LSU coach Russell Brock on building a beach power...without a beach
SANDCAST: Beach Volleyball with Tri Bourne and Travis Mewhirter28 Mars 2018

LSU coach Russell Brock on building a beach power...without a beach

A common issue being navigated by the vast majority of college beach volleyball coaches: “What tools did they have in their indoor game?” LSU coach Russell Brock said. "Being able to evaluate them on film or in person, to be able to say ‘You know what, this is the stuff that’s going to translate really well to our game, or these are the things that are going to limit our ability to be successful on the short term.’ It’s gotta be a fast transition.

“What do they do well and how can I help them understand how it can directly translate to the beach game?”

Whether it’s LSU or USC or Pepperdine or UCLA, nearly every college beach coach will have to make that evaluation – how much of a player’s game will have to be modified from indoor to fit the sand?

Brock, though, and every other sand program not located on one coast or another, has another obstacle: How do you get volleyball players to play beach volleyball for a school that is nowhere near a beach?

LSU is located in Baton Rouge, a good four hour drive from Gulf Shores, Alabama, site of the NCAA Championships and likely the closest natural beach there is for the Tigers. It presents an obvious dichotomy from, say, USC, UCLA, Pepperdine, Hawaii, Long Beach State, Cal Poly, Loyola Marymount and a number of other programs that have a bounty of beaches to choose from.

Manhattan Beach or Hermosa? Santa Monica or Huntington?

LSU plays at a bar.

Ok. That sentence is misleading. Yes, Mango’s Beach Volleyball is a bar and restaurant, but it also comes equipped with 13 beach volleyball courts that are well-lit, well-maintained and as deep, if not deeper, than Manhattan Beach’s famously deep sand.

It is, objectively speaking, an excellent complex, one that prides itself on being the home of LSU beach volleyball.

But it’s not a beach. While as close a representation as a sand complex can get, Brock recognizes that the location of California alone is “just a massive advantage from a recruiting perspective,” he said. “And I went to [U]SC, so I understand the passion that’s involved with the tradition of all the schools out there with UCLA and Long Beach, and the girls who have wanted to go there growing up because their parents played and their grandparents played and it’s what they just do. Inevitably there’s a big advantage to that.

“The realistic perspective is, a lot of those players aren’t interested in leaving California, and I get it. I don’t hold it against them, it’s a beautiful place. There’s a ton of opportunities to play a sport at a really high level out there. For us, it’s about building our brand as a beach program to prove that we can play the game and play it well, to become attractive to people, regardless of where they’re from, to respect it and to know that we can train them and we can give them opportunities moving forward to continue to play the game and compete at the highest level. And that’s what takes time.”

But not, it seems, a tremendous amount of time. LSU is already one of the top programs in the country, consistently in the top 10 of the AVCA coaches poll, beginning the season at No. 6.

“We’re looking for the very best talent, wherever it might be,” Brock said. “We can’t care where they come from… and LSU is a pretty unique place. When people do move here from wherever they come from, they’re always impressed. There’s a lot of things that if you want it, we can provide it, and we can provide it at a super high level.”

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Recapping A Wild Weekend In Beach Volleyball: AVP Qualifiers, Saquarema Successes, NCAA Beach

Recapping A Wild Weekend In Beach Volleyball: AVP Qualifiers, Saquarema Successes, NCAA Beach

Welcome back to another SOLO EPISODE of SANDCAST, where Travis Mewhirter provides a comprehensive overview of a wild weekend in the world of beach volleyball, breaking down the AVP League qualifier, the Saquarema Elite16, and the Cal Poly Center of Effort Challenge. Namely, he chats: - The surprise success of Corinne Quiggle and Megan Rice - The more surprising success of Hagen Smith and Logan Webber - The puzzling decision of the AVP not to give Kelly Cheng an injury sub for Sara Hughes, so she'll have to qualify via qualifiers - Anders Mol and Christian Sorum returning to the Beach Pro Tour in style And a bit more! SHOOTS! *** WE'VE GOT NEW MERCH! Check it out here!! Get 20 PERCENT off all Wilson products with our code, SANDCASTVB. https://www.wilson.com/en-us/volleyball Get 10 PERCENT OFF VBTV using our discount code, SANDCAST10 Want to get better at beach volleyball? Use our discount code, SANDCAST, and get 10 percent off all Better at Beach products!  We are FIRED UP to announce that we've signed on for another year with Athletic Greens! Get a FREE year's supply of Vitamin D by purchasing with that link.  If you want to receive our SANDCAST weekly newsletter, the Beach Volleyball Digest, which dishes all the biggest news in beach volleyball in one quick newsletter, head over to our website and subscribe! We'd love to have ya! https://www.sandcastvolleyball.com/

16 Apr 30min

James Shaw and Molly Shaw: Living The American Volleyball Dream

James Shaw and Molly Shaw: Living The American Volleyball Dream

This episode of SANDCAST features James Shaw and Molly Shaw, the newest power couple in the world of beach volleyball, who just descended upon the Quintana Roo Elite16 and both came away with semifinal finishes. James and his new partner, Chaim Schalk, walked away with bronze, while Molly and her new partner, Kelly Cheng, took fourth in Molly's first Elite16. With Tri Bourne hosting, they chat about: - How each partnership came to be - Why James opted to play one final indoor season in Germany before returning full-time to the beach - How Molly handled the nerves of both playing with a World Champion in Cheng and also her first Elite16 (hint: well) - What it's like being a married couple traveling the beach volleyball world And so much more.  SHOOTS! *** WE'VE GOT NEW MERCH! Check it out here!! Get 20 PERCENT off all Wilson products with our code, SANDCASTVB. https://www.wilson.com/en-us/volleyball Get 10 PERCENT OFF VBTV using our discount code, SANDCAST10 Want to get better at beach volleyball? Use our discount code, SANDCAST, and get 10 percent off all Better at Beach products!  We are FIRED UP to announce that we've signed on for another year with Athletic Greens! Get a FREE year's supply of Vitamin D by purchasing with that link.  If you want to receive our SANDCAST weekly newsletter, the Beach Volleyball Digest, which dishes all the biggest news in beach volleyball in one quick newsletter, head over to our website and subscribe! We'd love to have ya! https://www.sandcastvolleyball.com/

9 Apr 1h 15min

BEDLAM At LSU's Death Volley: TCU Takes Down No. 1 UCLA; USC Stunned Twice | SANDCAST U

BEDLAM At LSU's Death Volley: TCU Takes Down No. 1 UCLA; USC Stunned Twice | SANDCAST U

This episode of SANDCAST U: NCAA Beach Volleyball with Madison Fitzpatrick, breaks down LSU's Death Volley Invitational, which hosted No. 1 UCLA, No. 2 TCU, No. 4 USC, No. 5 Stanford, No. 7 Florida State, No. 10 Long Beach State, and LSU. Takeaways from the episode: - TCU achieved a remarkable 3-0 record at the Invitational. - Haley Hamlett stepped up impressively in TCU's lineup. - USC faces immense pressure as a top team. - FSU pulled off significant upsets against ranked teams. - Maggie Boyd and Sally Perez are standout players for UCLA. - Stanford's depth could lead to a strong performance at Gulf Shores. - Texas is emerging as a competitive force in beach volleyball. - LSU's entertaining style makes them a fan favorite. - Gabby Bailey was highlighted as an MVP for LSU. - The excitement for Gulf Shores is palpable among teams. *** Watch VBTV for 10% less with our code SANDCAST10 WE'VE GOT NEW MERCH! Check it out here!! Get 20 PERCENT off all Wilson products with our code, SANDCASTVB. https://www.wilson.com/en-us/volleyball Want to get better at beach volleyball? Use our discount code, SANDCAST, and get 10 percent off all Better at Beach products!  We are FIRED UP to announce that we've signed on for another year with Athletic Greens! Get a FREE year's supply of Vitamin D by purchasing with that link.  If you want to receive our SANDCAST weekly newsletter, the Beach Volleyball Digest, which dishes all the biggest news in beach volleyball in one quick newsletter, head over to our website and subscribe! We'd love to have ya! https://www.sandcastvolleyball.com/

3 Apr 9min

Previewing The ENTIRE 2025 Beach Volleyball Season

Previewing The ENTIRE 2025 Beach Volleyball Season

This episode of SANDCAST is a solo episode! Travis Mewhirter breaks down everything you need to know (he thinks, but if you're still wondering things, please ask or drop a comment) about the 2025 beach volleyball season, from the AVP to Volleyball World to USA Volleyball. He chats: - All the new partnerships on the Beach Pro Tour - WTF the new Elite16 format is - A look at the AVP's TV deal, and why it's a risk worth taking - USA Volleyball's new Elo Rating system, and why it's going to be beneficial for the players SHOOTS! CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Solo Episode 01:08 Overview of the 2025 Beach Volleyball Season 02:20 Changes in the Beach Pro Tour 05:09 Format Challenges in Beach Volleyball Tournaments 11:02 Explaining the New Tournament Format 13:22 Upcoming Major Events and World Championships 15:19 Understanding Rankings and Qualifications 18:05 New Partnerships in Beach Volleyball 23:07 Emerging Talents in Beach Volleyball 25:19 Women's Beach Volleyball Landscape 26:47 Italy's Beach Volleyball Dynamics 27:44 Young Stars and New Partnerships 30:25 AVP Tournament Insights 33:05 AVP's TV Deal and Future 41:02 USA Volleyball's New Stipend System *** WE'VE GOT NEW MERCH! Check it out here!! Get 20 PERCENT off all Wilson products with our code, SANDCASTVB. https://www.wilson.com/en-us/volleyball Want to get better at beach volleyball? Use our discount code, SANDCAST, and get 10 percent off all Better at Beach products!  We are FIRED UP to announce that we've signed on for another year with Athletic Greens! Get a FREE year's supply of Vitamin D by purchasing with that link.  If you want to receive our SANDCAST weekly newsletter, the Beach Volleyball Digest, which dishes all the biggest news in beach volleyball in one quick newsletter, head over to our website and subscribe! We'd love to have ya! https://www.sandcastvolleyball.com/

2 Apr 49min

Mailbag! New Partnership Breakdowns? Most Exciting Events? Is Travis Enjoying Florida?

Mailbag! New Partnership Breakdowns? Most Exciting Events? Is Travis Enjoying Florida?

This is the first mailbag episode of 2025, where Tri Bourne and Travis Mewhirter answer all of the fan questions we had as the boys are finally back together again. They answer the most pressing questions on the beach volleyball world's collective minds, including: - Who is playing with who on the AVP Tour and Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour? - How has fatherhood changed both Tri and Travis' outlook on volleyball and life? - Would you rather win a Manhattan Beach Open or a World Championship or a Gstaad cowbell? - Events we're most excited for in 2025 That, and so much more! SHOOTS! *** WE'VE GOT NEW MERCH! Check it out here!! Get 20 PERCENT off all Wilson products with our code, SANDCASTVB. https://www.wilson.com/en-us/volleyball Want to get better at beach volleyball? Use our discount code, SANDCAST, and get 10 percent off all Better at Beach products!  We are FIRED UP to announce that we've signed on for another year with Athletic Greens! Get a FREE year's supply of Vitamin D by purchasing with that link.  If you want to receive our SANDCAST weekly newsletter, the Beach Volleyball Digest, which dishes all the biggest news in beach volleyball in one quick newsletter, head over to our website and subscribe! We'd love to have ya! https://www.sandcastvolleyball.com/

26 Mars 49min

SANDCAST U: Texas Making Moves; UCLA, LMU Reign Supreme at East Meets West

SANDCAST U: Texas Making Moves; UCLA, LMU Reign Supreme at East Meets West

In this episode of SANDCAST U, host Madison Fitzpatrick chats all things NCAA Beach Volleyball, focusing mainly on UCLA’s annual East Meets West tournament, which took place last weekend at the Manhattan Beach Pier. UCLA reigned supreme, finishing 4-0, as did LMU, while both Texas and Florida State logged huge wins over Cal. Fitzpatrick chats all that, and much more! SHOOTS! *** WE'VE GOT NEW MERCH! Check it out here!! Get 20 PERCENT off all Wilson products with our code, SANDCASTVB. https://www.wilson.com/en-us/volleyball Want to get better at beach volleyball? Use our discount code, SANDCAST, and get 10 percent off all Better at Beach products!  We are FIRED UP to announce that we've signed on for another year with Athletic Greens! Get a FREE year's supply of Vitamin D by purchasing with that link.  If you want to receive our SANDCAST weekly newsletter, the Beach Volleyball Digest, which dishes all the biggest news in beach volleyball in one quick newsletter, head over to our website and subscribe! We'd love to have ya! https://www.sandcastvolleyball.com/

20 Mars 5min

Dr. Jeremy Townsend: A PhD's Guide to Supplements, Recovery, Nutrition, Longevity

Dr. Jeremy Townsend: A PhD's Guide to Supplements, Recovery, Nutrition, Longevity

In this episode of SANDCAST, Dr. Jeremy Townsend from AG1 discusses the unique benefits of their product, emphasizing the importance of gut health and nutrition for athletes. The conversation explores the gut-brain connection, the role of mushrooms in nutrition, and current research on micronutrient gaps among athletes. Townsend also addresses the significance of vitamin D and the risks of over-supplementation, providing insights into daily supplement protocols for athletes. Tri Bourne and Kyle Friend delve into the evolving understanding of creatine and its benefits. They discuss the significance of research in exercise physiology, the innovative approach of AG1 in nutrition, and the balance between performance and dietary choices. The conversation also highlights the importance of quality ingredients in supplements, ongoing research at AG1, the challenge of making nutritional products taste good, and key nutritional advice for athletes. SHOOTS! *** WE'VE GOT NEW MERCH! Check it out here!! Get 20 PERCENT off all Wilson products with our code, SANDCASTVB. https://www.wilson.com/en-us/volleyball Want to get better at beach volleyball? Use our discount code, SANDCAST, and get 10 percent off all Better at Beach products!  We are FIRED UP to announce that we've signed on for another year with Athletic Greens! Get a FREE year's supply of Vitamin D by purchasing with that link.  If you want to receive our SANDCAST weekly newsletter, the Beach Volleyball Digest, which dishes all the biggest news in beach volleyball in one quick newsletter, head over to our website and subscribe! We'd love to have ya! https://www.sandcastvolleyball.com/

19 Mars 59min

SANDCAST U: Cal Did What?! UCLA's Powerhouse Court 1; TCU Balling

SANDCAST U: Cal Did What?! UCLA's Powerhouse Court 1; TCU Balling

Welcome back to SANDCAST U, Madison Fitzpatrick's breakdown of all things NCAA Beach Volleyball. On this episode, she chats about: - The stunners that Cal's beach volleyball team pulled off -- an upset over USC? Come again? - UCLA's tour de force early in the 2025 NCAA Beach season, with headliners in Sally Perez and Maggie Boys - USC going 3-1, with a puzzling loss to Cal, extending the parity in the NCAA, while Zoe Henson and Maddie White are playing exceptional, as is Ashley Pater - Stanford dropping to USC and UCLA -- but beating Cal, with help from Taylor Wilson and Charlotta Bell And a whole lot more! SHOOTS! *** WE'VE GOT NEW MERCH! Check it out here!! Get 20 PERCENT off all Wilson products with our code, SANDCASTVB. https://www.wilson.com/en-us/volleyball Want to get better at beach volleyball? Use our discount code, SANDCAST, and get 10 percent off all Better at Beach products!  We are FIRED UP to announce that we've signed on for another year with Athletic Greens! Get a FREE year's supply of Vitamin D by purchasing with that link.  If you want to receive our SANDCAST weekly newsletter, the Beach Volleyball Digest, which dishes all the biggest news in beach volleyball in one quick newsletter, head over to our website and subscribe! We'd love to have ya! https://www.sandcastvolleyball.com/

13 Mars 5min