Talkin' Pitt #51 When Simple Wins: Programming, VBT, and Culture - Lilly Bernardi - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

In this episode of Talkin’ Pitt, Devin sits down with Coach Lily Bernardi (UNC – Olympic Sports Strength and Conditioning) to discuss culture, simplicity in programming, and what it truly takes to integrate with teams beyond the weight room. A former Division I lacrosse defender, Lily traces her path from Hofstra (GA) → Fordham → back to Hofstra → North Carolina and shares how returning to a previous stop shaped her perspective on honoring tradition while building something new.

You’ll hear how Lily structures training for softball, women’s tennis, and gymnastics, keeping a simple “checklist” that never loses sight of the basics (bilateral + single-leg patterns, multi-planar work, multiple pressing/pulling angles, bracing/breathing, and targeted mobility). She breaks down her Olympic lift teaching progression (tall variations, pulls, complexes → then full lifts), why med balls and landmines are staples, and how tendos/VBT gradually enter the plan in-season. We also dig into the tennis calendar (hello, year-round play), how she thinks about “strong enough” (hint: context and KPIs), and why showing up at practice is a cheat code for buy-in.

The back half is pure coaching gold: staff scheduling that respects travel, keeping traditions (yes—the floor logo) without becoming rigid, individualizing without overcomplicating, and the books that shaped her philosophy (The Culture Code, CEO Strength Coach, and Movement Over Maxes). We finish with a fun, quick-hitter favorite dessert (NY cheesecake), a dream superpower (teleportation), and the advice she’d give 18-year-old Lily: put your head down, work hard, and trust the journey.

Teambuildr Trail Code

Use code PITT at checkout.

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Lilly Bernardi Contact

Instagram: @lilly_bernardi

Music Credit

Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”