Corona del Mar Boys Volleyball’s Brogan Glenn & Ben Brown – Post-Battle of the Bay Game Breakdown with Charlie Brande (2025)

For Corona del Mar boys volleyball standouts Brogan Glenn and Ben Brown, this season has been defined by rapid team growth, intense competition, and the high-stakes excitement of the Battle of the Bay against Newport Harbor. As CdM continues to refine its game, Glenn and Brown share their experiences, key takeaways, and what’s next for the Sea Kings.

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Battle of the Bay Victory Over Newport Harbor (0:30)

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CdM faced its biggest rival, Newport Harbor, in the first of two Battle of the Bay matchups on Wednesday, March 12. With a sweeping 3-0 victory, CdM proved dominant in front of a packed home crowd.

Glenn felt that CdM played as the more steady team, executing well in sideouts and maintaining composure under pressure. Brown, playing in his first-ever Battle of the Bay, was impressed by the energy in the gym. While he has experience in high-pressure matches, this was a different level, reinforcing the need to tune out distractions and stay mentally focused.

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Brogan Glenn’s Volleyball Journey (3:05)

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Glenn’s volleyball career started at an early age, heavily influenced by his father, who introduced him to the sport. He developed his skills in beach volleyball before joining Balboa Bay Club, where he played all the way through the 18s team. Now a senior at Corona del Mar, Glenn has committed to UCLA, one of the most prestigious volleyball programs in the world, to continue his career at the collegiate level.

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Ben Brown’s Volleyball Journey (4:00)

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Brown’s path to volleyball was different, beginning in Chicago, where both of his parents played beach volleyball. Although he spent a lot of time around the sport, he didn’t join a club team until 7th grade, experiencing a challenging first year before growing to love the game. Eventually, his family moved to California, and he became part of Balboa Bay Club, elevating his game to the next level.

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Rapid Team Improvement & Key Practice Focus Areas (5:00)

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As CdM’s season has progressed, the team has made rapid improvements, focusing on serve and pass to disrupt opponents and keep them out of system. Chemistry has also been a major emphasis, with the team now huddling after every play to stay connected and focused. Team bonding has played a critical role in their growth, with Brown bringing a strong leadership presence to help build a tight-knit group.

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Lessons from Key Games: Loyola, Huntington Beach, Mira Costa, Newport Harbor (7:10)

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With a tough early schedule, CdM has faced some of the top teams in Southern California, gaining valuable experience along the way. Glenn believes that confidence is key—to compete at a high level, the team must believe they can win every match. Brown has learned the importance of focusing on their own side of the net rather than getting caught up in what the opponent is doing. The early season challenges have set a high standard, giving CdM clear goals to work toward as they progress.

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Takeaways from the Best of the West Tournament in San Diego (9:40)

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The Best of the West tournament provided another test for CdM, and Glenn felt that the team started very strong in pool play, showing consistency and improvement, particularly in their second matchup against Mira Costa. Brown highlighted the mental and physical grind of the tournament, as players had to push through fatigue and stay locked in to compete at a high level. The experience served as an important stepping stone for CdM’s continued growth.

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Looking Ahead to the Rest of the Season (12:00)

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With key matches ahead, Glenn and Brown are excited for the Mater Dei showdown, where CdM will face a motivated opponent. Jack Robinson, now eligible after his transfer ineligibility period, will be a critical piece in the middle block, bringing additional depth to the team. Brown is especially eager for the next Battle of the Bay matchup against Newport Harbor, anticipating another high-energy showdown. With a strong foundation in place, CdM is ready to keep improving and make a deep run this season.

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Thank You to Brogan Glenn and Ben Brown!

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A special thank you to Brogan Glenn and Ben Brown for joining the show and sharing their insights. Looking forward to having them on again in the future. Thanks to Charlie Brand for hosting another great episode!