From a small town to professional volleyball, Maya Sands’ journey has been built on adaptability, confidence and a willingness to keep betting on herself.In this episode, Maya shares how she found volleyball, navigated her college career at UNLV and Mizzou, entered the professional draft process and experienced her first season in Houston.She opens up about the transition from college to professional volleyball, learning to contribute in a different role, developing confidence and experiencing the “pinch me” moments that made becoming a professional athlete feel real.Maya also discusses the importance of her support system, the underdog mentality that has shaped her career, life outside of volleyball and what it means to serve as a Nike Volleyball ambassador.Whether you’re an athlete pursuing the next level, a coach helping players navigate their path or a volleyball fan curious about the professional game, Maya offers an inside look at what it takes to make, and adjust to, the jump to pro volleyball.For more junior volleyball education visit www.jvavolleyball.org

On this episode of Sideline Strategy, Dr. Jen Fry joins us to talk sports geography, volleyball research, leadership, conflict management and the environments we create for young athletes.

Jen shares how she carved out her own lane as a sports geographer, why volleyball needs more research specific to our sport, and how coaches and Club Directors can better prepare for difficult conversations before they happen.

We also get into building confidence and voice in young women, recognizing healthy vs. unhealthy sports environments, communicating with parents, creating more inclusive volleyball communities, and how culture and geography shape the way people experience sport.

Plus, Jen shares stories from her career, her work with athletes and organizations, and a few volleyball history facts that might surprise you.

In this episode:
• Sports geography and volleyball culture
• Volleyball-specific research and thought leadership
• Conflict management in youth sports
• Parent and athlete communication
• Leadership development for coaches and athletes
• Building confidence and voice in young women
• Creating healthy, inclusive sports environments
• Recognizing abuse and unhealthy environments

Watch the full episode of Sideline Strategy with Dr. Jen Fry.

Winning at the highest level of club volleyball is hard enough. Doing it in Dallas, where some of the best clubs in the country are right down the road, is a different animal. Texas Advantage Volleyball Executive Director Jason Nicholson joins Sideline Strategy to break down what keeps TAV competing at the top, how an ultra-competitive volleyball market raises the standard for everyone, and what it takes to build a culture athletes and coaches want to be part of. He also shares what’s next for TAV, including a new volleyball-focused school partnership with Texas Sports Academy and an innovative Nike sponsorship model aimed at creating more opportunities for elite female athletes. From building championship programs to rethinking what’s possible in youth sports, this conversation goes well beyond wins and losses.For more junior volleyball education visit www.jvavolleyball.org