Major League Minute: Hey, welcome to the Major League Minute podcast. I'm Doc and this is GMP. And today we're talking all things MLV. And we have a special guest with us today. Sorry. I love it. Sorry. Yeah, a very special guest. I actually have no connection with this guest at all, but here she is. She's thankfully said yes. Thank you. And we are so honored to have her here and her This is none other than Lydia Martin, middle blocker from the Indie Ignite. So Lydia, I don't know if you know this, but you are leading the MLV right now in kill percentage. Like she don't know that. Do you know that? Well, let's ask her. Yeah, do you know?

Lydia: I really didn't. Well, I usually don't keep up with stats to be honest because I think it would drive me crazy if that was always in the back of my mind. ⁓ But I did know last year that I was leading in kill percentage, so I figured I was up there somewhere.

Major League Minute: So why don't you bring her up to speed on her stats since she really has no idea where she lands. She is leaning the MLV and kill percentage at 49.7%. She is fifth in hitting efficiency, but the number one person is a setter. So I feel like I kind of just, that doesn't really count. So I'm going to say she's fourth. ⁓ are sixth in blocking with 29 and you set. An MLV record earlier this season, getting 11 blocks in a single match against Columbus. I was going to say, let me guess it was against the supernovas. Probably when I want to be surprised, maybe this weekend when she comes to Omaha, that'll happen. ⁓ do we get to talk about this weekend? We can talk about whatever we want, doc. Okay. Can we talk about it now? Do it. You're coming to Omaha this weekend and it's going to be the largest, we're going to set up.

Lydia: Yeah, we'll see. Yes, we leave Friday.

Major League Minute: I don't know, an MLV record, a franchise record, a pro volleyball record? What are we doing? Well, I don't know if I can say world, but an attendance record for professional women's volleyball in the United States. So our arena can hold 17,000 people, and right now we're trending to sell out every single seat.

Lydia: Wow. That's amazing.

Major League Minute: So we have a lot of cool things going that night. Including dollar beer night. It's dollar beer night, which obviously. That's a big thing when you're in Omaha, Nebraska in the middle of winter. It'll make the crowd pretty rowdy. It's our annual luck of the Novus match. So it's like Irish and leprechaun and all four-leaf clover themed. So it's really cool. So yeah, are you excited to come into that environment?

Lydia: I didn't hear about that. ⁓ I'm so excited. I do think Omaha is one of my favorite places I've been to in this league, just because it is always packed out and it's really exciting. But I will say, think, I don't know if I've played in Omaha besides being in this league. And so that was like a really big shock when I got there and realized like how invested Nebraska fans are and like how invested and after being on a team with Taylor Landfair, like Sydney Hilley and all of them, like

Major League Minute: ⁓ fans are and how invested they are in on a team with him and Sydney Hullingham all of It doesn't even...

Lydia: It doesn't even matter where you're from. If you were in one those big schools that competed with Nebraska, you're roped in and it's just really cool to see the fans just be so invested.

Major League Minute: if you were in all those big schools that competed with the Brazilians, you're roped in and it's just really cool to see the fans just be so invested. Yeah, well, the reason that's awesome, first of all, the reason why we're like, oh, did you get 11 blocks against Omaha? Because I think the crowd plays a part in that, I will admit. But anyone who comes to Omaha, seems like they always play their best, like top of their game. It's like, Record breaking numbers, we can come to Omaha and play out of your mind. It's like, I don't know what it is, but every team comes here fired up and they just play out of their mind. So that's why he made that joke.

Lydia: Hopefully, I mean, I know you obviously probably want them to win, hopefully we get some of that luck. And I do think that...

Major League Minute: How much does the atmosphere play into from a player's perspective and point of view as it relates to contributing to what actually happens on the court?

Lydia: Yeah, I think a lot of it is player specific. For me, I am someone who loves to interact with the crowd. Whether it's just I'm looking at people, I'll make eye contact, I'll smile with them or laugh or even in our home crowd the other night, we were like trying to get people to clap while Mia was surveying and nobody else was like joining in because I think here in Indy people are still learning the game of volleyball, but we were all like clap.

Major League Minute: We were trying to get people to clap while Nia was surveying and nobody else was joining in. I think here in Indie people are still learning the game available. But we were all like, clap! And we were trying to get engagement and that's really fun. But just to feed off of their excitement as well or people chirping you in the crowd and like, yeah, I watched it. I'll show you others. I'm trying to do my best. I don't know if I ever would have guessed that personality side of you after watching.

Lydia: And we were like trying to get them engaged and I think that's really fun. But just to beat off their excitement as well or people chirping you in the crowds. I'm like, okay, yeah, watch this. Like I'll show you up or I'll try to do my best. Yeah, I don't try to, I'm not this big personality on the court. Like I am very much full of smiles, but I am a big competitor at heart. And I don't remember, one of our front office staff, I think her mom calls me the like smiling assassin, I think is what she, her mom calls me. She was like, you just hit the ball so hard, but you're always smiling and it's just so deceitful. But I just love playing and, but I do like to.

Major League Minute: Yeah. And, but I do like...

Lydia: I don't know, in the back of my mind, compete with people who think less of me.

Major League Minute: So Doc always asks this question, are you a smack talker?

Lydia: ⁓ no. ⁓ No, in my mind, I might think it. Yeah, I probably will never talk to someone across the net and try and get in their head, but I do just say, I'm just sort of observer. So I'll kind of notice someone else's body language or how they're talking to their teammates across the net and I pick up on those and I kind of.

Major League Minute: No, never. Definitely not What thinking of even asking the question? Wow. She's a smiling sassian. They don't talk back.

Lydia: we'll feed into that on our team of like, this person seems down, like we need to go after her maybe a little bit more. And I would say that played into a lot more of last year's team than it did this year. think Lauren and our staff has a great, great game plan for us to follow and we just execute that as best as we can. ⁓ So we kind of let them worry about that stuff.

Major League Minute: So I would love to ask, we're talking about personality and especially your teammates. This whole Indie Ignite team seems like a bunch of crazy but fun and positive personalities. it's like, don't want to like sound like this is worn down like playing with joy. Like I feel like I hear that almost too often, but there is no better team than you guys.

Lydia: Mm.

Major League Minute: when it comes to playing with Joy, in my opinion. You guys dance, all the cellies are like, ⁓ man, I just applaud them. I'm like, keep them coming, keep them coming. ⁓ But like, trash talk, like I know that's not you, but is that other teammates? Because there are a lot of personalities. And I'm sure it's not like across the net, but like we see like Mia, you know, saying stuff or whoever else, but.

Lydia: Yeah For sure. ⁓ Yeah, yeah. It's definitely within our team and even the day to day in practice, whether we're even go after Lauren sometimes in the gym, like we just truly have an environment ⁓ that Lauren has made everyone feel so genuinely safe in. And I think whether girls are coming from college or previous coaching experiences, sometimes that relationship relationship between the team and a coach can kind of be like this separate intimidation.

Major League Minute: and I think whether... relationship between the team and the coach can kind of be like this separate intimidation feel.

Lydia: feel and we really don't have that. We respect her so much and she'll get mad at us if we're not doing what we need to do but there's also lot of laughter and jokes that come with her personality and then our team, Mia, very much super loud. She's just always joking. Ajani, her, let me think, who are the big like jokesters? Anise?

Major League Minute: Getting out of this, we're not doing what we need to do, but there's also lot of laughter and jokes. and then our team Nia very much super loud she's just always joking ⁓ Ajani, me, her and Jaina were the big like jokesters and we say

Lydia: I mean, it literally is everybody. Everyone just chimes in, especially in practice. But during the game, I definitely think it's those three who are making comments either on the bench or in the huddle when we've finished a rally. ⁓ I will say, think Columbus has been the most trash talking team through the net, but we try not to engage with them. So normally, if we want to say something, we'll just say it to ourselves and stay out of the drama.

Major League Minute: especially in practice, but during the game I definitely think it's those three who are making comments either on the bench or in the... I will say I think Columbus has been the most... Really

Lydia: We're just gonna try and beat you at the end of the day.

Major League Minute: Yeah. And I feel like Elena Scott could hold her own too. Not that she is a trash talker, she's got mean like a physical, if a beef? She's got it in her. mean, she can just hold her ground. Am I wrong?

Lydia: Yeah. Yeah, I would agree with that. I think she is such a relaxed person, but a fighter for sure. I think if it ever came down to it, she'd be ready to go.

Major League Minute: You know what's interesting? You guys are all, I didn't do my research on this, but all of you guys are fairly young, right? Like a majority of the starting seven, let's say, are only like sophomore year into their pro, is that correct? Yeah.

Lydia: Mm-hmm. Yeah, I, we actually, I don't know if you ever did like the warm-up games where it's like ballast or something before practice starts and you separate into two groups and then have like a little mini game to warm up. Anyway, we separate into old versus young on our team and we are split pretty evenly, but even like Anna DeBeer is considered part of our old group from where the birthdays cut off and she's still young. So yeah, I would definitely say we're still young and I think

Major League Minute: Yeah, it's the funnest. ⁓ ⁓ see, no, see, I would have counted her as the young group.

Lydia: Sometimes that'll show, for the most part, it doesn't really separate us as far as teammates goes. Blake's been playing for years, and Usai's been playing for years, and we're all able to learn from one another, and I think that's really, really cool to play with.

Major League Minute: Yeah, so you mentioned your coach, which I know nothing about. Would you say that? She's a big difference maker for the team this year versus last year, or would you say it's players that are the big difference or is it a combination?

Lydia: Mm. I think Lauren has a huge impact on how we're playing this year. mean, obviously at this point last year, I don't even know if we had played this many games. and Lauren is just very structured and she's data driven and I love that about her. ⁓ her, Haley, Brett, Bruna, like our whole entire staff is just spending hours and hours studying the game. How can we get better as a team as Yower?

Major League Minute: game, how can we get better as a team as y'all are winning right

Lydia: winning right now we're number one but we still have to be number one when it comes to the finals in Dallas you know like we're still striving to get there and want to win the whole thing but I think comparatively to last year we sometimes I'm really shocked that we even made it to the finals and I think how many people were

Major League Minute: doubts, you know, like we're still starting to get there and want to win the whole thing. But I think comparatively to last year, kind of have actually shocked that we made it to the finals. I would too, because I only, you know, I only know what I hear. And I heard that maybe there was some, there was just some issues last year. So for you to make it as far as you did is impressive. But in our last podcast, actually talked about, sorry to bring this to the Omaha Supernovas, but they're obviously in a slump right now. Like they're struggling. Especially at home. Especially at home. So I was saying how, you know, I'm still hopeful that they can still pull it out in the end because sometimes when teams go through junk like this, it's actually so helpful. it, the, the cons or I guess not consequences. The refiners fire.

Lydia: Hmm.

Major League Minute: Yeah, like you that comes together in the end when it only matters like it only matters in the end. So like that you're another great example from last season of like I heard that there was some troubles here and here and here. But yeah, you guys made it to the finals. You you were better than Omaha. You upset us in the quarters. So

Lydia: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, and it gives you a team a sense of bonding when things maybe aren't going as smoothly as you wanted them to, like speaking of last year, but we, I think the difference as far as team culture goes is everyone understands their role on this team. And there's times when you can get in this league, especially when you can be cut, traded at any point in time, like that's really scary and daunting. But I think Lauren has done a phenomenal job with.

Major League Minute: get in this league especially when you can be cut, treated at any point in time. I think that's really scary and daunting.

Lydia: Hey, I brought you all here. Like you all have a purpose. You might not play every single game, but I'm building this team to win a championship and I will use you when I need you. And your other role outside of that is to compete every single day in practice. Can you cheer one another on? Like figure out what else you can do to help us get there. And I think everyone on this team is so bought in, which helps us play with that joy you were talking about earlier. It's just, we don't have best days every single day, but we can grind it out. And I think.

Major League Minute: Hey, I brought you all here. Like you all have a purpose. You might not play every single game, but I'm building this team to win a championship and I will use you when I need you and your other role outside of that is to compete every single day in practice. Can you cheer one another on? Like figure out what else you can do to help us get there. And I think everyone on this team is so bought in which helps us play with that joy you were talking about earlier. It's just, we don't have best days every single day, but we can grind it out. And I think

Lydia: especially in this last match against Grand Rapids, they were coming from, I think they said they got in at 3.30 in the morning, which is a horrible schedule. But we can't expect them to not come out and play their hardest. And there were a couple of times where we just weren't on top of our game, but we could grind through and earn some of those points to win that match. And I think that just speaks volumes to our character as a team, but also the environment we've built to just push through. I don't know. Yeah.

Major League Minute: especially in this last match against Grand Rapids. were coming from, said they'd be at 3.30 in the morning. Yeah, by a bus. can't expect them to not come out and play their hardest. And there were a couple of times where we just weren't on top of our game, but we could grind through and encourage those points to win that match. And I think that just speaks volumes to our character as a team, but also the environment. How do you prepare for that mentally? I mean, you and Blake had a great last week, the two matches last week. were, I they were my players of the week. Yeah. Both of you. Doc named you guys ⁓ and ⁓ Like, yeah. ⁓ and ⁓ just handing out kills like candy. Good one. But, mean, then you come to this week, you had an outstanding two matches last week. Then you come to this week yesterday and I don't, did you play at all? I don't think.

Lydia: thanks. I do not. Yeah.

Major League Minute: She did not. So how do you prepare for that mentally when you guys got so many pieces where the coach can plug and play. Literally every player. pushing all the right buttons right now. How do you prepare for that? Because me and GMP talk about that all the time.

Lydia: Mm. Yeah, I think for me, I still have a few injuries that I'm working through personally and just our whole team is. so Lauren does a great job with that load management of, we've got depth on our bench. Everyone needs to kind of get those reps in. If you need to wrestle a little bit more, then maybe we take the time to do that in whichever match. But it's not even a conversation. I didn't talk to Lauren before the game about whether I was playing or not. If I'm in, I'm in. And if I'm not, I'm on the bench cheering and doing right can. when maybe a middle comes out and talking to Blake or I'm talking to both say if, hey, we need to do this better. And so it's just kind of refining. Like I said, your role might not be a starter on the court in that moment, but on the bench, I can be just as helpful and cheer them on. But mentally for me, I prepare the same. I'm ready to go if I need to be thrown in. And if not, then I'm just doing what I can.

Major League Minute: and so it's just kind of refining, like I said, your role might not be a starter on the court at that moment, but on the bench. mentally for me, I prepare the same I'm ready to go. I need to be thrown in and if not, then I'm just doing what I can. That's such a great learning lesson for so many young and old. There are some older players who still haven't figured it out of getting your mind in that type of state. How do you, how do you do it? I mean, for you to say that you didn't even know you were starting or not starting that match. Like that could be a huge problem to certain players of like, need to know, need to, you know, they want that control. They want to be prepared. But here you are a perfect example of being prepared no matter what, being a team player and bought in. How do you get to that place?

Lydia: Mm. Man, I don't even know. ⁓

Major League Minute: I think it's to think your trust, it's back to our original conversation of last week, where you trust your coach to put you in the, maybe speak to that, that trust bond.

Lydia: Yeah, yeah, I would, I would definitely say that's a huge part of it. And I think even for me in college, like I, for the most part started a lot of my games, but I wasn't in those huge conferences. I wasn't in those top programs that, and to be honest, I didn't even know about this world of volleyball and collegiate volleyball at those high levels. And really until I transferred to the University of Oklahoma, did I even start thinking about, man, like I've got to step up my game to compete with Ajo Nio my first year and just these big time names.

Major League Minute: And it's gone. and start thinking about man, I've got to step up my game to compete with Asia O'Neill my first year and just these big time games. And then I also dropped it into the full PDF at that time. Was not? Was not, no. Was not, okay. Yeah.

Lydia: Um, and then I also wasn't drafted into the, well, PBF at that time. Um, I was just signed up. No, I wasn't. Um, and I think that also has just humbled me or like kept me humble to know that I'm always going to have to earn my spot and it's not just going to be handed to me. And whether that's I'm the best teammate I can be or how much effort I put in the gym, like at the end of the day, if I'm not playing, I still have a purpose outside of it. And I think that's just.

Major League Minute: movie or just gonna be handed to me and whether that's the best TV I can be or how much effort I put in the gym like as of the end the day if I'm not playing I still have a focus outside of it and I think that's just a life lesson for me is that volleyball is not my entire life. I never want it to be the center of what I do. I want it to be a platform to reach other girls and to say hey like volleyball won't last forever but while I'm here I'm do what I can to inspire you.

Lydia: A life lesson for me is that volleyball's not my entire life and I never want it to be the center of what I do. I want it to be a platform to reach other girls and to say, volleyball won't last forever, but while I'm here, I'm going to do what I can to inspire you and just give it everything I can.

Major League Minute: Just give it everything I can. If volleyball is not the center of your life, what is?

Lydia: Yeah, it's definitely in my relationship with the Lord. ⁓ I'm very outspoken about my faith and I never want to impose that on anybody and say like, have to follow Jesus. ⁓ But to see the work that he's done in my life, I just can't not speak about it. ⁓ Growing up, didn't. I don't know, like again, I wasn't a very athletic kid. I didn't even make my middle school team. I tried out for basketball. That didn't work out. So I was the manager for

Major League Minute: No way. Michael Jordan got cut too.

Lydia: Yeah, I was the manager for both my middle school volleyball and basketball team. And then when I got to high school, I was just kind of tall, still couldn't play, couldn't even serve a ball over the net. But my older sister had played and the coaches were like, we'll invest in you, kind of build you up. And I remember going home, my mom to this day is like, yeah, I didn't see much of you in high school because you would come home and just watch the Olympics on YouTube. And I would just study and watch for hours and hours, go to practice, try and like mimic what I would see.

Major League Minute: middle school volleyball and basketball team. And then when I got to high school, I was just kind of tall, still couldn't play. even serve a ball over the net. But my older sister played and the coaches were like, well, invested in you, kind of build you up. And I remember going home, my mom to this day is like, yeah, I didn't see much of you in high school because you'd come home and just watch the Olympics on YouTube. And I would just study and watch for hours and hours, go to practice, try and mimic what I would see. And then I would get.

Lydia: And then I would get tweaked and refined. There are my skills. And I just have, I've had people that the Lord has just placed in my life to say, Hey, like we have belief and we can see the potential in you. And that's still to this day, what I'm being told is Lauren and Brett, or even people in the USA gym are like, you have so much potential and that's great to hear. But sometimes I've been hearing that for, since I've been in college. And so it's like, when am I actually going to hit my peak? Who knows? ⁓ but. The relationships that I've built here have been so amazing and I truly think that's why the Lord has placed me here, to share the love of Christ. And I've gone to do that through my injuries, when I'm sitting on the bench, while I'm playing, when I'm talking to little girls, like that is my favorite thing in the world, just to see them look at us and think that she's just a person too. She's not like this big egotistical person who thinks she's all that, like she's down to earth. And I just want anyone to come with me if they ever just need a friend to talk to.

Major League Minute: The relationships that I've built here have been so amazing and I truly think that's why the Lord has placed me here. To share the love of Christ and I've gone to do that through my injuries, when I'm sitting on the bench, when I'm playing, when I'm to little girls. Like that is my favorite thing in the world just to see them look up at us and think that she's just a person too. She's not like this big, egotistical person who thinks she's all that. Like she's down to earth and I just want anyone to come with me if they ever just need a friend to talk to. my mind went in like so many different tangents. don't even know which question to follow up on, but ⁓ I guess the first one that comes to my mind is I saw that Indie Ignite is doing like a, or maybe it already happened, was like a faith and family night or tell us about that event. Okay.

Lydia: Sorry. Yes, we did have that. ⁓ My parents were actually in town and I only get to see my parents maybe once or twice a season. So I actually wasn't able to participate. It was a panel after the game, but I heard it went amazing. think Emma Halter, Mia was there. I'm not even sure who else, maybe Kara Cressy was on the panel as well. And we just had fans ⁓ come to a section after the game and we just had them ask questions and kind of talk about.

Major League Minute: Okay. Mia was there. I'm not even sure who else, maybe Karen. fans come to a section after the game and just ask questions and talk about maybe their faith.

Lydia: maybe their faith, but I heard it went really well and I wish I could have been there and I'd love to do another one.

Major League Minute: Man, that is so cool to see ⁓ a professional franchise do something like that. A lot of, I would say that I would assume, and I've seen like a lot of people would shy away from something like that. But the fact that you guys just dove all in and made it so personal, that is so cool. I'm jealous. I would have loved to be a part of it slash had the opportunity when I was playing and

Lydia: Yeah.

Major League Minute: or just to be a fan and to get in front of your players and like have, be a part of those conversations. That's really cool. So you went to, I'm sorry, go ahead. No, you go, you go.

Lydia: Yeah, it's definitely a big part. ⁓ sorry. It's definitely a big part. Like Faith is driving a lot of the girls on our team right now and we have a Bible study that we started up together. And so in amidst the traveling and crazy schedules that we have, we try to talk to each other about it just see where we're at, especially when you're traveling and on the road, you don't necessarily get to go to church all the time. But I went for the first time and...

Major League Minute: you

Lydia: probably months since season started and it's just a good refresh to have that community to rely on when maybe you want a little bit on the outs of ⁓ sports and just some normal ⁓ community.

Major League Minute: and just like some normal community. I love the lesson there of volleyball is just what you do. It's not who you are because I made that mistake once upon a time in my career of accidentally letting my identity become my volleyball career. And when that happens, know, volleyball is an imperfect game. don't always play at the top of your ability. And when that happens and you place your identity in it, it's like a spiral downward. Like you just crumble and you... Or it's this up, down, up, down, based. It's performance based. You're right. could go... That's exhausting. Exactly. It could go the other way and it's draining in every way, physically, mentally, spiritually, all of the above. And ⁓ so I ended up retiring because I was like, I hate this.

Lydia: Right.

Major League Minute: like I'm miserable. I don't enjoy this at all. I feel terrible about myself. Didn't touch a volleyball for four years. Not single time. Like I'm sure you tried to get me in the gym or something. I was like, no, not interested. ⁓ And I thought you just didn't want to get cooked.

Lydia: You

Major League Minute: There's probably some truth to that too. Long story short, I ended up coming back to volleyball, but my identity was now more consistently and solidly in the Lord. during that time away, I learned the hard way of like, ⁓ I accidentally actually allowed my identity become volleyball when that is hearsay. It's sand, it's, know, waters come, it washes away or, you know, So when I came back to volleyball, it was like a whole new life. I was like, oh my gosh, I love this. I am so excited to be here. I want to get better. You know, it just was a whole different experience for me. So I love that you're getting out there and spreading that message to younger girls because I feel like being a teenager in today's society is so hard in so many different ways. But you know, the whole identity thing is

Lydia: Yeah.

Major League Minute: probably one of the most challenging things for the younger generation. And so I love that your heart is wanting to help those. And it doesn't even have to be a teenager. It could be anyone. It could be one of your teammates who maybe doesn't know the Lord, you know? So I love that. Did you have to go through that hard time for you to realize that in terms of your identity? Or did somebody mentor, coach, help you along the way? And how did you develop it?

Lydia: Yeah, yeah, definitely. Yeah, yeah, my dad was a pastor when I was growing up and he kind of always drilled into me that, you know, you're ⁓ one because I'm just tall and I'm a female that I'm always going to have eyes on me anyway. But he is like, once you once I started playing, he was like, you've got to realize that this is not, you know, who you are. And I mean, I'm a very emotional person. And to this day, I still cry occasionally in practice just because I'm frustrated or I want.

Major League Minute: that you know you're female that I'm always gonna have eyes on me anyway. This is not who you are. I'm a very emotional person and to this day I still will cry occasionally in practice because I'm frustrated or I want the best or I'm desiring a historic outcome and with injuries that of course sets you back. But at the end of the day I come home and I, well actually I love to just sing in my car. I'm always singing worship music on the way home from practice. What are we singing? What are we singing? What are we worshiping What's your go-to worship song? We talking elevation? What are we doing?

Lydia: the best or you know, I'm desiring some sort of outcome and with injuries that of course that's you back but at the end of the day I come home and I well actually I love to just sing in my car. I'm always like singing worship music on the way home from practice or even two and oh I'm kind of all over the place. I love some Charity Gale. I love just the classics like Casting Crown. She's pretty good.

Major League Minute: You know her? No. ⁓ She is good.

Lydia: And I love ⁓ the song Abide. I don't even know who sings that, but that's a good one. And then Phil Welcome also has some good songs that I enjoy.

Major League Minute: So the success you guys are having as a team on the court, how much of that do you attribute to this faith, synergy, or whatever you want to call it that you guys have personally between each other that you talked about?

Lydia: ⁓ so much. ⁓ think it's not something that in the very beginning of the season, we even kind of knew about each other. And so even from Lauren standpoint, she was like putting us in these little small groups to just get to know each other as teammates. And then in those small groups, we would learn about their families or other girls in their faith. And that was really cool. And then we were like, okay, maybe we should start a Bible study, like who would be interested. so whoever was interested, like the message and we created a group chat. And I think

Major League Minute: think it's not something that in the very beginning of the season, the event kind of knew about each other. And so even from Lauren's standpoint, was like putting us in these little small groups to just get to know each other as teammates. And then in those small groups, we would learn about their families or other girls and their faiths. And that was really cool. And they were like, OK, maybe we should start a Bible study. Like, who would be interested? And so whoever was interested liked the message, and we created a group chat. And I think that was

Lydia: That just gives some security to also remind ourselves for whether a girl's kind of where I'm at, where I know for sure if I don't play, I'm okay at the end of the day. Maybe she's not there yet and that's okay, but we can walk this journey together. So I think that's a huge part of it. I also like our success really does come from just the safe environment that we're in in practice. We're constantly learning. We're going after trying new things. And I think Lauren has just.

Major League Minute: Just get some security to also remind ourselves for whether a girl is kind where I'm at, where I know for sure I don't play on okay at end of the day. Maybe she's not there yet and that's okay but we can walk this journey together. So I think that's a huge part of it. I also like our success really does come from

Lydia: I just, think so highly of her. She's just such a great, phenomenal coach who isn't just someone where like, okay, yeah, she can run drills well or scout well. Like she knows what she's talking about and has put a ton of time researching just the data of the game. And I love that.

Major League Minute: Yeah, coaching is just it's way more than Hey, here are the drills we're going to run at practice today. And here's the starting lineup. And I think maybe people under maybe I feel like reading comments lately. I think people are starting to understand that more and more. But yeah, I again, I know there's a lot of contributing factors, but your coach Lauren seems like a huge reason of your team success this season. So ⁓

Lydia: Yeah. Yeah, and all the coaches balance one another out, which is really great. I don't think you see that very often. They work really well together.

Major League Minute: That helps. You mentioned that your dad was a pastor. Is that why you chose to go to Liberty first? Because that's a Christian university?

Lydia: Yeah, actually when I was in middle school, I was part of this program called AVID and it was basically like a college prep in a way for middle school students. And we were talking about what we wanted to study in college and I was like, I'm going to go study forensic science. I wanted to work in a lab, study evidence and test it all. And that's what I was set on. And then at the time I still didn't know much about volleyball, but I

Major League Minute: students and we were talking about what we wanted to study in

Lydia: I was like, okay, let's just pretend that one day I'll get to play volleyball in college. Let me look up division one volleyball programs with forensic science. And then I added on eventually like Christian universities and Liberty came up. And ⁓ so in this pretend project we had in middle school, I was like, this is where I'm going. It's a beautiful campus. I can do all these things. And that's just kind of where it started. And then when I started playing volleyball at the club level,

Major League Minute: Okay, let's just pretend that one day I'll get to play volleyball in college. Let me look up Division 1 volleyball programs with forensic science. And then I added on eventually like Christian University and Liberty came up. so in this pretend project we had in middle school, I was like, this is where I'm going. It's a beautiful campus. I can do all these things. And that's just kind where it started. And then when I started playing volleyball, What ⁓

Lydia: I was like totally set on Liberty. I only reached out to them directly. I was like, hey, I'm going to be playing this tournament. Would you come by and watch? And I don't know anything about college recruiting. But I was getting many other looks from other colleges, even Texas at that point. And I didn't care. I was like, I'm going to Liberty. And Liberty didn't even want me at first. ⁓ Yeah, that's been it. That was a crazy story of I was getting recruited by all these other big schools and I was talking to my club coach at the time and he was like, okay, like look Liberty isn't really interested in you, but you've got some great options over here. And I was like, I don't care. Like I'm going to keep trying Liberty. And eventually I went to the, like the recruiter's camp. I don't even know what they call it anymore. ⁓ Like Sparks camp is I think what we call it at Liberty where you, the recruits come play for their summer camp and you get to talk to the coaches and just see the school.

Major League Minute: Oh And eventually I went to the recruiters camp. I even know what they call it anymore. like Sparks camp, is what we call it at Liberty. Where the recruits come play for their summer camp. and you get to talk to the coaches and just see the school. And after I left that visit, Coach Harvey was like, have two year scholarship for you. And I'm like, I don't come from a lot of money. I need a full ride scholarship like Kenya. Try and work something out without me right now. Working it. I see you.

Lydia: And after I left that visit, coach called me and was like, I have two years scholarship for you. And I was like, I don't come from a lot of money. I need a full ride scholarship. you try and work something else out? Cause right now I'm going to have to decline that. And I'm also 15. Like, I don't know anything about this. All I know is I need money for college and you're like one of the only schools that's not wanting me. Like I don't understand why this is. Yeah.

Major League Minute: And you're one of the only schools that's not wanting it. I don't understand. Sounds like God. Yeah, it's like the Lord's favor.

Lydia: It truly was and I ended up getting a three year scholarship. So I did have to pay for one year. ⁓ But I would never regret that decision. Liberty was the best time of my life and I've met my best friends there. I met my husband there. And just to see the work of the Lord on campus and in my life specifically. ⁓ I don't talk about this a lot, but I think it's important to share. I think ⁓ us just talking about faith is giving me opportunity to share this.

Major League Minute: Liberty was the best time of my life and I met my best friends there, I met my husband there, and just to see the work of the Lord on campus and in my life specifically. I don't talk about this a lot, but I think it's important to share and I think us just talking about faith is giving me opportunity to share this. But my freshman year was also the start of COVID. I was on campus this semester early and then COVID hit after that.

Lydia: But my freshman year was also the start of COVID. I was on campus a semester early and then COVID hit after that. ⁓ And I was extremely suicidal. And I was just battling some stuff with my family at home. I was not doing well in school. was also not like super welcomed by some of the older girls on the team, which was like this huge shock. Cause I was like, it's Liberty. Everyone's so kind. And that just wasn't the environment I was welcomed into at the time. ⁓ And

Major League Minute: I was extremely suicidal and I was just battling some stuff with my family at home, was not doing well in school, I was also not like super welcomed by some of the older girls on the team which was like this huge shock because I was like, it's liberty, everyone's so kind, that just wasn't the environment I was welcomed into at the time. And also being a pastor's kid, I kind of expected myself to do fine but then I saw where everybody else was in their faith.

Lydia: Also, being a pastor's kid, kind of expected myself to do fine, but then I saw where everybody else was in their faith. And I like, I don't even know half the things you guys are talking about. And it was really defeating and just everything going on. I remember going and sitting in my academic coordinator's office and I just was like, dude, I need help because I'm about to quit volleyball. I'm about to just leave the school. I don't want to come here.

Major League Minute: I was like, I don't even know how to do things. And it was really defeating and just everything going on. I remember going and sitting in my academic coordinator's office and I just was like, dude, I mean, because I I'm not to quit the level, I'm not to just leave the school. I don't want to come here. Like I don't even at that point, had it.

Lydia: I don't even, at that point I hadn't discovered that I had a greater purpose here in life. And I think that's why I'm so passionate about sharing that with people is because I've seen the lows and the lows and I've seen how other people are going through that. ⁓ And if it weren't for the Lord and my best friend, Julia, like I wouldn't be here today. And yeah, so sorry to go on that tangent, but yeah.

Major League Minute: that I have a great purpose in my life. And I think that's why I'm so passionate about sharing that with people is because I've seen the lows in the lows and I've seen how other people are going through that. And if it weren't for the Lord and my best friend Julia, like I wouldn't be here today. And yeah, so sorry. Oh, no, I love the emotion. It means that it was a real experience. You're not just saying it. It was a real, real life changing. you were experiencing lows and God gave you freedom of that and now you're experiencing his unexplainable peace, his unexplainable joy. So.

Lydia: Yeah, yeah, not many people know that either, but like I have found myself opening up about it. Yeah, just because I do think especially now, like you said with the teenagers, like they're getting maybe what I experienced in college even earlier now. And I want them to realize like there's so much more out there. You're not even developed. I'm not even fully developed. I'm 23.

Major League Minute: Wow. Yeah. Thank you for sharing.

Lydia: Like we're constantly learning and evolving as people and I think that you just have to find your ground and your center in something that's not just materialistic or circumstantial.

Major League Minute: Wow. With that being said, how hard for it How hard was it for you to transfer from Liberty to Oklahoma because of your affinity towards Liberty? And what drove that decision?

Lydia: It was Oklahoma. Yeah, it was not an easy decision. I actually got my undergrad in social work. So I originally went for forensic science and then I was like, we're not doing this anymore. And had a professor or a student come in and talk about social work. And I was just so inspired to serve others at that point in time, especially being where I had just been. So I got my social work degree and then I wanted to get my master's and Liberty didn't have an accredited master's program for it.

Major League Minute: So I got my social work degree and then I wanted to get my masters and Liberty didn't have an accredited masters program for it. And I also had done like really well at Liberty statistically. And I was like, maybe I need to start looking elsewhere because I feel called into social work and I'm not going to just ignore that. ⁓ The conversation with my coach at the time did not go very well. He obviously didn't want me to leave and

Lydia: And I also had done like really well at Liberty Statistically. And I was like, maybe I need to start looking elsewhere because I feel called into social work and I'm not going to just ignore that. ⁓ The conversation with my coach at the time did not go very well. He obviously didn't want me to leave. And that's a tough thing to have with any coach. But I think when you're sitting with a coach who also has his faith and I'm like, the Lord is calling me to do this. Like I.

Major League Minute: That's a tough thing to have with any coach, but I think when you're sitting with a coach who also has his faith and I'm like, the Lord is calling me to do this. I, understand it's unfortunate for you. It's really unfortunate for me because I don't even know if any schools are going to want me. I'm at Liberty. Like that's a terrible school to go to. It's a school. For volleyball. I have actually, I didn't even know about Liberty, but I have two friends who's gone there for med school. So I know it's like.

Lydia: I understand it's unfortunate for you. It's really unfortunate for me because I don't even know if any schools are going to want me. I'm at Liberty. Not that that's terrible school to go to. It's a great school if you want to go there. But for a volleyball with high aspirations. Yeah, and it's beautiful. Yeah, and the campus is on a mountain and it's just where you can go hiking an hour away. It's gorgeous. ⁓ And at that time, I was just about to get engaged and I was like, all right, are you coming with me? What does this mean for us and our relationship? ⁓ And then so I entered the portal, didn't hear anything for like...

Major League Minute: Huge as far as academics. for us and our relationship. then so I entered the portal, didn't hear anything for like, I even know, maybe half a day, and then all of these emails started flooding and I had no idea what to do with it. was like, hey, who have I talked to? Again, very similar to my first pre-experience, hey, do you have a master's social work program? Nope, I'm not talking to you. And I'm just like reading out all these programs. And then I started going on business with Aaron at Oklahoma, actually.

Lydia: I don't even know, maybe half a day. And then all these emails started flooding in and I had no idea what to do with it. I was like, okay, who do I talk to? Again, very similar to my first recruiting experience. Okay, do you have a master social work program? Nope, I'm not talking to you. And I'm just like weeding out all these programs. And then I started going on visits and Aaron at Oklahoma actually called me and he said, hey, I don't know if you remember, but I used to coach at Loyal and Merrimount.

Major League Minute: Wow, you made such an impact on him though. He remembered you

Lydia: LMU and we played you guys that Liberty and we basically I hit zero that game because they like triple blocked me the whole time. And I was like actually I do remember that game because they no other team would triple block me like that was crazy and he said do you have any visits this weekend? I was like no I'm trying to give myself one weekend and I have another one scheduled for the next week. And he said well what if I get you on a plane tomorrow will you come out?

Major League Minute: weekend I was like no I'm trying to give myself one weekend and I have another one scheduled for next week. He said well what if I get you on a plane tomorrow will you come out?

Lydia: And I said, I guess so. So I flew out there and had such a great conversation with both him and Brian. And I was struggling to make the decision to transfer because I was also kind of talking to Texas at that point. They weren't sure what Asia O'Neill was going to do. I was talking to JJ at ASU and had gone to some other schools, but Oklahoma, ultimately, like I just felt this kind of drawing.

Major League Minute: him and Brian and I was struggling to make the decision to transfer because I was also kind of talking to Texas at that point. They weren't sure what Asia and New York was going to do. was talking to JJ at ASU and had gone to some other schools, but Oklahoma, ultimately, like I just felt this kind of drawing towards it and the girls after those are the people I want to spend all my time with. And so I want to make sure I connect with them. And I think a couple of

Lydia: towards it and the girls after those are the people I'm going to spend all my time with. And so I want to make sure I connect with them. And I think a couple of the girls had shared their faith and I was like, all right, like we can build something here. Like I'm not just going to be this loner if I come on the team. And I'm really glad I made that decision because Erin and Brian also have great volleyball minds. And especially Brian just with his experience with the national team and just being a setter.

Major League Minute: shared their faith and I was like, all right, let's we can build something here. Like I'm not just going to be this loner if I come on the team. And I'm really glad I made that decision because Aaron and Brian also have great volleyball minds. And especially Brian just with his experience with the national team and just being a setter, we ran like a more men's style of game. And I think that was so much fun to play in, but it also gave me the platform for them.

Lydia: We ran like a more men's style of game and I think that was so much fun to play in, but it also gave me the platform for then to get noticed from the professional world. So also wouldn't regret that decision either.

Major League Minute: to get noticed from the professional world. also, I regret that. Quick story. I played at Oklahoma. I don't remember. I think it was my freshman year. And we made ESPN because the crowd at Oklahoma was so obnoxious and crazy. the bleachers are literally, I'm sure it's probably different now because this was back in 2010, nine, the bleachers were here. So like, I'm back to serve and literally a fan is right here screaming in our faces. Like literally, if I just turned my head, I would probably kiss them. That's how close it was. And it made ESPN like, because they were like literally eating us. Like it was crazy. And it was like the most hostile environment we've ever played in.

Lydia: Yeah, it's the same. Yeah. That's so fun. Yeah, we didn't have that really. When I came in, it was a new coaching and I don't think the team had been very successful before that. And even my first year there, we still weren't super successful, but our second year, we went to the tournament and got a second round at the NCAA tournament, which hadn't happened in I don't know how many years. And so that was a really special time for us. And I think that was starting to get people back into their gym to cheer us on.

Major League Minute: It was fun though, made a nice story. I that was starting to get...

Lydia: Especially for someone like me who loves to have people there, I think that's really exciting and their student section is awesome. It's definitely an older gym, but it is fun one to play in.

Major League Minute: and their student section is awesome. ⁓ Good. So fast forward, you said that you weren't drafted. So how did you end up with the Indie Ignite?

Lydia: Yeah, I got a DM from Izzy Ashburn at that time. And she, I had been asking questions about the league because at that time also, I'm sure you can relate to this. No one really knew anything about the league or how to get in. And then also I'm talking to love and that was kind of an interesting conversation as well. And also going overseas at that point, I had no idea what any of this meant. I had talked to a couple of different agents.

Major League Minute: Okay. ⁓ this. No one really knew anything about the league or how to get in. conversation as well and also going overseas at that point. had no idea what any of this meant. I had talked to a couple different agents and they all kind of agreed that it probably wouldn't be the best time for me to go overseas. Just going and entering in the middle of the season somewhere if I had interest with the American leagues like you should get that a shot. And so...

Lydia: And they all kind of agreed that it probably wouldn't be the best time for me to go overseas. Just going to entering in the middle of a season somewhere. If I had interest with the American leagues, like you should give that a shot. And so, yeah, I just started talking with Izzy Ashburn and they got on a phone call with George and they were like, yeah, we're interested. they even said, if you don't get drafted by us, then I'm sure you would get drafted by someone else. And so I'm on draft day thinking.

Major League Minute: Yeah, I just started talking with Izzy Yostred and they got on a phone call with George and they were like, yeah, we're interested. And they even said, if you don't get drafted by us, then I'm sure you'll get drafted by someone else. And so I'm a draft deckneeker. All right, maybe I'm going to get drafted. I have no idea what's going on. And I was at practice when it dropped.

Lydia: Alright, like maybe I'm gonna get drafted. I have no idea what's going on. And ⁓ I was at practice when the draft was going on and my name never got called and I was like, alright, I guess that's not the plan. But I had been praying, Lord, I need this door wide open to know whether to go overseas or to stay here. And I thought, alright, I'm going overseas. And then five minutes later after the draft to get a call from...

Major League Minute: And my name never got called and I was like, all right, I guess that's not the plan. But I had been praying, Lord, that you just were wide open to know whether to go overseas or to stay here. And I thought, all right, I'm going overseas. And then five minutes later, after the draft, get a call from George and Izzy. And they were like, no, we want to bring you on as a training camp, like just a free agent at that point. And so that's what I agreed to do. And you ended up making the team.

Lydia: ⁓ George and Izzy and they were like, no, we want to bring you on as a training camp. Like, just a free agent at that point. And so that's what I agreed to do. And now I'm here. Yes, I did.

Major League Minute: That's awesome. Do you have a connection with Izzy? Like, did you know her prior or she just simply reached out and was like, Hey, we've seen you play. were interested.

Lydia: Yeah, it was just a DM. ⁓ Yep, that was all it was. then I had no idea. I didn't even know any of the girls. I mean, I saw the draft. So then I was like, OK, who would possibly be on the team? The only person I had heard of was Nina. ⁓ Nina Tite. I probably am not saying that right, but she was so specific with how you say her last name. But she played at Tennessee and we were at.

Major League Minute: Okay. The only person I had heard of was Nina. Well, I'd say you've definitely earned it Lydia

Lydia: training camp at the same time and we became great friends. But besides her, I didn't know Anna DeBeer, I didn't know Elena or any of the other girls who had signed. So it was really cool to come in and play with these girls who have had all this exposure in the volleyball world. And I'm just me like trying to earn my spot and it all worked out. Thanks.

Major League Minute: You've done a great job. You're a great role model for so many athletes and players and little girls out there. So. Before we get into the ask Lydia anything, What is it like playing a setter like Mia? Please, in as much detail as possible. are in love with her approach. She's the best. ⁓

Lydia: Thank you. It's so much fun. Yeah, let me give a little backstory too. So the first time I met Mia, I had done the collegiate national team. We just even trained. We didn't even go play anywhere because it was the Olympic year. And I first met her there and I was super, not intimidated, but she's very loud and I'm normally just very quiet and an observer kind of person. we, I don't even think.

Major League Minute: We love her. We just even tried, we didn't even go playing because it was the only... Can I just say, sorry to interrupt you, can I just say it's not wrong to be intimidated by Mia, Lekator, or Azan, or Teeler. I'm riding with them 10 out of 10 times. Bar fight, rugby scrum, whatever.

Lydia: Yes, yes they all have big personality Yeah, so, but I practiced with Mia and we didn't even have this great connection either. So I was like, all right, this maybe I should just go try one of the other setters during practice or whatever. And then after that, I never talked to her again until this past summer, I was training for the North Seca Final Six in the Pan Ams and Mia had come and just like was practicing in the gym. And so we started talking and I was like, hey, like I've heard

Major League Minute: And then after. take a final six in the Pan Ams and Mia had come and just like was practicing in the gym and so we started talking and I like, like I heard you were going to go play for Lauren when she was, so Lauren had a team she was going to coach for in ⁓ France, I believe, and then it went bankrupt so then Mia was then getting recruited from Lauren there and so we were talking about the NBA night and I was like, all right, well maybe we can just like become great players.

Lydia: you were going to go play for Lauren when she was, so Lauren had a team she was going to coach for ⁓ France, I believe. And then it went bankrupt. then Mia was then getting recruited from Lauren there. And so we were talking about the Indie Ignite and I was like, all right, well maybe we can just like become great players already and like build this connection. ⁓ Assuming we both play for the Indie Ignite and we just hit it off. And then now coming to play with her now.

Major League Minute: connection. Assuming we both play present day and night. And we just let it off. And then now coming to play with her now, during season, she's so crafty. She's still very, I think, in the beginning stages of how great she can be. But she's a great leader and she's, centers have such a big responsibility from a scouting perspective. And then they also have to give us the best sets and do everything. She's just...

Lydia: during season, she's so crafty. She's still very, I think, in the beginning stages of how great she can be. But she's a great leader and she's, setters have such a big responsibility from a scouting perspective and then they also have to give us the best sets and do everything. But she's just such a fun person to be around. She's just so encouraging and laughs about everything. Like, you're having a bad day, she's going to make you laugh. ⁓ And then she just makes these insane plays and she's so strong even while not being like the tallest setter. ⁓ But it's just, I'm sometimes just jaw dropped in the middle of plays. I'm like, how'd you do that?

Major League Minute: Same from the from the TV you had one you had a last week she did actually gave you goosebumps She probably gave her goosebumps I was describing the play in our last episode and I'm like, look, I zoom in. actually have goosebumps describing this play. it was sick. big fan. Real quick, before we get into AMAs, you also mentioned that you're married. So you met your husband at Liberty. Did he move with you to Oklahoma? And now you guys probably got, I'm assuming you got married after Oklahoma and now he's here. What does he do?

Lydia: Yeah. Mm-hmm. Yes.

Major League Minute: Here as in Indy, but.

Lydia: ⁓ yes, he's here with me now. ⁓ we met at Liberty. He's six years older than me and he had played volleyball at Liberty as well on their men's team and then played beach. And then, so that's how we met. I like went out to play beach with actually another guy who'd asked me out and I showed up in Zach's there and we all like changed partners and him and I had hit it off. ⁓ and then he, my birthday was that weekend and so I hadn't quite turned 20 yet. And so he was like, I'm not going to ask you out until you're not a teenager.

Major League Minute: beach and then so that's how we met. I like went out to play beach. I thought I was back there. It happens. It happens.

Lydia: just being goofy. And then we kind of hit it off and I always thought people who said, when you know, you know, I like, I don't believe in that. That's kind of dumb, but I felt that. And Zach is just such an amazing person and an amazing husband to me. He just does everything. But he, we got engaged when I decided to transfer. And so he was like, I'm not going to follow my girlfriend. Like I'll follow my fiance. So I moved to Oklahoma first and then he moved and got his own apartment.

Major League Minute: amazing person, an amazing husband to me. He just does everything. But he, we got engaged when I decided to transfer, so he was like...

Lydia: And then I was planning my wedding during season, the first year at Oklahoma, and I did it all myself. And then we flew to North Carolina over Christmas break, got married, had like a smaller wedding. It was just so fun. Went on our honeymoon and then came back and I had school the next week. So ⁓ that was a fun transition, very chaotic, but I think we've learned a lot through it. And then when I came here to Indy, he followed me and he actually doesn't have a job. Well, he got a job.

Major League Minute: Wow And then we flew it in North Carolina over Christmas break, got married, had like a smaller wedding, and it was just so fun. We had our honeymoon, and then came back and had school the next week. So that was a fun transition, very chaotic, but I think we went a lot through it. Then when I came here to Indy, he followed me and he actually doesn't have a job. Well, he got a job a week and a half ago, just doing some part time stuff. has his masters in project management of business and since coming here, it's kind of hard being married to someone who can be cut or traded at any point. So you kind can't make your base because who knows how long we'll be here and remote jobs are think a part of the combine now. But he's been great and

Lydia: a week and half ago, just doing some part-time stuff. He has his master's in project management, like business, and since coming here, it's kind of hard being married to someone who can be cut or traded at any point. So you kind of can't make your base because who knows how long we'll be here. And remote jobs are, think, harder to come by now. But he's been great. And he's got a little part-time job now, and he's coaching, which is good. Yeah.

Major League Minute: He's got a little part time job now and he's coaching, which is, which is good. Oh, nice. Is he taller or shorter than you? Oh, he's taller. Sorry, Gina. Sorry, Gina. I was just about to say, Hey, I can relate to him as far as that like age joke that he had because I married a guy who's seven years younger than me. So like, I totally get where he's coming from. But the height thing. Okay, now, my husband is

Lydia: ⁓ he's taller. I... I can't do the shorter. Okay.

Major League Minute: He will say we are the same height, but he's more like two inches shorter than me, but that's fine. It's fine. works.

Lydia: Okay. Yeah, everyone has, everyone can do their own thing. I just personally couldn't, couldn't do it. Yeah.

Major League Minute: You do you boo ⁓ Well, that's cool, okay, I'm love to hear everything

Lydia: it. got the time.

Major League Minute: Okay, well, we'll start with these AMAs So feel free to answer these as elaborate or as short as you ⁓ But these are AMAs. These are questions submitted from fans around the country who just to get to know you a little bit. So ⁓ first one is what is your post-game routine?

Lydia: My poster game routine, I don't really have one. And maybe that is the routine that I don't have one. Our team, a lot of times we'll go to Parks Place Pub, which is our owner's own. It's like a bar and we just eat and some of the teams will celebrate there. ⁓ Or I'll come home, have dinner with Zach and we watch a movie. I'm pretty, I'm always eating dessert actually. So whether it's ice cream or cookies or something like that, I'll always have dessert. I do.

Major League Minute: there. Oh, we got a sweet tooth. Come on. Okay. If you weren't playing volleyball, what would be your dream job is the next question. Not a forensic scientist or whatever. Not that anymore.

Lydia: Yeah, if I could have probably not done athletics, I probably still would have enjoyed doing that. But I do have my master's in social work, so maybe doing some sort of clinical social work eventually. I think I would love to work with grieving families or families who are ⁓ maybe dealing with the loss of family member or in a hospital. And I think that's a really tough job to have, but people will need that. ⁓ Or if just like dream.

Major League Minute: Right. Maybe dealing with the loss of a family member or in a hospital. And I think that's a really tough job to have, but people will need that. Or it's just like dream during a scenario.

Lydia: dream scenario, I'd love to renovate old historical buildings or castles and things like that. That'd be fun.

Major League Minute: Broad spectrum. Going back to the social work. that more so like counseling or is it more so like a because when I think social work, I think of like someone who's taking children where maybe their parents had passed away and you find a family for them. Am I am I anywhere close to that or

Lydia: you No, ⁓ that's a part of it. Social work is so much broader than I think a lot of people realize. And I actually did a practicum in foster care and I was trained parents to become foster parents. And I enjoyed that. if you get into the more clinical side, it can be counseling or it could just be like your brokering resources for these families if they need hospice or ⁓ they can't pay for all the treatments, can I get them the resources to help them through that? ⁓ But yeah.

Major League Minute: Yeah. If you guys have a more clinical side, it can be counseling or it could just be like you're brokering resources for these families. Like they need hospice or they can't pay for all the treatments, like can I get them the resources to help them through that? But yeah. That's cool. I may be a little too naive in that area. When I think social work, I'm very tunnel vision. I'm like kids getting into families. But okay. Anyway.

Lydia: I just want to tell people I need.

Major League Minute: What is something about being a professional athlete that looks glamorous from the outside, but it's actually really hard? I know my answer. You want her to go first? That's it. The traveling.

Lydia: I think for me it's the traveling. you, it's so taxing. I do terrible on the airplanes. In fact, I have to get up and do exercises while the plane's in the air. Just from, so my body is not completely destroyed the next day. And it's cool to visit all these cool, awesome places, but it's not for me.

Major League Minute: I second that. That's the only thing I thought of. Like it is pretty cool. And I would say we're grateful in so many ways of being a professional professional athlete, but the traveling is buns. It's so. What's cheeks about it though? What's so bad about it? Oh my You get to fly all over the country. Look at Grand Rapids just got into Indy at 3am. That was an exception. It's not an exception. That happens all the So what if you were flying private like you do at Nebraska? Sorry. Okay. That's the thing. We don't fly private. But you did.

Lydia: Yeah. I'm Right. ⁓ And I did not fly private at all in college. I in fact drove to most of my places, which was brutal. And I do get motion sick. So I, this whole year, I've like got the C-bands on. I'm trying the ginger, like root pills, extract things. I'm trying anything I can. It's just horrible.

Major League Minute: we did in college and it was great. I would say that- wouldn't be the same. Oh. you ⁓ There's so many things to consider. And then there's all like the fear aspect. there, I've had teammates who are genuinely so terrified of flying. I'm also scared of flyings, but so then it's like the athlete has to battle that every single week, maybe twice a week. It's so hard and it's ridiculous.

Lydia: And with my concussions, I think I don't know if that's also had like a lasting impact on me, but when I'm flying, like normally you can feel the air pressure, but like I get the worst migraines and like my eyes hurt when I'm flying.

Major League Minute: So Linnea is an athlete in the MLV who wears that cue collar. Right. Do you like that? Do you think that it's been beneficial to you? Do you wear that in the airplane? Gina. What? It might help her. Yeah, it might help her. No, she's not banging her head on the plane. No, the cue collar helps the blood flow. So maybe she won't feel as so nauseous or like, ugh. It's worth a shot.

Lydia: Yes, I ⁓ no, I haven't tried that yet and I'm I'm kind of scared to but I do need to ask about it. ⁓ I wouldn't be playing anymore. Mm-hmm.

Major League Minute: Okay. Yeah, it's worth a shot. Okay.

Lydia: Yeah, I should try that. I should. I'll have to look into that.

Major League Minute: If you had to choose anyone on your team to help you survive ⁓ on a desert island, is that survivor? I don't know. could be anything. It could be cast away. Who Who would it be and why?

Lydia: Yeah. Interesting.

Major League Minute: Yeah, that was an interesting one. I didn't ask it. Stop looking at me. I know, but I'm thinking I'm running that through my filter and see.

Lydia: You If I could take staff, I'm definitely taking our strength coach. Her name is Zuzza, she's from Poland. She's played volleyball, but she's the most resourceful woman I know. Like literally we'll use whatever to get us warmed up if we don't have like the right tools. But if I had to pick a player, maybe I'm Ajani. We just call her Z too. So if I say Z, that's who I'm talking about. She is just so fun to talk to. We get along great.

Major League Minute: Use whatever to guess. But if I had to pick a flair, maybe I'm a Johnny. We just call her Z too. So if pick that, I pick Johnny. She is just so fun to talk to and you get along great, but she's also really strong. I think that she could fight off the wild animals.

Lydia: but she's also really strong and I think that she could just fight off things if we needed to. like I'll prepare a shelter, I can get all the other resources, but I need someone to help fight off everything that I don't want to.

Major League Minute: She can go catch a great white shark, eat it for dinner. Did you play with her trainer or her? No, I actually was like, no, I played in Poland for two seasons and I loved Poland. It reminded me a lot of my, my homeland back here in Nebraska. ⁓ And I married a Polish guy. So I, there's just something there. I just love, I love the Polish people.

Lydia: Yeah. Yeah. Wow. ⁓ No way.

Major League Minute: Okay, did you ever see yourself being a coach and if so, what age group would you want to coach?

Lydia: ⁓ I coached my first season of high school volleyball this past August with the local high school here. Zach actually had coached because I was training with the USA team, but I came back and helped. ⁓ And they were super fun. I love those girls to death and it was a cool opportunity just to invest in them as people. And I think my high school coach demonstrated that really well of pushing us hard, but also pouring in the

Major League Minute: It was a cool opportunity just to invest in them as people. And I think my high school coach demonstrated that. in the unique shelter day and this is like building these life skills that you're going to take with you outside of volleyball. And so I like being in that position, but I don't know if collegiate coaching is something that I'm interested in full time. I think eventually I'd like to just kind of step away from volleyball. Not because I don't love it, but I think I just would want to do something different eventually. Yeah, I totally get that. ⁓

Lydia: you need to show up every day and this is like building these life skills that you're going to take with you outside of volleyball. ⁓ And so like being in that position, but I don't know if collegiate coaching is something that I'm interested in full time. I think eventually I'd like to just kind of step away from volleyball. ⁓ Not because I don't love it, but I think I just would want to do something different eventually.

Major League Minute: What has been the biggest difference between coaches from last year to this year? We talk about coaching a lot. We talk about male and female coaches. talk about how the female coaches are excelling. So could you please answer that? The big main difference between this year and last year's coach.

Lydia: Yeah. Yeah, last year, George and Izzy and them, it was a great staff, we just didn't, I feel like we didn't have a lot of structure around the drills that we did or the intent behind going and playing another team. Like we were just so focused on ourselves and like, if we play us, then we're going to beat teams. But it's kind of like, well, you have to define what us is and then train that. You know, I think it was a little different than this year where it's.

Major League Minute: Izzy and them. It was a great staff, but we just didn't. So, we're on ourselves. If we play us, then we're going to be teams. But it's kind of like, you have to define what us is and then train. You know, I think it's a little different than this year where we're running a system of volleyball. It's, Lauren has studied this. is what we're going to do. We're going to find the weaknesses of the teams and exploit that. And I feel like that was never kind of conversation we had last year. And then the differences between.

Lydia: we're running a system of volleyball. It's Lauren has studied this. This is what we're going to do. We're going to find the weaknesses of other teams and exploit that. And I feel like that was never kind of a conversation we had last year. And then the differences between male and female coaches, to be honest, I've always preferred to be coached by men. And I think that's just because I like, like in club, I always had a really aggressive club coach who was just like expected so much of me.

Major League Minute: Male and female coaches, to be honest, always preferred to be coached by men. I think that's just because I love, like in club, I always had a really aggressive club coach who was just like expecting so much of me. And I think sometimes female coaches can kind of try to do that. Like they might lose the like personal connection with players. I don't know, but Lauren does a great job of both and I never loved.

Lydia: And I think sometimes female coaches can kind of try to do that, but they might lose the like personal connection with players. I don't know, but Lauren does a great job of both. And I never loved a coach more than Lauren as far as she is going to do what I need best, but she's going to push me to my max. And I just respect that so much in her brain. It's just great.

Major League Minute: interesting. ⁓ What would be your biggest tip? Okay, we're gonna put you on the spot. What would be your biggest tip for younger girls who experiencing burnout?

Lydia: Yeah. ⁓ wow.

Major League Minute: Which we can make the argument, are they experiencing burnout because they're trying to make their identity in that? But I'll let you answer.

Lydia: Yeah, well, yeah, I think going back to what we said earlier is you've got to realize that volleyball isn't everything in life. And so is it really volleyball skills and the game that is bothering you or is it a coach and how they're talking to you? Is it the connection you have with teammates? there, you know, what's the root cause is probably where I would start with that. But then also showing up every single day and how can you serve your teammates? I think.

Major League Minute: the connection you have with teammates? there, you know, what... But then also showing up every single day and how can you serve your teammates? think the more external you can be as a player yourself the more internally good you're going to feel Because you're not worried about yourself and the negatives, but you're cheering on everyone else around you And I think that goes back to the point with coaching. I've seen especially with the younger age groups that coaches are so aggressively hard on them and they're 12 or 13

Lydia: the more external you can be as a player yourself, the more internally good you're gonna feel ⁓ because you're not worried about yourself and the negatives, but you're cheering on everyone else around you. And I think that goes back to the point with coaching. I've seen, especially with the younger age groups, that coaches are so aggressively hard on them and then they're 12 or 13. And I do think that there's a balance of you have to teach them the skills and if they're not getting it, yelling at them is not gonna fix it.

Major League Minute: And I do think that there's a balance of you have to teach them the skills and if they're not getting it, yelling at them is not gonna fix it. So you have to give them that learning environment to grow. Is there a moment in your volleyball career slash life that you are the most proud of? an

Lydia: So you have to give them that learning environment to grow. Hmm. guess I never really reflect on these things, ⁓ I would say just off the top of my head, I think the end of last season ⁓ going to the finals, ⁓ was not doing well physically. ⁓ was crying in pain every single day from my back and I had never had a back injury ever, ⁓ I still like went in and played really great. I think it was the semi.

Major League Minute: Hmm. I'm proud of it. going to the finals. I was not doing well physically. I was crying in pain every single day from my back and I never had a back injury ever. But I still went in and played really great. I think it was the semi-final match or the match before that, I don't even know. But I played through a lot of pain and still did well and then obviously I wanted to win the million but we just missed it and the...

Lydia: final match or the match before that, I don't even know. But I played through a lot of pain and still did well. And then obviously I wanted to win the million, but we just missed it. But I'm just proud of that team grinding through so much.

Major League Minute: But I'm just proud of that team for running through so much. Yeah, like they, you guys must have went through a lot. I'm just, I'm, I say that it's not that I'm salty. I feel like you're about to be like, it sounds like you're bitter. Well, yeah, we went all the way to Vegas and got bopped in the first round. I'm still mad about it. Yeah. Cause he came with us last year. Cause we had, my daughter was with us in Vegas of all places and she was only not even a year old at that time. She was like 10 months. ⁓ So we flew all out there and then you guys beat us in the semis, guys got it figured out ⁓ good job. ⁓ What is favorite volleyball drill to do in practice? ⁓

Lydia: Yeah. Thanks. Ooh. I love offense, obviously. I love to hit the ball and try and put it away. And so any, as exhausting as they are, think the drills where like it's maybe like only a middle can be set or that position can be set is really fun because it really forces you to get creative and you're pushing your limits. But then also if, I don't even know what it's called. Maybe it's like.

Major League Minute: like it's maybe only a middle can be set or that position can be set is really fun because it really forces you to get creative and pushing your limits. But then also it's, I don't even know what it's called, maybe it's like Warrior Princess or Girl on Fires that I can remember being called in college. But that one person is attacking the ball every single time to score and I it also funds a block there if they're trying to score so it gets both.

Lydia: Warrior Princess or Girl on Fire is what I can remember it being called in college. But that one person is attacking the ball every single time to score and I think it's also fun to block them if they're trying to score so it gives both the offensive and defensive motivation to win.

Major League Minute: the offensive and defensive motivation to win. Yep, I know exactly what drill you're talking about. That's surprising coming. I feel like I don't know why I'm surprised that that's your favorite because that is physically exhausting. Like that drill is like dang, sub me out.

Lydia: Everyone hates it. Yeah. Yeah, but I think sometimes I need that because you're going to get into a game and you can't really prepare for those moments. But I can remember in the back of my mind, okay, I have done that and I was absolutely exhausted and you're not as exhausted as you were then. So you can do it.

Major League Minute: can't Yeah, is a crucial drill because it's like when you need someone to find to find a way to score like that specific drill comes into play. back to your song, what's your go to hype song before a match that gets you ready for the game? Yeah, I'm curious. Is it a worship song? Can you sing it for us? Doc loves to bust out if can't if you don't sing it, I will if I know the words.

Lydia: Yeah. Ooh. ⁓ Oh no, I don't even know. I do like this song called Ants in My Pants.

Major League Minute: Okay. What? You're have to sing that one. What is it a cartoon like kids song?

Lydia: It's like this super cheesy song. You're gonna have to look it up because I cannot sing that for you. But ⁓ I think that's really funny to listen to before a match. Otherwise, it is just like my worship music. But I think that one just brings back memories from my teammates at Liberty. And I just will throw it on because it's just a fun song.

Major League Minute: Is it a children's song? ⁓

Lydia: No, no, no. Well, no, but let me, I'm gonna have to look this up to find out what it ⁓ is. ⁓

Major League Minute: play it. Ants in your pants while you're getting ready to play it. You want to ask the next question? I'm still thinking of ants in your pants. I'm thinking of the guy from American Idol that was like, what is it? He's talking about his pants on the ground. Pants on the ground, pants on the ground. Looking like a fool with my pants on the ground. That's the song I can only think of right now. What was yours?

Lydia: No, it's... Go ahead. No, I want to hear what yours was.

Major League Minute: ⁓ go ahead, Lydia. This is old school. haven't played No, you just played two years ago. Actually, I played last year. It was only last year we went to Puerto Rico, wasn't it? Oh, yeah. Yeah. Araida, araida. Hey. What do sing at the Super Bowl? Araida. What's his name? Bad Bunny. Bad Bunny was on repeat. In Puerto Rico. I don't know if this is accurate, but the one song that

Lydia: ⁓ That's so funny. Okay.

Major League Minute: Literally, I've listened to a thousand times. I've still cry, like even on the a thousandth time. Are gonna cry right now? Probably not, because I'm not like in the moment singing it, but it gets me hype. It makes me cry because of joy is I thank God. I thank the master. Maverick City. I thank the savior. He turned me around.

Lydia: ⁓ that's such a good one. Yeah, that is a good song.

Major League Minute: Yeah, I know I just don't want to I think the master I think the Savior I think God do do I just I watch that YouTube video and I'm like, ⁓ I'm getting the goosebumps. I'm like, gosh, I want to be in that room so bad. Like that is like my ideal time of fun.

Lydia: Thank the man after. That is good. That is really fun.

Major League Minute: Like when we, so this last Christmas, we celebrated with the Prasoskis at a pizza place. At a pizza place, was it Christmas or Thanksgiving? It Thanksgiving. And we had this little small private room, like it was small, but the Prasoskis love to dance. It's like just in their blood always. Her husband is a TikTok famous dancer, by the way. Look him up, they're called the Praise Lords. It was a three match, I get nasty for Christmas.

Lydia: ⁓ wow, I'm gonna have to look him up.

Major League Minute: Look it up on TikTok. You think I'm kidding? No, I know you're not kidding. So anyway, when they get together as a group, someone always brings like this mega size speaker. So they brought it to the pizza place in this small room. And we, what were we doing? We were blasting. Dancing. Worship music. And so then we were like all like mosh pitting. I'm like, this is, this is the best moment. I love like worship hype. Everybody's jumping and dancing and just celebrating. So I totally derailed the conversation back to ants in the pants. You find it.

Lydia: That's amazing. ⁓ I don't know if it's gonna like sound good coming through the screen, but I'll try to play it. Yeah!

Major League Minute: We can hear it.

Lydia: So I dance like I'm crazy.

Major League Minute: Hey, hey, ⁓ hey. Hey, hey, look at it. ⁓ we might need to, we'll tell Mason, our IT guy to make this, song for our cover. Who is it? Ants in the Pants by who?

Lydia: Not Clyde, K-L-Y-D-E, not Clyde. But I just think it's a super fun fun one to dance to and jam in the car.

Major League Minute: got them. So that's gonna be our cover art song or whatever. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. I love it. That was not what I was expecting. I'll give you that. That was actually kind of a bop. Okay, so who is the easiest pin to block with? Doesn't have to be from Indy, can be from college. As in this person. Much detail. As in they set up the block the best to set you up for success. That's a good question, actually.

Lydia: Yeah, it was good. Interesting. let me think about that. ⁓ I really enjoyed blocking with Alexis Shelton from Oklahoma, ⁓ who is now at the Grand Rapids. Yeah, she was, I feel like we just had a good rhythm with each other. And then I'd say in this league, maybe on this team so far, I feel the most confident or just like being so close to with Z.

Major League Minute: Yeah, ⁓ Okay, playing a gangster. Yeah. with each other and then I would say in this league, maybe on this team so far, I feel the most confident or just like being so close to with Z.

Lydia: And I don't know if that's just maybe because we've played together now the longest, but I think that she, I just, she's huge too. Like she's just up as high as I am and I just enjoy that. But blogging is interesting for me because it's not something that just comes like, it's not a fluid movement for me. And I'm still developing that, which is, yes, I maybe set the record of that game in Columbus, but I haven't had that many since. And so I'm still working on that skill.

Major League Minute: together now the longest. But I think that she, I just, she's huge too. Like she's just as high as I am and I just enjoy that. But, well, I mean, it's interesting for me because it's not something that just comes like it's not fluid movement for me and I'm still developing that, which is, yes, I may be set the record of that being in Columbus, but I haven't had that meat. Stop.

Lydia: So it's not so much about them. Yeah. ⁓

Major League Minute: Don't worry, you're coming to Omaha this weekend. I'm sure you'll get 12. Yeah, break another franchise record. Everybody does it. Everybody does it. OK, I think we have just one more question. You can ask it while I browse through my questions. Do you ever swing on a ball and know it's going to be a score or kill from the moment you jump?

Lydia: Yeah. Ooh, that's a good question. I think yes. And I think this year specifically it's been on gaps. There's times where I know I'm already up in the air. Sorry, a gap play is like the three in between the middle of the court and the go ball for those who don't know. And Mia has just like, baby, it was a quick ball and she just shot it to me so quick. And I was like, I know nobody is up right now and I'm just gonna smash it as hard as I can.

Major League Minute: You know this is going down, for real. Mm-hmm. And Nia has just like, very... Mm-hmm.

Lydia: So yes, and then I think if I'm running any drift routes, if I run them right, usually I know where the block is and I know no one can touch it.

Major League Minute: I don't know what a drift is. know what a gap is. What's a drift?

Lydia: Basically where you just approach in one way and you might jump away or to the ball ⁓ to try and deceive the blocker. And so then it just gives you more space. You might be able to answer that more.

Major League Minute: So you're jumping to a space? It's like you could you could take your step here, but then the next like step closes like here. Okay, just a little bit different angle. Yeah, got it. Or like she Mia might instead of setting it right behind her head shoot it a little bit. So it's like you can kind of launch jump, but it's not a slide. there's a lot of variations. Yeah a lot. Yes indeed.

Lydia: Yeah, lots of names for different things.

Major League Minute: In the midpoint then to that question in the midpoint then how do you know what you're doing? Like for example that play last week where Cameron popped it up to me Blake was. Yeah, yeah, are you feeling each other hearing each other seeing each other all the above or you guys just in the zone?

Lydia: Mm-hmm. Yep, exactly. I would say it's all of that. sometimes you just, especially as a middle, you always have to be available even on the plays that maybe aren't perfect passes or these awkward scenarios, because most of the time those are the ones you're scoring. So especially with Blake, when running the slide, she's got to be ready for anything. I don't run slides really. And so I just do my best to just throw my body in the air and hope it gets to me. if not, then that's OK.

Major League Minute: Mm-hmm. And by the way, you're hitting absolute nukes out of the middle. Thank you for not tipping and just driving balls on the floor without a doubt.

Lydia: But I think I should add more tips into my game. I think it would surprise some.

Major League Minute: Hey, was going to say, whatever you're doing is working. If she tips too, it's probably going to be a kill too. So I'll stay out of that. Just keep doing what you're doing. being a middle blocker is the hardest position in volleyball. As an outside, you're saying that as an outside, yes, but like just as a volleyball player who understands and has had many years, middle blocking is so hard.

Lydia: hehe Yeah, I would agree. Yeah, there's so much going on on the other side of net that you have to keep track of and your defense is going to be upset if you're not closed or at least pressed on your block. And so there's that like pressure as well. But, and yeah, I know we get a break for three rotations, but it's because it's so extensively hard. And I'd say the next position after that is setting, but I do think that middle is a little bit harder than setting.

Major League Minute: I agree. I mean, you have to be ready to go left and right front and back. It's like an outside. I'm pretty much for the most part, I'm pretty much always going left to block, you know, and you, I won't, I could talk about it for 15 more minutes, but definitely the hardest position in my opinion in volleyball. So, you said blocking is the most underrated skill that's the most difficult to master. I think so because

Lydia: Yeah. Right. Mm.

Major League Minute: You can maybe you agree, maybe you disagree, but I feel like blocking is a skill that you can do everything right and still not be successful. and you could still be wrong. So it really is such a hard skill to achieve like consistently.

Lydia: Yep. Yeah. All right. I would agree. Yeah, I think it's just too because a hitter has can see a block in front of them and they can try to tool it or they can push through it and like some girls are going to I'm probably never going to win a joust against a setter just because they're so much stronger than I am. And so that gives them that leverage on me as well. But even from like a really strong outside, like Kayla Lund on our team tools a block more than I've ever seen before. And she's just so smart and great at it.

Major League Minute: Right.

Lydia: and I'm in the right position, but she can go off my hands all day and practice and I'm never gonna actually block that ball.

Major League Minute: Yeah, exactly. But also you can beat the setter joust. You just have to be the second one to touch it. So it doesn't matter about strength. It's just just timing.

Lydia: I know, but Mia, I am doing better. But I will say Mia has almost knocked me to the floor before and last year Anise was doing the same and I've gotten stronger this year, but I still have a lot of work to do.

Major League Minute: ⁓ Okay, Room for improvement. Well, you're already achieving so much. So man, if you're saying that you still have room for improvement, we can't wait to see what you do next. we're really doing it on Saturday. We'll probably see it happen on Saturday. But ⁓ thank you so much for being here with us and taking the time to talk to people you don't even know. I just really admire that.

Lydia: Thank you.

Major League Minute: and appreciate your time. A kindred spirit for sure. Yeah. I'll be walking around the court on Saturday. I'll, mean, if it's convenient and it's not like I'm distracting you, maybe I'll wave and give you a hug or something. But ⁓ we just are so thankful that you're here. Thank you for telling us your perspective, your life story, all the things. So is there anything else that you, you're just like dying for the public to know?

Lydia: Thank you. So yeah, come up and talk. I appreciate it so much. Bye! ⁓ Yeah, I don't think that there's anything on the top of my mind. I'm just grateful for any of these opportunities, so I always try to let people know that you can reach out to me and I'll try and get it scheduled because I know we were trying to schedule for a while and I'm just thankful that we had the time to do it.

Major League Minute: Yeah, thank you so much. you so much, Lydia. Thanks again for joining us on the Major League Minute podcast. Please like, share and subscribe. Why don't you comment? Comment in the comments and then follow us on Instagram and TikTok. We'll see you next time.