One year ago, Monica and I were basically just “playing coach.”

Now we’re traveling across the country running volleyball clinics, building the Coach Chijo brand, meeting thousands of athletes, and recording our very first podcast episode.

In this episode, we talk about:
 • how everything started
 • what the early days looked like
 • building a brand from scratch
 • lessons we’ve learned along the way
 • what actually helps athletes become better players
 • and some behind-the-scenes stories from the journey so far

Huge shoutout to Baden Sports for supporting the journey.

If you’ve been following from the beginning, thank you.
 If you’re new here, welcome.

JUST GO!

What does it really take to build a volleyball brand online?

In this episode, Coach Donny and Coach Chijo sit down in Las Vegas during tournament weekend to talk about the reality behind content creation, social media growth, editing, filming, staff, pressure, burnout, and the work people never see behind the scenes.

We also talk about the sacrifices that come with constant travel, including missing family and balancing real life while trying to grow a brand and help people through volleyball.

Most importantly, we talk about how volleyball came into both of our lives during difficult times and why we feel called to give back to the volleyball community through coaching and content.

This was one of the most real conversations we’ve had.

🏐 New episodes every Sunday
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Follow Coach Donny

Subscribe to his YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@ElevateYourselfOfficial

What Players Wish Coaches Knew | Isabella’s Perspective as a 16U Player

What do players actually wish coaches understood?

In this episode of the Coach Chijo Podcast, Isabella shares her perspective as a 16U club volleyball player and talks honestly about communication, confidence, mistakes, pressure, and what truly makes a coach impactful.

We talk about:
• How different athletes respond differently to coaching
• What players are thinking after mistakes
• Why communication style matters so much
• How coaches can build trust and confidence
• Things coaches may never hear directly from players
• What athletes really want from their coaches

This episode is a valuable listen for coaches, parents, and athletes who want to better understand the player experience and create stronger relationships within sports.

JUST GO!

How do you run up to 50 volleyball tournaments a year across the country?

In this episode of the Coach Chijo Podcast, I sit down with Chris Hames from Top Court Events while we were in Las Vegas at the Emperor’s Cup Volleyball Tournament.

Top Court generously hosted me at the event so I could meet followers, sign autographs, and take photos with players and families throughout the weekend.

Chris shares what happens behind the scenes to organize major volleyball tournaments and the pressure that comes with managing events at such a high level. On the day we recorded this episode, Top Court was running THREE tournaments in THREE different cities at the same time.

We also talk about:
• Her volleyball career representing Australia
• Raising two daughters who played high-level volleyball
• The challenge of coaching your own kids
• Building positive tournament experiences for athletes and families
• What makes players actually enjoy the event experience

This was a really cool conversation about leadership, family, volleyball, and the people working behind the scenes to make these events happen.

🙌

JUST GO!