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 Her Voice: How psychological safety and team trust unlocked Liv’s confidence as both a person and a leader.

🏐 The Oshkosh Fit: From Sauk Prairie and Capital Volleyball to committing during the COVID era—how she knew UW-Oshkosh was home.

🔁 Freshman to Senior: Lessons from moving through roles, managing self-worth, and building leadership through example and consistency.

💪 Culture of Support: The impact of mentorship, team standards, and campus resources—from strength coaches to nutritionists.

🧪 Research Recognition: A deep dive into Liv’s award-winning research on hydration and performance—and how it elevated both her academics and athlete identity.

💭 Leadership with Balance: Why great leaders listen, collaborate, and make space for joy—even while holding high standards.

🎓 Advice to Future Titans: Be present, work hard, and don’t let your role define your value—you are more than the game.

Closing Thoughts:
Liv’s story is one of purpose, perspective, and presence. Her journey is a reminder that the strongest leaders don’t lead alone—and that every role has value when it’s played with heart.

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 culture create the foundation for meaningful development.
• 👟 The Oshkosh Journey: From Waukesha West to club volleyball to committing to UW-Oshkosh—how she found her fit and fell in love with the program.
• 💡 Values that Stick: Abby dives into her faith, family ties, and how gratitude and presence became daily practices.
• 🌱 Authentic Leadership: The moment she stopped trying to emulate others and leaned into leading by example—with kindness, clarity, and work ethic.
• 🎓 Academic Balance: Lessons from juggling elite athletics and earning her spot in UW-Madison’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
• 😂 Freshman Mishaps: A laugh-out-loud story of getting lost on a preseason trip—with no phones, wild outfits, and an A&W rejection.
• 🎯 Advice for Future Titans: Don’t wish away the hard moments—make memories, take chances, and show up as your full self.

Closing Thoughts:
Abby’s story is one of consistency, compassion, and quiet strength. Whether you’re a student-athlete, coach, or simply someone chasing your next chapter, this episode is packed with wisdom and warmth.

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!

Links to things mentioned in the conversation:

Recruiting Highlights

Recruiting Skills Video

Team Trip to Virginia

UW-Oshkosh College of Nursing

UW-Oshkosh Women's Volleyball