Charlie Brande Hosts Newport Beach Volleyball Legends Dan Glenn and Steve Conti

Dan’s Volleyball History (0:40)

–

Glenn played at Huntington Beach High School during the time Newport Harbor was coached by host Charlie Brande. He was surrounded by influential figures in the SoCal volleyball scene, including Albert Gasparian, Rocky Ciarelli, Tom Pestolesi, and his childhood best friend Mike D’Alessandro—who went on to win a national title at Long Beach State and coached alongside Charlie Brande at UCI. Glenn also played with Steve Timmons at Orange Coast College under Bob Wetzel.

Dan reflects on the close-knit volleyball community in Southern California, comparing it to one big family. He and Charlie highlight how a Sunset League team has reached the CIF finals nearly every year over the past decade, often taking the title.

–

Steve’s Volleyball History (4:30)

–

Conti discovered volleyball at TeWinkle Middle School and played both basketball and volleyball at Estancia High School. Influential early coaches included Mike Pomeroy and Bill Covington, who sparked his love for the game. After Pomeroy was laid off, Tom Pestolesi stepped in during Steve’s senior year.

Despite back-to-back CIF losses in his sophomore and junior years, Steve led his team to a victory over Laguna Beach in the Orange County Tournament finals. When OCC dropped its program, he played for Albert Gasparian and later entered coaching through a JV position at The Bishop’s School in La Jolla.

–

What Got Dan Glenn into Coaching? (9:10)

–

After graduating from UCSB, Glenn was encouraged by Rocky Ciarelli to coach at Edison, which led to pursuing a teaching credential at UCI. He later took over at Edison when Rocky moved to Huntington Beach, then moved on to Newport Harbor two years later. Early standout players included Steve Titus, Dany Hanan, Ed Rapp, and Steve Smith.

Dan credits coaching both boys and girls teams as a huge advantage in skill development. Notable athletes from his early years include Jenny Evans (UCLA) and Hugh Foster.

–

Steve’s Transition into CdM (12:00)

–

Steve grew up in the Edison community and taught PE, health, and science at Foothill High School, where he coached both boys and girls teams. At just 23, he took over the girls program at The Bishop’s School, guiding them to multiple championship appearances.

He later interviewed for and secured the head boys coach role at CdM, after a second round interview. A fun memory: he ran into volleyball legend Lance Stewart, who was subbing behind the front desk during one of his visits.

–

Coaching Mentors and Important Figures for Dan Glenn (18:30)

Dan believes “you can learn from anybody” and values drawing the best out of his athletes. He credits Charlie Brande for his program success and Steve Conti for the discipline and class his teams display.

Other key influences include Tom Pestolesi, Albert Gasparian (who won 16 state titles), and longtime friend and coaching partner Rocky Ciarelli, with whom Dan led a team from 5-15 to CIF champs in four years at Newport Harbor.

–

Coaching Mentors and Important Figures for Steve Conti (21:15)

–

Steve credits his parents first, and also his early teammates in both basketball and volleyball. Coaches like Tom Pestolesi, Albert Gasparian, and Carlos Briceno left lasting impressions.

He also acknowledges Charlie Brande and Dan Glenn as close friends and major influences on both his coaching career and life.

–

Dan Glenn’s Coaching Style (23:55)

–

Dan emphasizes teaching and clarity—laying everything out for his players to avoid confusion in the “gray areas” of decision-making.

–

Steve Conti’s Coaching Style (25:25)

Steve describes his coaching as parenting-based: rooted in love, care, and accountability. He aims to give players life lessons that extend beyond the court, shaping them into well-rounded adults.

–

How Dan Glenn Has Adapted His Coaching (30:15)

–

Dan says his goal remains the same, but he adapts how he delivers the message. As society and communication styles evolve, he adjusts while keeping the focus on motivation and connection.

–

How Steve Conti Has Adapted His Coaching (32:10)

–

Steve notes he’s matured and now leans into visual tools, like a competitive board and shirt award system, to motivate his players over the course of the season.

–

Dan Glenn’s Beach Program (36:10)

–

Dan founded a Newport Beach volleyball program through the city, offering classes and building up participation. Girls beach volleyball is now a CIF sport, and boys participation continues to grow.

–

Steve Conti’s Greatest Coaching Moments (38:10)

–

For Steve, nothing compares to CIF wins—especially when celebrating with his players and being embraced by his wife and kids. The personal connections are what make it all meaningful.

–

Dan Glenn’s Greatest Coaching Moments (39:20)

–

Dan recalls the 1987 CIF finals at Marina High School and the intense Battle of the Bay matchups over the years as his most unforgettable coaching moments.

–

Steve Conti Coaching Surfing and Golf (42:10)

–

In addition to volleyball, Steve has also coached surfing, golf, and formerly basketball. While the sports differ, his philosophy of challenging athletes and developing growth remains the same.

–

Top Players from Steve Conti’s Career (44:50)

• Kelvin & Tom Welch – three-sport athletes (football & basketball)

• Kevin Hansen – Olympian

• Gus Ellis – Stanford

• Phil Bannan – UCSD

• Patrick Paragas – UCSB

–

Top Players from Dan Glenn’s Career (51:00)

–

• Ty Tramblie – CSUN

• Matt Jameson – multi-sport standout

• April Ross – three-time Olympic medalist

• Misty May-Treanor – three-time Olympic medalist

–

Outstanding Assistant Coaches (55:00)

–

Steve’s assistants:

• Sam Stafford – brilliant strategist

• Donnie Rafter – UCI player, humble leader

• Curt Hanson – Concordia men’s coach

• Brennan Anderson – Pepperdine player turned coach

Dan’s assistants:

• Mike D’Alessandro, Tom Pestolesi, Sam Stafford

• Kurt Lundberg, Ed Rapp, Sacha Caldemeyer, Russell Gan, Rusty Sary, Ryan Wilcox, Cody Caldwell

–

A special thank you to Dan Glenn and Steve Conti for joining the show, and to Charlie Brande for hosting another outstanding episode of Sunset Rewind.