CVASPS The Podcast

In this episode of the Central Virginia Sport Performance Podcast, host Jay DeMayo welcomes Alabama's Henry Barrera back to the podcast. They delve into Henry's journey from coaching high school basketball to his current role at Alabama, emphasizing the importance of continuous growth and development. The discussion highlights the significance of curiosity, feedback, and simplicity in coaching, as well as the integration of analytics in training, known as "Bamalytics" at Alabama.Henry shares his philosophy of building partnerships with athletes, moving away from a militaristic approach to a more collaborative one. He emphasizes the value of intuition and experience, supported by data, to enhance athlete performance. The conversation also explores the role of journaling and networking in personal and professional growth, underscoring the need for truth-tellers in one's life.The episode concludes with reflections on the challenges of modern coaching, the importance of vulnerability, and the pursuit of authentic growth. Henry offers insights into his training principles, such as mastering movement and strategic overload, and shares his admiration for influential figures in the field, suggesting future guests for the podcast.Key Points: • Growth mindset and continuous development are central to Henry's coaching philosophy. • Henry emphasizes building partnerships with athletes, moving away from a militaristic approach. • Training is categorized into three buckets: strong, build, and explode, tailored to athlete needs. • Relentless passion and showing up every day are crucial for growth and learning. • "Challenge creates change" is a guiding principle in Henry's approach. • Mastering movement to maximize power is a key training principle.Quotes: • "It's one of our core values here, continuous growth to me." • "Challenge creates change, you know?" • "Principles for me, if we're talking training, number one is always going to be master movement to maximize power." • "I kind of have three buckets in my head and on paper really, strong, and explode." • "The biggest thing right now in terms of growth and learning and development is showing up every day with relentless passion."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Growth and Development03:06 The Importance of a Growth Mindset05:54 Frameworks and Filters in Coaching09:04 Building Relationships with Athletes11:52 The Role of Challenge in Growth14:38 The Power of Journaling and Reflection17:33 Truth Tellers and Honest Feedback20:15 The Intersection of Personal and Professional Growth23:35 Mastering Movement and Compounding Growth26:26 Conclusion and Future Aspirations

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 gadgetsThis 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.Chapters00:00 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

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

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. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cliff Spiller01:18 Cliff's Journey in Strength and Conditioning03:57 Learning from the Best: Influences on Coaching Philosophy10:40 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Coaching11:53 Establishing Presence in a New Environment18:01 Building Daily Habits and Routines28:12 Navigating NIL and Financial Conversations with Athletes35:11 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

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

In this episode of the Central Virginia Sport Performance Podcast, host Jay DeMayo welcomes Ty Curtis, the Assistant Director of Strength and Conditioning for Olympic Sports at Florida Atlantic University. Ty shares his career journey from Syracuse University to Fort Bragg, and now to FAU, discussing the challenges and insights gained from working in both collegiate and tactical settings. The conversation delves into the importance of coaching the person, not just the athlete, and the value of building genuine connections with athletes to enhance their performance and personal growth.Take Aways:- Ty Curtis emphasizes the importance of coaching the person, not just the athlete. - Building genuine connections with athletes enhances their performance and personal growth. - Ty's career journey includes experiences in both collegiate and tactical settings. - The transition from tactical to collegiate coaching offers unique challenges and insights. - Coaching requires understanding the underlying motivations of athletes. - Ty values honesty and proactivity in his coaching philosophy. - The importance of being adaptable and open to new experiences in coaching. - Ty's respect for the military influences his coaching style and perspective. - The role of strength and conditioning in athlete development is multifaceted. - Ty encourages athletes to face challenges head-on and learn from them.

In this engaging conversation, Jay DeMayo hosts Daniel Marshall, a seasoned strength coach, to discuss his journey through various successful basketball programs and the unique lessons learned from each. Daniel shares insights from his time at Arizona State University, San Diego State, and his experiences with renowned coaches like Dan Hurley and Bobby Hurley. The discussion delves into the importance of development, the different coaching philosophies, and how these have shaped his approach to training athletes. Daniel emphasizes the significance of adapting training methods to suit individual needs and the value of maintaining a competitive spirit in training sessions.Key Takeaways: Coaching Philosophies:Daniel highlights the distinct coaching styles of Dan Hurley, Bobby Hurley, and Dutch, emphasizing the importance of accountability, player empowerment, and patience. Development Focus:The conversation underscores the need for programs that prioritize player development and respect for all team members. Adapting Training Methods:Daniel discusses the evolution of his training methods, moving from traditional strength exercises to incorporating machines like leg presses and belt squats for efficiency. Importance of Creativity:Finding creative ways to engage athletes, especially those resistant to traditional methods, is crucial for their development. Competitive Spirit:Maintaining a competitive environment in training sessions helps athletes push their limits and improve performance. Recruitment Strategies:The importance of recruiting players who fit the program's style and philosophy is emphasized, with honesty during the recruitment process being key. Track and Field Influence:Daniel's background in track and field significantly influences his training approach, focusing on applying strength through sprints, jumps, and throws. Balancing Skill and Strength:While learning the skill of exercises like squats is important, achieving a training stimulus and adaptation is equally crucial. Outdoor Training Days:Daniel describes the structure of outdoor training days, which focus on speed and power without inducing fatigue. Long-term Athlete Development:The conversation highlights the importance of long-term development, with a focus on building strength that translates into athleticism. Chapters: Introduction and Background (0:00 - 5:00):Jay introduces Daniel and they discuss his background and current role at San Diego State. Coaching Philosophies and Lessons (5:01 - 15:00):Daniel shares insights from working with different coaches and the lessons learned. Training Methods and Adaptations (15:01 - 25:00):Discussion on the evolution of training methods and the influence of track and field. Recruitment and Development (25:01 - 35:00):The importance of recruitment strategies and maintaining a focus on player development. Conclusion and Future Guests (35:01 - End):Jay wraps up the conversation and Daniel suggests future podcast guests.