PVCA Podcast

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

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

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.

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.

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

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/

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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/

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

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

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

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

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

In this two-part special, we preview the 2025 PIAA Boys Volleyball State Playoffs! In part one, we break down the AA bracket, highlighting the top teams, standout players, key matchups, and storylines to watch as the state tournament gets underway. Whether you're a coach, player, or fan, get ready for a full breakdown of the AA playoff field and what to expect as teams battle for a state title. AA Bracket https://www.piaa.org/assets/web/documents/2025_BVB_2A_Brax.pdf