Ep. 31: TNT is for Boys Too! with Jacki Curci and Bob Minschwaner

An exciting first for the podcast comes your way in episode 31! Chuck and Brian are joined by TNT boys' program directors Jacki Curci and Bob Minschwaner to discuss the history and growth of boys volleyball, and how they have been producing successful boys teams since 2010!  They discuss relevant topics such as the challenges of building a competitive schedule, how to get recruited by colleges as well as the differences between coaching boys and girls.  Chuck and Brian learn all about the underground market of Nationals jersey exchanges, and how that is a major factor when designing boys uniforms!   

Segment 1 begins with some history about Jacki and Bob's backgrounds in volleyball, how the boys' program at TNT came to be.  Also discussed are the boys' directors perspectives on some of the major differences between coaching boys and girls, as well as the differences in the way the game is played.

Segment 2 highlights the goals and mission of the TNT boys' program, especially with regard to developing well-rounded athletes both on and off the court.  This mission is similar to the mission of the TNT girls programs.  They discuss the growth of the boys' game and the impact Covid had on boys' volleyball. 

Jacki and Bob then share their thoughts about where the boys' program is headed as well as ideas on how to bring the girls' and boys' programs closer together.  Jacki and Bob explain how they balance running the boys' program while also coaching National teams.  The segment ends with some talk of the very popular "jersey exchange" that goes on at boys' AAU Nationals.

Segment 3 discusses challenges in building competitive boys schedules in the Northeast along with steps being taken by the program directors to assist players with college recruiting.  They share some success stories of TNT boys receiving quality college offers to play volleyball at the next level. The segment concludes with Jacki and Bob sharing their expectations for the coming season for the TNT boys' teams.

Segment 1: How the TNT Boys' Program Came to Be (0:00 - 22:23)

• The Volleyball Paths Taken by Our Boys' Program Directors
• How the Boys' Program Became a Reality at TNT
• The Current Size of the Boys' Program
• Staffing the Boys' Teams with Quality Coaches
• Differences Between the Boys' and Girls' Games

Segment 2: Tournament Options and Decision-Making Factors (22:53 - 40:50)

• Approaching a Player's On and Off-Court Development
• Balancing Skill Development with Character Building
• The Impact Covid Had on the Boys' Game
• Plans for Growing the Boys' Program Here at TNT
• The Club's Vision for Bringing the Two Programs Closer Together
• Balancing Running the Boys' Program While Also Coaching Club Teams
• The Boys' AAU Nationals Jersey Trade

Segment 3: Scheduling and College Recruiting (41:16- 62:24) 

• Choosing Tournaments for the Boys' Teams to Attend
• USAV vs. AAU Events and How Things Have Changed Over the Years
• Supporting Players Who Want to Play at the Next Level
• Differences in Opportunities in College for Boys and Girls
• Advice for Parents and Players Navigating Through the Recrutiting Process
• The Importance of a Strong Academic Record When Players Seek Offers
• Some Recruting Success Stories for TNT Boys
• Outlook for the Boys Teams for the Upcoming Season
• Upcomng Offerings for the Boys at TNT Outside of the Club Season
• Wrap-Up