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In this episode of That Volleyball Guy Dig Deeper I’m joined by Chloe Allen, captain of the Malory Eagles Women’s team, who has just led her side to an unforgettable season, winning both the Super League and the National Cup. It’s been a long time since Malory were at the top, and Chloe gives us an inside look at how this team came together, grew in confidence, and found their winning edge.

Chloe takes us right back to her early volleyball roots, sharing how she first picked up the game playing in the garden with her sister, then fell in love with it properly during high school in California. She reflects on the impact her high school coach had on her game, mindset, and leadership style ,lessons that have stayed with her through every step of her journey.

She then talks us through her college years at the University of California Santa Barbara, where she spent four seasons competing at a high level, learning about herself both as an athlete and a person. After graduating, she moved across the world to London in September 2020 to pursue a master's degree at the University of East London, only to be met with lockdowns and COVID restrictions. Despite the challenges, Chloe eventually found her way into the heart of the UK volleyball scene, joining Malory Eagles and becoming a key figure in their return to greatness.

We dig into what it’s like playing in the Super League, what sets Malory apart as a club, and how coaches Jefferson Williams and Carol Gordon have built such a strong, supportive, and driven team culture. Chloe speaks openly about the journey to winning the double, the hard work behind the scenes, and what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself.

For anyone thinking about stepping into a captaincy role, Chloe also shares her top tips on leadership from building trust and unity to navigating tough moments and motivating others. Her experience and wisdom make this a brilliant listen for aspiring leaders, coaches, and teammates alike.

We round things off with Chloe’s thoughts on what’s next for her, how she sees volleyball evolving in England, and a fun final round of This or That to finish.

This is a great conversation about commitment, culture, and character — and one you won’t want to miss

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