Outside The Pins

In this powerful and deeply reflective episode of Outside the Pins, we sit down with soon-to-be graduate Makenna Barone for a conversation about identity, resilience, growth, and discovering your worth beyond the game. 💛🖤

Mak shares her journey from a small-town athlete unsure of where she belonged to becoming a national champion, leader, and future social worker at University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh. Along the way, she opens up abou...

🎙️ Episode Summary:

In this powerful and emotional episode, Riley Kindt returns to the Outside the Pins podcast to reflect on her journey through UW-Oshkosh Volleyball and the whirlwind of life that has followed graduation. Now a cardiac nurse, homeowner, and newly engaged, Riley shares the realities of transitioning from student-athlete to real life while navigating some of the most meaningful and challenging moments of her life—i...

🎧 Episode Summary:
In this heartfelt, funny, and emotional father-daughter edition of Outside the Pins, UW-Oshkosh alum Riley Kindt is joined by her father, Deke, for a raw and powerful conversation on legacy, love, and what it means to show up—for your family, your team, and yourself. From backyard trampolines and youth sports stories to Deke’s recent cancer diagnosis, the Kindts open up about the moments that shaped them, t...

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Outside the Pins, UW-Oshkosh alum Robyn Kirsch reflects on her transformational Titan journey—from a season-ending ACL injury before committing to Oshkosh, to anchoring the team’s rise to back-to-back NCAA Elite Eight appearances. As both a quiet leader and fierce competitor, Robin became a cornerstone of the program’s evolution—on the court, in the classroom, and now as a coach and dental s...

Episode Summary:
In this deeply moving and inspiring conversation, UW-Oshkosh Volleyball alum Mel Hust returns to camp and the podcast mic with vulnerability, humor, and wisdom. From nearly walking away from the game after two knee surgeries to becoming a cornerstone of the Titan program and second all-time in aces, Mel shares her story of rediscovering passion, navigating mental health, persevering through nursing school, and...

Episode Summary:
In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Outside the Pins, senior volleyball player Joslyn (Joey) Wolf shares her journey through four years at UW-Oshkosh—from uncertain beginnings to empowered endings. With graduation approaching, Joey reflects on the challenges she’s overcome, the relationships that shaped her, and the joy she found in authenticity, vulnerability, and late-night laughter with teammates. Fr...

Episode Summary:
In this dynamic crossover episode, guest host Riley Dahlquist steps in to spotlight a special roundtable of Titan athletes from soccer, gymnastics, and basketball. Together, they reflect on what it means to live the “Gold Standard” both on and off the court. From caffeine-charged locker rooms and travel memories to emotional support and team culture, this episode celebrates the vibrant, interconnected communit...

Guest: Olivia Breunig, UW-Oshkosh Volleyball Alum

Episode Summary:
In this reflective and uplifting episode, Liv Brining joins Outside the Pins to look back on her full-circle journey as a student-athlete at UW-Oshkosh. As she prepares to begin occupational therapy school at UW-Madison, Liv opens up about what truly shaped her experience—finding her voice, embracing her role, and leading with authenticity.

Key Topics:

🗣️ Finding...

Episode Summary:

In this heartfelt episode, Abby Fregien joins Outside the Pins to reflect on her journey through UW-Oshkosh Volleyball—both on and off the court. With graduation around the corner and grad school on the horizon, Abby opens up about what truly shaped her experience: family, faith, and finding her authentic voice as a leader.

Key Topics:

• 🏐 Growth through Adversity: How unconditional love and a “we over me” team cul...

We're back with a conversation with one of our recent graduates, Kalli Mau! In this one we talk about her path from high school all the way through her collegiate career. Some of the many highlights include perfectionism and process, UWOVB support, a value driven approach, balancing nursing and volleyball, Kalli's journey to return as a 5th year, and many other fun and valuable nuggets.

We hope you enjoy this conversation!

...

In this fun episode guest host Carissa Sundholm has a conversation with three members of the University of Oshkosh Women's Volleyball program.  The episode covers a wide variety of topics:

Why UWO?
What sets UWO apart?
Recruiting process
Majors
What drew you to UWOVB
Biggest challenges and lessons learned
Dealing with injuries
Success on and off the court
Spring season details
Team ...