CVASPS The Podcast

Central VA Sport Performance
  • 4.7 (52)
  • FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Thanks for checking out The CVASPS Podcast! On our show will bring the best practitioners in the field of strength and conditioning from around the world together to discuss all aspects of athlete development. Each show has a unique theme that is designed to help your athletes in improve performance. We hope you enjoy the show, and if you do, like all our content, feel free to share it with anyone is the sport performance field who you feel will find value in the content. 

  1. 2D AGO

    Season 6 Episode 14- Robert "Handy" Handerhan- Tech is Great But When Can It Obscure the Coaching Eye

    In this episode, Jay DeMayo sits down with Robert “Handy” Handerhan, a deeply experienced strength coach whose journey spans over 27 years of coaching at the highest levels of college basketball. Handy reveals the core mindset that transformed his coaching—from leveraging deep networks of mentors and peers to distilling training down to three fundamental ways to get stronger: move heavier, move faster, move more. You’ll discover: The importance of coaching in its purest form—knowing the athlete, technique, and the right doseHow legendary influences like Louis Simmons and Buddy Morris shaped a practical, results-driven philosophyThe real value behind traditional KPIs: availability, body composition, and capacity for work—and why they outperform high-tech solutionsHow to adapt training and rehab for different environments, from suburban gyms to city arenasWhy simplicity and coaching intelligence are still king in an era obsessed with data and gadgets This conversation isn’t just about training routines—it’s about the timeless art of effective coaching, understanding human biomechanics, and building a network that elevates everyone. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or performance enthusiast, you’ll come away with actionable insights to elevate your approach and stay ahead in an ever-changing game. Perfect for those hungry to deepen their understanding of athlete development and the core principles that last decades. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Handy and His Journey02:48 The Evolution of Strength Coaching05:46 Influences and Inspirations in Strength Training08:41 Adapting Training Methods for Different Athletes11:52 Key Performance Indicators in Strength Training14:43 The Role of Technology in Coaching17:47 The Importance of Coaching and Mentorship20:44 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

    32 min

  2. FEB 12

    Season 6 Episode 14- Paul Woelmer- Coaching Lessons From Sanding a Crib and Shredding Schedules

    In this episode of the Central Virginia Sport Performance Podcast, host Jay DeMayo welcomes Paul Woelmer, a strength coach at the University of Rhode Island. Paul shares his journey from a young athlete to a professional strength coach, detailing his experiences at various institutions, including Indiana University, the University of Alabama, and Holy Cross. He discusses the importance of learning from failures, building team culture, and the significance of personal development in coaching. Paul emphasizes the need for consistency, humility, and creativity in coaching, while also sharing memorable anecdotes from his career. The conversation highlights the value of embracing one's unique story and the lessons learned through various coaching experiences. Takeaways Paul's journey began with a passion for sports and strength training.He learned valuable lessons from his early internship experiences.Consistency and authenticity are key traits for successful coaching.Building relationships and setting standards are crucial for team culture.Creativity in warmups can enhance team bonding and performance.Embracing failure leads to personal and professional growth.The importance of being a humble learner in the coaching profession.Transcendent moments in training can teach valuable life lessons.Paul's coaching philosophy is influenced by his diverse experiences.He emphasizes the significance of faith, family, and pushing personal limits. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Paul Woelmer01:13 Paul's Early Life and Introduction to Strength Training05:34 Internship Experiences and Learning from Mentors09:24 Transitioning to Professional Strength Coaching12:45 In-Season Training and Professional Development15:43 Coaching Philosophy and Building Relationships21:19 Lessons from Various Coaching Stops23:56 Implementing Standards and Team Culture26:02 Rediscovering the Past: Lessons from the 1990s27:46 The Journey of Growth: Learning from Mistakes30:44 Creative Solutions: The Crib Project32:22 Pregame Rituals: Theatrical Warm-Ups38:46 Embracing Individual Stories: The Transcendent Rep45:32 Humility and Growth: Lessons for Young Coaches

    50 min

  3. FEB 2

    Season 6 Episode 13: Leo Stern- How Embracing Fun and Flexibility Boosts Team Performance

    SummaryIn this episode of the Central Virginia Sport Performance Podcast, host Jay DeMayo welcomes Leo Stern, a rising strength coach in college basketball. Leo shares his journey from Tokyo to the U.S., detailing his passion for the weight room and how it led him to coaching. He discusses his experiences at various institutions, the importance of building relationships with players and staff, and his evolving philosophy on warm-ups and training. Leo emphasizes the significance of creating a positive environment and adapting to the needs of his athletes, while also reflecting on the collaborative nature of modern coaching. The conversation concludes with Leo's insights on the future of coaching and the importance of mentorship.TakeawaysLeo Stern's journey from Tokyo to coaching in the U.S.The importance of building relationships with players and staff.Adapting training programs to meet individual athlete needs.Creating a positive and fun environment in the weight room.The evolution of warm-up routines and their significance.Understanding the balance between authority and collaboration in coaching.The impact of NIL on the coach-player dynamic.Learning from each coaching stop and its unique challenges.The role of mentorship in professional development.The future of coaching as a collaborative effort. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Leo Stern00:57 Leo's Journey to Coaching03:54 Lessons from Coaching Stops05:45 Transitioning to Fordham University07:55 Building Relationships with Players11:50 Warm-Up Philosophy and Evolution12:44 Weight Room Dynamics and Programming14:56 Controlled Chaos in Training19:51 The Future of Coaching and Collaboration23:37 Reflections on Coaching Evolution26:48 Closing Thoughts and Future Guests

    29 min

  4. JAN 13

    Season 6 Episode 12- Justin Rey: Do Your Job

    In this engaging episode of the Central Virginia Sport Performance Podcast, host Jay DeMayo sits down with Justin Rey, a distinguished strength coach at LaSalle University. The conversation delves into Justin's professional journey, beginning with his foundational experiences at St. Joe's University, where he was mentored by influential figures like Brian Bingaman and Ben Steenrod. Justin reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including his time with the University of Miami and the Philadelphia 76ers, emphasizing the critical role of networking and relationship-building in advancing within the sports industry. Justin shares his philosophy on time management and discipline, underscoring their importance in achieving success as a coach. He discusses the necessity of being adaptable in the ever-evolving landscape of sports coaching, where continuous learning and embracing new methodologies are vital. The episode also explores the challenges of athlete retention in today's dynamic sports environment, highlighting the impact of external factors such as the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals. Throughout the discussion, Justin emphasizes the value of maintaining strong connections with athletes and fellow coaches, advocating for open communication and trust as foundational elements of effective coaching. He shares personal anecdotes and lessons learned from his interactions with various head coaches, illustrating how these experiences have informed his approach to leadership and mentorship. The episode concludes with insights into the future of sports coaching, as Justin and Jay discuss the importance of being a consistent and reliable presence for athletes, while also navigating the complexities of modern sports dynamics. As Jay aptly puts it, "that's all you need to know about our vocation," encapsulating the core principles and values that define the coaching profession. This conversation offers valuable takeaways for aspiring coaches and sports professionals, providing a comprehensive look at the skills and mindset required to thrive in the competitive world of sports coaching. Make sure you tap in to Reps and Real Talk on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/2UYOzI2zGLfxRD5wW5Jqkd?si=6ac078203e204919 Takeaways Networking is crucial for career advancement in sports. Time management and discipline are key for success. Adaptability is essential in the evolving sports industry. Building strong relationships with athletes and coaches is vital. Continuous learning and education are important for coaches. Retaining athletes is a challenge in today's sports landscape. Understanding different sports cultures can enhance coaching. Effective communication builds trust with athletes. Coaches should be consistent and reliable for their teams. The sports industry requires wearing many hats and multitasking. Sound bites "Networking is crucial in sports." "Time management is key." "Adaptability is essential." "Build strong relationships." "Continuous learning is vital." "Retaining athletes is challenging." "Understand different sports cultures." "Effective communication builds trust." "Be consistent and reliable." "Wear many hats in sports." Chapters00:16 Introduction to Justin Rey01:50 Justin's Journey in Coaching05:32 The Importance of Networking and Relationships08:14 Time Management and Discipline in Coaching11:26 Evolving as a Coach Through Different Leadership16:43 Adapting to Change in Coaching Environments23:08 Navigating Player Retention and Team Dynamics29:30 Advice for Young Coaches30:00 Closing Thoughts and Future Guests

    30 min

  5. JAN 5

    Season 6 Episode 11- Cliff Spiller- How To Help Your Athletes Building Habits for Success

    In this episode of the Central Virginia Sport Performance Podcast, host Jay DeMayo welcomes Cliff Spiller to the Atlantic 10 and to The Podcast. Cliff shares his journey from working with top NBA teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and the Utah Jazz to his current role at Hawk Hill. He emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence in coaching, drawing from his experiences with renowned coaches and athletes. Cliff discusses his holistic approach to athlete development, focusing on building daily habits and routines that extend beyond the court. He also touches on the impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) on college athletes and the evolving conversations around financial literacy and career longevity. Throughout the conversation, Cliff's passion for coaching and commitment to athlete well-being shine through, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in sports performance and coaching philosophy. Make sure you hop over to Instagram and give him a follow @cliffspillercscs takeaways Cliff Spiller has over 10 years of coaching experience at the highest level. Emotional intelligence is crucial for effective coaching. Building daily habits is essential for athlete development. NIL has changed the dynamics of coaching and athlete motivation. Constant communication with athletes enhances their understanding and compliance. Understanding athletes as individuals is key to effective coaching. Small changes in training can lead to significant long-term benefits. Cliff emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to athlete development. Coaches should focus on the 'why' behind training protocols. Cliff's journey reflects the importance of learning from various coaching environments. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cliff Spiller 01:18 Cliff's Journey in Strength and Conditioning 03:57 Learning from the Best: Influences on Coaching Philosophy 10:40 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Coaching 11:53 Establishing Presence in a New Environment 18:01 Building Daily Habits and Routines 28:12 Navigating NIL and Financial Conversations with Athletes 35:11 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

    38 min

  6. 12/23/2025

    Season 6 Episode 10- Daniel Roose - Figure It Out

    In this engaging conversation, Jay DeMayo and Daniel Roose discuss the unique journey of a strength coach in college basketball, focusing on the importance of mentorship, building systems for success, and the need for fun in coaching. Roose shares insights on individualized training approaches, the significance of work-life balance, and the value of developing future coaches. The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of college sports and the critical role of strength and conditioning in athlete development.TakeawaysDaniel Roose emphasizes the importance of mentorship in developing young strength coaches.Having a contract that answers to administrators provides job security and autonomy.Building systems and processes allows for smoother transitions between coaching staff.The culture of returning former players enhances the training environment.Individualized training approaches are crucial for older athletes with extensive training backgrounds.Fun and enjoyment in coaching are essential for long-term success.Work-life balance is a critical aspect of sustaining a career in coaching.Understanding athletes' needs and providing autonomy leads to better performance.The landscape of college basketball has evolved, requiring adaptability from coaches.Creating a supportive environment for athletes fosters a positive culture. Chapters00:00 The Unique Journey of a Strength Coach05:46 Building Systems and Processes for Success08:29 The Importance of Mentorship in Coaching11:28 Creating a Culture of Return and Involvement14:19 Finding the Right Fit: Hiring Young Coaches17:24 The Evolution of Training Approaches20:18 Balancing Work and Life in Coaching23:05 The Value of Fun in Coaching26:09 Learning from Experience and Growth29:06 Looking Ahead: Future Guests and Conversations

    33 min

  7. 12/15/2025

    Season 6 Episode 9: Keon Marsh- Trust Is Gained In Inches And Lost In Yards

    SummaryIn this episode of the Central Virginia Sport Performance Podcast, host Jay DeMayo welcomes Keon Marsh from George Mason University. They discuss Keon's journey in coaching, his evolving philosophy, and the importance of assessing players to tailor training programs. Keon shares insights on building standards and expectations within the team, the impact of the transfer portal, and the significance of empowering athletes beyond the weight room. The conversation also touches on the importance of building relationships within the coaching staff and the role of fun in creating a positive training environment. Keon concludes by suggesting future guests for the podcast.TakeawaysKeon Marsh shares his journey from intern to strength coach.The importance of a coaching journal for continuous improvement.Adapting training programs based on player assessments.Building a culture of grit and toughness within the team.The transfer portal allows for reinvention in coaching.Empowering athletes involves education on nutrition and recovery.Building trust within the coaching staff takes time and communication.Fun in training enhances relationships with players.The role of standards in driving performance outcomes.Coaching is a process that requires patience and adaptability.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Keon Marsh and His Journey03:06 Evolving Coaching Philosophy and Programming07:02 Assessing Players and Tailoring Training11:49 Building Standards and Expectations13:03 The Impact of the Transfer Portal16:57 Empowering Athletes Beyond the Weight Room19:03 Developing Relationships Within the Coaching Staff22:49 The Importance of Fun in Training29:54 Future Guests and Closing ThoughtsKeywordsKeon Marsh, coaching philosophy, strength training, player assessment, transfer portal, athlete empowerment, coaching relationships, fun in sports, performance training, basketball coaching

    32 min

  8. 12/08/2025

    Season 5 Episode 8- Casey Cathrall- Don’t Compound The Issue.

    In this episode of the Central Virginia Sport Performance Podcast, host Jay DeMayo sits down with Casey Cathrall from the University of Dayton. They discuss the impact of AI on content creation, the evolution of strength and conditioning in college sports, and the importance of building foundational routines for athletes. Casey shares insights from his career journey, including his time at La Tech and his current role at Dayton, emphasizing the significance of adaptability and maintaining a fun, engaging environment for athletes. Keywords AI, content creation, strength and conditioning, college sports, athlete development, foundational routines, adaptability, fun environment, University of Dayton, La Tech Takeaways Building foundational routines is key for athletes. Adaptability is crucial in strength and conditioning. Maintaining a fun environment enhances athlete engagement. Casey Cathrall's career journey is inspiring. La Tech has a strong legacy in strength coaching. University of Dayton fosters athlete development. Transfer portal impacts training strategies. Consistency is challenging in the transfer era. Fun and autonomy are vital for athlete buy-in.

    30 min
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About

Thanks for checking out The CVASPS Podcast! On our show will bring the best practitioners in the field of strength and conditioning from around the world together to discuss all aspects of athlete development. Each show has a unique theme that is designed to help your athletes in improve performance. We hope you enjoy the show, and if you do, like all our content, feel free to share it with anyone is the sport performance field who you feel will find value in the content. 

Information

  • Creator
    Central VA Sport Performance
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    658
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Central VA Sport Performance
  • Show Website
    CVASPS The Podcast