Overcoming the Odds: Cassidy Lichtman’s Volleyball Story

From overcoming a devastating childhood injury to competing at the highest levels of volleyball, Cassidy Lichtman’s story is one of resilience and passion. She played for Stanford, represented Team USA, competed professionally around the world, and is now shaping the future of the sport as the Director of Volleyball for Athletes Unlimited. In this interview, Cassidy shares her incredible journey, the challenges she’s overcome, and how she’s giving back to the game she loves.

0:00
0:45 Pickleball
2:25 The volleyball hook *
3:40 a lifelong learning sport
4:35 Volleyball almost never happened *
7:30 Why Stanford *
9:00 Hawaiian boys **
9:30 fav era of history *
9:55 1st year challenges in college **
11:14 finals in between final 4 **
11:50 Stanford golf cart **
12:50 moments at highlights *
13:50 Going Pro **
14:30 Pro is not a European vacation *
16:00 different cultures *** Translator
17:40 Hitter and a setter ** Just want to win and play Heart of a competitor **
18:47 Azerbaijan **
20:00 Different styles of play from other countries **
21:45 Brazilian passion **
22:15 advice for pros *
23:35 Path to Team USA **
26:30 Getting the jersey *
27:20 First time the team comes back together *
28:20 Coaching at Stanford *
30:30 What's harder off the court or on the court
31:20 Retired in 2016 and what brought Cass back **
32:40 P/ath
32:55 Jordan Larson called ** Coming out of retirement
34:05 What is AU **
36:30 AU happens in a great window of the year *
37:30 1st year of AU **
39:15 The AU locker room **
40:10 Cass's leadership role after being done playing *
42:40 Best AU decision listening to the athletes **
44:20 Challenges with growing AU **
45:10 AU 2025 **
46:00 Pregame ritual *
47:05 Better shoe game **
47:55 Developing a better setter IQ **
49:30 Resetting after a bad play **
50:55 Its OK that a set wasn't perfect **
51:40 Volleyball Mentor over the years *
53:00 Key factors to drive volleyball over the next decade **
57:30 Making volleyball more available Starling **
59:00 what is P/ath *
1:00:00 Next generation of girls coming into volleyball **
1:01:50 toughest position in volleyball **
1:02:30 away from volleyball *
1:03:00 Who is next

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