England Assistant Coach and players meet USA team members

The quartet were out in Orléans, where the North American side were preparing for the Volleyball Nations League (VNL). 

USA had been competing in week two of the VNL against Iran, Cuba, Japan and Serbia in Orléans when a chance conversation in CO’met Arena with John Crawley of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee set things in motion. 

It led to USA men’s Head Coach, Karch Kiraly, inviting the England squad members to observe the team’s training on their rest day. 

Sampson senior, who is also Head Coach for the South and West Talent Zone, said: “Security was tight, but France Volley’s Local Organising Committee were happy to make the opportunity happen.  

“The guys joined the players and coaches in the weight room first, learning from the team of S&C coaches how each athlete has an individually designed programme, which is constantly monitored and adjusted to protect injuries and help them peak for competition. 

 It’s well known that Karch travels to catch up with his squad as they train and compete in top domestic leagues around the world, but it was fascinating to hear how the Team USA S&C coaches also travel to observe the physical training regime in each foreign club. 

“They liaise with the athletes and club staff to keep the national squad healthy and ensure national and club programmes remain in step. 

“It was instructive to see that the coaches paid just as much attention to their own physical conditioning as the players, and it was clear that there was important psychological factor of having the coaches sharing the weight room with the athletes.” 

The England players were delighted that every one of the USA athletes introduced themselves and took time to share experiences and advice between their reps before moving through to the training hall. 

The watched on as a progressive warm-up, led by the S&C coach, was followed by serving and passing and some intensive setting reps for starting setter, Micah Christenson. 

The squad then moved onto serving, passing and hitting, giving players the choice to serve if they wanted to serve, pass if they wanted to pass, hit if they wanted to hit or to warm down and chill out if they felt they would benefit more from the rest. 

Sampson added: “Seeing the capabilities of these athletes close up was a massive eye-opener: Merrick McHenry’s 374cm spike touch, Jake Hanes’ sheer power and Ethan Champlin’s physicality were the standouts at the net. 

“Erik Shoji and TJ Defalco’s stability in passing seemed remarkable when standing right behind them. What was just as striking as the skills and power on display, was the sense of quiet purpose, autonomy and enjoyment the whole team brought to practice. They were performing at the highest level in the world and loving it. 

“It was an unforgettable afternoon, and a valuable learning experience for the players and me as a coach alike.”  

After the session, the two US setters, the two Micahs, Ma’a and Christenson, had long conversations with the three England setters, sharing thoughts on their match decision-making process, tactics they employ and how they work to understand their hitters, link with them and help to expand their offensive range. 

Menawhile, the coaches discussed their coaching philosophies, getting the most out of every player, accommodating athletes’ different needs, and using competitions like the VNL to build and develop USA’s squad for their LA Olympics 2028 run.

Sampson and the players would like to thank USA Volleyball, their coaches and team and the French Volleyball Federation for facilitating the session. 

Find out more about the National teams by clicking here.