This episode is a dynamic Q&A session with a top strength and conditioning professional from Alabama, Michelle Diltz, delving into the nuances of training college cheerleading and softball teams. The discussion covers:

• Customized Training: Detailed breakdowns of in-season and off-season strength programs for both sports, including limited Olympic lifting for cheer, and the use of force plate testing for injury prevention and landing efficiency.
• Career and Certification Advice: Essential guidance for aspiring strength coaches, emphasizing the importance of CSCCA membership and the SCCC certification, as well as test-taking strategies for the CSCS exam (focusing on graphs and vocabulary).
• Professional Development: Reflections on key career focus areas, including the overlooked value of sprint technique development and the challenge of integrating sports science data with traditional strength methods.

SOCIAL:

https://www.instagram.com/diltzmichelle

OTHER PODCAST COACH HAS BEEN ON:

https://youtu.be/FlnVoGjvkLw?si=p_VChh-R6tDGWCxi

https://youtu.be/MAlF-nhcG3k?si=BKMBVE3apiCB-Vl4

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strength-conditioning-plans-michelle-martin-diltz-university/id1503740738?i=1000534705541

In this episode, we sit down with Bryan Kegans from the University of North Texas Strength & Conditioning program to dissect what it takes to run a successful, high-performing department. Coach Kegans dives into the non-negotiables for their internship, revealing the rigorous selection process, the need for "eager as hell" and proactive individuals, and the resulting high attrition rate that weeds out all but the most committed. He shares the program's success in placing former interns in full-time roles, emphasizing the value of curiosity, the capacity to "grind," and effective athlete interaction as the core traits for entry into the strength and conditioning journey.

The conversation then shifts to the nuts and bolts of UNT's philosophy, covering their use of sports science to manage athlete load. Coach Kegans details their reliance on Catapult GPS for tracking total distance and Zone 5 speed, along with Hawkin Dynamics Force Plates for monitoring jump performance. He explains their innovative approach to data analytics, leveraging UNT students to customize tools like Microsoft Power BI in-house. The discussion concludes with a breakdown of the in-season training split (M-Structural Reset, W-Isometric/Power, F-Pure Power), a preference for the trap bar deadlift, and an exploration of movement optimization techniques like RPR (Reflexive Performance Reset) and the root-cause analysis of the Square One system.

SOCIAL:

https://x.com/Kegans2

https://www.instagram.com/bkegans

OTHER PODCAST COACH KEGANS HAS DONE:

https://youtu.be/i5BJrslfyBQ?si=iCbbBwyp9XUTs7r7

https://meangreensports.com/podcasts/-gmgcast-bryan-kegans/96

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/hwcp-podcast/episodes/Ep-88-Hangin-with-Coach-Bryan-Kegans-e1iag3t/a-a7t8j0h

Tune in for a deep dive into strength and conditioning with Andrew Nilo, Texas State Baseball / Olympic Director and former Hardin Simmons Cowboy. In this insightful "Chit Chat" session, Andrew Nilo shares his philosophy on goal-oriented training, moving beyond traditional sports science to focus on pressurization and biomechanics. Learn why he prioritizes addressing "hardware" (movement deficiencies) over simply adding "horsepower" (strength) to maximize an athlete's "shelf life," using his unique "engine vs. driver issue" analogy.Nilo also covers:

• The practical, time-intensive commitment of utilizing data and technology (GPS, force plates, VBT).
• The importance of highly individualized training approaches over fixed systems.
• The necessity of sprint and jump as non-negotiable movements for all athletes.
• Valuable career advice for young professionals and insights into his current role, including developing the internship curriculum.

SOCIAL:

https://x.com/NiloAndrew

https://www.instagram.com/kilos_with_nilo/?hl=en

OTHER PODCAST - COACH NILO HAS BEEN ON:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/andrew-nilo-high-level-baseball-performance/id1522528277?i=1000683427782

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/andrew-nilo-increasing-human-bandwidth-for-athletic/id1695907028?i=1000664590688

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-5-andrew-nilo-oral-roberts-university-sports/id1772982579?i=1000677367767

Coach Strobis, who recently completed his first year with the highly decorated program, dives deep into his philosophy and career path. Topics covered include:

• Sports Science & Athlete Monitoring: Why the Arkansas program prioritizes on-the-track observation over daily reliance on technology (though they utilize Tendo units and force decks in specific training blocks).
• Coaching Philosophy: His use of a master's degree in sport and exercise psychology to identify the root cause of athlete performance issues (physical, mental, emotional, or social).
• Programming: The specialized programming required for the diverse track and field disciplines, including a detailed discussion on Olympic lifts teaching progression (a 4-6 week, low-intensity, high-volume orientation) and his approach to resisted sprints using sleds for technical reinforcement.
• Recovery Protocols: Insights into their state-of-the-art recovery resources and why the team takes a hard stance against icing, preferring to let the natural inflammation process occur.
• Professional Development: Advice for aspiring strength coaches on utilizing diverse skill sets (like graphic design or PowerAI) to stand out, and his recommended resources including the books "It Takes What It Takes" and "Peak," and the podcast "Kentucky Blue."

SOCIAL:

https://www.instagram.com/sc_strobis/

In this episode of S&C Chit Chat, we sit down with Andrew Wright, Strength and Conditioning Coach for Texas Tech Men's Basketball, to explore his career journey from a PE teacher to an Elite 8 collegiate coach. Coach Wright shares invaluable insights on building athlete buy-in, starting with a conservative "one by 20" training approach, and developing a coaching philosophy that is adaptable and player-focused. He also dives into his hiring philosophy, revealing the "golden question" he asks candidates to gauge their passion for the profession. The discussion highlights the critical importance of self-reflection, professionalism, and leveraging assistant coaches to build strong relationships with athletes. Plus, he offers excellent recommendations for top internship and GA programs for aspiring strength coaches. Tune in for this candid discussion on professional growth and the demanding, yet rewarding, world of collegiate strength and conditioning.

SOCIAL:

https://www.instagram.com/trainwright_txtech/

We enjoyed chatting with Brandon Hummer, Strength and Conditioning Coach for Georgia Softball, Gymnastics, and Men's Golf. They dive deep into training methodologies, including the use of plyometrics, isometrics, Paloff press, and overhead exercises tailored for different sports. Hummer shares practical insights on game day lifts, travel adaptations, and how to successfully navigate the S&C internship landscape, emphasizing hard work, hands-on experience, and the importance of a head coach's buy-in to sport science data.

SOCIAL:

https://www.instagram.com/coach_hummer

https://x.com/Coach_Hummer

In this episode Malorie Henderlong, Auburn's women's soccer coach, discusses her career path, emphasizing the importance of making a good impression, seeking aligned roles, and personal development. She details her daily operations, use of Catapult GPS data, and philosophy on individualized training and speed integration. She advises aspiring sport scientists to communicate data effectively and understand the sport deeply. The conversation also covers interview strategies, the benefits of a shared weight room, and insights into training methodologies for soccer athletes.

SOCIAL:

https://www.instagram.com/stories/malorie_henderlong/

https://x.com/MalorieHendo

OTHER PODCASTS WITH MALORIE:

https://youtu.be/yim0sW3mSDs?si=jnZnusZUgfDmdGd-

https://youtu.be/QeowHuhc0vY?si=Ko-hAa1OHiVundDj

https://youtu.be/ziN3vTr68gs?si=RvcUp0qzyEel-v0G

https://open.spotify.com/show/6CHxJHLL6MjDbmldzjyvl5?si=76bc218a26bd4d4e

PRODUCTS / PROGRAMS:

https://marketplace.trainheroic.com/brand/malorie-henderlong-performance?attrib=585677-ig&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacAhuBtEqdBxvdtf8CUuBgI7Ij1TmoC28QnWNmZp861rQLd5G_-XLN7taCptg_aem_jofjL1CLWqtVkfJkIag8WA

https://www.instagram.com/higherpowerperformance/

In this episode, we chat with strength coach and former athlete Sarah Ramey, whose career path has taken her from the weight room to athletic administration. Sarah opens up about her journey, the challenges of finding her coaching voice, and what it takes to earn trust and lead across different sports and personalities. She shares real-world advice for female coaches breaking into the field, insight into managing relationships with sport coaches, and her thoughts on how strength programs can unify entire athletic departments. Packed with career tips, candid stories, and wisdom from years in the game—this conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about coaching, leadership, and growth in collegiate athletics.

SOCIAL:

https://x.com/sramey11?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/sramey11/