Talkin' Pitt by Pitt Sports Performance

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The Strength and Conditioning and Sports Science staff at the University of Pittsburgh sit down to discuss the evolution of sports performance

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Talkin' Pitt #53 "Intern Development, Conditioning Truths, and Making the Weight Room Fun” - Kevin Deitz - University of Cincinnati

    Today on Talkin’ Pitt, Devin sits down with Kevin Deitz (University of Cincinnati) for a candid conversation about coaching with purpose and clarity. Kevin shares why he’s fallen back in love with learning (hello, early-morning reading blocks) and what he’s discovered since taking over the Bearcats’ internship program from recording Zoom lectures and “lab” videos (Perch setups, technique demos) to simplifying the curriculum and meeting students where they are. They dig into conditioning realities across field sports: why every athlete needs some aerobic base, where tests like the Yo-Yo vs. Beep fit, and how to separate “not fit enough” from “we got outplayed”. Kevin walks through his in-season soccer microdose approach, which includes timing gates every Tuesday to chase 95%+ top speed, low-volume sprint exposures, daily on-field plyometrics matched to practice demands, and option-based lifts (1–3) that give athletes autonomy while maintaining high standards.   Beyond sets and reps, Kevin’s coaching philosophy centers on kindness, authenticity, and joy: crank the music, let athletes choose wisely, educate them on the “why,” and build an environment where smiles make you stronger. The episode concludes with quick hitters (favorite dessert, perfect day off, a must-try Cincy spot) and one piece of advice Kevin would give his 18-year-old self: grow up, zoom out, and value what truly matters —relationships, sanity, and impact. Highlights Rebooting an internship program: Zoom lectures + recorded labs, clearer basics, better videos, less overwhelm Testing ≠ the sport: using tests to profile qualities, then preparing with actual soccer demands Speed in season: two timed sprints weekly, PR-chasing with sensible cutoffs, daily plyos organized by vector Autonomy with guardrails: optioned lifts (recovery → get-after-it) based on minutes and readiness Coaching ethos: reduce ego, increase empathy; make the room fun so athletes want to train   Teambuildr Trail Code Use code PITT at checkout.   Pitt Sports Performance Instagram @pitt_sportsperformance   Pitt Sports Performance Twitter @pitt_science                                                                          Austin Kevin Deitz Email: deitzki@ucmail.uc.edu Instagram @kevin_deitz     Music Credit Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”

    1h 6m

  2. 17 OCT

    Talkin' Pitt # 52 Building Better Systems: Austin Tomaz on Testing, Data, and Development in Pro Soccer

    In this episode of Talking Pitt, Coach Young sits down with Austin Tomaz, Strength and Conditioning Coach for Carolina Ascent FC, part of the growing women’s professional soccer scene.   Austin shares his path from never playing organized soccer to carving out a niche in the sport’s high-performance world, discussing how curiosity, problem-solving, and data-driven systems shaped his coaching philosophy. The two dive deep into force plate testing, mid-thigh pull implementation, and creating efficient systems for athlete profiling, all while balancing the human side of coaching and buy-in.   They explore topics like: Transitioning from collegiate S&C to the pro level and the evolving landscape of women’s soccer performance Building testing systems with limited staff using Hawkin Dynamics and Vald tools How to use force plate data (CMJ, IMTP, drop jump metrics) to drive programming and identify weaknesses The importance of eccentric strength, readiness tracking, and individualized French contrast pairings Using manual muscle testing and asymmetry analysis to guide activation and injury prevention Why trimming the fat in programming and sticking to what matters creates better results   Austin also reflects on lessons learned through his journey from simplifying systems to embracing humility and shares advice for young coaches about doing more with less and never being afraid to admit you don’t know something yet. If you’re a strength coach looking to understand better applied sport science, testing metrics, or athlete profiling without a whole sports science staff, this conversation will hit home.   Teambuildr Trail Code Use code PITT at checkout.   Pitt Sports Performance Instagram @pitt_sportsperformance   Pitt Sports Performance Twitter @pitt_science                                                                          Austin Tomaz Contact Email: austintomaz13@gmail.com     Music Credit Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”

    1h 11m

  3. 26 SEPT

    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.   Pitt Sports Performance Instagram @pitt_sportsperformance   Pitt Sports Performance Twitter @pitt_science                                                                          Lilly Bernardi Contact Instagram: @lilly_bernardi     Music Credit Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”

    49 min

  4. 15 AUG

    Talkin Pitt #50 The Art of Problem Solving in College Ahtletics - Rob Nelson - Penn State

    This week on Talkin’ Pitt, we sat down with Rob Nelson, Assistant Athletic Performance Coach at Penn State, and let me just say this one goes deep.   We kicked things off by discussing what it means to be a “problem solver” in the strength and conditioning world, particularly in the context of constant roster turnover created by the transfer portal. Rob broke down how he builds individualized training plans based on athlete roles, team needs, and movement patterns, all while balancing the realities of limited time and high expectations.   We also dive into athlete ownership in the weight room, training through winter blues, recovery vs. performance, and how honesty, accountability, and clear communication drive real results. From player-led lift groups to managing workload in chaotic travel schedules, Rob shares tons of actionable takeaways for coaches at every level.   If you're in the field, this one will hit home, honest, insightful, and full of practical gems.     Pitt Sports Performance Instagram @pitt_sportsperformance   Pitt Sports Performance Twitter @pitt_science                                                                          Rob Nelson Contact Instagram: @strengthcoachrob Email: rbn5248@psu.edu     Music Credit Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”

    1h 29m

  5. 25 JUL

    Talkin' Pitt #49 From Softball to Sidelines: Coach Grossman’s Journey in Strength & Conditioning

    In this episode of Talkin’ Pitt, Coach Devin sits down with Coach Tessa Grossman, Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach for football at the University of Colorado Boulder. Tessa shares her inspiring journey from being told she wasn’t strong enough to play D1 softball to falling in love with the weight room, earning her stripes in the private sector, and carving her path in collegiate athletics.   Coach Grossman opens up about: How being told "you’re not strong enough" sparked her lifelong commitment to S&C Navigating Ivy League academics as a sociology major and how it shaped her coaching philosophy The value of relationship-building and curiosity in athlete development Why she left a director role in women’s basketball to pursue her dream in football Imposter syndrome, authenticity, and staying grounded in a male-dominated sport   Tessa also breaks down how she mentors interns, builds autonomy through critical thinking, and the key lessons she’s learned transitioning between basketball and football. This one’s packed with honesty, reflection, and real-world advice for anyone looking to grow in the strength and conditioning field. 📲 Connect with Coach Tessa on Instagram: @coachtessagrossman     Pitt Sports Performance Instagram @pitt_sportsperformance   Pitt Sports Performance Twitter @pitt_science                                                                          Tessa Grossman Contact Instagram: @coachtessagrossman Email: tessa.grossman@colorado.edu     Music Credit Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”

    1h 5m

  6. 11 JUL

    Talkin' Pitt #48 Transition from collegiate S&C to private sector & business owner - Jessica Burke

    In this week’s episode of Talkin' Pitt, Coach Young sits down with Coach Jessica Burke for one of the most open and real conversations we’ve had on the show. We delve into her journey from earning an economics degree to pursuing strength and conditioning, navigating imposter syndrome, the pressure of being "behind" in a competitive field, and why she ultimately chose to step away from collegiate athletics.   We discuss the realities of coaching life — the long hours, the sacrifices, and how it affects your relationships outside the weight room. Jess shares how she built her own lane in the private sector, started her own coaching business, and is still making athletes resilient while baking some damn good scones on the side.   Whether you're deep in the college S&C grind or thinking about making a jump into the private space, this episode hits home.   🗣 Topics include: – Starting without an exercise science degree – Being older than your fellow interns – Collegiate burnout and sustainability – Entrepreneurship in the S&C world – Coaching the general population like a pro – Owning your strengths   As always, thanks for tuning in, and Hail to Pitt.     Pitt Sports Performance Instagram @pitt_sportsperformance   Pitt Sports Performance Twitter @pitt_science                                                                          Jessica Burke Contact Instagram: @coachjburke Podcast: The Strength Chick Podcast     Music Credit Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”

    58 min

  7. 30 MAY

    Talkin' Pitt #47 The Reality of College Hoops S&C: George Boulos - James Madison University

    In this episode of Talkin’ Pitt, Coach Young catches up with my good friend George Boulos, Director of basketball performance at James Madison University. We dive deep into his coaching journey from his Pittsburgh roots to bouncing between college and private sector roles, and how he found his way back to collegiate athletics. George shares insights on: 🔹 Managing high roster turnover in the transfer portal era 🔹 Building trust with coaches through effective communication and GPS data 🔹 How he uses isometric training (especially Spanish squats and reverse lunges) to keep his guys healthy 🔹 Why the long-term athlete development model is nearly extinct in college basketball 🔹 His approach to on-boarding freshmen and customizing training blocks 🔹 The importance of financial literacy and side hustles in a field where burnout is real We also geek out on programming inspiration from Christian Thibaudeau, cluster training, and using GPS tech to better understand player readiness. This one’s packed with experience, real talk, and practical takeaways, whether you’re in the private sector, college, or somewhere in between.   Pitt Sports Performance Instagram @pitt_sportsperformance   Pitt Sports Performance Twitter @pitt_science                                                                          George Boulos Contact Instagram: @gcboulos Email: boulosgc@jmu.edu       Music Credit Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”

    1h 8m

  8. 18 APR

    Talkin' Pitt #46 Getting Started in Strength & Conditioning- Dani Evans- Liberty University

    This week on Talkin' Pitt, we sit down with Coach Dani Evans, currently in charge of women's lacrosse, volleyball, and field hockey at Liberty University. Danny shares her journey through the field of strength and conditioning, from discovering the profession late in college to working under some of the best in the game, like Mike Boyle, Jeff Oliver, and the crew at Pitt. We talk: Her non-linear path into S&C and what drew her in Interning at Mike Boyle’s, having no idea who he was The difference between private sector coaching vs. collegiate teams Lessons from stops at Stanford, Merrimack, and Pitt Juggling 3 teams in-season at Liberty and how she makes it all work Her growth as a coach and person over the last two years This one’s packed with real talk, mentorship gems, and a behind-the-scenes look at the grind (and joy) of being a collegiate strength coach     Pitt Sports Performance Instagram @pitt_sportsperformance   Pitt Sports Performance Twitter @pitt_science                                                                          Dani Evans Contact Instagram: @builtbydani Email: devans175@liberty.edu       Music Credit Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”

    1h 7m
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The Strength and Conditioning and Sports Science staff at the University of Pittsburgh sit down to discuss the evolution of sports performance

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