In this episode of Volleyball Journeys, Kristian Titriyski shares his remarkable path from growing up in Bulgaria to becoming a standout player for the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa men's volleyball program.

Kristian discusses how he first discovered volleyball, his development through club volleyball in Bulgaria, and his experiences representing Bulgaria on the national team. He also explains why he chose Hawaiʻi instead of turning professional immediately and what it was like adjusting to college volleyball, life in Hawaii, and the unique culture surrounding UH men's volleyball.

Throughout the conversation, Kristian offers valuable insights into the differences between European and NCAA volleyball, the importance of resetting mentally during matches, pregame rituals, scouting opponents, and the mentors who have helped shape his career. He also shares advice for younger hitters and international athletes considering playing college volleyball in the United States.

Whether you're a volleyball player, coach, or fan, this interview provides an inside look at one of the sport's rising international talents.

• Discovering volleyball in Bulgaria
• Club volleyball and national team experience
• Why Kristian chose Hawaii
• Adjusting to college and island life
• European vs NCAA volleyball
• Winning the 2025 Big West Championship at home
• Mental reset strategies
• Pregame rituals and scouting
• Advice for young hitters
• Mentors including Vlado Nikolov

Key Topics Covered:

Carolyn O'Dwyer shares her incredible volleyball journey from discovering the sport in Calgary to playing at Mount Royal University, becoming head coach of the University of Alberta Pandas, winning a championship, and joining Volleyball Canada's senior women's national team staff.

In this in-depth conversation, Carolyn discusses her development as an athlete, the importance of club volleyball, the transition from player to coach, and the lessons she learned working under legendary Alberta coach Laurie Eisler. She also shares what it was like to receive the call to join Giovanni Guidetti’s coaching staff and what she has learned from one of the most respected coaches in international volleyball.

We also dive into:

• Winning a championship with the Alberta Pandas
• Coaching in Volleyball Canada’s Next Gen program
• The experience of the FIVB Volleyball Nations League
• How Canada is progressing on the world stage
• Differences between U SPORTS and NCAA volleyball
• Recruiting and retaining top Canadian athletes
• What Carolyn looks for in recruits beyond volleyball skills
• Mental toughness, resetting, and reading body language
• Which volleyball position is the toughest to play
• Fun off-court topics, including pineapple pizza and who should be interviewed next

Whether you're a player, coach, recruiter, or volleyball fan, Carolyn offers tremendous insight into athlete development, leadership, and what it takes to build a championship culture.

Brie O’Reilly joins the show to share her incredible volleyball journey—from playing at Trinity Western University to becoming a setter for Canada Women's National Volleyball Team, competing professionally in Germany and Brazil, and now playing with LOVB Austin.

We talk about:

🏐 Making Team Canada in 2019

🥇 Competing in the VNL's🌍 Playing professionally

🇨🇦 Olympic dreams and the road to 2028 Summer Olympics🧠 Being coached by Erik Sullivan and Giovanni Guidetti

🔥 Life now with LOVB Austin

If you’re a volleyball player, coach, or fan, this conversation is packed with insight on elite setting, international volleyball, and chasing big goals.

Subscribe for more volleyball journeys with players, coaches and leaders in the game.

#Volleyball #TeamCanada #LOVB #Olympics #BrieOReilly

Jordan Lucas is everywhere right now.

After a viral broadcast comment questioned his on-court celebrations, the volleyball world exploded—millions of views, debates, and nonstop reactions.

But there’s a lot more to his story.

From being recruited by GCU, coming in as an outside hitter then switching to libero. Saw the writing on the wall before GCU cancelled the volleyball program—Jordan’s journey is definitely unique in college volleyball.

In this interview, he breaks it all down:
🔥 The viral moment
🏐 His position switch
💪 Getting out of GCU
🎯 What drives his energy on the court

Thana Fayad’s journey isn’t just about volleyball—it’s about resilience. After suffering two ACL tears during her time at the University of San Diego, her career was put on hold. Many would have walked away.

She didn’t.

After stepping away from the game, Thana fought her way back—earning a chance to play professionally and ultimately representing Team Canada at the World Championships.

This is a story about perseverance, belief, and refusing to quit when everything says you should.

In this episode of Bump Set Chat, we sit down with legendary coach Alan Knipe to talk about life after stepping away from Long Beach State Men's Volleyball.

Walking away from college after another national championship, Coach Knipe shares what retirement has really been like, what it’s like watching his team from the outside, and how his perspective on coaching has evolved.

We also dive into his new venture, Champions Unlimited—a unique offseason training environment designed to help athletes at every level prepare, develop, and compete at a higher standard.

Plus, we break down:

• What college athletes are missing in the offseason
• How high school players can actually prepare for the next level
• The importance of systems, leadership, and volleyball IQ
• The vision behind PLAIY — a “coach in your pocket”

Whether you're a player, coach, or fan of the game, this is a must-watch conversation on development, mindset, and the future of volleyball.

In this interview, we sit down with MSOE Women’s Volleyball Head Coach Kris Susak to talk about her journey from playing Division I volleyball at South Dakota to leading a Division III program.

We dive into:

• Her path from athlete to coach

• The real differences between D1 and D3 volleyball

• Why D3 is often misunderstood

• What recruits and families need to know

• Why finding the right fit matters more than the division label

If you’re going through the recruiting process or trying to decide what level is right for you, this conversation will change how you think about Division III volleyball.

D3 is not a step down—it’s a different path.

In this episode we sit down with Tread Rosenthal, standout setter for the University of Hawaiʻi volleyball program, to talk about his volleyball journey and what it takes to compete at the highest level.

Tread shares how he got started in volleyball, the path that led him to Hawaiʻi, and what it means to represent the United States Men's National Volleyball Team.

We also dive into:

• His development as a setter

• The culture of Hawaiʻi volleyball

• Competing at the NCAA level

• Representing Team USA

• Advice for young volleyball players

If you love volleyball stories, high-level insights, and learning what it takes to reach the next level, you’ll enjoy this conversation.

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