The Coaches Group Chat

University of the Pacific Men’s Volleyball Returns

The headline is big, but the backstory is bigger: Pacific is bringing back men’s volleyball, and we walk through how it actually happened—step by step, meeting by meeting, and milestone by milestone. From the first conversations with President Callahan to the detailed planning with Athletic Director Adam, we saw how patient leadership, alumni persistence, and the right partners turned a long shot into a green light. We dig into the mechanics behind the moment: why First Point Volleyball Foundation’s involvement mattered, what conference alignment with the MPSF looks like, and how budgets, scholarships, and staffing were mapped before the announcement. Beyond logistics, we explore a core belief that shaped this comeback: men’s and women’s volleyball are stronger together. Cut one and you weaken the culture; invest in both and you raise the floor and the ceiling—better recruiting, bigger crowds, and a campus identity people want to be part of. There’s also a candid look at the enrollment strategy driving decisions at private universities. Men’s volleyball can bring in domestic and international students, boost retention, and anchor community engagement. With that context, we talk about the head coach archetype that fits this moment—a builder who can recruit at speed, fundraise with credibility, and set a standard from day one. Expect some names, some laughs, and a bold attendance line for the home opener that dares Stockton to show up loud. We’re proud, we’re relieved, and we’re ready to help this program thrive. If you want more schools to follow Pacific’s lead, share this with an AD or president who needs a playbook. Subscribe, rate, and pass it along to a volleyball friend—then tell us your pick to lead the Tigers and your over/under for opening night.

S3E2: Volleyball Rehab, Death to #GrowTheGame, & Mid-Major Tournaments

We recap a whirlwind women’s volleyball weekend, break down Stanford vs Louisville with real tactical detail, and lay out a case for mandatory mid-major conference tournaments. We also explain how Bay to Bay chartered flights to save families money and why “grow the game” needs to retire. • Stanford vs Louisville as a gritty benchmark for the 4–10 tier • Louisville setter as the match’s key differentiator • Stanford stronger in the middle, Louisville deeper at the pins • Santa Clara–Pepperdine detour and a St. Mary’s “volleyball rehab” vibe • Packed gym energy and what real community looks like • Why mid-major conferences should host a top-six tournament • Keeping teams alive longer, creating late-season stakes • A rebuttal to “best representative” fears with best-of-five logic • Retiring “grow the game” in favor of confident, concrete action • AVCA convention curation vs salesy sessions, and open debate • How Matt chartered planes and broke the internet with AI • AI mockups, virality, and clear messaging around real logistics • Building The Grape Man event from 10 to 100 teams

S3E1: NCAA Women's Volleyball Vibe Check

We return with a pop-up episode to track the surge in women’s volleyball—national TV windows, marquee kickoff events, and a top tier led by Nebraska and Texas—while naming sleepers that no one wants in a Sweet 16 draw. We also break down Milan’s move to UCLA and grade USA men’s first season of a youth-forward reset. • AVCA First Serve impact, ESPN and Fox spotlight • Nebraska and Texas separating, context on early undefeateds • UCLA’s transfer haul and the Penn State win • Texas practice insights, talent depth, and scheduling • Top 10 snapshot with ASU, TCU, SMU storylines • Sleeper teams that create matchup nightmares • Men’s update: Milan to UCLA and visa questions • USA men graded A- for youth and identity • Plans for an AVCA live lobby show Please let us know if you would like us to keep giving our thoughts on women (volleyball).

S2E14: Natty Champs Recap, Long Beach Culture, Too Early Predictions

Long Beach State secures another national championship with a commanding sweep over UCLA, showcasing their unparalleled team culture and championship mentality. Their "blue collar" approach and ride-or-die brotherhood has created a volleyball program where bench energy is so intense it earned yellow cards during their championship celebration. • Long Beach's first set domination, hitting nearly .800 against UCLA • Moni Nikolov's clutch serving, delivering two consecutive aces when UCLA led 20-18 in the second set • The stark contrast between UCLA's grim timeout huddle and Long Beach's electrified bench • Long Beach volleyball culture as elite, gritty, and built on intense loyalty • Post-match championship F-bomb continuing the Long Beach tradition • Way-too-early predictions for next season's contenders: Hawaii, Stanford, and USC • High school volleyball update with Open Division Championship preview Join us for season three as the podcast may be moving to a new home with some exciting changes ahead!

S2E13: Grand Canyon Cuts Men's Volleyball, NCAA Bracketology, VNL Roster Predictions

Grand Canyon University has abruptly cut their men's volleyball program, effective immediately, with no advance warning to coaches or players, sending shockwaves through the volleyball community. We explore what this means for the future of men's volleyball and share insights from our personal experiences with program cuts at Stanford and University of Pacific. • Blueprint for fighting program cuts based on Stanford's successful campaign to save their program • Importance of building alumni databases and organizing coordinated responses • Strategies for fundraising through pledges rather than immediate donations • Critical timing of GCU's announcement during peak men's volleyball season • Complete NCAA tournament field breakdown and selection committee controversies • Final Four predictions with analysis of key matchups • Potential collegiate players likely to join USA Volleyball's training team this summer If your program doesn't already have a comprehensive alumni database and communication system in place, start building one today. Don't wait for an emergency announcement to begin organizing your support network.