Episode 34: Season 7, Episode 2: Abby Sherard: "Stress The Body To Handle The Demand"

In this weeks episode of The Podcast, Abby Sherard joins Jay DeMayo to discuss the changing demands of college basketball strength and conditioning. With transfers, international competition, new coaching staffs, and constantly changing rosters, Abby explains why athletes must be evaluated individually instead of placed into a one-size-fits-all program.She emphasizes giving athletes time to recover and move independently before beginning a demanding summer program focused on foundational movements, volume, heavy lifting, tempo work, and conditioning. The conversation also explores how coaches can balance structure with athlete autonomy, communicate individualized plans, and prepare players for the entire season—not just the first practice.Abby’s overall philosophy is simple: meet athletes where they are, identify what they need, train the basics well, and help them become independent athletes who understand how to train, recover, and care for themselves beyond college basketball.Key Topics Summer training strategies for college basketball Managing roster volatility and transfer athletes Building trust and autonomy with athletes Individualized programs based on athlete needs Handling stress and recovery in training International athlete management and expectations Sound Bites "Give athletes space to be themselves" "Meet athletes where they are in their development" "Handle stress better by doing simple things well" Chapter List00:00 — Intro and Abby’s background03:41 — The new reality of college basketball rosters04:35 — Evaluating athletes during the summer07:14 — Why transfer summers are so important08:30 — Giving athletes autonomy in May09:56 — Building individualized summer programs10:54 — Training volume and handling stress12:16 — Adjusting training for a younger roster13:13 — Foot training and conditioning foundations14:13 — Trust, autonomy, and athlete buy-in

Season seven of the Central Virginia Sport Performance Podcast 0pens with return of my good friend Chase Campbell, who joins from South Florida after a unique path through college basketball and IndyCar. The conversation centers on how Chase’s background has shaped his coaching, how the transfer era has changed the way strength programs are built, and why connection and mentorship matter just as much as sets and reps.Chase walks through how he ended up in South Florida after working with ECR and Ed Carpenter in IndyCar, where he trained both drivers and pit crews. That experience reinforced how important it is to tailor training to different demands, different bodies, and different levels of readiness. From there, the discussion shifts into the reality of modern college basketball, where rosters can turn over quickly and coaches have far less time to build athletes up the old way.A major theme in the episode is adaptability. Chase explains how having 15 new players from 15 different places forces him to be more efficient, more thoughtful, and more open to using tools and methods he may have resisted earlier in his career. He talks about changing his mind on machines, especially as a way to create a high training stimulus in a shorter amount of time, and how the current landscape has pushed him to sharpen his programming rather than rely on old habits.The episode also goes deep on mentorship. Chase shares what it means to move into a more direct teaching role with GAs and interns, how his own early career was shaped by trial and error, and why he wants the next generation to be more prepared than he was. He and Jay compare old-school graduate assistant experiences, the value of being challenged, and the difference between productive struggle and being left without enough guidance.Another strong thread is the importance of keeping the environment enjoyable. Chase reflects on the mentors who made the weight room somewhere he wanted to be every day, and he says that same kind of culture is what he wants to create now. Even as the profession gets more complicated, he emphasizes staying connected, staying curious, and keeping the love for the work alive.Key topics Chase explains how he got to South Florida after working in IndyCar with ECR and Ed Carpenter. He describes how racing showed him the importance of fitness, recovery, and individualized training. Jay and Chase discuss how college basketball has changed, especially with heavy roster turnover. Chase says the staff’s goal is to become the most connected team in the country. He explains why current roster turnover requires faster, more efficient training progressions. Chase shares how his views on machines have changed and why he now sees them as high-value tools. The conversation explores how limited time changes programming and forces coaches to be more intentional. Chase talks about stepping into a mentor role with GAs and interns. He reflects on being underprepared when he entered his first full-time job and how that affects how he teaches now. Jay and Chase compare older GA environments to more focused modern mentorship. Chase explains why he wants his staff and interns to genuinely enjoy coming to work. The episode closes with a discussion about learning from others, staying humble, and keeping the profession connected.

In this episode of the Central Virginia Sport Performance Podcast, host Jay DeMayo sits down with Brian Bingaman, an athletic director who spent years building his career in strength and conditioning at programs including Penn State, LaSalle, St. Joe’s, and Eastern University. The conversation centers on Brian’s transition from strength coach to administrator, and how the lessons he learned in the weight room—work ethic, communication, organization, and relationship-building—prepared him to lead an entire athletic department.Brian shares how unexpected job changes, COVID-era responsibilities, and years of wearing multiple hats helped him develop the confidence and skill set needed to move into administration. He and Jay also dig into hiring, professionalism, self-advocacy, side income, and why young coaches should think strategically about the paths they want to build. The episode closes with a broader reflection on the realities of coaching careers, the value of transferable skills, and the importance of building security and flexibility over time.Takeaways / Key Points Strength and conditioning develops transferable leadership skills. Work ethic remains one of the most valuable traits in any athletic role. Scheduling and planning in coaching directly translate to administration. Communication and soft skills matter as much as technical knowledge. Building relationships with athletes, coaches, and campus partners creates trust. Taking on unexpected responsibilities can accelerate career growth. Small institutions often force staff to learn multiple roles quickly. Hiring should focus on work ethic, professionalism, and fit. Good interview questions help reveal the real candidate behind the resume. Self-advocacy is necessary, but timing and approach matter. Coaches should understand the full athletic department, not just their silo. Young coaches need to decide what kind of role they actually want. Side income or a second revenue stream can create career stability. Scalable systems and online training can help build long-term flexibility. Career security in athletics is fragile, so planning ahead matters. Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction: The journey from strength coach to athletic director02:11 - Lessons from working in collegiate strength and conditioning09:25 - Transferrable skills gained from strength coaching13:32 - Evolving hiring criteria for coaching staff14:07 - Developing soft skills: communication and professionalism18:43 - Reflecting on the support staff role and career growth20:03 - Advocating for more responsibility in your career22:01 - Diversifying revenue streams and side projects27:18 - Leveraging technology and social media for career advancement33:14 - Valuing strength and conditioning in the broader athletic landscape34:54 - Recommendations: Next guests and inspiring storiesThis episode underscores that the skills coaches develop on the gym floor—work ethic, communication, leadership—are highly transferable and valuable for upward mobility in sports organizations. Encouraging ongoing learning, soft skills mastery, and strategic career planning will empower support staff and coaches alike to reach new heights.

This episode dives into how Dr. Tommy Otley blends sports science, rehab, and performance strategies within college basketball. Gain insights into athlete evaluation, injury mitigation, and the balance between team-wide systems and individual athlete needs.Main Topics Comprehensive injury screening and assessment as the foundation for decision-making Balancing team protocols with individualized athlete programming How collaboration across staff improves injury prevention and performance Integrating analytics, PT, and strength training into daily team operations Using game demands and practice simulation to guide in-season training and recovery Key Insights Initial athlete evaluations combine physical exams, injury history, and tailored testing like force plates, isometric strength, and mobility assessments. Screening data is not predictive, but it helps shape treatment priorities and readiness decisions. Force plate and testing data can be interpreted differently by PTs, strength coaches, and sports scientists, so communication matters. Injury history helps determine whether a deficit should be addressed or accepted as part of an athlete’s normal profile. Periodization requires building volume, peaking appropriately, and adjusting for game demands throughout the season. Effective injury mitigation depends on combining team-wide strategies with athlete-specific adjustments. Data should support coaching decisions and athlete identity, not override them. Timestamps00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Dr. Tommy Otley’s role and background 02:25 - Path from athletics to sports science and PT in college basketball 04:11 - The athlete mindset: work ethic and attention to detail 06:37 - Balancing rehab, sports science, and performance work across teams 09:53 - The athlete evaluation process and how injuries affect screening priorities 11:11 - Customizing assessments based on injury profiles 12:07 - Interpreting testing data across PT, strength, and science roles 14:06 - Turning assessment results into training, rehab, and communication 15:24 - Team-wide benchmarks versus individual extremes 18:52 - Thresholds for intervention based on injury history and testing 20:19 - Retesting and process evaluation in injury mitigation 22:41 - Using historical injury data alongside athlete-specific nuances 24:51 - Size, athleticism, and sport-specific demands in performance metrics 26:40 - When to individualize training versus use group programming 28:07 - Tracking game demands and translating them into practice plans 30:16 - Season periodization: balancing volume, intensity, and recovery 33:33 - Managing training load in team sports 35:29 - Coach-athlete collaboration and strategic communication

In this episode of the Central Virginia Sport Performance Podcast, we welcome Pat Lewis to the show. We explore Pat’s journey through collegiate strength and conditioning and how his experiences shaped a detail-oriented, athlete-first approach to coaching. The conversation emphasizes the importance of education, communication, and individualized programming in developing stronger, more prepared athletes.Pat shares his philosophy of “figuring it out” as a coaching mindset, highlighting how adaptability and problem-solving help coaches meet athletes where they are. He discusses the value of building programs around athlete history, assessment, and current needs rather than relying on one-size-fits-all methods. The discussion also covers how education can improve athlete ownership of nutrition, hydration, and recovery.The episode also dives into the importance of onboarding new athletes, balancing general and specific training interventions, and using foundational movement principles across a wide range of ability levels. Pat reflects on the role of structural balance, full range of motion, and practical application of Charles Poliquin’s principles in modern program design.The conversation concludes with Pat sharing insights on mentorship, athlete accountability, and the importance of consistency in the small details. Listeners walk away with a clearer understanding of how thoughtful coaching, education, and individualized systems create long-term success.Main Topics Covered:• The “figure it out” mindset in coaching and problem-solving• Building individualized programs from athlete assessment and history• Athlete education around nutrition, hydration, and recovery• Onboarding new players into a performance program• Applying foundational movement principles across different athletes• Balancing general and specific training in diverse rosters• Structural balance, full range of motion, and safe training foundations• The role of mentorship, accountability, and communication in coachingKey Insights:• Great coaching is built on adaptability, not rigid systems• Athlete ownership improves when education is simple and consistent• Individual needs should guide exercise selection and progression• Small details in communication and implementation can create major performance gains• Foundational movement principles still matter in modern training environments• Coaches must balance efficiency with personalization when working with varied athletes• Long-term success comes from structure, consistency, and continuous learning• Strong mentorship helps build stronger coaches and stronger programFinal Notes:This episode emphasizes that excellent coaching depends on attention to detail, athlete education, and a willingness to adapt systems to the individual. Use these principles to create stronger relationships, improve performance outcomes, and build a coaching process that lasts.

In this episode of the Central Virginia Sport Performance Podcast, host Jay DeMayo welcomes Duke's Preston Greene to the show. They explore Preston's extensive journey through the world of high-performance coaching, from his beginnings at Clemson to his current role at Duke. The conversation emphasizes the importance of humility, work ethic, and a growth mindset in coaching.Preston shares his insights on talent identification and the necessity of adapting training systems to fit each athlete, rather than forcing athletes into a rigid system. He discusses the value of clinical experience over purely theoretical research, highlighting how real-world coaching can lead to more effective athlete development.The discussion also delves into the challenges of modern coaching, such as managing program design within compressed timelines and the evolving landscape of college basketball. Preston reflects on his experiences with different coaching philosophies and the importance of maintaining foundational principles while being flexible to adapt to new environments.The episode concludes with Preston offering advice on mentorship and the significance of building a strong coaching tree. He shares his admiration for influential figures in the field and suggests future guests for the podcast, providing listeners with a wealth of actionable wisdom and inspiration.Main Topics Covered: The journey and evolution of a high-level performance coach Qualities and traits to identify in coaching mentees Program adaptability and efficiency in short-term training cycles The significance of humility, humility, and relationship-building in coaching The application of Charles Poliquin's principles and the importance of understanding athlete needs Key Insights: Success in coaching results from reputation built on results, not online fame Recruit talent with strong work ethic, humility, and drive to learn Adapt training systems to individual athletes, not vice versa Use clinical experience over research when time is limited Effective program design must be efficient, especially within shorter seasons Balancing foundational methodologies with ongoing evolution keeps results consistent Relationship and feedback from athletes directly influence training success Flexibility and communication with coaches are critical when aligning with various coaching styles Final notes: This show emphasizes the importance of experience, adaptability, humility, and ongoing mentorship in performance coaching. Use these principles to elevate your approach, foster strong athlete-coach relationships, and develop future leaders in the field.

In this weeks episode of The Podcast we are joined by Zane Scott to discuss the strategic focus on internal mobility within sports performance departments, emphasizing its role in strengthening staff loyalty and improving team dynamics. He shares insights from his experience at FAU, highlighting the importance of developing career pathways and creating growth opportunities for staff. Zane explains how transparency in setting expectations can aid in retaining staff and how understaffing can be leveraged as a catalyst for departmental growth.The conversation delves into mentoring young coaches and managing their career transitions, balancing long-term athlete development with short-term wins, and the benefits of diversity in coaching experiences across different levels, from D2 to high-major programs. Zane underscores the significance of building a cohesive, adaptable team culture, emphasizing humility and resilience in staff development.He also discusses tactical approaches for advocating for departmental resources and growth, sharing examples of promoting staff. The episode concludes with reflections on the power of consistency, shared purpose, and the importance of nurturing internal talent to build a transparent, growth-oriented environment.Takeaways Internal mobility strengthens staff loyalty and enhances team dynamics. Developing clear career pathways is crucial for staff retention. Transparency in expectations helps retain and motivate staff. Understaffing can drive innovation and departmental growth. Mentoring young coaches is essential for their career transitions. Balancing long-term athlete development with immediate wins is vital. Diverse coaching experiences enrich team culture and performance. Building a cohesive team culture requires humility and resilience. Advocating for resources demands strategic planning and communication. Promoting from within fosters a sense of loyalty and commitment. Consistency and shared purpose are key to team success. Creating growth opportunities boosts staff morale and engagement. Honest communication about opportunities builds trust. Practical, hands-on training is invaluable in high-stakes environments. Focusing on foundational principles ensures sustainable growth.

In this episode of the Central Virginia Sport Performance Podcast, host Jay DeMayo welcomes Alabama's Henry Barrera back to the podcast. They delve into Henry's journey from coaching high school basketball to his current role at Alabama, emphasizing the importance of continuous growth and development. The discussion highlights the significance of curiosity, feedback, and simplicity in coaching, as well as the integration of analytics in training, known as "Bamalytics" at Alabama.Henry shares his philosophy of building partnerships with athletes, moving away from a militaristic approach to a more collaborative one. He emphasizes the value of intuition and experience, supported by data, to enhance athlete performance. The conversation also explores the role of journaling and networking in personal and professional growth, underscoring the need for truth-tellers in one's life.The episode concludes with reflections on the challenges of modern coaching, the importance of vulnerability, and the pursuit of authentic growth. Henry offers insights into his training principles, such as mastering movement and strategic overload, and shares his admiration for influential figures in the field, suggesting future guests for the podcast.Key Points: • Growth mindset and continuous development are central to Henry's coaching philosophy. • Henry emphasizes building partnerships with athletes, moving away from a militaristic approach. • Training is categorized into three buckets: strong, build, and explode, tailored to athlete needs. • Relentless passion and showing up every day are crucial for growth and learning. • "Challenge creates change" is a guiding principle in Henry's approach. • Mastering movement to maximize power is a key training principle.Quotes: • "It's one of our core values here, continuous growth to me." • "Challenge creates change, you know?" • "Principles for me, if we're talking training, number one is always going to be master movement to maximize power." • "I kind of have three buckets in my head and on paper really, strong, and explode." • "The biggest thing right now in terms of growth and learning and development is showing up every day with relentless passion."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Growth and Development03:06 The Importance of a Growth Mindset05:54 Frameworks and Filters in Coaching09:04 Building Relationships with Athletes11:52 The Role of Challenge in Growth14:38 The Power of Journaling and Reflection17:33 Truth Tellers and Honest Feedback20:15 The Intersection of Personal and Professional Growth23:35 Mastering Movement and Compounding Growth26:26 Conclusion and Future Aspirations

In this episode of the Central Virginia Sport Performance Podcast, host Jay DeMayo welcomes East Carolina University Men's Basketball Strength Coach Colton Susen. They delve into Colton's journey through various coaching roles at universities like Michigan and Southern Illinois. The discussion focuses on the importance of individualized training programs for athletes, emphasizing risk profiling and the use of objective measures to tailor workouts. Colton shares insights on progression and regression in training, particularly in squatting techniques, and the role of technology like flywheels in enhancing performance. The conversation also touches on the significance of building a culture of accountability among athletes and the challenges of adapting training methods to the evolving sports environment. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of maintaining standards and the continuous pursuit of improvement in coaching practices.Key topics: The significance of initial risk profiling using injury predictors like previous surgeries, neuromuscular control tests, and basic movement screens. Implementation of standardized strength testing (e.g., goblet squat, Zercher, front, and back squat) to establish clear progression benchmarks. The role of objective data in removing guesswork and enhancing athlete buy-in through visual progress tracking. Programming structure: balancing bilateral and unilateral exercises across the season with emphasis on progression and regression. Integration of flywheel training to improve bilateral force output and address plateaus. The importance of foundational strength, mobility, and correct exercise depth to prevent compensation and injury. How to adjust training based on athlete training age, season phase, and individual needs. Using objective metrics to guide load adjustments and mitigate stagnation or plateauing. The potential for such data-driven methods to inform return-to-play and injury prevention strategies. The value of fostering athlete accountability and leadership through performance tracking. Tips for coaches on developing flexible, responsive training systems that adapt over time and seasonality.

In this episode, Jay DeMayo hosts Vinnie Calautti to explore the critical practice of auditing training programs in sport performance coaching. Vinnie delves into the nuances of using objective data to enhance athlete performance and minimize injuries. He emphasizes the importance of moving beyond mere exercise selection to evaluate the stimulus and output of training programs. By leveraging tools like force plates, coaches can gain valuable insights into performance metrics, allowing for more informed adjustments.Vinny also discusses the impact of external factors such as stress, exams, and personal issues on athlete performance, highlighting the need for coaches to consider these elements when assessing performance dips. The conversation covers strategies for injury mitigation, focusing on ground interaction and foot mechanics, and the integration of innovative tools like the Active Foot System (AFS) to complement traditional strength training.The episode further explores the balance between coaching philosophy and the use of technology, emphasizing the significance of fostering athlete commitment over mere compliance. Vinnie shares insights on the benefits of slow, deliberate training tempos to enhance reaction and response, and the art of adapting coaching methods based on athlete feedback.Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to maintain composure amidst fluctuating data and external pressures, and the importance of balancing objective data with the art and intuition of coaching. The episode concludes with reflections on the evolution of coaching from art to science and back, and the influence of mentorship and industry insights on coaching practices.Key Topics: The importance of moving beyond exercise selection to focus on stimulus and output evaluation How to utilize force plate and objective data for program auditing The role of external factors like stress, exams, and personal issues in athlete performance dips Strategies for injury mitigation by analyzing ground interaction and foot mechanics The balance of traditional lifting principles with innovative tools like AFS (Active Foot System) The impact of coaching philosophy and approach on injury rates and athlete development The significance of understanding and fostering athlete commitment versus compliance Slow, deliberate training tempos as a method for improved reaction and response The art of coaching movement and knowing when to adapt based on athlete feedback Importance of maintaining coach and athlete composure amidst fluctuating data and external pressures.