Inside A National Championship System (Earn 17, Lose 8) with 2026 USPORTS National Championship Coach Adam Schriemer
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Inside A National Championship System (Earn 17, Lose 8) with 2026 USPORTS National Championship Coach Adam Schriemer” inside PodZeus.
In this deep-dive episode of The Volleyball by Design Podcast, host Brian Singh sits down with Adam Schreimer, head coach of Trinity Western University and a two-time national champion as both player and coach, to unpack the blueprint behind their 2026 U-Sports men’s national championship victory. Schreimer reveals that the foundation of their success wasn’t just talent or perfect play, but a deliberate focus on culture, consistency, and data-driven accountability. After a disappointing 12-8 season the year prior—arguably one of the worst in program history—the team underwent a transformation centered on conflict resolution, mental resilience, and a powerful new framework: the 'Earned Not Given' game. This system, inspired by Kevin Birch’s model and refined through analysis of past national champions, sets a clear target: earn 17 points per set while limiting opponents to no more than 8 errors. The team used this as a daily metric across key phases—first ball kills, transition kills, aces, blocks, and error control—to track progress and maintain focus. Schreimer also details a highly structured four-week training block system that prioritizes skill development, in-system offense, and defensive coordination, all while embedding fun through mini-games to boost morale. His insights on serving mechanics, reception cues, gap-based offensive systems, and one-arm reflex digging offer actionable, high-level strategies coaches can implement immediately.
Use the 'Earned Not Given' game: First to 17 earned points or 8 errors lost wins the set—this shifts focus from winning to process and accountability.
Prioritize team culture over perfection: Conflict resolution through direct communication ('say what you mean, mean what you say, say it to the face') builds championship cohesion.
Train with a roadmap: Target specific benchmarks (e.g., 7.5–8 first ball kills/set, 1.7–2 aces/set) and track them weekly to stay on course.
Structure training in blocks: Use four-week phases—skills, in-system offense, out-of-system offense, and defense—to build systems progressively.
Teach reception with four keys: Sweet spot, read the line (Angry Birds analogy), reach the line, and glide through contact.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction to the National Championship Mindset
Host Brian Singh introduces the episode, setting the stage for a deep dive into the 2026 U-Sports men’s national championship run by Trinity Western University. He highlights the significance of the win—equivalent to a Division I NCAA title in the US—and introduces Adam Schreimer, a former player and now head coach who has won two national titles as both player and coach.
From Failure to Championship: The Culture Shift
“Say what you mean, mean what you say, say it to the other person's face. And if you can't do that, it's your job to get over it.”
The 'Earned Not Given' Framework: A Data-Driven Roadmap
“First to 17 earned or lose eight—win or lose the game. That’s the game.”
Training Structure: The Four-Week Block System
Schreimer details a highly structured training plan divided into four-week blocks. The first week focuses on serve-pass skills, free ball passing, and high ball settings. The second and third weeks build in-system offense and defense, while the fourth week layers in out-of-system offense and defense. He emphasizes that all phases are trained simultaneously, with coaches specializing in offense or defense to maintain focus.
Technical Mastery: Serving, Receiving, and Setting
The episode dives into technical execution. Schreimer explains how Trinity Western uses a 'runner spin toss' and adjusts serves based on toss location—hybrid out for forward tosses, roll for backward tosses. For reception, he teaches the 'four keys': sweet spot, read the line (Angry Birds analogy), reach the line, and glide through contact. On setting, he stresses tempo consistency over location, calling it the foundation of elite performance.
“Say what you mean, mean what you say, say it to the other person's face. And if you can't do that, it's your job to get over it.”
“First to 17 earned or lose eight—win or lose the game. That’s the game.”
“The reality is you want to try and get to a point where you're earning around 17 points a game, and you're not giving up more than about eight points per set.”
Host
Guest
Adam Schreimer
person
Trinity Western University
organization
Brian Singh
person
U-Sports
organization
Volleyball by Design Podcast
media
Canada West
organization
Reed Pretty
person
Ben Josephson
person
Kevin Birch
person
Canadian National Team
organization
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Inside A National Championship System (Earn 17, Lose 8) with 2026 USPORTS National Championship Coach Adam Schriemer” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime