Passing Matters
Passing is one of the most challenging skills to master in volleyball, but it’s also the cornerstone of my game, enabling me to have a long career playing for some of the world’s top teams and representing the USA at three Olympic games. If you can pass, there will always be a place for you on any team. As the game continues to evolve physically, passing remains the one skill that allows a setter to run the offense effectively—without it, defending an offense becomes much easier.
As you progress in your career, without a strong foundation in passing, even the best attackers will find themselves reaching a plateau. This skill has been key to my success, not only keeping me valuable on the court but also opening doors for great financial opportunities.
Through these clinics, I’m excited to share with you my favorite passing drills—straight from the world’s best clubs and coaches—that have helped me get to where I am today. Whether you’re looking to elevate your skills or build a long, successful career, mastering passing is where it all begins.
About Kelsey
Kelsey Robinson Cook is a 3-time Olympic medalist, World Champion, and one of the most accomplished volleyball players in the world. Having played both outside hitter and libero for the U.S. National Team, Kelsey has proven her elite passing, leadership, and ability to adapt to any position. Kelsey has earned recognition at every stage of competition, solidifying her place among the top players in volleyball history.
Kelsey’s career includes three Olympic medals—gold, silver, and bronze—as well as multiple FIVB World Championship medals and numerous domestic league titles across Europe, Asia, and the United States. She has played for some of the best volleyball clubs in the world, including top teams in Italy and Turkey.
At the collegiate level, Kelsey made history by becoming the first-ever player to be named Player of the Year in both the SEC (Southeastern Conference) and Big Ten Conference. Additionally, she earned first and third team All-American honors.
Her mastery of passing has been the cornerstone of her success, allowing her to excel in a sport that continues to evolve physically. Kelsey’s ability to remain at the top of her game for over a decade—driven by her commitment to the fundamentals—has made her an invaluable asset to every team she’s played for.
About Whitney
From NCAA champion at UCLA to professional softball player in Italy, Whitney Benjamin’s journey bridges elite athletics and holistic healing. As a Certified Personal Trainer, Somatic EMDR Practitioner, and Mobility Specialist, Whitney has developed Athletic Somatics—a revolutionary methodology that combines bilateral movement patterning, breathwork, and yogic practices to release stored tension in the body. Her approach is particularly effective for high-performing athletes seeking to regulate emotions, recover from failure and trauma, and enhance both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Whitney’s path to this work began personally when, as a freshman competing for UCLA's top-ranked softball team, she struggled with debilitating physical pain and was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and PCOS. Through nutrition changes and eventually somatic therapy, she discovered the profound connection between emotional processing and physical healing.
Today, Whitney helps high performing female athletes develop sustainable performance practices that honor both achievement and recovery, teaching them to transform competition stress into power while building nervous system regulation and emotional resilience through gentle yet powerful techniques grounded in both athletic excellence and healing wisdom.
Her goal is simple: bring it back to the body.
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Athletic Somatics SpecialistNCAA champion in softball at UCLA
Professional softball player for Parma, Italy
Certified Personal Trainer
Somatic EMDR Practitioner
Mobility Specialist
Nutrition Coach