SportsVolleyball

PVCA Podcast

Ryan Sell

The Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association Podcast is a show dedicated to showcasing Volleyball coaches at every level in Pennsylvania.

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https://www.pvcavb.org/

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23 episodes
weekly
Avg 1 hr
English

Episodes 23

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Wednesday · 1 hr 16 min
Managing Large Rosters, with Amanda Fetter from North Catholic
This episode is about growth, both for a program and for the coach running it. Amanda and I talk about what it takes to manage a large roster, from keeping communication clear across dozens of players to making sure no one gets lost in the numbers. The conversation also turns to something harder to talk about: stepping outside your comfort zone as a coach. Amanda shares why reaching out to more coaches, asking questions, and trying ideas that felt unfamiliar at first ended up changing the way they lead. It's a practical, honest look at running a big program without losing the personal touch, and a reminder that the best coaches never stop learning from each other. pvcavb.org
September 7 · 1 hr 25 min
Jason Leppo: On Stepping Away and Finding His Way Back
Jason Leppo built one of the most respected programs in Pennsylvania high school volleyball at Delone Catholic, capturing the 2013 PIAA Class 2A state title, five District 3 championships, four York-Adams League playoff titles, and nine division crowns over roughly a decade. Then, in his mid 30s and at the peak of his field, he stepped away to find better balance between work, family, and the game he loves. Now he is back on the bench, taking the reins at Dallastown. In this episode, we talk with Jason about what made those Delone teams special, why the relationships always mattered more than anything on the scoreboard, what he learned in his time away from the sidelines, and what drew him back to coaching high school volleyball. It is a conversation about building something lasting, walking away, and the pull that brings a coach back. www.pvcavb.org
August 30 · 1 hr 43 min
The Eye of the Hurricane: Mark Pavlik
After 32 seasons, Mark Pavlik has retired as the head coach of Penn State men's volleyball, finishing with 716 career wins, the third most in the history of college men's volleyball. In this episode he takes us back to the beginning: growing up in Derry, Pennsylvania, coaching in the state's high school and junior ranks, and rising through Penn State as a player, manager, and assistant before taking over the program in 1995. We dig into the 2008 national championship run, his eye-of-the-hurricane approach to coaching, the Olympians he developed, handing the program to longtime assistant Colin McMillan, and what he sees for the future of volleyball in Pennsylvania. A conversation about legacy, culture, and the relationships that outlast the wins. Coach Tait would be very proud PAV! www.pvcavb.org
July 18 · 1 hr 19 min
Every Angle of the Game: A Player, a Coach, an Official with Ellie Proksell
Ellie (Burns) Proksell has seen the biggest stage in Pennsylvania volleyball from every possible angle. A state champion player at Clarion, she went on to win five more state titles as an assistant coach at North Allegheny — one of the winningest programs in PIAA history — before picking up a whistle and becoming a certified official. In November 2025, she worked the PIAA A and AA state championships as both a stand official and a line judge in the same day. In this episode, Ellie talks about what it's like to compete for a title, coach for one, and now officiate one — and how each role has taught her something different about the game she grew up with. She also opens up about her family's deep roots in Pennsylvania volleyball, balancing motherhood with coaching and officiating.
July 8 · 1 hr 16 min
22 Seasons of Excellence: Mike Krause on Building Parkland Volleyball
Coach Mike Krause of Parkland High School joins the show to reflect on 22 seasons building one of Pennsylvania's most dominant volleyball programs — including three state titles won with his own daughters on the court. Mike shares stories from his playing days at East Stroudsburg, the mentorship that shaped his coaching under Penn State's Russ Rose, and the moments that turned a program with zero championships into a state powerhouse. He also opens up on what makes a great coach: curiosity, honest feedback, and building relationships that outlast the uniform.
June 27 · 1 hr 26 min
Keeping the Standard Alive: Dan Long and North Allegheny's 2026 State Championship
North Allegheny's tenth state championship came against Hempfield in the 2026 final, the same program whose record they tied. Head coach Dan Long joins us to talk about the win and what it meant to reach ten. More than that, we get into the thread that connects him to Bob Miller and Dan Schall, the coaches who set the standard he now carries. This is a conversation about culture, continuity, and what it means to be built at North Allegheny. visit us here - click here
June 15 · 51 min
A Championship Bloodline: Nick Bancroft and Meadville's Perfect Season
In this episode, we sit down with Nick Bancroft of Meadville, fresh off an undefeated season and a 2A state championship, to talk about the journey and a remarkable family achievement. check out our website - https://www.pvcavb.org/
June 7 · 47 min
One Weekend Away: Breaking Down the 2026 Boys State Volleyball Final Four with Scott Trumbauer
The field is down to four in both 2A and 3A. Scott Trumbauer, PVCA Vice President of Boys Volleyball, joins us to break down every semifinal matchup standing between these programs and a shot at a state title. We have heard directly from the coaches still alive in the bracket, and Ryan is putting his finals predictions on the record. Four teams in each class. Two spots in the championship. Who punches their ticket to Penn State? Let's find out. 2A - https://www.piaa.org/assets/web/documents/2026_2A_BVB.pdf 3A - https://www.piaa.org/assets/web/documents/2026_3A_BVB.pdf
March 2 · 1 hr 26 min
Betting on Passion: Gary White’s Leap into College Volleyball
In this episode of the PVCA Podcast, we sit down with Gary White of the Wisconsin Badgers women's volleyball at the University of Wisconsin–Madison for a conversation about risk, purpose, and pursuing what truly matters. Before climbing the ranks in college volleyball, Coach White made a bold decision. He stepped away from a stable professional career to chase his passion for the game. That leap of faith set him on a path that would eventually lead to one of the premier programs in the country. We talk about what it takes to bet on yourself, how to navigate uncertainty, and why standards and daily habits define championship environments. He also reflects on his Pennsylvania roots, the mentors who shaped his growth, and the lessons learned along the way. This episode is about more than volleyball. It is about courage, conviction, and choosing purpose over comfort.
February 23 · 53 min
Competing in the Big Ten: Inside Maryland Volleyball with Adam Hughes
In this episode of the PVCA Podcast, we sit down with Adam Hughes, Head Coach of the Maryland Terrapins women's volleyball at the University of Maryland. Coach Hughes shares his journey from his Pennsylvania background to leading a Big Ten program, reflecting on the experiences and mentors that helped shape his coaching philosophy. We dive into culture building, player development at the Power Five level, recruiting in today’s landscape, and what it takes to compete in one of the toughest conferences in the country. For coaches across Pennsylvania, this conversation offers valuable insight into leadership, program growth, and staying grounded while competing at the highest level. Whether you are coaching high school, club, or aspiring to the college ranks, this episode delivers practical takeaways and perspective from one of the top leaders in the game.
February 16 · 58 min
From Pennsylvania Roots to the ACC: Megan Wargo-Kearney’s Coaching Journey
In this episode of the PVCA Podcast, we sit down with Megan Wargo-Kearney, Head Coach of NC State Women’s Volleyball, to talk about her journey from her Pennsylvania roots to leading a Power Five program in the ACC. Coach Wargo-Kearney shares the path that shaped her coaching philosophy, the mentors who influenced her growth, and the lessons she learned along the way. We dive into building culture at the highest level, developing athletes beyond the court, and what it takes to compete in one of the toughest conferences in the country. For Pennsylvania coaches and players, this conversation carries special meaning. She reflects on how her experiences in PA helped shape her career and why staying connected to your foundation matters, no matter how far the journey takes you. Whether you are a high school coach, club coach, player, or fan of the game, this episode delivers practical insight, leadership lessons, and inspiration from one of the bright leaders in college volleyball.
February 11 · 50 min
Four Years In One Conversation Ryan Sell and Norah Busch talk PJP Volleyball - 2025 AAA State Championship
In this episode, the mic is turned around. Senior Norah Busch sits down with her coach, Ryan Sell, for a unique, role-reversal conversation after four years in the program. Norah leads the interview, asking thoughtful questions about coaching philosophy, leadership, culture, and the lessons learned across her high school career. Ryan reflects on what it has meant to coach this group over the past four seasons, how the program has evolved, and the moments that define a team beyond wins and losses. Together, they explore growth, trust, accountability, and the lasting impact of the coach-player relationship.
January 17 · 1 hr 21 min
George Fuller Spring-ford Head Coach - 2025 AAAA State Champs
I sat down with George Fuller to talk about Spring-Ford’s state championship season and what it says about the strength of District 1—especially the PAC, where two teams from the same league brought home state titles. We dive into the run, the moments that defined it, and why week-to-week battles in the PAC can prepare a team for anything once the state tournament starts. Please visit us at Click Here
Dec 21, 2025 · 42 min
39 Seasons. One School. 2025 PIAA Class 1A Champs: Coach Sheila Bancroft
Today we’re joined by Coach Sheila Bancroft, a true legend of Pennsylvania high school volleyball and the longtime leader of Maplewood. She’s in her 39th season at the same school, and this fall she guided Maplewood to the 2025 PIAA Class 1A state championship—Her sixth and the program’s seventh PIAA title overall. Please visit us at Click Here
Nov 29, 2025 · 1 hr 17 min
From 11th Seed to State Champ: Inside Avonworth Volleyball with John Skarupa
Avonworth head coach John Skarupa joins the show to break down the Antelopes’ incredible run from 11-seed to WPIAL and PIAA 2A state champions. We talk about building belief in an underdog, peaking at the right time, and what makes this Avonworth group special. John also shares the story behind Queens of the ’Burgh, his showcase event for Western PA girls volleyball. Check out our website at https://www.pvcavb.org/
Aug 25, 2025 · 35 min
2025 Season Preview: A–AAAA Girls Volleyball Breakdown
In this episode, Ryan Sell and Coach JB take a deep dive into the 2025 PIAA girls volleyball season. Covering Classes A through AAAA, they highlight teams to watch and what to expect in what promises to be an exciting year of competition. Click Here to visit our website
Aug 7, 2025 · 50 min
2024 Pope John Paul AAA State Champions Inside Story with Ryan Sell
In this special episode, one of my players Josie Arezina sits down to interview me about our unforgettable 2024 Girls AAA State Championship run. We cover my own volleyball journey, the proud history of Pope John Paul II volleyball, and the beloved culture that has become the heartbeat of our program. It’s a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about what makes this team—and this championship—so special. Click Here to visit our website
Aug 5, 2025 · 58 min
Chris Rotelli & Pittsburgh Elite: 2025 AAU National Champs
In this episode, we sit down with Chris Rotelli, head coach of Pittsburgh Elite, to break down their incredible run to the 2025 AAU Boys National Championship. From building a winning culture to navigating the ups and downs of a high-level club season, Coach Rotelli shares insights into what made this team special and how they reached the top. Whether you're a coach, player, or volleyball fan, this is one you won’t want to miss. Click Here to visit our website
Jun 12, 2025 · 14 min
Boys State Championship Preview with Scott Trumbauer
We are joined again by Scott Trumbauer our VP of Boys volleyball. Scott breaks down of these two championship matches. We have been waiting for these match up all year! Buy Tickets Here AA Backet AAA Backet Click Here to visit our website
Jun 2, 2025 · 25 min
Boys AAA State Playoff Preview with Scott Trumbauer - Part 2
In part two of our 2024 PIAA Boys Volleyball State Playoffs Preview, we shift our focus to the AAA bracket. We break down the top teams, key players, and matchups to watch as some of the best programs in Pennsylvania battle for a state championship. Don’t miss our full preview of the AAA playoff field as the road to Penn State gets underway! AAA Bracket https://www.piaa.org/assets/web/documents/2025_BVB_3A_Brax.pdf

Showing 1–20 of 23 episodes