Pitchside Performance Podcast

Dr. Zachary Atwood & Elisa Baeron
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to the Pitchside Performance Podcast, hosted by Dr. Zack Atwood, performance physical therapist, and Elisa Baeron, sports performance coach. As former college soccer players, we bring you expert insights on soccer-specific rehab, elite performance training, and athlete recovery. Each episode, we dive deep into injury prevention, strength development, and what it takes to excel in soccer—whether you’re a player, coach, or clinician. We also feature interviews with current and former players, sharing real-world advice and stories from the pitch.

Episodes

  1. Episode 12: Interview with Elisa Bäron

    04/29/2025

    Episode 12: Interview with Elisa Bäron

    In this episode, we sit down with Elisa Baeron to break down the key differences between training college athletes and professional athletes. We dive into why pro athletes require longer warm-ups, more recovery time, and a greater focus on balancing training loads with demanding game schedules. Elisa discusses how the emphasis shifts from development at the college level to management and maintenance at the professional level — and why both technology and subjective athlete feedback are critical tools for monitoring readiness and performance. Whether you're a coach, therapist, or athlete, this episode will give you valuable insight into how to evolve your approach as athletes move to the next level.

    37 min
  2. Episode 11: Interview with Dr. Spencer Nolff

    04/01/2025

    Episode 11: Interview with Dr. Spencer Nolff

    In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Spencer Nolff, former captain of the Oakland Grizzlies and now a performance physical therapist with a deep passion for helping soccer players overcome injury and return to peak form. Spencer shares his journey from growing up in the game to leading at the collegiate level — and how his own injuries, experiences, and frustrations with the rehab process led him to pursue a career in sports physical therapy. We dive into: ⚽ His playing days and leadership as a collegiate captain ⚙️ What he wishes he knew about injury prevention as a player 🧠 His current approach to rehabbing soccer athletes with purpose and precision 📊 The patterns he sees with soccer injuries — and how he’s changing the way they’re treated Whether you’re a player, coach, or clinician, this one’s packed with insight, perspective, and real talk about bridging the gap between rehab and return to play.

    31 min
  3. Episode 10: Interview with Avery Peters

    02/17/2025

    Episode 10: Interview with Avery Peters

    Today we welcome Avery Peters to the podcast. Avery just finished her 4 years at the university of Michigan and now transferred to western I’m Michigan for her fifth year. She is a versatile player, who likes to find herself in the center of the field. Avery gives a tremendous insight into what it takes to become a Division 1 soccer player, what her journey was like overcoming two ACLs back to back, and provides valuable life lessons. Let’s tune in!

    34 min
  4. Episode 9: Interview with Dr. Frankie Genoese

    01/21/2025

    Episode 9: Interview with Dr. Frankie Genoese

    In this episode, we’re thrilled to host Dr. Frankie Genoese, Assistant Professor at the University of Wyoming and a leading researcher in ACL rehabilitation. Dr. Genoese delves into groundbreaking insights that bridge the psychological and physical aspects of ACL recovery, covering: 🧠 Fear and Knee Function: How injury-related fear influences recovery. 🦵 Reaction Time Insights: Differences in response times between contact and non-contact ACL injuries. 📱 Mindfulness in Recovery: Leveraging mobile apps and mindfulness techniques for better outcomes. 🎯 Goal Setting and Coping: Strategies to enhance confidence and performance post-injury. This episode is a must-listen for clinicians, coaches, and athletes looking to take ACL rehab to the next level with evidence-based strategies and practical advice. Tune in now and elevate your approach to ACL rehabilitation!

    57 min
  5. Episode 8: Interview with Devon Amoo-Mensah

    01/08/2025

    Episode 8: Interview with Devon Amoo-Mensah

    We sit down with Devon Amoo-Mensah, pro footballer with Detroit City FC, to discuss his incredible journey to the pros. From challenges to comebacks, Devon shares what it takes to overcome setbacks and reach the top.

    37 min
  6. Episode 7: Interview with Ashley Triplett

    12/09/2024

    Episode 7: Interview with Ashley Triplett

    In this episode, we sit down with Ashley Triplett, Associate Research Scientist at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center. Ashley shares her journey from earning her PhD at Michigan State University, where she focused on ACL injuries, to her current role working with elite athletes. We dive into: - The importance of testing during different phases of ACL rehab - Insights from her research and how it applies to real-world recovery - Her experiences working with Olympic and Paralympic athletes - How her expertise shaped her own recovery journey after experiencing an ACL injury herself If you’re an athlete, coach, or clinician looking to improve ACL rehab outcomes, this is one episode you won’t want to miss!

    55 min
  7. Episode 6: Interview with Jordan Tyler

    11/25/2024

    Episode 6: Interview with Jordan Tyler

    Jordan shares his journey from growing up in Michigan and playing with Wolves Soccer Club to winning the Big 10 title at Penn State after recovering from his first ACL injury. He discusses transferring to Coastal Carolina, embarking on a professional career in Iceland, and the differences between rehab in the U.S. and overseas. We dive deep into: - How Jordan overcame injuries and stayed resilient. - The challenges of transitioning to professional soccer. - Insights into staying healthy and performing at an elite level. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways and inspiration. Tune in and hear what it takes to thrive at the highest levels of the game!

    37 min
  8. Episode 5: Interview with Shannon McCarthy

    11/06/2024

    Episode 5: Interview with Shannon McCarthy

    Join us as we dive into the incredible journey of professional soccer player Shannon McCarthy. From her early days in club soccer to college, and ultimately playing professionally, Shannon shares the highs and lows of her career. Discover her favorite moments overseas, the challenges of facing and overcoming multiple knee injuries, and her triumphant comebacks with Detroit City FC, Flint, and the USA Mini Football team. Learn about her rehab process, the mindset it took to stay in the game, and the unique approaches that fueled her recovery and resilience. This is a story of grit, passion, and perseverance that every athlete can learn from.

    41 min
  9. Episode 4: Bridging the Gap: Strength & Conditioning’s Role in Mid to Late Stage ACL Rehab

    10/29/2024

    Episode 4: Bridging the Gap: Strength & Conditioning’s Role in Mid to Late Stage ACL Rehab

    In Episode 4, we explore the critical role strength and conditioning coaches play in ACL rehab, especially during the mid to late stages of recovery. Join us as we break down essential programming components, share effective strategies, and discuss how strength training bridges the gap from rehab to return to play. We’ll dive into key principles of program design that support optimal recovery, reduce re-injury risk, and set the foundation for full performance. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or clinician, this episode offers practical insights for accelerating ACL rehab with confidence and purpose.

    28 min
  10. Episode 3: ACL Rehab: Preparing for Return to Running and Transitioning to Strength Training

    10/22/2024

    Episode 3: ACL Rehab: Preparing for Return to Running and Transitioning to Strength Training

    In this episode of the Pitchside Performance Podcast, Dr. Zack Atwood and Elisa Baeron dive into the midstage of ACL rehab, focusing on how to safely prepare athletes for their return to running. We’ll cover essential milestones, strength benchmarks, and when it’s truly time to transition from rehab into the weight room. Elisa shares key strategies for building strength and confidence, ensuring a smooth return to sport. Whether you're a player, coach, or clinician, this episode provides practical advice to elevate recovery and performance. Tune in and get ready to take your ACL rehab to the next level!

    22 min
  11. Episode 2: Navigating the First 6 Weeks After ACL Reconstruction – Building the Foundation for a Strong Comeback

    10/15/2024

    Episode 2: Navigating the First 6 Weeks After ACL Reconstruction – Building the Foundation for a Strong Comeback

    In this episode, we dive into the crucial first 6 weeks following ACL reconstruction. We’ll break down the key milestones, early rehab strategies, and how to set the foundation for a successful return to sport. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or parent, you'll gain valuable insights on bridging the gap between rehab and performance from day one.

    26 min
  12. Episode 1: ACL Injuries in Soccer: Who’s at Risk, How They Happen, and Key Performance Tips for Prevention

    10/08/2024

    Episode 1: ACL Injuries in Soccer: Who’s at Risk, How They Happen, and Key Performance Tips for Prevention

    In our first episode of the Pitchside Performance Podcast, Dr. Zack Atwood and Elisa Baeron dive deep into ACL injuries—what they are, how they occur, and who is most at risk. We break down the mechanisms behind ACL injuries in soccer, the common risk factors, and the athletes most susceptible to these injuries. We also provide actionable performance tips and injury prevention strategies to help athletes reduce their risk and stay on the field longer. Whether you're recovering from an ACL injury or looking to avoid one, this episode is packed with valuable insights for players, coaches, and sports professionals. Tune in and take the first step towards a stronger, safer game!

    23 min
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Pitchside Performance Podcast, hosted by Dr. Zack Atwood, performance physical therapist, and Elisa Baeron, sports performance coach. As former college soccer players, we bring you expert insights on soccer-specific rehab, elite performance training, and athlete recovery. Each episode, we dive deep into injury prevention, strength development, and what it takes to excel in soccer—whether you’re a player, coach, or clinician. We also feature interviews with current and former players, sharing real-world advice and stories from the pitch.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Zachary Atwood & Elisa Baeron
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Pitchside Performance Podcast 2024
  • Show Website
    Pitchside Performance Podcast