Outside The Pins – Details, episodes & analysis

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Outside the Pins, UW-Oshkosh alum Robyn Kirsch reflects on her transformational Titan journey—from a season-ending ACL injury before committing to Oshkosh, to anchoring the team’s rise to back-to-back NCAA Elite Eight appearances. As both a quiet leader and fierce competitor, Robin became a cornerstone of the program’s evolution—on the court, in the classroom, and now as a coach and dental school applicant. She shares wisdom on resilience, learning through adversity, staying authentic in leadership, and why the relationships you build in a locker room can change your life forever.

Key Topics:

💪 Injuries & Resilience:
After an ACL tear during her senior year of high school, Robin didn’t give up—she adapted. She coached. She had two knee surgeries and an ankle surgery in college—but returned stronger. Her drive to contribute, even while sidelined, became a defining trait.

🏐 Quiet Grit, Loud Impact:
Though never the loudest voice, Robin became a high-IQ, high-trust leader. Whether crushing film breakdowns, writing playbook-level scouting notes, or anchoring serve receive with calm consistency, she embodied the “warrior” award she was given—and proved leadership comes in many forms.

🌊 Costa Rica, Community & Culture:
From surfing wipeouts and orphanage connections to zip lining and chocolate-making chants, Robin’s memories of the team’s international trip to Costa Rica captured the joy, depth, and long-term impact of global service—and how those moments still come up in dental school interviews.

🎪 Green Lake to Community Night:
Robin’s memories range from getting lost in Green Lake to throwing a ball into the net at the first-ever Community Night in front of 2,800 fans. These moments—funny, formative, electric—symbolize the power of shared experience and strong team bonds.

🧠 Authenticity in Leadership:
Robin didn’t need a captain’s title to lead. She leaned into who she was—a trusted listener, steady competitor, and deeply thoughtful teammate. Her belief: when everyone leads authentically, the group is stronger together.

🎓 Biomedical Brain & Coaching Heart:
A Biomedical Sciences major with a Chemistry minor, Robin has her eyes set on dental school—but she’s not leaving the volleyball world. Now a varsity assistant and club coach, she’s passing on the same mindset, grit, and growth she modeled as a Titan.

🏆 Progress Worth Pursuing:
Robin’s class helped build a program that grew from missing the NCAA tournament to two straight Elite Eight runs. Her advice to future Titans: “Embrace challenges, work together, and understand that how you grow as a team matters more than any outcome.”

Send us Fan Mail

Episode Summary:
In this deeply moving and inspiring conversation, UW-Oshkosh Volleyball alum Mel Hust returns to camp and the podcast mic with vulnerability, humor, and wisdom. From nearly walking away from the game after two knee surgeries to becoming a cornerstone of the Titan program and second all-time in aces, Mel shares her story of rediscovering passion, navigating mental health, persevering through nursing school, and enduring unimaginable personal loss. Through it all, Mel’s quiet strength, explosive play, and genuine heart made her a leader both on and off the court. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and the importance of leaning into who you truly are.

Key Topics:

🌟 The Spark Returns:
After declaring she was done with volleyball, Mel came to one last camp—and everything changed. A spark reignited. A campus clicked. And a role in the Titan legacy began.

🧠 Mental Health, Mindset & Growth:
Mel opens up about the early college struggle—online classes, lack of structure, academic disinterest—and how depression colored her first few years. With time and support, she began taking ownership of her routine, rediscovered her purpose, and learned to ask for help.

💪 Real Life, Real Support:
From barely passing chemistry to being surrounded by staff who rallied around her to make sure she got into the nursing program, Mel’s story highlights the depth of support that exists at Oshkosh—for those willing to receive it.

❤️ Her Father’s Legacy:
Just days before playing in the NCAA Elite 8, Mel learned of her father’s passing. Her resilience in that moment—and the outpouring of love from teammates and coaches—shaped one of the most unforgettable moments in program history.

🏐 Role Acceptance & Impact:
Mel went from aspiring libero to elite server and DS, becoming one of the most dangerous weapons in UWO’s rotation and climbing to 2nd all-time in rally-era aces. More importantly, she found joy and pride in embracing her role and mastering it.

👟 Leadership Her Way:
Mel’s brand of leadership was subtle but powerful—leading by example, being a steady and trusted teammate, and showing others that you can be both fierce on the court and gentle off it.

🎉 Locker Room Lore:
Her iconic crowd-surfing in the locker room became a metaphor for her transformation—once quiet and reserved, she fully embraced her authentic self and gave others permission to do the same.

🧠 Mel’s Advice for Titans:
“Be yourself. Stick to a routine. Talk about how you feel. Lean on people. Don’t isolate. Let people in.”

Final Takeaway:
“Authenticity is a superpower. When you stop fearing other people’s opinions and start living as your full self, everything changes—for you and for those around you.”

Send us Fan Mail

In this fun episode guest host Carissa Sundholm has a conversation with three members of the University of Oshkosh Women's Volleyball program.  The episode covers a wide variety of topics:

Why UWO?
What sets UWO apart?
Recruiting process
Majors
What drew you to UWOVB
Biggest challenges and lessons learned
Dealing with injuries
Success on and off the court
Spring season details
Team themes
Funny memories
Favorite match
Advice to future freshman
Funniest teammates
What coach would survive on a deserted island

Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan Mail

An in depth "big rock" conversation with UW Oshkosh volleyball player Carissa Sundholm

Previous Conversation w/ Carissa

Topics:
Why UWO
Favorite Team Trip - Virginia 
Self Identity and Self Discovery
Personal Philosophy
Character
Vision 
Psychological Framework
Optimism
Control
Grit

So many door slams in the background... 

Send us Fan Mail

An in depth "big rock" conversation with former UW Oshkosh volleyball player Becky Brezen

Topics:
Why UWO
Honors College
The Tryout Process
Legacy - Lion Heart Award
Leadership - Talking, Listening, and Leadership
Program Evolution
Confidence (external/internal)
Advice For Future Titans
Funny Stories  - The Tube
Quick Hitters

Send us Fan Mail

An in depth "big rock" conversation with former UW Oshkosh volleyball player Emma Kiekhofer

Topics:
Why UWO
The Offer Process
Legacy - Evolution Award
Leadership - Be Authentic
Program Evolution
Advice For Future Titans
My Why
Overcoming Challenges - Academics + Sport
Prioritizing 
Managing Expectations
Setter CAN Play Defense 
Quick Hitters

Send us Fan Mail

An in depth "big rock" conversation with former UW Oshkosh volleyball player Brianna Vettese

Topics:
Why UWO
Legacy - Man In The Mirror Award
Overcoming Challenges - Change/Transitions
Academic Journey
Life Plans
UWOVB Big Rocks - Embrace Challenges/Roles
Leadership Journey
Accountability Stories
Quick Hitters

Send us Fan Mail

An in depth "big rock" conversation with former UW Oshkosh volleyball player Samantha Silbernagel

Topics:
Why UWO
Famous Knee Story
Academic Journey
Legacy - Author Award
Leadership Journey
Mental Health
1st Year Coach
GPS
Lost Campers
Quick Hitters

Send us Fan Mail

Episode Summary:
In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Outside the Pins, senior volleyball player Joslyn (Joey) Wolf shares her journey through four years at UW-Oshkosh—from uncertain beginnings to empowered endings. With graduation approaching, Joey reflects on the challenges she’s overcome, the relationships that shaped her, and the joy she found in authenticity, vulnerability, and late-night laughter with teammates. From dealing with academic pressure and personal loss to discovering how to lead with compassion, Joey’s story reminds us all that struggle and strength are deeply connected.

Key Topics:

🧬 Academic Grit: Joey talks through her double major and double minor in Biomedical Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, and Medical Laboratory Science, along with her hands-on phlebotomy work and the passion that drives her toward a behind-the-scenes medical career.

🏐 Volleyball and Vulnerability: From feeling like a small fish in a big pond to embracing her role on the team, Joey shares her emotional evolution—especially how finding connection and support helped her thrive on and off the court.

💎 Joey’s Gems:
Moments of growth that shaped her experience—including the lesson that “if you’re the first to be vulnerable, it’ll domino,” the importance of taking up space, and why time between the big events matters most.

💔 Adversity and Resilience: From migraines and the loss of her grandmother to wrestling with doubts about her major and role on the team, Joey opens up about how struggle forged strength—and how faith, friendship, and her support system carried her through.

🌊 Leadership Through Presence: The late-career switch from “angry Joey” to joyful, competitive confidence came from one teammate’s belief—and the decision to fight for her team from a place of freedom instead of frustration.

🎨 Making Time Count: Whether watercolor painting with her roommate, hanging out in the kitchen, or climbing rocks at Pikes Peak, Joey emphasizes the power of presence and savoring small moments.

Final Takeaway:
“Life is about making heaven crowded and being extremely grateful and content with what you have and who you have in your life.” 

Send us Fan Mail

Episode Summary:
In this dynamic crossover episode, guest host Riley Dahlquist steps in to spotlight a special roundtable of Titan athletes from soccer, gymnastics, and basketball. Together, they reflect on what it means to live the “Gold Standard” both on and off the court. From caffeine-charged locker rooms and travel memories to emotional support and team culture, this episode celebrates the vibrant, interconnected community of UW-Oshkosh Athletics. Laughter, leadership, late-night study sessions, and sideline support all blend into one shared mission: push each other to grow and bring contagious energy every day.

Key Topics:

⭐ The Gold Standard, Redefined:
Each team tailors the “Gold Standard” to their own identity—whether it’s a signed list of values, relentless energy, or showing up for teammates in and out of competition.

🏐 Titans Backing Titans:
From standing-room-only volleyball games to gymnastics quad meets and road game road trips, athletes share their favorite memories of supporting each other—and how that energy lifts entire teams.

🤝 Culture Off the Court:
Whether it’s spontaneous breakfasts at Blackhawk, open-invite study sessions, or campfires after finals, these Titans believe trust is built through connection outside the game.

🔥 Compete Hard, Love Harder:
From caffeine highs and bench warnings to emotional hugs from teammates' parents, the athletes emphasize competing with joy, intensity, and deep appreciation for each other.

⚽ Team Dynamics & Leadership:
Gymnastics, soccer, and basketball each offer a unique take on culture—from unconditional support and evolving standards to the power of freshmen stepping up as leaders.

🎭 Coach Quirks & Catchphrases:
Whiteboards get broken. Fist bumps mean “you did it right.” And sometimes… the answer to the ref is “Built on Bond.” From fiery halftime speeches to silent head nods, the coaches of UW-Oshkosh are as memorable as they are impactful.

Final Takeaway:
Leadership doesn’t have one look. Success isn’t one moment. And support—between teammates, sports, and friends—is the heartbeat of the Titan family.

Send us Fan Mail