The SpikeNet & Friends Episode 5
- 21 hours ago
- 3 min read
EPISODE 5 IS LIVE
Episode 5 of SpikeNet & Friends is here, and this one zooms out to the big picture: the mission, people, and vision behind one of the most active volleyball regions in the country. This episode features Kurt Esser, Executive Director & President of the Florida Region of USA Volleyball, who stepped into the role in 2025 and has been helping guide the Region through a period of huge growth for the sport.
LEADING THE FLORIDA REGION
Kurt talks about his first year at the helm and what it’s been like stepping into an already strong organization with a talented, volleyball-minded staff that loves the game as much as the families walking into the convention center. He highlights how much planning and teamwork goes into major events like the ASICS Florida Volleyball Challenge, from long-term venue contracts to year-round coordination with operations, marketing, officials, and partners.
BUILDING EXPERIENCES, NOT JUST TOURNAMENTS
One of the biggest themes of the episode is Kurt’s focus on experience, for athletes, parents, clubs, and coaches. The Florida Region is continuing to add elements like red carpet entrances, calm spaces, FCA activations, yoga and recovery zones, and potential future ideas like parent spaces and creative on-site activities, all designed to make big events feel special, welcoming, and family-friendly. Rather than packing the venue with cluttered ads, the Region is pursuing a small number of meaningful corporate partners who want to truly invest in the volleyball community and help enhance what happens on and off the court.
INVESTING BACK INTO ATHLETES
Kurt also covers one of the Florida Region’s proudest traditions: the scholarship program and annual awards ceremony. In 2026, the Region awarded $148,000 in scholarships to 30 high school seniors, pushing the lifetime total past $1.15 million given back to student-athletes since the program began. The ceremony honors Hall of Fame inductees, long-time contributors, and scholarship winners heading to a wide range of schools, from Ivy League programs to Florida state colleges, with strong support from sponsors and the Norelli family foundation to fund multi-year awards.
TEAM FLORIDA, ALL-STARS, AND THE NEXT LEVEL
The episode also dives into the Team Florida All-Star program, where top athletes represent the Region at USA Volleyball’s All-Star Championships, playing FIVB-style formats against other regions, and soon, more international teams, in places like Madison, Columbus, and future host cities. Kurt talks about the pride of wearing that jersey, the high expectations Florida carries into the event, and how the experience mirrors a college-style environment with structured travel, video, meetings, and high-level competition. He also shares the Region’s plan to continue growing boys’ volleyball, beach volleyball, and future hosting opportunities, including efforts tied to upcoming major events in Orlando and potential future All-Star hosting.
GROWING WITH THE GAME
Throughout the conversation, Kurt returns to one core idea: this is a special moment for volleyball, especially in Florida. From booming college interest and packed NCAA arenas to multiple professional leagues and local partners like the Orlando Valkyries, the pathway from club kid to college athlete to pro player, or even to working in the sport, is clearer than ever. Kurt sees his role as helping steward that momentum, strengthening the Region’s brand, supporting clubs and coaches, and making sure the sport keeps giving back to the families and athletes who pour so much into it.
WATCH EPISODE 5
Go watch SpikeNet & Friends Episode 5 with Kurt Esser to get an inside look at how the Florida Region is building events, opportunities, and experiences that match the energy of one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.
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