528: Wide Left Sports Interview with Bellevue University Volleyball Coach Trish Seidlik

Most college volleyball coaches will tell you they've “been in the game a long time,” but Trish Siedlik? She’s practically got volleyball running through her veins. Raised in Omaha, coach Siedlik's been coaching at Bellevue University for over two decades—no breaks, no fuss—just pure passion and relentless hustle. When she reluctantly — okay, maybe not so reluctantly — stepped into coaching after trying the corporate grind, she discovered her true calling: shaping not just volleyball players but resilient, community-loving student-athletes. In this episode, Trish dives into her journey from a young assistant to a national finalist, revealing the secrets behind her mental shift from reluctant coach to volleyball powerhouse. You’ll discover how she navigates fierce competition with Omaha giants like Nebraska, Creighton, and UNO, carving out a niche for Bellevue with smart recruiting and a no-nonsense approach to player development. She shares her unique scouting mindset—ignoring the ball altogether—and what makes a player stand out in her eyes, from habits to hustle, and even TikTok habits. We break down the explosive growth of the Frontier Conference, including how a mix of big cities like Arizona and Utah is transforming college volleyball. Coach Seidlik also spills on her innovative strategies to support student-athletes, juggling academics, travel, and life without losing her mind—spoiler: it involves a lot of family, a new gym, and some serious Nebraska charm. Plus, she gets candid about their incredible runs at nationals, how a tight-knit community rallies behind Bellevue, and why her team’s success isn’t just about volleyball—it's about building lifelong loyalty and resilience. If you think college sports are just about scoring points, think again. This episode is a masterclass in persistence, community, and how a small-town coach can carve out a giant impact—and maybe change the way you look at your own game. Perfect for sports buffs, recruiters with a keen eye, or anyone who loves a good underdog story with a side of Nebraska hospitality. Trust us: after listening, you'll want to grab your volleyball and call your hometown coach. Because in Omaha or anywhere else, the real game is about heart—and Trish Seidlik has plenty of that to share.