Samson Strength Coach Collective

Samson Strength Coach Collective

5.0 (6)
EDUCATION
UPDATED WEEKLY

Samson Strength Coach Collective is created with coaches of all levels in mind! We want it to be a resource for coaches to be able to learn and grow all year round. With a great network of coaches to lean on, this will allow us to raise the standard in our industry! Nothing like some shop talk that leads to coaching gems to enhance your career.

6D AGO

Expanding Your Role as a Coach with Trevor Sackmann | Samson Strength Coach Collective

Trevor Sackmann, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at the University of Hawaii, joins the Samson Strength Coach Collective to discuss how the role of the strength coach continues to evolve. Drawing from a unique career path that included coaching internationally in China and developing athletes in college settings, Trevor explains why today’s strength coach must be more than a weight room specialist. Throughout the conversation, Trevor highlights the importance of communication, collaboration, athlete monitoring, and developing trust with sport coaches. He shares practical lessons on using technology to support conversations, understanding the bigger picture of athlete development, and learning how to create buy-in from both athletes and staff. This episode is a strong reminder that the best strength coaches are not just writing programs. They are helping lead the entire performance process. Key Takeaways The modern strength coach must add value outside the weight room Communication and collaboration often have more impact than the perfect program Technology can help open doors to better conversations with sport coaches Athlete monitoring becomes more useful when paired with trust and context Buy-in from athletes and coaches can drive better outcomes than rigid programming Long-term development requires flexibility, patience, and perspective Growth as a coach often comes through criticism, discomfort, and adapting your approach Quote “The strength and conditioning coach more often than not is bound to the weight room, but the best coaches find ways to expand their value beyond it.” — Trevor Sackmann

1 hr
MAR 20

The Relationship Most Strength Coaches Get Wrong with Jess Kinder| Samson Strength Coach Collective

In this episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, Jess Kinder, Senior Associate Athletic Trainer at Appalachian State University, joins the show to unpack one of the most overlooked dynamics in sports performance: the relationship between the strength coach and the athletic trainer. Jess shares how her background in athletic training shaped her athlete-first approach and why trust and communication are essential when performance staffs work together. She explains where this relationship can break down, often through poor communication, ego, or a lack of respect for each other’s expertise, and how strong collaboration can directly improve athlete health, recovery, and performance. The conversation also explores rehab philosophy, common basketball injuries, long-term athlete care, and the importance of teaching athletes how to take ownership of their bodies. From daily communication to return-to-play decisions, Jess offers a practical look at what it takes for support staff to truly function as one team. The relationship between strength coaches and athletic trainers can directly impact athlete health and performance. Poor communication, ego, and a lack of trust are often what make this relationship break down. Great performance staffs respect professional boundaries while still working closely together. Foundational rehab and simple training principles still matter most. Athletes benefit most when everyone around them is aligned on the same message. “At the end of the day, neither of us have jobs without the athletes.” Key TakeawaysQuote

44 min
MAR 13

Life of an International Strength Coach with Nico Scharinger | Samson Strength Coach Collective

In this episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we sit down with Nico Scharinger, Coaching Assistant at Florida State University. Nico shares his unique journey from playing soccer in Europe to pursuing a career in strength and conditioning in the United States. Throughout the conversation, Nico discusses the major cultural differences between European and American strength and conditioning systems, and why the collegiate sports model in the U.S. offers opportunities that don’t always exist overseas. He explains how discovering the American college sports environment sparked his interest in pursuing strength coaching abroad. Nico also breaks down the realities of the visa and immigration process for international coaches and students, offering insights into how preparation and persistence are key for navigating those challenges. The conversation highlights how embracing change, moving between environments, and continuously learning can shape a successful career in strength and conditioning. Key Takeaways: Nico transitioned from playing soccer in Europe to pursuing strength coaching in the United States. The U.S. collegiate athletics model provides unique opportunities for strength coaches. International coaches must be proactive when navigating visa and immigration processes. Cultural differences between Europe and the U.S. influence training philosophies and opportunities. Adaptability and openness to change are essential traits for long-term coaching success. Quote: “First of all, other sports are growing now. But it wasn't like in the US. I was like, that's just a college—how are there 10,000 people watching this game? A strength coach posted a video about the college experience and I thought, that's really cool. So I searched a little more about it and just got interested in it.” — Nico Scharinger

48 min
MAR 6

Mastering Growth Mindset with Leo Totten

In this episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, Leo Totten shares insights from a 50-year career in strength and conditioning. From his early influences in Olympic weightlifting to leading successful teams and mentoring generations of coaches, Leo reflects on how the profession has evolved and what remains timeless. Leo discusses the importance of cultivating a growth mindset, striving for elite standards, and continuously learning throughout your career. He emphasizes the value of relationships in coaching, the necessity of work-life balance, and the discipline required to lead athletes and programs effectively. This conversation offers practical wisdom for coaches at every stage who want to build sustainable success while maintaining perspective and purpose. Key Takeaways The foundation of great coaching begins with a commitment to continuous learning. A growth mindset is essential for long-term success in strength and conditioning. Building successful programs requires leadership, standards, and community. Relationships with athletes and family must be intentionally prioritized. Elite performance demands tenacity—but also knowing when to let go. Quote "Strive for the elite mindset." — Leo Totten

56 min
FEB 27

Jeff Madden on Strength, Championships & Legacy

In this episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, Jeff Madden reflects on his legendary career in strength and conditioning, beginning as a 21-year-old coach and evolving into a national championship-winning leader. He shares the critical role quality equipment plays in athlete development, the collaborative innovations he experienced with Samson Equipment, and the realities of navigating university procurement processes. Jeff dives into the relationships that define the profession — from administrators and donors to athletes whose lives are shaped in the weight room. Through championship victories and difficult losses, he emphasizes that strength coaching is ultimately about preparation, trust, and building a lasting legacy. Key Takeaways Jeff Madden began his strength coaching career at just 21 years old. Strong relationships with equipment manufacturers lead to meaningful innovation. Quality equipment directly impacts athlete performance and training culture. University procurement processes can be one of the biggest challenges for strength coaches. Championship programs are built through preparation, consistency, and trust. Strength coaches play a central role in the success of athletic departments. Personal connections with athletes often outlast wins and losses. Samson Equipment has played a significant role in the evolution of modern weight rooms. Quote "You can't coach his heart." — Jeff Madden

45 min
FEB 20

Built for the Weight Room with Richard McClure

In this episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, Richard McClure breaks down what truly separates high-quality strength equipment from the rest. Drawing from his experiences in elite collegiate programs like USC, UCLA, and Kansas State, Richard explains how durability is tested in real-world training environments—not just in theory. He reflects on the legacy of well-built equipment, the role it plays in shaping athlete development, and why high school programs in particular benefit from investing in long-lasting free weight solutions. This conversation highlights how thoughtful design, hands-on experimentation, and a commitment to quality directly influence training outcomes and program success. Key Takeaways Understanding the technical side of equipment helps coaches make smarter investments. Durability is proven under real training conditions, not marketing claims. Elite programs prioritize equipment that withstands daily, high-volume use. Equipment design impacts safety, performance, and long-term athlete development. High school weight rooms especially benefit from dependable, long-lasting equipment. Experimentation and stress-testing reveal what truly holds up over time. The legacy of a weight room is often tied to the quality of its tools. Quote: "We tried every which way to destroy this stuff." — Richard McClure

51 min
FEB 13

Raising the Standard with Dana LeDuc

In this episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, Samson sits down with Dana LeDuc to discuss his experiences working with Dave and Linda Schrader, founders of Samson Equipment. Dana shares his journey from being a world-class shot putter to serving as a strength coach at the University of Texas. Along the way, he reflects on how strength training methodologies and equipment have evolved over the years. Dana recounts his first interactions with Dave and Linda and how their willingness to customize equipment set them apart in the industry. At a time when many companies offered rigid, one-size-fits-all solutions, Samson Equipment prioritized collaboration and quality. Dana explains how access to durable, athlete-centered equipment transformed his training environment and positively impacted performance. He closes the conversation with gratitude for the legacy Dave and Linda built and the influence they’ve had on generations of strength coaches. Key Takeaways: Dana LeDuc’s transition from elite shot putter to collegiate strength coach shaped his training philosophy. Early strength training environments often relied on subpar, outdated equipment. Samson Equipment stood out by offering customization and collaboration. High-quality equipment directly impacts athlete performance and training culture. Dave and Linda Schrader built a legacy rooted in relationships and service to coaches. Quote" “Their willingness to listen and build what we actually needed changed everything for us.” — Dana LeDuc

1h 14m
FEB 6

Strength Built to Last with Jerry Simmons

In this episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, Jerry Simmons shares a lifetime of lessons learned through strength coaching at every level—from college football and the NFL to Special Forces training. Growing up on a farm instilled a work ethic that shaped his coaching philosophy and expectations. Jerry reflects on mentorship, athlete evaluation, equipment quality, and the relationships that define a long career, while celebrating 50 years of Samson Equipment and its role in the profession. Key Takeaways: A farming mentality builds discipline, consistency, and accountability Hard work remains the great separator in coaching success Great coaches recognize athletes as people first Mentorship shapes careers more than job titles Equipment quality directly impacts training standards and safety Relationships are the true legacy of strength and conditioning Quote “If you’re gonna be good at it, you’re gonna have to work hard at it.”— Jerry Simmons

52 min

5

out of 5

6 Ratings

Samson Strength Coach Collective is created with coaches of all levels in mind! We want it to be a resource for coaches to be able to learn and grow all year round. With a great network of coaches to lean on, this will allow us to raise the standard in our industry! Nothing like some shop talk that leads to coaching gems to enhance your career.

Creator

Samson Strength Coach Collective
Years Active

2020 - 2026
Episodes

250
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Samson Strength Coach Collective
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