What does it really take to inspire young athletes and keep them growing beyond the game?In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Anitra Brockman, coach, educator, and former head coach at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, to talk about mentorship, leadership, and building athletes from the inside out.With more than a decade of collegiate coaching experience, Dr. Brockman shares why coaching is bigger than wins and losses. From creating trust with athletes to developing leadership skills and navigating adversity, this conversation is packed with real insight for coaches, parents, and anyone invested in youth sports.In this episode, we cover:🏐 Why mentorship matters in athlete development🏐 How to build trust and open communication with players🏐 The importance of individualized coaching over one-size-fits-all methods🏐 Teaching leadership, resilience, and conflict management🏐 How passion for the game can shape the next generationWhether you’re coaching your first team or leading at the highest level, this episode is a reminder that the best coaches don’t just build athletes—they build people.#Volleyball #Coaching #YouthSports #Leadership #Mentorship #AthleteDevelopment

On this episode of Sideline Strategy, Rakecia Jenkins talks about the transition from athlete to coach, building trust with players, and why mentorship and representation matter more than ever in volleyball.From coaching philosophy to showing up authentically in leadership roles, this conversation is full of the kind of insight that sticks with you long after the episode ends.Topics include:• Rakecia Jenkins’ journey from player to coach• The impact of AOCA in athlete development and representation• The importance of mentorship in sports• Balancing professionalism and authenticity as a coach00:00 Introduction and Background of Coaches00:38 Journey into Volleyball: Personal Stories03:20 The Impact of AOCA on Athletes06:04 Experiences at the Baltimore Event09:03 Coaching Philosophy and Personal Connection11:48 Navigating Identity as Female Coaches14:46 Preparing Athletes for Life Beyond Volleyball16:37 The Evolution of Casual Attire in Sports19:25 Fun Segment: Trivia and Pet Peeves in Volleyball24:13 Coaching Reflections and Future AspirationsFor more junior volleyball education visit www.jvavolleyball.org

In this episode, Alivia Orvieto shares her inspiring journey from college volleyball star to founder of Sandblazers Beach Volleyball and her efforts to grow the sport in Pennsylvania. Discover her insights on coaching, building a community, and balancing business and sport.

00:00 Alivia's College Volleyball and Entrepreneurship

00:30 Joining JVA and Resources for Coaches

04:21 Alivia's Volleyball Journey and Love for Beach Volleyball

07:02 Transition from Indoor to Beach Volleyball

10:11 Starting Sandblazers Beach Volleyball

13:50 Favorite Aspects of Coaching and Community Impact

16:56 Challenges and Strategies in Youth Volleyball Programs

18:47 Future Plans and Growth of Sandblazers

For more junior volleyball education visit www.jvavolleyball.org