Digging Deeper - Sam Shenton: From Pro Player to Head Coach – Building a High-Performance Culture

In this episode of That Volleyball Guy, I sit down with someone I’ve known for years—Sam Shenton, a man for whom volleyball truly is life. From his early days at Newcastle Staffs Volleyball Club to playing professionally in France, Sweden, and the Netherlands, Sam has experienced firsthand what it means to compete at the highest level. He opens up about his journey, sharing what life is really like as a pro player—the intense training, the shift in mindset when volleyball becomes a job, and the lessons he’s carried forward.

Now a head coach at Newcastle University and Newcastle Knights Super League men’s team, as well as coaching the women's Division 1 side, Sam has transitioned from player to mentor. He reveals how his own experiences in high-performance environments have shaped his coaching ethos, how he pushes his athletes to excel, and yes—we finally get to the bottom of why he insists on wearing shorts on the sideline!

This is a must-listen conversation for anyone interested in the realities of professional volleyball, the mindset required for success, and how elite-level experiences shape coaching philosophies. We finish, as always, with a fun game of This or That!

Sam is not only a volleyball good guy but also a deep thinker about the game, and his insights into high performance and player development make this an episode you won’t want to miss!