting

    Ep 47: Visible, Not Vulnerable: Social Media & Volleyball Recruiting
    Sep 16 2026
    From recruiting DMs to viral highlight clips, today's volleyball players are building their futures in public—often without realizing what they're really sharing. In this episode of Bump, Set, Mic, Chuck takes over hosting duties while Brian and returning guest Leon Kasperski, TNT's Director of Operations, break down how athletes and families can use social media as a powerful recruiting tool without putting safety, privacy, or future opportunities at risk. Drawing on Brian's 30+ years as a middle school teacher, along with his experience as a high school and club coach, and Leon's hands-on work guiding TNT athletes through the college recruiting process, the conversation covers volleyball-specific accounts, digital citizenship, red flags in online contacts, and the long memory of your digital footprint. Whether you're a TNT family, a player hoping to play in college, or a parent trying to keep your child safe online, this episode offers clear, practical guidance on staying visible to the right people—and inaccessible to the wrong ones. Segment 1 – Social Media as a Recruiting Tool, Not a Toy (0:00 – 17:32) Chuck introduces Episode 47 and the role reversal: Chuck hosting, Brian as "color man," plus returning guest Leon KasperskiWhy TNT is "all in" on social media as a major recruiting tool for its athletesHow TNT leverages coaches' relationships and tournament exposure (e.g., AAU Nationals) to get players seenLeon's recommendation to create a separate volleyball/recruiting account (vs. mixing personal life and volleyball on one profile)What belongs on a volleyball recruiting profile: Name, position, graduation yearSimple, professional contact infoLinks to highlight video and recruiting platforms (e.g., YouTube, SportsRecruits) Brian's educator perspective on teaching teens to use technology safely and appropriately, including AI, and this episode as the club's effort towards a similar goal. Early reminder: college coaches are absolutely checking social media to learn who you are off the court, not just how you play on it Segment 2 – Legit Contacts, Scams, and Online Grooming Red Flags (17:32 – 30:20) Real-life scenarios: "Hi, I'm Coach Smith from State University; I've watched your film…""We want to pay you for your name, image, and likeness (NIL)…" Leon on how legitimate coaches actually reach out: Almost never via DMTypically via school email, through the club, or directly to coaches Verification-first approach when a player gets contacted: Look up the coach on the school's official websiteMove the conversation from DM to emailCC a parent, club coach, or recruiting coordinator Red flags to watch for: Personal email addresses (e.g., Gmail) instead of school domainsRequests to "keep this between us" or avoid involving parentsAttempts to move quickly into private chats, personal photos, or non-volleyball topics Brian's shares some research found regarding how often minors—especially teen girls—report being approached online by people trying to manipulate themA clear explanation of grooming behaviors and how they can target teenage volleyball players specificallyWhat to do if you've already shared "too much": Stop replyingTell a parent or trusted adult immediatelyIn serious cases, involve law enforcement and the club, as TNT did in a prior possible grooming situation Segment 3 – Digital Footprints, Emotional Posting, and Long-Term Consequences (31:02 – 53:00) Brian defines digital citizenship and why "private" at one point doesn't neccessary mean private long-termLeon: college coaches are not just "likely" but certain to do a deeper dive on a player's online presence once they're interestedHow posts about refs, coaches, teammates, politics, or partying can quietly knock a player off a coach's listThe permanence of a digital footprint: Screenshots, saved Snaps, and old posts can resurface years laterChanging friend groups or conflicts can turn "private" conversations into public problems Quick-hit "lightning round" on what's okay and what's risky: Cell numbers in structured recruiting systems: maybe—but with cautionHome address and always-on location sharing: noHighlight reels and volleyball clips: absolutely yes—that's what social is forEmotional venting after a loss: skip the post, cool off, and protect your future self For players: social media is step one in recruiting, not the finish line—and visibility should never come at the cost of safetyFor parents: Stay engaged with your athlete's accounts and communicationsHelp with filming, building profiles, and reviewing contactsRecognize that a complete absence of social media can also hurt recruiting in today's landscape Closing thoughts from Chuck, Brian, and Leon as both coaches and parents: They want TNT players to be seen by the right people, stay safe from the wrong ones, and carry a strong digital reputation from club to college and beyond.
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    54 mins
  • Ep 46: Still Playing, Now Coaching: Introducing Mike Carr

    Ep 46: Still Playing, Now Coaching: Introducing Mike Carr
    Aug 27 2026

    From high school standout to D3 starter, VLA athlete, and now assistant coach at West Chester University and head coach of TNT's girls' 16 Thunder National, Coach Mike Carr brings grit, versatility, and high standards to every player he mentors. In this episode of Bump, Set, Mic, Chuck and Brian sit down with Mike to explore his coaching philosophy, his emphasis on strength and conditioning, and what players can expect when working with him.

    Discover Mike's practical insights on his experiences playing multiple positions, building resilience through adversity, navigating the demands of college and semi-pro volleyball, and helping players thrive at the club level. Whether you're a TNT family member, a current player, or someone curious about elite volleyball coaching, this episode offers a compelling look at Coach Mike's journey as a player, coach, and mentor—and what TNT families can expect as he leads his national team into an exciting season.

    Segment 1 – From Late HS Start to College and VLA Player (0:00 – 23:51)
    • Introduction of Coach Mike Carr
    • His high school volleyball journey, versatility from playing multiple positions, and thoughts on players being open to playing multiple roles
    • Mike's non-traditional path to college volleyball and his impressions from time spent at that level
    • Lessons learned from overcoming adversity as a player (incluuding an ACL injury) now aiding in his work as a coach
    • Mike's coaching journey from volunteering at his HS alma mater, the tremendous influence of Mike's coach on his own coaching career, and how Mike ended up connecting with TNT
    Segment 2 – Coaching at TNT, Philosophy, and Importance of Strength & Conditioning (24:01 - 50:40)
    • A recap of how Mike ended up at TNT
    • How first season success at 17U travel, plus positive feedback from parents and coaches, were stepping stones to Mike's appointment as a national-level 16s team head coach
    • Mike's thoughts on coaching girls vs. boys at the club level
    • His coaching philosophy, style, and the role of strength and conditioning in his approach with players
    • Strategies for helpling players develop resilience and mental toughness
    • Addressing the concern of younger coaches in prominent club roles, how Mike addresses that in his work, and the support provided by the club to coaches in similar circumstance at TNT
    Segment 3 – National Team Goals, What Gets Players Noticed, and How to Work with Coach Mike (50:49 – 69:33)
    • Individual and team goals for 16 Thunder National for the upcoming season
    • What Mike values most in players from the start of the season (tryouts) until the end
    • Positions, systems, and how he adapts to fit his team
    • Mike's reflections on the recent tryout experience at TNT as a national-level head coach
    • Helping players reach the college level, including using the club's connections to college coaches and other recruiting resources
    • Additional ways of working with Mike (lessons, academies, clinics) and his approach with athletes in those environments
    • TNT's expanded academy-style plans for the coming season
    • Final advice to ambitious young players
    • How to connect with Mike along with the club and its ongoing and upcoming programs
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Ep 45: From Player to Coach: Emily Poole's Volleyball Journey

    Ep 45: From Player to Coach: Emily Poole's Volleyball Journey
    Jul 15 2026
    Hard work can be fun! In this episode of Bump, Set, Mic, Chuck and Brian are joined by Coach Emily Poole, head women's volleyball coach at Arcadia University and member of the TNT Volleyball coaching staff, as she shares her volleyball journey and blueprint for how very competitive teams can also have an enjoyable time as well at both the club and collegiate levels. Chuck, Brian, and Emily cover her path from York, PA to Division I volleyball, navigating academics at Lehigh, and the moment she realized coaching—not the corporate world—was her future. Emily shares how she was thrown into college coaching during COVID, what it was like to take over the Arcadia program at 24, and how she builds competitive, academically driven teams that still have fun. Specific to the club side, Emily reflects on last year's TNT 17 Platinum run to USAV Nationals, the culture that kept them locked in through a long season, and what she's looking for as she takes over 16 Platinum this coming season. The epiosde closes with practical perspective on TNT tryouts, recruiting realities, and how families can keep their sanity during one of the most stressful times of the year. Segment 1 – Emily's Volleyball Journey and Development as a Player (0:00 - 17:58) Returning from nationals with club in full summer mode and a brief recap of the time in FloridaIntroducing Coach Emily Poole – Arcadia head coach, TNT coach, a Colts fan in Eagles countryEmily's start in volleyball: late to the sport, middle school-only at first, invited as a guest player for nationalsHer high school experience at Central York, the impact of strong coaches, and discovering grass volleyballReaching D1 at Lehigh: the extra work put in and how Emily built full-skill IQ as a middleReframing the middle position: not just "the tall kid," but a complete athlete who must learn all skillsBalancing high academics with D1 volleyball, a sophomore slump, and how a new coach's academic standards reset Emily's approachSharing that academic emphasis with her own college and club teams (team GPAs, study halls, support systems)Favorite memories at LehighWhen volleyball became more than "just playing" for Emily Segment 2 – Building a College Program and Coaching Philosophy (17:58 - 44:14) Emily's graduate assistant experience at LehighCoaching through COVID, promotion by necessity, and how the COVID-era experience helpd shape Emily's readinessThe Arcadia opportunity and Emily's coaching styleChuck's perspecitve based on feedback about the 17 Platinum experience from Emily's players last seasonBalancing "fun" and high standards; dismantling the myth that fun and competitiveness can't coexistBuilding a culture at Arcadia The roads that led Emily to TNTMore on the 17 Platinum experience and the dedication of the team's players"We want Puerto Rico" - players pushing for a bigger national schedule for the coming season, aiming high, and a quick discussion about playing up instead of sandbaggingKey differences for Emily between college and club coaching: recruiting vs. life mentoring, opponent scouting vs. unknown brackets, systems vs. heavy skills work Segment 3 – The Coming Season, Player Traits, and Tryouts (44:24 - 59:47) Emily's new role for the coming season with 16 Platinum along with her goals for the team and its playersWhat Emily feels that 16s players need the most: sharpening core skills, starting to layer in more complex systems, and learning to communicate productively on the courtMore on communication and leadership, the need to separate feedback from personal feelings, and how players must find their voiceThe traits Emily looks for in players: attitue, effort, coachability, and competitivenessEmily's "middle bias" - comfortable with all positions, but especially passionate (and demanding) with middles and blocking systemsContributions Emily makes to the club besides coaching a teamThe benefits of having college coaches at TNT to help players understand what will be expected if they want to move up and play in collegeThe upcoming tryout season: the resulting anxiety for players and parents, rumor mills, and Chuck's firm stance on no early offers before tryouts and the club's ethical tryout philosophyWhy tryout session times are assigned just before tryouts at TNTAdditional perspectives on tryouts for families available in previous episodes 7 and 29More tryout advice for familiesClub website and social media contacts, how to reach Emily and Leon Kasperski for recruiting help, and encouragement for everyone heading into upcoming tryouts and high school seasons
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    1 hr
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