Coach Laura “Bird” Kuhn, Head Coach Omaha Supernovas: Relationships and Competitive Chemistry—Key factors in winning championships

Welcome to the Max Out Mindset Podcast. This is your host, Dr. Larry Widman, and my co-host, Coach Jess Knecht.

Our guest today is someone who knows all about performing under pressure and achieving greatness. She has had an extraordinary athletic and coaching career. Her journey started as a standout athlete at Georgia Tech University, where she played on the right side and helped her team reach the Elite Eight in 2003.

Her coaching career has been equally impressive, with stops at Appalachian State, the University of Miami, and the University of Kansas. As an assistant coach at Kansas, she played a key role in leading the program to its first-ever Final Four appearance. From there, she became the head coach at Texas A&M, where she guided the team to a Sweet 16 appearance.

Most recently, she stepped into the professional volleyball world as an assistant coach for the Omaha Supernovas in the Pro Volleyball Federation. She quickly rose to the position of interim head coach and led the team to an incredible inaugural season, culminating in a national championship. That championship was particularly special, as it marked the first professional volleyball league national championship in America.

She embodies everything it means to max out with an overall coaching record of 444-172.

Bird emphasizes the foundational role of relationships, mental toughness, and authenticity in her coaching approach. She candidly shares the challenges she faced, particularly in navigating role acceptance within a professional league and the importance of strong administrative support. Reflecting on her decision to return for a second season, she highlights the value of relationships and the competitive chemistry within her team as driving factors.

Please welcome Coach Laura "Bird" Kuhn to the Max Out Mindset Podcast. We are so excited to have you here to share your journey and insights. Let’s dive in!

Max Out Mindset for Volleyball Book

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Steven Ashworth | Maxing Out Through Hard Work, Growth and Leadership

Steven Ashworth | Maxing Out Through Hard Work, Growth and Leadership

In this episode of the Max Out Mindset podcast, we explore the remarkable journey of Steven Ashworth, basketball player at Creighton University. Steven shares his experiences of overcoming challenges, from being doubted and undersized to becoming a key player through relentless work ethic and mental toughness. He reflects on his personal definition of "maxing out," which means surpassing expectations with the support of teammates, coaches, and for some, sports psychologists.

Steven emphasizes the importance of trust, communication, and being present both on the court and in life. He also offers insights into his strategies for overcoming fear and comparison, while highlighting the pivotal role of Coach Mac in building player confidence and fostering team dynamics.

Visit maxoutmindset.com for our 1:1 Elite Mindset coaching and team services.

AAU, Club, High School, and College Basketball Teams: Click here to learn more about our services. 

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Annie Drews: From Game Changer to Record Breaker – The Mindset Behind Olympic Success

Today’s guest is an accomplished athlete from Elkhart, Indiana, a two-time state champion at Penn High School and an All-American at Purdue University. She was named the 2019 Best Opposite at the FIVB World Cup and USA Volleyball Player of the Year, having been a member of the national team since 2017. A key player on the 2020 Tokyo Olympic team that won the first-ever gold medal for U.S. Volleyball, she came off the bench as a game-changer before starting the final games, leading the team with 97 points and 88 kills. In 2024, she followed up with a silver medal at the Paris Olympics and broke the all-time points record for a U.S. volleyball player, surpassing the previous record set by Destiny Hooker.

Most of our listeners will truly appreciate Annie Drews's willingness to explore the role that mindset training can play in elevating performance at this point in her career. Please welcome Annie Drews to the Max Out Mindset podcast.

Annie shares her thoughts on maxing out, emphasizing the importance of physical and mental effort.

Some key highlights:

• Having the courage to reach out to Dr. Widman to work on her mindset.

• The Olympic quad, highlighting the challenges and the team's resilience.

• The team's struggles and the importance of putting egos aside to achieve success.

• The volatility of roles and rosters during the Olympic quad and the importance of flexibility.

• The need for teammates to hold roles loosely and support each other through changes.

• The importance of being ready and the practical side of maintaining a competitive edge.

• The challenges of being a role player and the lessons learned from that experience.

•  Annie shares her experience of being told she was getting in her own way by Jordan Larson.

• The process of addressing her self-doubt and the support from teammates and coaches.

• The importance of being consistent and contributing to the team, regardless of the role.

• Annie shares her values of "play big" and "fearless," emphasizing body language, communication, and risk-taking.

• The importance of being fearless and the impact of physical and mental preparation on performance.

Max Out Mindset for Volleyball Book

Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here.

Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht 

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Brooke Nuneviller | Achieving Excellence in Volleyball

We are thrilled to have a special guest on today’s episode: Brooke Nuneviller, a powerhouse in the world of volleyball.

Brooke spent five remarkable years at the University of Oregon, where she made her mark as a four-time All-Pac-12 selection and a three-time AVCA All-American. She’s the first and only athlete in Pac-12 history to achieve over 1,500 kills and 2,000 digs in a career, a testament to her unmatched skill and dedication. Brooke has also been a vital member of the US Women’s National Team, playing a key role in securing the gold medal at the 2023 NORCECA Pan American Cup Final.

Her professional career has taken her across the globe, from competing in Turkey to making her mark in Athletes Unlimited. Most recently, Brooke captained the Omaha Supernovas to victory in the inaugural Pro Volleyball Federation National Championship.

In this episode, Brooke shares her journey, the mindset required to excel under pressure, and the lessons learned from competing at the highest levels of the sport. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or sports enthusiast, Brooke’s insights into reaching the limits of your capabilities, especially when it matters most, will inspire and motivate you.

Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here.

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Sydney Hilley | Ready For Her Moment

Today, we are thrilled to welcome Sydney Hilley to the Max Out Mindset podcast. Sydney was a four-time captain at the University of Wisconsin, showcasing her leadership and commitment. She was named Big 10 Setter of the Year three times, and for those Nebraska fans out there, you'll remember her stellar performance in the five-set victory that secured Wisconsin the 2021 National Championship. Sydney's collegiate career boasts 6,138 assists, with a remarkable 78 assists in a single match!

On the national stage, Sydney contributed to the bronze medal win at the Pan-Am Cup and played a pivotal role in securing the gold medal at the 2023 NORCECA Pan-American Final Six. I first met Sydney through the Omaha Supernovas, where she helped lead them to victory in the inaugural Pro Volleyball Federation National Championship and was named the MVP of the championship match.

Join us as we dive into the journey and mindset of this incredible leader and athlete, Sydney Hilley. Despite not playing much during the last few weeks of the season, when her number was called, she was ready for her moment and delivered when it mattered most.

Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here.

Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht

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Kelly Kinney | Overcoming Adversity for Success

Join Kelly Kinney, a top volleyball recruit from West Palm Beach, FL, and a University of Minnesota commit. Kelly's journey of resilience and success is an inspiring story of overcoming adversity that led to her biggest breakthroughs. Her injury focused her determination to work harder, leading to remarkable achievements as a U19 and U21 USA Volleyball National Team member.

Kelly shares valuable insights and strategies to help you cultivate a winning mindset to achieve your goals. Rejection, comparison, and struggle are part of the journey to achieve success. Welcome, Kelly, to the podcast!

Want to learn more about mindset training with Coach Jess? Please visit www.maxoutmindset.com. Follow Coach Jess on Instagram @max_out_mind_jess and X @JessKnecht.

Kam Gibadlo | Joy is a Competitive Advantage

From Cave Creek, Arizona, Kam Gibadlo grew up as a multi-sport athlete. She was recently named to the 2024 USA Volleyball U21 National Team roster and just completed her freshman year at the University of Utah. She earned post-season honors as she was named to the 2023 Pac-12 Freshman Team. Past accomplishments include being a member of the 2023 USAV GJNC 18 Open All-American team, where her team finished third in the nation.

In this episode, Kam shares her inspiring journey and opens up about how cultivating joy on and off the court has given her a competitive edge. From overcoming self-confidence challenges to celebrating her strengths, Kam's contagious competitive spirit and joy on and off the court will have you rethinking the powerful role of joy in achieving peak performance. This rising star offers an insightful perspective on finding purpose beyond just the sport you play.

Want to learn more about mindset training with Coach Jess? Please visit www.maxoutmindset.com. Follow Coach Jess on Instagram @max_out_mind_jess and X @JessKnecht.

Kelly Sheffield | University of Wisconsin Head Women’s Volleyball Coach-A Great Culture Builder

Coach Sheffield is currently one of the most successful coaches in NCAA Women's Volleyball. He won a National Championship in 2021 and boasts a record of 292-61 at the time of this podcast. He has great insights into what it takes to help individual athletes max out as well as the collective team. Coach appears to have a wonderful mix of love and accountability that allows him to have challenging conversations when necessary. He has embraced the role that mindset training, in particular mindfulness, has in overall performance in sport and life. Enjoy listening to one of the elite coaches in the game today!

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Ellie Bolton | The Highs and Lows of a College Student-Athlete

Today, we have the pleasure of diving into the inspiring journey of Ellie Bolton, who has played at volleyball powerhouses in high school, club and college with roots in the Kansas City area. Ellie's early days were marked by her standout performances with the KC Power Play club and the formidable St. James Academy high school team, clinching back-to-back state championships and numerous individual accolades. However, as we know, the path to success in athletics is not always smooth.

Upon joining Creighton University, Ellie began her collegiate career as the starting Libero, making a significant impact from her freshman year onwards. Despite her impressive four-year tenure at Creighton, Ellie's journey wasn't without its challenges. In the competitive world of sports, highs and lows are inevitable, and Ellie's story reflects the realities that athletes face.
Now in her fifth year as a graduate transfer at SMU, Ellie has embraced new opportunities and challenges, illustrating the evolving landscape of her athletic career. Join us as we delve into the triumphs, setbacks, and the perseverance that has defined Ellie Bolton's remarkable journey.

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Rebekah Allick | Friction

Introducing our latest episode on the Max Out Mindset Podcast with guest athlete, Rebekah Allick, a sophomore middle blocker from the University of Nebraska! 

Rebekah shares her journey of resilience and growth after the tough loss in the National Championship to Texas in the 2023 NCAA Volleyball Tournament. Learn how she faced her anxiety head-on and made a promise to be more authentic and invest in her team's relationships. She is a strong advocate for mindset training and strategies, and this episode is worth the listen.

Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here.

Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht

Twitter: @Doc_elitemind

Hannah and Lauren Camenzind | Plan, Approach, and Mindset

Welcome to the Max Out Mindset podcast! Today, we have two amazing guests, Hannah and Lauren Camenzind, University of Arkansas softball athletes. These talented twin sisters have achieved incredible success in high school and during their first season in college. 

In this episode, we'll dive into their competitive bond and how it fuels their performance on the softball field. They'll share the importance of routines and how they contribute to their success. Plus, we'll learn more about why the power of self-talk builds confidence and the commitment to daily improvement that's necessary to thrive. 

Hannah and Lauren will also discuss the value of accountability and how building relationships through vulnerability has been a key factor in their team's success. Get ready to be inspired by their journey and learn valuable insights from these exceptional athletes. 

Order Dr. Widman's book Max Out Mindset for Softball: A Guide For Coaches, Athletes, Teams & Parents To Help You Be In The Best Position To Max Out When It Matters The Most.

Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht

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Coach Kirsten Bernthal Booth | The Power of Positive Coaching

We are very excited to welcome back Coach Booth, Head Coach of Creighton University's volleyball team, to the Max Out Mindset podcast. She was our first guest on the podcast in February 2020. Lots have changed in the world since our last visit, but one thing that hasn't changed is her team's continued ability to put themselves in a position to max out. Her teams since 2014 have posted an impressive record of 156-11 in the Big East Conference and have had an amazing run of nine straight conference championships and eleven straight NCAA tournament appearances.

Coach Booth shares many valuable insights on what it takes for a coach to maintain consistency over time and, more specifically, to help her athletes max out in both life and sport. For anyone in the high-performance space, you will love some of the timely lessons about protecting your culture, growing through adversity, and harnessing the power of effective communication. Her vulnerability shines through in her role as a coach, parent, and human being.

Listen to the first podcast with coach booth here

Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here

Amanda Burbridge | Driven. Powerful. Unified.

Amanda is the head volleyball coach at Sandra Day O'Connor High School (AZ), the 2023 6A State Champions. She is also the Club Director at Revolution Volleyball Academy (RVA). She was inducted into ASU's Hall of Fame in 2010 and was an AVCA All-American in 2000.

We discussed the team's journey and learned how they leaned into their second scorecard. Amanda shares the importance of mindset training, and that confidence needs to be trained like any physical skill. This episode provides insight for athletes, teams, and coaches at any level!

Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here.

Instagram: @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter: @JessKnecht

Twitter: @Doc_elitemind

Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here.

Ana Bellinghausen | The Power of GRIT

I am so excited to welcome Ana to the Max Out Mindset podcast. She is an elite young woman who is the epitome of what it means to me gritty. I promise you she is a budding superstar in the sports media world, and the biggest reason, besides her innate talent, is that nobody will ever outwork her. We talk about the same mindset skills that she employs, such as visualization and mindfulness, to help her perform at a high level, often under pressure. I absolutely love her mantra, "If you can see it, be it." Her insights will help any high performer understand the mechanics of what it takes to max out when it matters the most!

Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here

Instagram @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter @JessKnecht.

Twitter: @Doc_elitemind

Diane Mendenhall | The Great Ones Adjust

Diane is the President of Nebraska Pro Volleyball, home of the Omaha Supernovas. She has spent a large part of her life in and around the sport of volleyball. We discuss her journey that has led to this exact moment in time where she can use all of her experiences to help the Pro Volleyball League be a smashing success. It was fun to discuss mindset and the role that it plays in maximizing performance. After listening to the way Diane thinks about organizations, teams, leaders and people, you will know why she is the perfect person to drive success in the inaugural season for the Omaha Supernovas.

Max out Mindset for Volleyball book and services here

Ruby Meylan | Passion, Drive and Leaning Into a Growth Mindset to Max Out in Life and Sport

Welcome Nebraskan and current University of Washington softball pitcher to the Max Out Mindset podcast. She has had tremendous success in high school and that success continued during her first year in college.  It was so fun to hear her story and learn how she leans into a growth mindset to navigate the adjustment to the college softball world. She is a big believer in learning from setbacks and using coaches, teammates and her own mindset strategies to help elevate performance. Like most high performers we get to visit with on the podcast, Ruby struggles at times but she has great awareness of what she struggles with and strategies such as visualization, deep breathing and the use of routines to help her perform at her best.

Order Dr. Widman's new book Max Out Mindset for Volleyball or Max Out Mindset for Softball at www.maxoutmindset.com A Guide For Coaches, Athletes, Teams & Parents To Help You Be In The Best Position To Max Out When It Matters The Most.

Jordy Bahl | You Need to be Strong to be Vulnerable

Jordy Bahl | You Need to be Strong to be Vulnerable

One of the GOAT’s of college softball, Jordy Bahl, joins Coach Jess and I on the Max Out Mindset podcast. She just won her 2nd National Championship in college softball. She was 5-0 while pitching 24 2/3 innings of shut-out softball in the 2023 College World Series, while being named the MVP of the College World Series,

This episode is jam-packed with mindset strategies to help any high performer improve in their craft and life. Jordy is open about some of the challenges she has faced in the past year and discusses her strategies to help overcome those challenges. She makes it very clear-vulnerability is a strength. Jordy is not one to brag about her accomplishments. Still, she has been a part of softball championships in high school, Club, and most recently now with back-to-back championships at the University of Oklahoma. Her honesty and integrity shine through in one of the best podcasts of 2023!

Order Dr. Widman's new book Max Out Mindset for Softball: A Guide For Coaches, Athletes, Teams & Parents To Help You Be In The Best Position To Max Out When It Matters The Most

Coach Todd Petersen | Be Secretariat

Welcome Coach Todd Petersen to the Max Out Mindset podcast. As one of the best coaches in the history of Nebraska High School and Club Softball, he shares many nuggets to help other coaches and athletes max out when it matters the most. He has continued a long pattern of success as the head coach of Papillion-Lavista High School softball, and has coached arguably the most talented high school team ever to suit up in Nebraska. Yet, even during those years, he was always making sure that there weren’t barriers that would get in the way of his team performing at the highest level. You will learn about his “Be Secretariat” mantra that he brought to those “dynasty” teams, but it is really how he thinks about every team. It’s also great to learn from a coach that has been willing to evolve with an emphasis on building relationships better than ever with his athletes and coaching staff. I really enjoyed this conversation.

Order Dr. Widman's new book Max Out Mindset for Volleyball or Max Out Mindset for Softball at www.maxoutmindset.com A Guide For Coaches, Athletes, Teams & Parents To Help You Be In The Best Position To Max Out When It Matters The Most.

Kristen Kelsay | Leading with Integrity

The University of Minnesota Associate Head Volleyball Coach, Kristen Kelsay, joins the Max Out Mindset podcast! She shares the wisdom she gained from her seven years of experience as an assistant coach in the Big Ten, including four with Michigan State (2015-18) and three with Northwestern (2019-21). Learn from her experience as a college athlete at Michigan State under former Head Coach, Cathy George, and how it led to jump-starting her coaching journey. Hear insights into her time as a Gopher with Head Coach, Keegan Cook.

This episode provides insight into how coaches and athletes can build the second 'C' of the Elite Mindset, confidence. Her own confidence and coaching style draws on her values: being kind, acting with integrity, and always returning to her faith. We dive into learning there is strength in vulnerability and the gift of having a mentor. The gloves are off in this episode!

 Learn more about mindset training with Coach Jess at www.maxoutmindset.com. Follow her on Instagram @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter @JessKnecht.

Coach Kelly (Kuebler) O'Connor | Confidence in Value Systems

Coach Kelly brings a wealth of experience from competing on elite teams and has coached at the college (USC), high school, and club levels in AZ/CA. Her philosophy of training a “complete player” stems from these experiences. She uses this knowledge in her coaching to bring out the best version of each player. She also brings wisdom to training the 3rd ingredient of confidence, the coach's role! 

As an athlete, Kelly attended USC as an outside hitter, where she was a four-year starter. She competed in various USA volleyball programs, including Olympic Festivals and the 1995 World University Games.  She trained in Japan under Dr. Arie Selinger, who led USA volleyball to a Silver Medal.  After graduation, she played professionally overseas in Brazil and Puerto Rico and ended her career on the AVP Beach Tour, being nominated for Rookie of the Year.  Her favorite part of the sport has always been being on a team and her teammates.

 Learn more about mindset training with Coach Jess at www.maxoutmindset.com. Follow her on Instagram @max_out_mind_Jess and on Twitter @JessKnecht.