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Send us Fan MailWhat does it really take to build a career in professional sport?This week on Leave Your Mark, I sit down with strength and conditioning coach Jason Martin as he prepares to begin a new chapter as Head Strength and Conditioning Coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs.Jason's path began early, earning his first training certification at just 16 before completing his Physical Education degree at McGill University. His career would eventually take him through CrossFit, professional tennis, Major League Baseball, more than a decade of working with hockey players, and three seasons in player development with the Pittsburgh Penguins.But this conversation is about much more than Jason's résumé.We talk about the influence of mentorship, particularly his relationship with Andy O'Brien, and why experience can't simply be replaced by collecting certifications. Jason shares his thoughts on asking for feedback, recognizing your limitations, building genuine relationships, and allowing a career to develop without trying to engineer every next step.We also dig into one of the most important challenges of working in professional sport: earning the trust of athletes who didn't necessarily choose you to work with them.Jason's philosophy is refreshingly simple. Ask questions. Listen. Understand what the athlete needs. Be good to people. Do quality work. And give trust the time it needs to develop.A great conversation about coaching, mentorship, relationships, experience, and the long game of building a meaningful career in high performance.If you liked this EP, please take the time to rate and comment, share with a friend, and connect with us on social channels IG @Kingopain, TW @BuiltbyScott, LI+FB Scott Livingston. You can find all things LYM at www.LYMLab.com, download your free Life Lab Starter Kit today and get busy living https://lymlab.com/free-lym-lab-starter/Please take the time to visit and connect with our sponsors, they are an essential part of our success:www.ReconditioningHQ.comwww.FreePainGuide.com
Kevin Maxen, Director of Sports Performance and Head Strength & Conditioning Coach at Tufts University, joins Justin Lima on the Cheeky Mid Weeky.Before arriving at Tufts, Maxen spent four years with the Jacksonville Jaguars and made stops at Vanderbilt, Baylor, Iowa, Army West Point, the private sector, and high school strength and conditioning.Kevin and Justin discuss what it actually means to be a strength coach, lessons learned from Coach Chris Doyle, moving away from the stereotypical “old-school” strength coach, work-life integration, developing young coaches, and why the profession needs to take itself more seriously.They also dive into the practical challenges of overseeing nearly 950 athletes at Tufts, building trust within a staff, creating systems that can scale, giving coaches autonomy, and adapting training to the individual rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.___CONNECT WITH US:
Lonnie Maddox is the Associate Director of Football Sports Performance at University of North Carolina. Prior to joining North Carolina, he served as an assistant strength coach at Kansas State University, helping the Wildcats to a 9-4 season and a victory in the 2024 Rate Bowl.Before Kansas State, Maddox was the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Valdosta State University and Alcorn State University, where he played a key role in multiple conference championships and deep postseason runs. A certified CSCS, RSCC, and USA Weightlifting Level 1 coach, Maddox earned his bachelor's degree from Troy University and his master's degree from Auburn University at Montgomery.$1 Trial Membership to SCN
Sam McGriff has been the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Pembroke Hill School since 2013. He came into the field through a nontraditional path, earning his degree at Mizzou on an ROTC scholarship before serving in the Navy, then working as a personal trainer before Pembroke Hill hired him to supervise the weight room after school.McGriff describes those early years plainly. There was no set culture, no established standards, and attendance was entirely voluntary. Rather than trying to overhaul the room on day one, he built trust first, with athletes, then with sport coaches, and let structure follow. Each season he picked one change to implement fully instead of stacking several half-finished ideas on top of each other.That approach produced a record board, then a PR bell that started as a wall-mounted piece of gym equipment and is now a fixture wheeled out for campus-wide events. It produced "fuzz up," Pembroke Hill's plate-return standard, and a color-coded block system (red, white, blue, silver) that gives voluntary lifters something concrete to chase even with zero mandatory attendance. McGriff also built an Exercise Science class into the school day, giving him room to teach nutrition and recovery in real depth instead of squeezing it into the last five minutes of a session.Thirteen years in, McGriff's advice for younger coaches is straightforward: stop chasing the next job before you've proven what you can build at the one you have.Key TakeawaysChange happens one standard at a time. McGriff rolled out a record board, then a PR bell, then the "fuzz up" standard, then a block system, letting each one take hold before introducing the next.Trust comes before culture. He built buy-in with athletes first, then sport coaches, before anything got labeled a rule.The color-coded block system (red, white, blue, silver) gives voluntary lifters a real standard to chase even with zero mandatory attendance.A dedicated Exercise Science class does more for nutrition and recovery education than anything said between sets during a session.Playing the long game means measuring impact by what you build where you are, not by chasing the next job.Quote"If I can't have an impact here, at this level, then how am I going to have an impact at the next level?"- Sam McGriff, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, Pembroke Hill SchoolConnect with Sam McGriff:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachmcgriff/Pembroke Hill School - https://www.pembrokehill.org/athletics/strength-and-conditioning
Most strength coaches get weeks to settle into a new job. Kevin Rodriguez got four days.Kevin Rodriguez's path to Siena wasn't a straight line, but it was fast at the end. After building the strength program from scratch at Delta State and spending four years at UT-Chattanooga working with men's basketball, women's golf, and beach volleyball, Rodriguez accepted the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach job at Siena and was on campus within four days. He credits a mix of prayer, self-reflection, and honest conversations with mentors, including former UT-Chattanooga head coach Dan Earl, for helping him make the call.Once he arrived, Rodriguez treated the first weeks like an audit. He got every player's phone number from the director of operations and texted personal introductions before he'd even found a place to live. From there, he assessed the weight room, met the training staff, and ran team lifts built less around programming and more around establishing standards, energy, and trust. Rodriguez calls it going back to the same intangibles he built at Chattanooga. The location changes. The standard doesn't.Rodriguez also gets specific about how he manages pressure and emotion, both his own and his athletes'. A habit he picked up as a graduate assistant at Mississippi State, rehearsing team talks and workout explanations out loud in the car, is still part of his routine before every big moment, podcasts included. He also leans on a mantra passed down from a football coach at Delta State: take it personal, but don't be sensitive. It's the same approach he brings to coaching players through emotional moments on the court, treating them like adults instead of problems to manage.The conversation closes on expectations. Rodriguez inherited a Siena program that won its conference last season, the same situation he faced walking into UT-Chattanooga the year after a conference championship run. He talks through UT-Chattanooga's NIT championship season, a run built on patience through a rocky start, and the lesson he's carrying to Siena: enjoy the big moments, because not every coach gets one.Key Takeaways- Getting player phone numbers and sending personal introductions before arriving on campus builds trust before day one.- Rehearsing high-pressure conversations out loud, a habit from his graduate assistant days at Mississippi State, keeps him composed in team talks and media moments alike.- Take it personal, but don't be sensitive: a mantra that turns criticism into fuel instead of self-doubt.- Treating athletes like adults defuses conflict faster than trying to manage or control it.- Winning the NIT at UT-Chattanooga taught him to sit in a big moment instead of rushing back to work.Quote"Take it personal, but don't be sensitive."— Kevin Rodriguez, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, Siena College
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Plates and Pancakes, Steven sits down with Riley Edgerton, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach at Munster High School, for an in-depth conversation about building a successful high school strength and conditioning program from the ground up.Riley explains how he developed a comprehensive strength and conditioning manual, established a point-based grading system for athletes, and built a program that now serves hundreds of students. He shares his philosophy of “do it right, do it fast, then do it heavy” and explains how he uses that principle to teach movement, develop athleticism, and establish high standards in the weight room.The conversation also dives into Riley's approach to youth athletic development, including summer camps and the Futures Program for middle school athletes. Riley discusses teaching fundamental movement patterns before progressing to more complex exercises, including his unique “sandwich method” for teaching the power clean.Steven and Riley also explore velocity-based training (VBT), auto-regulation, APRE, sprint mechanics, resisted sprinting, and the importance of using technology as a coaching tool rather than a replacement for the coach's eye.Beyond programming, Riley shares how he is building the Mustang Mentality at Munster High School—developing leadership, accountability, work ethic, and a culture that extends beyond the weight room. They discuss athlete-driven leadership, incentives, competition, and how external rewards can eventually develop into internal motivation.This episode is a deep look at what it takes to build a sustainable high school strength and conditioning system—from program design and exercise selection to coaching, youth development, leadership, culture, and long-term athletic development.Topics Covered:* Building a high school strength & conditioning program from scratch* Creating a strength & conditioning manual* Point-based athlete grading systems* Youth athletic development* Futures Programs and summer camps* “Do it right, do it fast, then do it heavy”* Teaching the power clean* Riley's “sandwich method”* Velocity-Based Training (VBT)* APRE and auto-regulation* Sprint mechanics and resisted sprinting* Athlete-driven leadership* Building a championship weight-room culture* External vs. internal motivation* Mustang Mentality* Testing and performance metrics* Long-term athletic development* Coaching hundreds of athletes effectivelyhttps://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=https://voodoo4ranch.com/To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.comhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch
Ryan Horn has spent 20 years building strength programs, and almost none of that time has looked stable from the outside. Horn's path runs through Robert Morris, Virginia Commonwealth (where he became the school's first full-time strength coach), Tulsa, and seven years at Wake Forest under Danny Manning. After being let go from Wake Forest following COVID, Horn spent two years outside college athletics entirely, training soldiers with the 75th Ranger Regiment in Savannah, Georgia. From there it was Wichita State, Drake, a return home to West Virginia, and now Indiana.Horn and host Connor Agnew dig into what that kind of instability actually teaches a coach. Horn's answer keeps coming back to one idea: stop chasing permanence and start chasing presence. Roles end. Jobs change. What matters is whether you were fully in it while you had it. He connects this directly to mentorship, arguing that a good mentor's job gets harder, not easier, because they take the time to teach instead of just execute. And he's candid about the trap of comparing career timelines on social media, pointing out that the context and luck behind someone else's fast rise almost never makes it into the post.The conversation closes on family. Horn's son is now an Olympic weightlifter who interns under him at Indiana, and Horn talks openly about what it's meant to coach alongside his own kid, and about how losing both his parents in recent years reshaped how he thinks about time with the athletes and people in front of him right now.KEY TAKEAWAYS- Seek presence and impact in a role, not permanence. Every job has an expiration date, and treating it otherwise costs you the time you actually have in it.- A real mentor's job gets harder, not easier, because they take the time to teach instead of just execute.- Comparing your career timeline to someone else's on social media ignores the context and luck behind their path.- Avoid becoming the coach who dismisses a new idea because "we did that 20 years ago." Curiosity is the job, not a phase of it.- Losing both parents reshaped how Horn thinks about finite time with his family and his athletes.QUOTE BLOCK"There's no permanence in any role. It's just presence."- Ryan Horn, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, Indiana University
View This Week's Show NotesStart Your 7-Day Trial to Mobility CoachJoin Our Free Weekly Newsletter: The AmbushMarin Lazic believes the best athletes aren't just physically prepared – they're mentally free to perform. But that flies in the face of how many of us were taught to think about high performance. In this episode of The Ready State Podcast, Kelly and Juliet Starrett sit down with the Australian Men's Olympic Water Polo team's Head Strength & Conditioning Coach to explore why fun, play, and psychological safety may be some of the most overlooked performance tools in sport.Drawing from his own experience as an athlete whose performance collapsed under stress, Marin shares how that moment completely reshaped his coaching philosophy. We dive into why reducing anxiety can improve movement, decision-making, and resilience, how breathwork and vision training are becoming part of elite athletic preparation, and why creating a culture where athletes genuinely enjoy the process leads to better long-term results.Whether you're coaching athletes, raising competitors, or simply trying to perform better under pressure, this episode offers a fresh perspective on building durable, high-performing humans.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy reducing stress and performance anxiety and creating psychological safety can unlock higher levels of athletic performanceHow fun, play, and positive team culture improve movement, resilience, and performance under pressureWhy elite coaching extends beyond strength training to include recovery, mindset, and athlete well-beingHow breathwork, vision training, and movement quality help athletes perform at their best when it matters mostWhy the best coaches develop durable athletes who can stay healthy, adapt to setbacks, and perform consistently over timeKey Highlights: (0:00) Intro & Meet Coach Marin Lazic(0:38) Marin's Background & Coaching Philosophy(0:58) Marin's Athlete Setback Story(8:16) The Stressful Moment That Changed Everything(9:13) How Stress Physically Tanks Performance(16:55) Evolving from Old-School to Modern Coaching(18:12) Happy Athletes Are Better Athletes(20:17) Entrenched Thinking in Sport(20:57) Finding a Head Coach Who Buys In(24:38) Making Fun a Performance Strategy(26:43) Pre-Game Warmup Games to Ease Performance Anxiety(27:08) Beating Serbia at the Olympics(29:27) Preparing for Paris Olympics(30:25) Six Weeks in Europe Pre-Game(32:39) Removing Decision Fatigue on Game Day(33:04) Quarterfinal Loss to USA in Shootout(34:24) The Physicality of Elite Water Polo(36:04) Wrestling, MMA, & Water Training Methods(43:21) Eye Training & Vision Work(47:19) Breath Work & Session Structure(48:18) Post-COVID Efficiency Approach(54:29) The Concept of the "Stoke Tank"(55:53) Being a "MacGyver" Coach on the Road(1:00:33) Coaching Influences: Peter Twist & Pavel(1:02:11) Losing Size, Gaining Water Strength(1:06:14) Dad of the Year & Bluey(1:09:56) Infinite Shelf: The Book Legacy(1:12:17) Where to Find Marin & Watch World CupHuge thanks to our sponsors, LMNT and Momentous.
On this episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at UT Tyler, Morgan McCrary, joins us to discuss his journey through nearly every corner of the strength and conditioning profession. From JUCO athletics and private sector coaching to the collegiate level, Morgan explains how each experience shaped his coaching philosophy.Throughout the conversation, Morgan emphasizes that relationships, communication, and trust are the foundation of every successful program. He shares how he builds athlete buy-in, develops accountability, and encourages athletes to "flip the switch" once they step into the weight room. Morgan also reflects on overcoming setbacks, staying motivated throughout his career, and why adapting your coaching to the environment and athlete is essential for long-term success.Key TakeawaysBuilding trust starts with genuine relationships and consistent communication.Every coaching environment offers valuable lessons that shape long-term growth.Athletes perform best when expectations and accountability are clearly established.Adaptability is one of the most valuable traits a strength coach can possess.Career setbacks become opportunities when approached with perseverance and a growth mindset.Quote"I call it flipping the switch. Whatever you've got going on outside of the weight room, when you're in the weight room, it's time to go." — Morgan McCrary
Matt Durant is the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at University of La Verne, where he oversees performance training for all 20 varsity sports. A 1999 La Verne graduate, Durant returned to his alma mater in 2002 and has spent more than two decades developing student-athletes and building a highly respected Division III strength and conditioning program.In 2017, Durant was named the National Sports Performance Association Coach of the Year. During his tenure, numerous athletes have earned conference, regional, and national recognition, including multiple National Strength and Conditioning Association All-America Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year honors.Before returning to La Verne, Durant coached at College of the Canyons and Wingate University. He earned his bachelor's degree from La Verne and a master's degree from Azusa Pacific University, and remains active in both the NSCA and USA Weightlifting.From our sponsors: Hawkin Dynamics
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Steven sits down with Coach Cade Oller, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Choctaw High School in Oklahoma City, to discuss the training philosophies and coaching principles that have helped build a successful athletic culture.The conversation dives deep into Coach Oller's implementation of Brief Maximal Tension (BMT) training within a conjugate framework, including how his athletes utilize box squats, bench press variations, deadlifts, and APRE methods to drive consistent strength gains. Coach Oller shares practical insights on why box squats became a cornerstone of his program, how he addresses posterior chain weaknesses, and the adaptations required when coaching athletes of different sizes and abilities.Beyond sets and reps, Steven and Coach Oller explore the human side of coaching. They discuss building positive team culture through individual conversations rather than public criticism, helping athletes navigate setbacks and pressure, and creating an environment where accountability comes from both coaches and athlete leaders. Coach Oller also shares how reorganizing Choctaw's weight room schedule into flexible before- and after-school sessions dramatically improved athlete participation and coach collaboration.Additional topics include:• BMT and APRE programming• Box squat coaching and technical development• Strength transfer to speed and athletic performance• Leadership development within teams• Managing multi-sport athlete schedules• Consistency as the foundation of long-term success• Hip projection and movement efficiency• The role of culture in strength and conditioning successWhether you're a strength coach, sport coach, athlete, or parent, this episode offers valuable lessons on adapting training systems to fit your population, developing athlete buy-in, and creating a culture where performance and personal growth go hand in hand.Tune in for a conversation that blends practical programming, coaching wisdom, and real-world solutions from one of Oklahoma's leading high school strength coaches.https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=https://voodoo4ranch.com/To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.comhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch
Dr. Eric Cash serves as President of the National High School Strength Coaches Association and is the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach at Dorman High School. Widely recognized as one of the leading voices in high school strength and conditioning, Dr. Cash has dedicated his career to developing young athletes through evidence-based training, mentorship, and long-term athletic development.Prior to Dorman, he held head strength and conditioning positions at Presbyterian College, Eastern Illinois University, and Elon University. He earned his doctorate in Kinesiology from University of North Carolina at Greensboro and was named NHSSCA Coach of the Year in 2020.___$1 Trial Membership to SCN
Sign Up for Collective Membership: https://strengthtc.com/product/collective-membership-subscription/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=video_descScott Leech (URI) on Modern Football S&C Programming: High/Low Weeks, Roster Turnover, Testing, and Contact PrepTim Caron hosts Scott Leech, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach at the University of Rhode Island, to discuss practical program design amid the realities of modern college football, including transfers, NIL, and shortened training windows. Leach explains how he assesses athletes' readiness to train, uses position and relative-strength standards, and structures off-season weeks with a flexible high/low approach to manage field demands. He outlines non-negotiables such as max-velocity exposures (90%+), jump testing, and quality strength work, and explains how metric trends guide deloads and expectations across phases. The conversation covers planning from the annual calendar down, evaluating daily sessions and entire off-seasons, integrating game-based conditioning and contact prep, using GPS to validate load, and the need to keep programming evolving rather than becoming static. Leach also shares where to find him and his “Grid Iron Warrior 2.0” resources.00:00 Introduction and Background01:54 Rivalries and High School Memories03:03 Hall of Fame Aspirations03:58 Program Design Philosophy04:40 Challenges in College Football Programming06:51 Assessment and Developmental Programs13:36 Training Structure and Flexibility18:48 Max Effort Training and Metrics22:01 Annual Planning and Adjustments24:07 Evolving Training Models and Challenges29:42 Facing Life's Challenges30:26 Evaluating Training Sessions32:50 Assessing Off-Season Effectiveness34:49 Adapting Training Programs38:06 Maintaining Program Flexibility44:41 Contact Prep and Games52:30 Impact on Wins and Losses
Matt Thome is the Director of the Nebraska Athletic Performance Laboratory (NAPL) at University of Nebraska Athletic Department, where he leads applied sport science initiatives focused on technology integration, athlete monitoring, training strategies, and return-to-play processes to optimize performance and athlete health.Before Nebraska, Thome worked as a Sport Scientist at ALTIS supporting Olympic-level sprinters through monitoring, research, and strength training programming. He previously served as Head Strength & Conditioning Coach and Lecturer at Michigan Technological University and began his career at University of Richmond.Thome earned degrees from Grand Valley State University and Indiana University, and completed his PhD in Sport Science at Edith Cowan University in 2024, with research focused on training load and elite sprinter monitoring.___Download The Supertraining Reading Planhttps://strengthcoachnetwork.com/st___Buy Supertraining to Read Along with Ushttps://uaconcepts.com/product/supertraining
Colton Haynes is the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach at Ferris State University. In this episode of Iron Game Chalk Talk 2.0, Coach Haynes talks to us about:Why you should reach out to as many coaches as possible to learn and growThe importance of authenticity during an interview and on the jobThat the next four years of your life creates the next 40 years of your lifeVisit our website at https://isaiahcastilleja.podbean.com/Please visit our sponsors and show them some appreciation for their support.Visit Teambuildr at www.teambuildr.comVisit BetterHelp at https://www.betterhelp.com/
Colton Haynes is the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach at Ferris State University. In this episode of Iron Game Chalk Talk 2.0, Coach Haynes talks to us about: Why process and development of the athletes is key year round How support and buy in from sport coaches and administration can make your job more enjoyable That the key to having a successful season is adjusting to make athletes available to play Visit our website at https://isaiahcastilleja.podbean.com/ Please visit our sponsors and show them some appreciation for their support. Visit Teambuildr at www.teambuildr.com Visit BetterHelp at https://www.betterhelp.com/
Today's guest is Tanner Care. Tanner Care is a high-performance specialist, currently serving as the Director of Player Performance for the BC Lions (CFL) and the Director of Athletic Performance for the Vancouver Bandits (CEBL). Since 2023, he has also held the role of Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Simon Fraser University, where he oversees the physical development of athletes across 13 collegiate sports. On the surface, strength and conditioning is about increasing an athlete's physical strength and capacities. To dig deeper and help athletes reach their highest potential, an understanding of sprint-specific forces, athlete archetypes, and dosage of inputs is essential. On today's show, Tanner talks about his practical framework for elite athlete development. He shares how he integrates max-speed work into sport-specific drills, such as full-court basketball overthrows, and explains his “layered” coaching model, which progresses from foundational health and general capacity to more specific archetyping. The conversation also dives into the technical side of his toolkit, including the use of run-specific isometrics for sprint transfer, plyometric training, and how he balances force-velocity profiles across different athlete types. Ultimately, Tanner advocates for a “health-first” approach in the pro setting, favoring consistent, high-quality inputs over unnecessarily complex training schemes. Today's episode is brought to you by Hammer Strength and Lila Exogen. Use the code “justfly20” for 20% off any Lila Exogen wearable resistance training, including the popular Exogen Calf Sleeves. For this offer, head to Lilateam.com Use code “justfly10” for 10% off the Vert Trainer View more podcast episodes at the podcast homepage. (https://www.just-fly-sports.com/podcast-home/) Timestamps 0:03 – Introduction to Athlete Classification 2:19 – Innovative Training Drills 6:26 – Understanding Movement Signatures 11:32 – Exploring Strength Qualities 19:53 – Classifying Athlete Strength 32:02 – Benefits of Single Leg Strength 45:17 – Adjusting Training Based on Athlete Type 49:30 – Implementing Quasi-Isometrics 56:25 – The Complexity of Training Modalities 1:04:17 – Foot Positioning and Athletic Outcomes 1:07:47 – Closing Thoughts and Future Plans Tanner Care Quotes On Speed in Practice: "So the problem I was trying to solve was how can we check these speed residual boxes within the constraints of practice." On the Priority of Training: "That's layer one health has to come before performance. So removing any potential inhibition." On Dynamic vs. Passive Screening: "I've seen so many people get on a table, assess passive hip internal rotation and say there's some kind of limitation. But when we see it dynamically at sports speed, it's like, oh, there it is." On General Movement Competency: "I can't tell you the amount of professional guys I have come in that like can't do like rudimentary plyometrics like they can't hop or bound stationary let alone locomotively" On Local vs. Global Issues: "Do we have a Ferrari? Do we have a Honda Civic? Do we have a Ferrari with a flat tire? Like, sometimes we just have to deal with local issues, not necessarily broad systems of improving the overall organism." On the Limits of Strength: "We know that the strongest individuals aren't necessarily the most forceful individuals. At some point, there's a clear cutoff." On Stiffness and Propulsion: "Rate of force development and stiffness isn't always a good thing if they don't have the propulsive qualities necessary to actually displace their hips horizontally" On Force and Sprint Performance“If you're able to generate adequate force at adequate time and attenuate high braking force, that's always going to correlate positively with sprint performance.” On Weight Room Philosophy: "I try to remove skill or as much skill as I can within the context of the weight room." About Tanner Care Tanner Care is a credentialed strength and conditioning professional specializing in elite athlete development across pro and collegiate levels. He currently serves as Director of Performance for the Vancouver Bandits (CEBL) and the BC Lions (CFL), overseeing strength & conditioning, load management, sport science, and performance nutrition to enhance athlete readiness and longevity. Previously, he was Head Coach of Strength & Conditioning at Simon Fraser University (NCAA), leading programs across multiple sports including men's basketball and track & field, where he built evidence-based training systems. Tanner holds RSCC and CSCS certifications (NSCA), is an EXOS Performance Specialist, and earned his Master's (MS(c)) from the University of Florida. His background includes roles like Head S&C Coach for University of Ottawa rugby. He contributes to the field as a SimpliFaster author, podcast guest on performance systems, and CSCA advisory team member. Passionate about sprint training, speed, and mechanics, he's a dedicated husband, family man, and 49ers fan.
In this episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, Bill Foran—former Head Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Miami Heat—walks through his decades-long career in sports performance. Bill discusses his transition from college athletics to the NBA, the cultural standards that defined the Heat organization, and how quality equipment and strong relationships shaped athlete development. He also offers candid advice for young coaches navigating a rapidly evolving profession.Key TakeawaysBuilding culture is just as important as building strengthEarly NBA strength coaches helped define today's performance standardsQuality, customizable equipment plays a major role in athlete developmentTrust is earned through consistency, care, and work ethicModern athletes require variety while still mastering fundamentalsMentorship remains a cornerstone of coaching growthStrength and conditioning continues to evolve with technology and specializationQuote:“You gotta care and work with them.” — Bill Foran
In this episode, George is joined by Cole Hergott, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach at Trinity Western University, to discuss innovative approaches to athlete recovery, training, and injury prevention, emphasizing the importance of mobility, constraints in training, and the role of relationships in coaching. He challenges traditional methods like icing for injuries and advocates for promoting blood flow and movement instead. Cole also highlights the significance of individualizing training using technology and fostering a positive team culture through accountability and engagement with athletes. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Cole Hergott and His Role at Trinity Western University 01:00 – Programming for Large Groups in Small Spaces 05:00 – Isometric and Eccentric Training Explained 08:00 – Applying Isometrics in Training and Practice 12:00 – Why Cole Is Anti-Icing 16:00 – Mobility as a Competitive Advantage in Basketball 17:30 – Constraint-Led Training in the Weight Room 19:30 – Moving Away from Olympic Lifts 22:00 – Game-Day Activation Circuits 26:00 – CNS Readiness and Injury Prevention 28:00 – Building Culture in the Weight Room 31:30 – Technology, Research, and Individualized Training 34:30 – Staying Current as a Coach 35:00 – Transformative Tip Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball
From professional basketball player to PhD researcher to Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Detroit Pistons—Dr. Jordan Sabourin's journey is anything but typical.In this episode, Jordan breaks down his unique career path and shares what he's learned about elite performance from both sides: as an athlete competing professionally in Germany and as the coach responsible for keeping NBA players healthy and performing at their peak.We dive deep into his cutting-edge research on Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training, how he's implementing it with Pistons players for rehabs and performance, his involvement in player development, and much more. Whether you're a student or practicing clinician interested in sports performance, this conversation offers rare insights into what it really takes to succeed at the highest level of basketball.
Send us a textIn this episode, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach Hunter Haralson of Collinsville Public Schools sits down with Steven to talk about the evolution of high school strength training, athlete development, and what it truly takes to build a winning culture.Hunter shares his journey from Lawrence, Kansas, to wrestling at Lindenwood University, to becoming a sixth-year Head S&C Coach and leader in one of the most respected programs in Oklahoma. With certifications in CSCS, USAW L1, and a teaching license in Oklahoma, Hunter brings both expertise and passion to his athletes every day.We dive into:
In this episode of the Braun Performance & Rehab Podcast, Dan is joined by Dr. Dustin Oranchuk to discuss his research on isometric exercise. Dustin Oranchuk, PhD, CSCS*D, is a tenure-track Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs (UCCS) in the Department of Human Physiology and Nutrition. He is also a Senior Research Scientist in the Muscle Mechanics, Morphology, and Performance Laboratory at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Originally from Canada, he earned a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from the University of Calgary. He then worked with the Canadian Sport Institute before pursuing a Masters degree at Adams State University, where he served as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist for several NCAA teams and taught several courses. Dustin later became the Head Strength and Conditioning Specialist for the University of Calgary Dino's football team while performing research in the same university's Human Performance Laboratory. He completed his Doctoral training at the Auckland University of Technology with a stint at Victoria University Melbourne where he examined muscle architecture, morphology, and performance changes arising from different contraction types. Afterwards, Dustin worked at Acumen Health with various clinical and athletic populations. To date, Dustin has published 58 peer-reviewed journal articles (22 as lead author) and has received over 1300 citations. Dr. Oranchuk utilizes musculoskeletal imaging and functional testing to improve clinical outcomes. He also examines potential exercise, nutrition, and pharmacological interventions to improve muscle quality and physical performance. Dr. Oranchuk is also a leading expert in isometric exercise and training. For more on Dustin be sure to check out @dustin.oranchuk.phd and https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Dustin-Oranchuk *SEASON 6 of the Braun Performance & Rehab Podcast is brought to you by Isophit. For more on Isophit, please check out isophit.com and @isophit -BE SURE to use coupon code BraunPR25% to save 25% on your Isophit order!**Season 6 of the Braun Performance & Rehab Podcast is also brought to you by Firefly Recovery, the official recovery provider for Braun Performance & Rehab. For more on Firefly, please check out https://www.recoveryfirefly.com/ or email jake@recoveryfirefly.com***This episode is also powered by Dr. Ray Gorman, founder of Engage Movement. Learn how to boost your income without relying on sessions. Get a free training on the blended practice model by following @raygormandpt on Instagram. DM my name “Dan” to @raygormandpt on Instagram and receive your free breakdown on the model.Episode Affiliates:MoboBoard: BRAWNBODY10 saves 10% at checkout!AliRx: DBraunRx = 20% off at checkout! https://alirx.health/MedBridge: https://www.medbridgeeducation.com/brawn-body-training or Coupon Code "BRAWN" for 40% off your annual subscription!CTM Band: https://ctm.band/collections/ctm-band coupon code "BRAWN10" = 10% off!Ice shaker affiliate link: https://www.iceshaker.com?sca_ref=1520881.zOJLysQzKeMake sure you SHARE this episode with a friend who could benefit from the information we shared!Check out everything Dan is up to by clicking here: https://linktr.ee/braun_prLiked this episode? Leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform
Send us a textCoach Tucker Seay, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Dalton High School, joins Steven to discuss his evolving approach to athlete development and performance. Drawing from his background in exercise science and insights from Super Training, Tucker breaks down how he balances speed, volume, and neural fatigue in his programming.They explore his transition to head coach, the implementation of the Lightened method with bands for confidence and control, and his findings on optimal power output at 50% body weight. Tucker also shares his progress with sumo deadlifts, maximal tension training, and strategies to “surf the strength curve” for peak results.The conversation dives deep into practical coaching, from warm-up innovations and bench press development to the lasting influence of Louie Simmons on modern strength training — offering a masterclass in blending science, creativity, and experience on the gym floor.https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=https://voodoo4ranch.com/To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.comhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch
In the first episode of our Strength Coach Series, we sit down with Chris Martin, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for LSU Baseball.Chris brings a unique perspective from his six years with the Houston Astros organization, where he most recently served as Minor League Strength and Conditioning Coordinator. During his tenure, he helped develop 10 players who made their Major League debuts in 2024.Before joining LSU in August 2024, Chris spent two-and-a-half years as the Astros' Rehab Strength & Conditioning Coordinator, where he redesigned their return-to-play protocols, including a new return-to-throw program for post-surgical players.In this conversation, we discuss:Transitioning from professional baseball to the collegiate levelThe evolution of return-to-play protocols and collaboration with rehab staffBuilding strength programs that maximize on-field performanceThe partnership between strength coaches and physical therapistsChris shares insights from one of MLB's most progressive player development systems and how he's bringing that knowledge to develop championship teams at LSU.Connect with Chris:Twitter/X: @ChrisMartinLSUInstagram: @chrismartin32
CINCINNATI ST. XAVIER BOMBERS in TRAINING Podcast St X Bombers' Head Strength and Sports Performance Coach Terrell Williams is not lightening up the workouts! It's on. And, this Ohio High School football powerhouse program is preparing for another run at a state championship. But, it won't be easy as they'll have to win four playoff contests against top tier programs. They know the requirements. Checkout Coach 'T' www.instagram.com/asap0000 IG also at: @runbyu and Assistant Jack McKelvey @stxstrength and intern assistant Brian Williams as they conduct a post practice training session. They keep the guys locked in and focused. The Bombers will have a first round bye as one of the top 4 seeds in the Ohio "Big Schools" Southwest Region. Recorded on-site at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, this episode features veteran strength coach Terrell “Coach T” Williams and assistant Jack McKelvey discussing how they prepare the Bombers for postseason play. They outline maintenance-focused workouts, tempo and isometric methods (including the 5-3 rule), recovery strategies, nutrition and hydration, and how they balance intensity with readiness. We also discussed staff and intern development, the creation of a freshman training manual, and use of sports-science tools for testing. The conversation emphasizes process-driven athlete development, team buy-in, and practical steps to sustain strength and power during a playoff run.
Send us a textIn this episode, Steven sits down with John Coleman, the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, Powerlifting Coach, and Algebra teacher at Pollok Central High School in Lufkin, Texas. John shares his unconventional journey into coaching—starting from being fired from a summer camp job to becoming a respected leader in both the classroom and the weight room.They dive deep into training high school powerlifters, exploring how John blends 531 programming, max-effort and dynamic sessions, and recovery management to keep athletes strong and healthy throughout the season. The conversation expands into balancing public school and private coaching, developing baseball and softball speed, and adapting powerlifting principles for athletic performance.John and Steven also reflect on the realities of coaching teenagers, from teaching proper technique to managing parental expectations, NIL pressures, and evolving high school strength culture. The episode wraps with insights into mentorship, competition prep, and stories from influential coaches across Texas' strength community—including Monty Sparkman, Seth Ford, and Donnie Thompson.Whether you're a coach, teacher, or athlete, this episode offers valuable takeaways on building strong athletes and stronger relationships through intelligent training and genuine mentorship.https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=https://voodoo4ranch.com/To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.comhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch
While on the second-longest road trip of the season, Piper and JT talk road life,compare the coldest rinks, and answer some listener questions. The hostsidentify improvements they've seen from the team under the new coaching staff.The team's Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, Nate Brookreson, joins for anin-depth conversation on what it takes to get the team game-ready all seasonlong. Watch the full episode on the Seattle Kraken YouTube page.
Michigan men's basketball's Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Matt Aldred is Brian's guest this week. Aldred discusses his takeaways from year one in Ann Arbor, the partnerships he forges with each player, and how he approaches his unique role.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
On this edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we sit down with Abbey Phillipson, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for Adaptive Sport and Head ParaPowerlifting Coach at the University of Michigan. Abbey shares her journey as an athlete with a disability and her path to becoming a leader in adaptive sports. She discusses why strength training principles apply universally, the misconceptions about adaptive sports, and the competitive drive of adaptive athletes. Abbey also talks about founding Michigan's ParaPowerlifting team and the importance of testing, data collection, and long-term investment in adaptive sports.Key TakeawaysStrength and conditioning principles do not change for adaptive sports.Abbey founded the first collegiate para powerlifting team at the University of Michigan.Misconceptions about adaptive sports often stem from lack of understanding.Strength training is essential for improving quality of life for athletes with disabilities.Adaptive sports are highly competitive and empower athletes just like able-bodied sports.Institutional investment in adaptive sports remains limited and needs improvement.Testing and data collection are crucial—“If you're not testing, you're guessing.”Quote “Then we're creating the narrative that kids with disabilities, people who acquire disabilities, the normal is that you play sports. The normal is that you go to the gym. The normal is that you are living life like any other person.” – Abbey Phillipson
Dunlevie Family Head Football Coach Scott Abell recaps the Owls 38-17 win over Prairie View A&M. He sees a lot of room to grow (2:45) and goes into detail about the team's response after the Panthers opening score. Coach was happy to see the ground game get its most yards in four years (6:00). Getting so many young players some playing time (8:00) was huge, especially on a short week. Going back to Charlotte is special to coach after his time at Davidson (11:40) but the focus is on the game and he expects a big cheering section. Head Strength & Conditioning Coach Lew Caralla (18:40) says Coach Abell has been one of the biggest blessings of his career. He talks about his inspiration for getting into this field and what motivates him most about this job (19:50). He goes into some players' transformations (22:10) and who are some of the strongest guys pound-for-pound on the team (24:10). Coach Caralla explains how training differs over the season (24:45) also dives deep into some of his viral quotes over the last few years (25:30). He rounds out the talk giving love to the rest of his staff (28:10).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Defensive Coordinator John Butler, current Husker defensive back Andrew Marshall, and Head Strength and Conditioning coach Corey Campbell join Kyle Crooks for the Nebraska Football Coaches Show.
A Galway man is to set off on an adventure next week that will see him climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Eanna Shalvey is currently Head Strength & Conditioning Coach with the Offaly Senior Footballers and he will climb the iconic mountain that is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain above sea level in the world, at 5,895 m (19,341 ft) above sea level and 4,900 m (16,100 ft) above its plateau base. Eanna begins his adventure on the 11th of September and is raising funds for Cuan Mhuire Coolarne, a Galway-based centre helping people in recovery from addiction. This is the charity's main fundraiser for 2025, with all proceeds going toward maintaining vital services for the local community. Eanna joined George McDonagh in the studio on Over The Line on Monday Night.
Episode 355 of the Football Fitness Federation Podcast is with Head Strength & Rehab Coach at Sunderland Keith Mcgrath We discussed: ▫️Preparing for the Premier League ▫️EFL v Premier League demands ▫️Microdosing ▫️Networking & much more! You can follow Keith on Instagram @mcgrath_keith_12 Keep up to date with the amazing work our sponsors are doing here: Hawkin Dynamics - https://www.hawkindynamics.com Good Prep - https://thegoodprep.com Discover the power of nutrition at WWW.THEGOODPREP.COM and use code FFF15 for 15% off your first order Hytro - hytro.com Maximise your athletic potential with Hytro BFR. Easier, safer and more practical BFR for squads to prepare for and recover from exercise than ever before. Click the link [[ https://bit.ly/3ILVsbU ]] Join our online community & get access to the very best Football Fitness content as well as the ability to connect with Sport Scientists and Strength & Conditioning coaches from around the world. To get FULL access to all of these & even more like this, sign up to a FREE month on our online community at the link below. www.footballfitfed.com/forum/index.aspx Keep up to date with everything that is going on at Football Fitness Federation at the following links: X - @FootballFitFed Instagram - @FootballFitFed Website - www.footballfitfed.com
Send us a textIn this episode, we sit down with Zack Fleming, the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach at Dobyns‑Bennett High School in Kingsport, Tennessee. With program leadership since 2015 and recognition as the 2022 Tennessee HS Strength Coach of the Year ℹ️ , Zack brings transformative insight into building an impactful program at the high school level
What's behind enduring success at the highest level of college athletics? Kate Smith, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at the University of Michigan, shares insights from nearly 14 years of experience coaching multiple sports in a competitive collegiate environment. Smith emphasizes sustained excellence through adaptability, genuine curiosity, and openness to opportunities — even outside of athletics. Drawing on her private-sector experiences, she explains how diverse roles helped shape her flexible, athlete-centered philosophy. Smith candidly addresses current collegiate challenges, including navigating Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) distractions and adjusting motivational strategies across team cultures and generations. As a Certified Performance and Sport Scientist® (CPSS®), Smith highlights how integrating data-driven insights helps her create a more effective training environment. This expertise uniquely positions her to bridge athletics with academics, deepening collaboration on campus-wide performance initiatives. Learn how to implement practical strategies for keeping athletes engaged amidst external pressures, leverage performance data meaningfully, and continually refresh your coaching approach. Connect with Kate via email at kannehay@umich.edu and on Instagram: @katehaycock | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs and LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs Show NotesShow Notes Coming Soon!
Today's guest is Tim Riley. Tim Riley is the Director of Sports Performance at Kollective in Austin, where he leads one of the nation's top NFL off‑season training programs and works with elite athletes across the NFL, NBA, PLL, and AVP. He also serves as a Lead Performance Coach with C4 Energy and Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the University of Texas Men's Lacrosse team. Beyond the weight room, Tim shares his knowledge through his podcast, Coach Em Up, and his social media platforms. On today's podcast, Tim speaks on how he synthesizes the complexities and possibilities of training into his intuitive process. On the show, we cover numerous items of speed and strength training, digging into the daily training process. We also cover the help and use of strength machines, conditioning, capacity, training stimulation, and much more. Today's episode is brought to you by Hammer Strength. View more podcast episodes at the podcast homepage. (https://www.just-fly-sports.com/podcast-home/) Timestamps 1:00 – The Need for Simplicity in a Complex Coaching World 6:08 – Is Complexity Distracting Us from What Actually Matters? 11:55 – What Are Athletes Actually Feeling During a Drill? 18:42 – How Do We Make Coaching Feel Less Robotic? 25:30 – What If the Goal Isn't Perfection, But Exploration? 32:09 – Can We Trust Athletes to Self-Organize? 39:46 – When Do We Step In, and When Do We Step Back? 47:22 – How to Handle “Messy” Reps and Unscripted Movement 54:11 – Are You Coaching for Output or Adaptability? 1:01:18 – Letting Go of the Illusion of Total Control Actionable Takeaways The Need for Simplicity in a Complex Coaching World – [1:00] Tim emphasizes that sometimes doing less creates more buy-in. When things are simple and grounded, athletes feel safe to go all-in. What to try: Open sessions with minimal barriers, simple tasks that athletes can immediately attack. Anchor your program in clear, foundational principles. Avoid over-layering. Use simplicity to build confidence before introducing complexity. Is Complexity Distracting Us from What Actually Matters? – [6:08] Tim reflects on times when adding more didn't add value. Too much complexity can distract from what makes athletes feel fast, powerful, or confident. What to try: If a drill looks cool but the athletes are confused, simplify. Choose training elements that resonate emotionally and physically with athletes. Prioritize what sticks with them, not what looks best on social media. What Are Athletes Actually Feeling During a Drill? – [11:55] Tim discusses the disconnect between what coaches see and what athletes actually experience. You won't know unless you ask. What to try: Regularly pause to ask: “What did that feel like?” Adjust based on athlete feedback, even if it means letting go of your favorite drill. Use sensation-based questions to help athletes build awareness (“Did you feel the bounce off the floor?”). How Do We Make Coaching Feel Less Robotic? – [18:42] Athletes shut down when things feel overly mechanical. Tim points out that meaningful training often happens in the gray areas, not the rigidly planned ones. What to try: Let warmups flow with energy, don't always stick to a static script. Mix structure with spontaneity. Athletes should feel like they're moving, not executing code. Lean into athlete body language. Adjust volume and tone on the fly. What If the Goal Isn't Perfection, But Exploration? – [25:30] Tim encourages a shift from perfect execution to active exploration. Growth comes from seeing what might work, not just repeating what's safe. What to try: Create “choose your own path” movement options in skill work. Use sessions that feel like problem-solving, not rehearsing. Acknowledge when athletes take a risk, even if the result isn't clean. Can We Trust Athletes to Self-Organize? – [32:09]
Goldy Simmons is currently a Head Strength and Conditioning Coach in the NBA. Prior to joining the NBA, he worked his way through the ranks in professional baseball. He spent one year in the AZL with the Kansas City Royals organization before joining the Chicago White Sox organization. He worked multiple levels with the White Sox, including three years as the Director of Strength and Conditioning for the Major League club.Topics covered in this episode:-Training basketball players (areas of concern, management of programming, lines of communication)-Advice for others and finding success as a strength and conditioning coach-Continuing education resourcesQuotes:-"There's a lot of adjustments that are made on the fly for proper execution because these guys are working so long to execute something that would be considered predominantly simple" (7:01)-"Define who they are as a human being first, and that'll ultimately help you drive the athlete that's inside of them" (17:32)-"I feel like if I were to step back onto the diamond I'm gonna be so much better of a strength coach on so many different levels just because I understand a different sport" (21:31)If you'd like to learn more from Goldy, you can find him on LinkedIn.
Send us a text this episode of Plates & Pancakes, we're joined by Andrew Rafferty, strength and conditioning coach at Clinton High School in Clinton, Mississippi. The focus? Rotational power development — specifically for baseball and softball athletes looking to hit harder, throw faster, and move with intent.Coach Rafferty breaks down the biomechanics behind generating torque, building a strong linear push off the back leg, and creating an efficient block leg to transfer force. We'll dive into how he teaches young athletes to sequence rotation, improve hip/shoulder separation, and build strength that actually shows up on the field.Whether you're coaching hitters, pitchers, or multi-sport athletes, this conversation delivers high school-level solutions that scale up to elite-level performance.
Send us a textGeorge Adams is in his 7th year as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Madison-Ridgeland Academy. Adams oversees all aspects of the MRA athletics strength and conditioning program. Since arriving at MRA, Adams has been a part of eight state championships (three football, three boys' & girls' track and field, and two boys' basketball). He has served on the NHSSCA Mississippi Advisory Board since 2020, was named the 2022 Mississippi State Coach of the Year, and is now the Mississippi State Director for the association. Coach Adams has also served as a strength and conditioning coach with the Minnesota Vikings and at the following college athletic programs: Methodist University, Southern Miss, Marshall University, University of Georgia, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and the University of Georgia. Periodization for high school sportsSpeed and agility drillsInjury prevention for teen athletesCoaching high school athletesWeightlifting technique youthStrength benchmarks for athletesIn-season vs offseason liftingAthletic performance podcastHigh school football trainingYouth performance traininghttps://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=https://voodoo4ranch.com/To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.comhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch
What does it really mean to build better athletes—beyond sets, reps, and one-rep maxes? In this episode, Cory sits down with Cal Poly Pomona's Head Strength & Conditioning Coach to explore the evolving world of collegiate performance training.They discuss how DVRT has reshaped movement-based programming for Mike's athletes, the importance of communication and trust in the coach-athlete relationship, and why adaptability matters more than ever when working with teams in and out of season. From developing buy-in to creating a strong culture in the weight room, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to lead with intention and elevate the athletes you serve.If you're a coach, a parent of an athlete, or someone passionate about the “why” behind great training, this episode is for you.
Goldy Simmons is currently a Head Strength and Conditioning Coach in the NBA. Prior to joining the NBA, he worked his way through the ranks in professional baseball. He spent one year in the AZL with the Kansas City Royals organization before joining the Chicago White Sox organization. He worked multiple levels with the White Sox, including three years as the Director of Strength and Conditioning for the Major League club.Topics covered in this episode:-Life in the NBA vs. life in the MLBQuotes:-"We set it up to where if we need to adapt we can adapt and get guys what they need on a nightly basis" (11:52)-"The cultural norm, in basketball, is like 'what do I need for the game?'" (20:22)-"Sticking to the basics will drive the objective outputs that we seek as performance coaches" (22:25)If you'd like to learn more from Goldy, you can find him on LinkedIn.
Send us a textBJ Whitehead is the Head Strength and Conditioning, Powerlifting and, D Line Coach for Dayton ISD. On top of his coaching duties Coach Whitehead is an accomplished Powerlifter hitting a 2000.7 total in raw competition. Whitehead has a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Kinesiology from Stephen F. Austin University.Strength Training Podcast for Athletes, Coaches, and Lifters”“Top Strength & Conditioning Tips for Peak Performance”“Expert Advice on Muscle Growth, Recovery, and Strength Gains”“Sports Performance Podcast: Strength, Speed, and Power”“Evidence-Based Strength Training for Beginners to Pros”Strength for Sport: Conditioning Strategies for Athletes”“Strength Over 40: Training Smarter as You Age”“Barbell & Beyond: Powerlifting, Programming, and Progress”“Coach's Corner: Strength Science for High-Performance Athletes. https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=https://voodoo4ranch.com/To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.comhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch
Elevating the Profession Guest: Ron McKeefery Bio: Ron McKeefery is currently the Special Assistant to the Head Coach – High Performance Culture at the University of Alabama. Prior to Bama, Coach McKeefery was the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for Football at the University of Washington. Coach McKeefery has served […]
Send us a textCoach Dieppa is the Head Strength andConditioning Coach at Noblesville H.S. Prior toNoblesville Dieppa spent time at Pike townshipas the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach,Assistant Director at TCBOOST, Performanceambassador for Plae, Assistant SportPerformance Coach at the University ofConnecticut, Football Strength and ConditioningIntern at Mississippi State, Graduate assistantStrength and Conditioning Coach atNorthwestern State, P.E. Wrestling and FootballCoach at Lake Park H.S. and Strength andConditioning Intern at Oregon State University.Coach Dieppa has a BA in Physical Educationand Secondary Education from North CentralCollege and a Master's of Science in SportsManagement from the University of Connecticut.https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=https://voodoo4ranch.com/To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.comhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch
Goldy Simmons is currently a Head Strength and Conditioning Coach in the NBA. Prior to joining the NBA, he worked his way through the ranks in professional baseball. He spent one year in the AZL with the Kansas City Royals organization before joining the Chicago White Sox organization. He worked multiple levels with the White Sox, including three years as the Director of Strength and Conditioning for the Major League club.Topics covered in this episode:-His journey to both the MLB and NBA-Smashing ping pong tables-Operating daily with elite level athletesQuotes:-"Be careful about breaking ping pong tables prior to the end of a game because you never know what's gonna happen" (8:37)-"What I've learned over the last 10-12 years is that these guys are at this level for a reason, and they could probably do without a lot that we're putting on to them" (13:50)-"But I do think that there's probably some places that, still, the waters are a little muddy and people are trying to take on maybe more than what their job description entails" (19:12)If you'd like to learn more from Goldy, you can find him on LinkedIn.
Send us a textCoach Nelson is the Head Strength &Conditioning Coach, Football Coach, andPhysical Education/Health Teacher atJamestown High School in North Dakota.Prior to Jamestown, He spent the first fiveyears of his career as a collegiate strengthand conditioning Coach at the NorthDakota State College of Science andNorth Dakota State University. He spenttime in the public school setting at JPS,Aberdeen Central HS (SD), Barnes CountyNorth (ND), and Currently JPS CoachNelson is in his 23rd year as a strengthcoach and coach in the public highschool setting.https://x.com/blujstrength46?s=21https://www.instagram.com/blujstrength46?igsh=bjE5eHlucmlsOXozhttps://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=https://voodoo4ranch.com/To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.comhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch
Send us a textCoach Cates has served as the Strengthand Conditioning Coach at Penn HighSchool for 10 years. Cates has been a highschool strength coach for 18 years andcurrently serves as the NHSSCA IndianaState Director. Prior to Penn Coach Catespreviously coached at Portage HighSchool, Michigan City High School, andMartinsville High School. He was namedthe 2023 Great Lakes Region NHSSCAStrength Coach of the Year and the 2024NHSSCA Strength Coach of the Year.Cates has a Bachelor's Degree in K-12Health and Physical Education fromManchester University. Cates is USAW,HSSCS and SSC certified.https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=https://voodoo4ranch.com/To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.comhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch
Connor Truhitte is the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach and Fitness Center Director at the University of Redlands. At Redlands Truhitte overseas the strength and conditioning department for all 21 sports in addition to the recreation fitness center on campus. He joined Redlands in 2021 after serving the previous year as an associate sports performance coach at Stanford University working with the football program. Truhitte got his start at Fresno State University in 2018 as an intern strength coach while additionally serving as the sports nutrition assistant before being promoted to graduate assistant strength coach from 2019-2020.An athlete in his own right, Truhitte is a former college football player at the University of La Verne. A defensive captain his senior season and two-time All-Conference honors player, he continues to train following his collegiate career, most recently stepping on the platform to compete in his first Olympic weightlifting competition.Samson EquipmentSamson Equipment provides Professional Weight Room Solutions for all your S&C needs.Cerberus StrengthUse Code: STRENGTH_GAME at Cerberus-Strength.comSport KiltUse Code: TSG at SportKilt.comDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show
Send us a textCoach Brinson is the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for Jackson Academy athletics. Prior to Jackson Academy, Brinson served as a strength and conditioning coach for the US Army 82nd airborne division. He also spent two seasons at the University of Missouri as the associate director of football athletic performance. Before Missouri, Coach Brinson was an assistant strength coach for the Liberty University football team, the University of Kansas football team, and the Southern Miss football and track and field program. He played offensive line at Southern Miss from 2011-2014 where he received his bachelor's in exercise science and master's in sports coaching. Michael is a certified strength and conditioning coach through the NSCA. A Jackson native, Brinson attended University Christian School where he played football and ran track. Coach Brinsonreceived the NHSSCA Mississippi Coach of the year.https://www.instagram.com/coachbrinson_?igsh=ZzdjYmRncmh4MTJyhttps://www.instagram.com/brinson_strength?igsh=MXBuNDN2eXk3YmJ0dA==https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=https://voodoo4ranch.com/To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.comhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch
Send us a textCoach Rasberry, is the Head Strength &Conditioning Coach at Jackson Christian School. Prior to that Rasberry was at Dyer County High School. Coach Rasberry has spent time in the classroom as a biology teacher and Math teacher. He has spent time on the sidelines as well as football and track coach. Rasberry has a podcast, Conjugate Chats where his guest list and conversations have been phenomenal. Rasberry is passionate in his pursuit of supporting coaches where he can as a member of the NHSSCA Advisory Board for the Tennessee chapter, his CSCS study guides and, his google sheets. Coach Rasberry has a Bachelor's of Science in Kinesiology and Athletic Training from Eureka College and is Science for Sport Sports Data Analyst, Critical Reload Specialist in Sport Nutrition, NSCA Registered Strength & Conditioning Coach, NHSSCA High School StrengthCoach Certified ,NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, USAW - Sport Performance Coach - Level 1, Reflexive Performance Reset - Level1, Teambuildr Sport Science Certifiedhttps://x.com/coachrasberry?s=21https://www.instagram.com/coachrasberry?igsh=MWJvNG4waXgxNmxkNQ==https://youtube.com/@platesandpancakes4593https://instagram.com/voodoo4power?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=https://voodoo4ranch.com/To possibly be a guest or support the show email Voodoo4ranch@gmail.comhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voodoo4ranch