Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
You know, we're going to talk about We're going to
talk about a really successful team that is here in Omaha,
the Omaha super Novas and joining us as their head coach.
Laura Bird Kuhn coach BYRD. How you doing today, hither good?
Speaker 2 (00:13):
How are you doing?
Speaker 1 (00:14):
I'm fantastic, Always great chatting with you. We're kind of
getting to the stretch run of the season, sixteen and
six the record almost Supernova's leading the league with forty
seven points. As far as the match results are concerned,
we can you tell me about your team so far
this season?
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Coach the special group for sure. We just came back
off the road. We were at Vegas and San Diego,
so the West Coast is always a challenging trip, but
we learned a lot. We actually dropped our match to
San Diego on Saturday, so we're excited to be back
in Omaha. Obviously we've had a pretty solid season, but
(00:51):
this last home stretch of three weeks is going to
be challenging and getting us ready for the playoffs. So
we clinched when we won at Vegas on Thursday, and
we will be going to the play So that's exciting
for this group.
Speaker 1 (01:02):
Yeah, last year, actually had a chance to do that
at home. I know that the championship or the playoffs
are going to be elsewhere this year, but still four
opportunities to see the Supernovas and those are the next
four games, including two this week, one tomorrow against Grand
Rapids and another Saturday against Atlanta, who's actually the second
best team there. They're right on your guys's heels right now.
(01:23):
But what's it like this time of the year. I
know you guys have either one or two games a week,
just kind of depends on how things are going. But
this is a difficult sport to stay you know, healthy
in condition. I know there's a lot of depth on
this team, but kind of what are some of the
challenges for you guys and for a professional volleyball team
at this level when you're this deep into a season
(01:45):
that has so many regular games.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
Definitely managing the load, I think all season when you
have the long trips like the West Coast and then
coming back, it's recovery and just managing the load of
the players is pretty crucial for us right now. But
it's good to be home. It's going to be good
to be home the next two weeks. Kind of get that,
and then we'll hit the road and go Grand Rapids
and Atlanta as we headed out to Vegas. So we'll
(02:10):
actually be on the road for about two weeks, almost
leading into Vegas. But that's also a good rhythm, you know,
like you're getting rid of the beat on the road.
We're actually a good road team. We're solid. I think
there's chances to bond and just be you know, a
tighter team because of the trips. So we're excited to
just to get back here and be home and compete
for the next two weeks to kind of really focus
on that recovery and the load management, but also just
(02:33):
competing our best and continuing to grow as a team.
Speaker 1 (02:37):
Super Nova's taking on Grand Rapids tomorrow seven o'clock start
time at Cha Health Center. The game on Saturday against
Atlanta matchup with number one and number two at six
pm start time. I saw, I've seen, I've been in
the arena of the Sea Orlando. They're a really good
team too. They're sitting third in the standings Indianapolis. Indie
is also kind of in the mix of the playoffs
(02:57):
as the number four team, But it just feels it's
like so many teams in this league, coach can can
beat each other. There's a lot of balance, and not
to say that that didn't exist last year, but it
really felt like you guys were the class of the league.
Is it different this year with some of the balance
in this league or do you still feel confident that
you know your team and maybe Atlanta are like one
(03:19):
and two. How would you best describe how this league
and the way that it's set up going into the
playoffs versus the way that it looked last year.
Speaker 2 (03:26):
Well, I think it's way more competitive this year. Obviously,
just being in our second season, the parody is there.
We felt it all season long. I mean, I mean,
I like it's going to be a challenge, It's going
to be a battle. Obviously, there's different matchups in volleyball,
just when it comes to first nonel and the way
teams a run their systems and things. But I definitely
(03:46):
think that it is more challenging and there's just a
great talent on every team. And obviously some of these
teams have added players. April first was the deadline to
add any players, and then our rosters were locked in,
so there were a couple of players added to some
of these teams that came back from Europe and that's
obviously enhanced of like just the level of play for
(04:07):
some of those teams. So yeah, I mean it's exciting,
it's a great it's a fun time of year. Obviously
the pro volleyball landscape is kind of a fresh thing still,
but in season two, it's cool to be at this
point again.
Speaker 1 (04:19):
Really really interesting. Supernova's the roster. We've talked to several
of the players on our show throughout the season, and
I just love what the team does and you've got
so many great personalities. We've had Caitlin Horde and brook
Nunneviller and some of the other Nebraska natives or alums
be a part of our program and just listening to
their perspective on what things are going. But as the coach,
(04:41):
you're kind of needing to move these pieces like they're
at chess board and try to figure out, like you mentioned,
you're managing load, but you're also trying to get everybody
to play at their peak at the right time. So
who have been a couple of the players that you're
really proud of in their development throughout this season and
helping this team be Number one as they are right
now in Pro Volleyball Federation.
Speaker 2 (05:01):
Well, I'm proud of the overall group because I do
believe that throughout a season, every team evolved and they
build the competitive chemistry and you learn and grow from
things as you experience them. And so even coming off
this last road trip, I think we've grown, and we'll
have to grow. I mean, we're going to be forced
to respond and grow. But I'm proud of them as
a group. But obviously their individual play and the way
(05:24):
that they grind and train at practice, I would say
these players across the board. Brook has been solid for us,
but Kelsey Pain has come on. She is really finding
her rhythm and connection, and it takes time in a
game like this with your teammates and getting comfortable playing
together and just the system of an offense. But defensively,
(05:44):
that's where we've really that's where we've laid our foundation
and the way that they grind together and they play together.
Camilla has been solid at our libero in the last
couple of weeks. I think she's really come into her
own and again that's like that takes time. You have
to learn each other and who's taking what ball and
how to like kind of it's almost like dancing when
you're playing volleyball in your movement and there's a rhythm
(06:06):
to the match and like you learn each other's behaviors
and why balls that you're gonna take and someone else
is going to take. So I think our middles have
been solid too. Obviously Caitlin Horne and Kayla Caffey have
been so good for us. But our young middles, Toy
and Phoebe, they've been so solid at practice. The way
that our gym, the way we train, it makes this
(06:27):
group special because they compete every day. Obviously our setters
are Nazi is our local, she's here in Omaha, but
her passion and the way she competes, and then Mac
is so analytical and just the way that she plays
the game and provides a different rhythm. I mean, it's
good to have like opposites in each position that you
(06:47):
can change up the tempo and style of the game
just by putting different people in.
Speaker 1 (06:51):
Yeah, the only super Nova is led by coach Laura
bird Kuhn. They're in first place trying to get another championship,
and that's what it's all about for anybody who you know,
we talk about it more than anything. And the volleyball
is obviously really awesome, but the atmosphere, the energy that's
in Chi Health Center, and we've set records of attendance
for professional volleyball around the world for the Supernovas here
(07:15):
in Omaha. So for people that are listening, how can
you best describe the advantage that it gives you guys
having that kind of energy at home at CCHI Health Center.
Speaker 2 (07:25):
Well, it's special. Like I'm standing here right now. We
have practiced in our twenty minutes and I'm standing in
this arena and it's empty. And I love these moments
when we get to train and be in this facility
because on a game day it's electric and it's different.
So I always think this way, you get to own
this space before anyone else is in it. And we
as Omaha and our Omaha fans are Supernova fans. They
(07:48):
own this space like once they infiltrate and they pack
this place. It's so fun and I always I wish
I could come to one of our matches is be
a fan, but it is. It's special, and the environment
here is bar none to any place we play in
this country when we travel, so it's a special play
that I would say come out experience. If you've never been,
(08:08):
you have to get out here in the next two
weeks because it is a really special environment and these
are special athletes that you'll get to be played the
sport they love.
Speaker 1 (08:16):
Yeah, and I got to tell you it's going to
be an awful lot of fun on a Thursday and
on a Saturday to be able to see this team
in action. A couple of opportunities this week and as
you mentioned, just four home games left this season for
the Omaha Supernova's head coach, Laura birdcun Coach Bird as
always awesome to chat with you, have a great time
at practice and can't wait to see you guys this week.
Speaker 2 (08:38):
Awesome, always good to talk to you.
Speaker 1 (08:40):
Thanks all right, Coach Bird. We always love chatting with
her as well.
Speaker 2 (08:43):
And Ray Songer
You know, we're going to talk about We're going to
talk about a really successful team that is here in Omaha,
the Omaha super Novas and joining us as their head coach.
Laura Bird Kuhn coach BYRD. How you doing today, hither good?
Speaker 2 (00:13):
How are you doing?
Speaker 1 (00:14):
I'm fantastic, Always great chatting with you. We're kind of
getting to the stretch run of the season, sixteen and
six the record almost Supernova's leading the league with forty
seven points. As far as the match results are concerned,
we can you tell me about your team so far
this season?
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Coach the special group for sure. We just came back
off the road. We were at Vegas and San Diego,
so the West Coast is always a challenging trip, but
we learned a lot. We actually dropped our match to
San Diego on Saturday, so we're excited to be back
in Omaha. Obviously we've had a pretty solid season, but
(00:51):
this last home stretch of three weeks is going to
be challenging and getting us ready for the playoffs. So
we clinched when we won at Vegas on Thursday, and
we will be going to the play So that's exciting
for this group.
Speaker 1 (01:02):
Yeah, last year, actually had a chance to do that
at home. I know that the championship or the playoffs
are going to be elsewhere this year, but still four
opportunities to see the Supernovas and those are the next
four games, including two this week, one tomorrow against Grand
Rapids and another Saturday against Atlanta, who's actually the second
best team there. They're right on your guys's heels right now.
(01:23):
But what's it like this time of the year. I
know you guys have either one or two games a week,
just kind of depends on how things are going. But
this is a difficult sport to stay you know, healthy
in condition. I know there's a lot of depth on
this team, but kind of what are some of the
challenges for you guys and for a professional volleyball team
at this level when you're this deep into a season
(01:45):
that has so many regular games.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
Definitely managing the load, I think all season when you
have the long trips like the West Coast and then
coming back, it's recovery and just managing the load of
the players is pretty crucial for us right now. But
it's good to be home. It's going to be good
to be home the next two weeks. Kind of get that,
and then we'll hit the road and go Grand Rapids
and Atlanta as we headed out to Vegas. So we'll
(02:10):
actually be on the road for about two weeks, almost
leading into Vegas. But that's also a good rhythm, you know,
like you're getting rid of the beat on the road.
We're actually a good road team. We're solid. I think
there's chances to bond and just be you know, a
tighter team because of the trips. So we're excited to
just to get back here and be home and compete
for the next two weeks to kind of really focus
on that recovery and the load management, but also just
(02:33):
competing our best and continuing to grow as a team.
Speaker 1 (02:37):
Super Nova's taking on Grand Rapids tomorrow seven o'clock start
time at Cha Health Center. The game on Saturday against
Atlanta matchup with number one and number two at six
pm start time. I saw, I've seen, I've been in
the arena of the Sea Orlando. They're a really good
team too. They're sitting third in the standings Indianapolis. Indie
is also kind of in the mix of the playoffs
(02:57):
as the number four team, But it just feels it's
like so many teams in this league, coach can can
beat each other. There's a lot of balance, and not
to say that that didn't exist last year, but it
really felt like you guys were the class of the league.
Is it different this year with some of the balance
in this league or do you still feel confident that
you know your team and maybe Atlanta are like one
(03:19):
and two. How would you best describe how this league
and the way that it's set up going into the
playoffs versus the way that it looked last year.
Speaker 2 (03:26):
Well, I think it's way more competitive this year. Obviously,
just being in our second season, the parody is there.
We felt it all season long. I mean, I mean,
I like it's going to be a challenge, It's going
to be a battle. Obviously, there's different matchups in volleyball,
just when it comes to first nonel and the way
teams a run their systems and things. But I definitely
(03:46):
think that it is more challenging and there's just a
great talent on every team. And obviously some of these
teams have added players. April first was the deadline to
add any players, and then our rosters were locked in,
so there were a couple of players added to some
of these teams that came back from Europe and that's
obviously enhanced of like just the level of play for
(04:07):
some of those teams. So yeah, I mean it's exciting,
it's a great it's a fun time of year. Obviously
the pro volleyball landscape is kind of a fresh thing still,
but in season two, it's cool to be at this
point again.
Speaker 1 (04:19):
Really really interesting. Supernova's the roster. We've talked to several
of the players on our show throughout the season, and
I just love what the team does and you've got
so many great personalities. We've had Caitlin Horde and brook
Nunneviller and some of the other Nebraska natives or alums
be a part of our program and just listening to
their perspective on what things are going. But as the coach,
(04:41):
you're kind of needing to move these pieces like they're
at chess board and try to figure out, like you mentioned,
you're managing load, but you're also trying to get everybody
to play at their peak at the right time. So
who have been a couple of the players that you're
really proud of in their development throughout this season and
helping this team be Number one as they are right
now in Pro Volleyball Federation.
Speaker 2 (05:01):
Well, I'm proud of the overall group because I do
believe that throughout a season, every team evolved and they
build the competitive chemistry and you learn and grow from
things as you experience them. And so even coming off
this last road trip, I think we've grown, and we'll
have to grow. I mean, we're going to be forced
to respond and grow. But I'm proud of them as
a group. But obviously their individual play and the way
(05:24):
that they grind and train at practice, I would say
these players across the board. Brook has been solid for us,
but Kelsey Pain has come on. She is really finding
her rhythm and connection, and it takes time in a
game like this with your teammates and getting comfortable playing
together and just the system of an offense. But defensively,
(05:44):
that's where we've really that's where we've laid our foundation
and the way that they grind together and they play together.
Camilla has been solid at our libero in the last
couple of weeks. I think she's really come into her
own and again that's like that takes time. You have
to learn each other and who's taking what ball and
how to like kind of it's almost like dancing when
you're playing volleyball in your movement and there's a rhythm
(06:06):
to the match and like you learn each other's behaviors
and why balls that you're gonna take and someone else
is going to take. So I think our middles have
been solid too. Obviously Caitlin Horne and Kayla Caffey have
been so good for us. But our young middles, Toy
and Phoebe, they've been so solid at practice. The way
that our gym, the way we train, it makes this
(06:27):
group special because they compete every day. Obviously our setters
are Nazi is our local, she's here in Omaha, but
her passion and the way she competes, and then Mac
is so analytical and just the way that she plays
the game and provides a different rhythm. I mean, it's
good to have like opposites in each position that you
(06:47):
can change up the tempo and style of the game
just by putting different people in.
Speaker 1 (06:51):
Yeah, the only super Nova is led by coach Laura
bird Kuhn. They're in first place trying to get another championship,
and that's what it's all about for anybody who you know,
we talk about it more than anything. And the volleyball
is obviously really awesome, but the atmosphere, the energy that's
in Chi Health Center, and we've set records of attendance
for professional volleyball around the world for the Supernovas here
(07:15):
in Omaha. So for people that are listening, how can
you best describe the advantage that it gives you guys
having that kind of energy at home at CCHI Health Center.
Speaker 2 (07:25):
Well, it's special. Like I'm standing here right now. We
have practiced in our twenty minutes and I'm standing in
this arena and it's empty. And I love these moments
when we get to train and be in this facility
because on a game day it's electric and it's different.
So I always think this way, you get to own
this space before anyone else is in it. And we
as Omaha and our Omaha fans are Supernova fans. They
(07:48):
own this space like once they infiltrate and they pack
this place. It's so fun and I always I wish
I could come to one of our matches is be
a fan, but it is. It's special, and the environment
here is bar none to any place we play in
this country when we travel, so it's a special play
that I would say come out experience. If you've never been,
(08:08):
you have to get out here in the next two
weeks because it is a really special environment and these
are special athletes that you'll get to be played the
sport they love.
Speaker 1 (08:16):
Yeah, and I got to tell you it's going to
be an awful lot of fun on a Thursday and
on a Saturday to be able to see this team
in action. A couple of opportunities this week and as
you mentioned, just four home games left this season for
the Omaha Supernova's head coach, Laura birdcun Coach Bird as
always awesome to chat with you, have a great time
at practice and can't wait to see you guys this week.
Speaker 2 (08:38):
Awesome, always good to talk to you.
Speaker 1 (08:40):
Thanks all right, Coach Bird. We always love chatting with
her as well.
Speaker 2 (08:43):
And Ray Songer
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!