Assistant coaches Katie Zimmerman and Ashleigh Houlton update us on spring volleyball practices. We look back at the NIVC title and how the trip to El Paso motivated the Shockers. We discuss newcomers Sarah Musial, a freshman setter, and outside Alyssa Gonzales, a transfer from TCU. We dive into Morgan Stout’s improvement in 2023, what’s ahead for Emerson Wilford and candidates to break into regular playing time in 2024. We wrap up with a conversation about favorite coffee places in Wichita and coach Chris Lamb’s regular order at Fairmount Coffee Co.
Wichita State senior left Brylee Kelly talks about her six years as a Shocker and why her affection for the program and coach Chris Lamb made it the right choice to stay. She details the ups and downs of her senior season and her advice for young athletes. We also discuss what former Shocker Mikaela Raudsepp said that convinced Kelly to choose Wichita State and how teammates Morgan Stout and Katie Galligan made big moves this season.
Morgan Weber and Gabi Maas get us set up for the AAC title chase by discussing why the back row is so effective, the importance of splitting at SMU and the personality required to play libero. Weber reveals who she inherited her love of shoes from and her favorites. Maas tells us why she is excited for the mail to arrive. We wrap up with advice for high school athletes and how they can lock in on what’s important in a college experience.
Wichita State’s Morgan Stout and Sophia Rohling stop by to chat about a big weekend in Illinois, the stellar play of the back row and how setter Izzi Strand is boosting the offense. We discuss “Smoothie Queen,” and “Mama Bear” and how those nicknames relate to Shocker volleyball. Also, what’s a protagonist? The Shockers play Kansas and Colorado this week at Koch Arena.
Wichita State volleyball coach Chris Lamb updates fans on spring practices, how his newcomers are fitting in, Morgan Stout’s busy spring in the middle and why he compares scheduling to baking an apple pie with the proper ingredients.
Wichita State center fielder Lauren Lucas and catcher Lainee Brown talk about last weekend’s series win at UCF and the elements that make that rivalry matter. We discuss the upside of national rankings, who they text after a big game and which Shockers give positive energy. We also break down Brown’s offensive surge, how Lucas deals with catches at the wall and the potential for a 2023 “Give me your best impression of Coach E” video.
Libero Lara Uyar, a native of Turkey, discusses the current crisis in her country caused by an earthquake near the border with Syria. We learn how she is handling the emotions of being far away from family and friends during the difficult time and how her teammates offer support. We also talk about sports in Turkey, her adjustment to the United States and spring volleyball practices at Wichita State.
Wichita State volleyball assistant coach Brian Hosfeld talks about the how the Shockers are translating practice habits to matches in recent weeks, Morgan Weber’s volleyball IQ and Natalie Foster’s scoring in the middle. We also discuss his lifelong journey in coaching, the Japanese influence on his coaching style and his handy-man skills.
Episode description: In this episode of Wichita State University’s “Forward Together” podcast, President Rick Muma talks with Kevin Saal, who was hired as director of athletics at Wichita State University in June. Kevin is leading Shocker athletics during a time of significant change – name, image and likeness, the transfer portal and conference realignment top the list.
The “Forward Together” podcast celebrates the vision and mission of Wichita State University. In each episode, President Rick Muma will talk with guests from throughout Shocker Nation to highlight the people and priorities that guide WSU on its road to becoming an essential educational, cultural, and economic driver for Kansas and the greater good.
Former Shocker All-American Katie (Reilly) Zimmerman is back at Wichita State as a volleyball assistant coach. She joins the podcast to discuss her journey into coaching, what she learned playing under Chris Lamb and what she learned at other stops. We discuss highlights from her playing career, including the 2012 Sweet 16, her recruiting philosophy and why experimenting at positions as a Shocker helped her coaching. We wrap up by getting into the importance of high fives and review the first Top Gun movie (spoiler alert) as preparation for seeing the current version.
