Better Together – Details, episodes & analysis

For our very first episode, we have the pleasure of speaking to KeAra Bowen. She is currently prepping for USAV Nationals next week with United 17 National and has committed to Winthrop University. We talk about her recruitment process, the importance of chemistry and connection within a team.... and chicken nuggets.

This week we sat down with United alum and Union grad student Lauren Burrell. We cover topics such as being adaptable, the major role coaches played in her journey, the challenges of a college athlete, and giving yourself grace - also her impressive sneaker tying ability (we may or may not still be trying to do it like LB).

Earlier this month before our teams took off to Vegas, we sat down with United 17 National and CIU commit Eevy Bellar. We chat about upcoming USAV Nationals, properly fueling your body, and as coaches - the importance of learning your players. It's not about winning or losing, just simply playing for the love of the game.

Amidst our 2025 club season evaluations, Coach Korohen sits down with United VB Registrar Michelle Mitchell. We discuss lots of FAQs - our upcoming Signing Day, fall and winter offerings at United, our UU membership, and SRVA Registration. A summarized PDF of this episode is also available for reference on our website!

United 18 National athlete and UAB commit Kennedy Vaughn joins us today! We discuss confidence, hyper-focusing on mistakes - and treating those mistakes as simply a bad moment rather than a bad day.

Today we sit down and chat with United alumni and Samford VB athlete Gracie Lynn Butler. We touch on the differences between playing at a club vs. college level, and the meaningful impact that takes place when coaches believe in their players. We also discuss how emotion makes competition electric, yet not every emotion belongs in every moment. Oh and a word of advice from GL... watch your film!

We enjoyed chatting with GL so much that we split it into two episodes! In the second part of our discussion we talk about reflection exercises, knowing where your personal value comes from, her biggest challenge as an athlete, and being your own advocate when it comes to your wellbeing.

This week we sat down with 15 National coach Lydia Compton and discuss what it means to be a coach and the impactful role it plays in athlete's experiences, building chemistry and trust with your players, and teaching valuable lessons through losses.

We recently sat down with United alum and current Huntingdon player Lydia Hitchcock - and it's a good one. So good that we've split it into two parts! This week, we discussed her unique recruiting experience, the benefits that come from utilizing time management, and the physicality/mentality differences in playing both beach and indoor. Join us next week for Part 2!

In the second part of our conversation with Lydia, we talk about how important discipline is when motivation comes and goes, some personal sacrifices she has made to pursue her volleyball journey, and the impact energy has when striving to be a good teammate.