Épisodes

  • Episode 14: Season 6 Episode 14: Paul Woelmer: Coaching Lessons From Sanding a Crib and Shredding Schedules
    Feb 10 2026

    In this episode of the Central Virginia Sport Performance Podcast, host Jay DeMayo welcomes Paul Woelmer, a strength coach at the University of Rhode Island. Paul shares his journey from a young athlete to a professional strength coach, detailing his experiences at various institutions, including Indiana University, the University of Alabama, and Holy Cross. He discusses the importance of learning from failures, building team culture, and the significance of personal development in coaching. Paul emphasizes the need for consistency, humility, and creativity in coaching, while also sharing memorable anecdotes from his career. The conversation highlights the value of embracing one's unique story and the lessons learned through various coaching experiences.

    Takeaways

    Paul's journey began with a passion for sports and strength training.
    He learned valuable lessons from his early internship experiences.
    Consistency and authenticity are key traits for successful coaching.
    Building relationships and setting standards are crucial for team culture.
    Creativity in warmups can enhance team bonding and performance.
    Embracing failure leads to personal and professional growth.
    The importance of being a humble learner in the coaching profession.
    Transcendent moments in training can teach valuable life lessons.
    Paul's coaching philosophy is influenced by his diverse experiences.
    He emphasizes the significance of faith, family, and pushing personal limits.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Paul Woelmer
    01:13 Paul's Early Life and Introduction to Strength Training
    05:34 Internship Experiences and Learning from Mentors
    09:24 Transitioning to Professional Strength Coaching
    12:45 In-Season Training and Professional Development
    15:43 Coaching Philosophy and Building Relationships
    21:19 Lessons from Various Coaching Stops
    23:56 Implementing Standards and Team Culture
    26:02 Rediscovering the Past: Lessons from the 1990s
    27:46 The Journey of Growth: Learning from Mistakes
    30:44 Creative Solutions: The Crib Project
    32:22 Pregame Rituals: Theatrical Warm-Ups
    38:46 Embracing Individual Stories: The Transcendent Rep
    45:32 Humility and Growth: Lessons for Young Coaches

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    17 min
  • Episode 13: Season 6 Episode 13: Leo Stern- How Embracing Fun and Flexibility Boosts Team Performance
    Feb 2 2026

    Summary

    In 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.

    Takeaways

    Leo 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.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Leo Stern
    00:57 Leo's Journey to Coaching
    03:54 Lessons from Coaching Stops
    05:45 Transitioning to Fordham University
    07:55 Building Relationships with Players
    11:50 Warm-Up Philosophy and Evolution
    12:44 Weight Room Dynamics and Programming
    14:56 Controlled Chaos in Training
    19:51 The Future of Coaching and Collaboration
    23:37 Reflections on Coaching Evolution
    26:48 Closing Thoughts and Future Guests

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    29 min
  • Episode 12: Season 6 Episode 12- Justin Rey: Do Your Job
    Jan 13 2026


    In this engaging episode of the Central Virginia Sport Performance Podcast, host Jay DeMayo sits down with Justin Rey, a distinguished strength coach at LaSalle University. The conversation delves into Justin's professional journey, beginning with his foundational experiences at St. Joe's University, where he was mentored by influential figures like Brian Bingaman and Ben Steenrod. Justin reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including his time with the University of Miami and the Philadelphia 76ers, emphasizing the critical role of networking and relationship-building in advancing within the sports industry.

    Justin shares his philosophy on time management and discipline, underscoring their importance in achieving success as a coach. He discusses the necessity of being adaptable in the ever-evolving landscape of sports coaching, where continuous learning and embracing new methodologies are vital. The episode also explores the challenges of athlete retention in today's dynamic sports environment, highlighting the impact of external factors such as the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals.

    Throughout the discussion, Justin emphasizes the value of maintaining strong connections with athletes and fellow coaches, advocating for open communication and trust as foundational elements of effective coaching. He shares personal anecdotes and lessons learned from his interactions with various head coaches, illustrating how these experiences have informed his approach to leadership and mentorship.


    The episode concludes with insights into the future of sports coaching, as Justin and Jay discuss the importance of being a consistent and reliable presence for athletes, while also navigating the complexities of modern sports dynamics. As Jay aptly puts it, "that's all you need to know about our vocation," encapsulating the core principles and values that define the coaching profession. This conversation offers valuable takeaways for aspiring coaches and sports professionals, providing a comprehensive look at the skills and mindset required to thrive in the competitive world of sports coaching. Make sure you tap in to Reps and Real Talk on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/2UYOzI2zGLfxRD5wW5Jqkd?si=6ac078203e204919

    Takeaways

    • Networking is crucial for career advancement in sports.
    • Time management and discipline are key for success.
    • Adaptability is essential in the evolving sports industry.
    • Building strong relationships with athletes and coaches is vital.
    • Continuous learning and education are important for coaches.
    • Retaining athletes is a challenge in today's sports landscape.
    • Understanding different sports cultures can enhance coaching.
    • Effective communication builds trust with athletes.
    • Coaches should be consistent and reliable for their teams.
    • The sports industry requires wearing many hats and multitasking.

    Sound bites


    "Networking is crucial in sports." "Time management is key." "Adaptability is essential." "Build strong relationships." "Continuous learning is vital." "Retaining athletes is challenging." "Understand different sports cultures." "Effective communication builds trust." "Be consistent and reliable." "Wear many hats in sports."

    Chapters
    00:16 Introduction to Justin Rey
    01:50 Justin's Journey in Coaching
    05:32 The Importance of Networking and Relationships
    08:14 Time Management and Discipline in Coaching
    11:26 Evolving as a Coach Through Different Leadership
    16:43 Adapting to Change in Coaching Environments
    23:08 Navigating Player Retention and Team Dynamics
    29:30 Advice for Young Coaches
    30:00 Closing Thoughts and Future Guests

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    30 min
  • Episode 11: Season 6 Episode 11- Cliff Spiller- How To Help Your Athletes Building Habits for Success
    Jan 5 2026


    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.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Cliff Spiller

    01:18 Cliff's Journey in Strength and Conditioning

    03:57 Learning from the Best: Influences on Coaching Philosophy

    10:40 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Coaching

    11:53 Establishing Presence in a New Environment

    18:01 Building Daily Habits and Routines

    28:12 Navigating NIL and Financial Conversations with Athletes

    35:11 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    38 min
  • Episode 10: Season 6 Episode 10- Daniel Roose - Figure It Out
    Dec 23 2025

    In this engaging conversation, Jay DeMayo and Daniel Roose discuss the unique journey of a strength coach in college basketball, focusing on the importance of mentorship, building systems for success, and the need for fun in coaching. Roose shares insights on individualized training approaches, the significance of work-life balance, and the value of developing future coaches. The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of college sports and the critical role of strength and conditioning in athlete development.


    Takeaways

    Daniel Roose emphasizes the importance of mentorship in developing young strength coaches.
    Having a contract that answers to administrators provides job security and autonomy.
    Building systems and processes allows for smoother transitions between coaching staff.
    The culture of returning former players enhances the training environment.
    Individualized training approaches are crucial for older athletes with extensive training backgrounds.
    Fun and enjoyment in coaching are essential for long-term success.
    Work-life balance is a critical aspect of sustaining a career in coaching.
    Understanding athletes' needs and providing autonomy leads to better performance.
    The landscape of college basketball has evolved, requiring adaptability from coaches.
    Creating a supportive environment for athletes fosters a positive culture.

    Chapters

    00:00 The Unique Journey of a Strength Coach
    05:46 Building Systems and Processes for Success
    08:29 The Importance of Mentorship in Coaching
    11:28 Creating a Culture of Return and Involvement
    14:19 Finding the Right Fit: Hiring Young Coaches
    17:24 The Evolution of Training Approaches
    20:18 Balancing Work and Life in Coaching
    23:05 The Value of Fun in Coaching
    26:09 Learning from Experience and Growth
    29:06 Looking Ahead: Future Guests and Conversations

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    33 min
  • Episode 9: Season 6 Episode 9: Keon Marsh- Trust Is Gained In Inches And Lost In Yards
    Dec 15 2025

    Summary

    In 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.

    Takeaways

    Keon 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.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Keon Marsh and His Journey
    03:06 Evolving Coaching Philosophy and Programming
    07:02 Assessing Players and Tailoring Training
    11:49 Building Standards and Expectations
    13:03 The Impact of the Transfer Portal
    16:57 Empowering Athletes Beyond the Weight Room
    19:03 Developing Relationships Within the Coaching Staff
    22:49 The Importance of Fun in Training
    29:54 Future Guests and Closing Thoughts

    Keywords

    Keon Marsh, coaching philosophy, strength training, player assessment, transfer portal, athlete empowerment, coaching relationships, fun in sports, performance training, basketball coaching


    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    32 min
  • Episode 8: Season 5 Episode 8- Casey Cathrall- Don’t Compound The Issue.
    Dec 8 2025


    In this episode of the Central Virginia Sport Performance Podcast, host Jay DeMayo sits down with Casey Cathrall from the University of Dayton. They discuss the impact of AI on content creation, the evolution of strength and conditioning in college sports, and the importance of building foundational routines for athletes. Casey shares insights from his career journey, including his time at La Tech and his current role at Dayton, emphasizing the significance of adaptability and maintaining a fun, engaging environment for athletes.

    Keywords


    AI, content creation, strength and conditioning, college sports, athlete development, foundational routines, adaptability, fun environment, University of Dayton, La Tech

    Takeaways

    • Building foundational routines is key for athletes.
    • Adaptability is crucial in strength and conditioning.
    • Maintaining a fun environment enhances athlete engagement.
    • Casey Cathrall's career journey is inspiring.
    • La Tech has a strong legacy in strength coaching.
    • University of Dayton fosters athlete development.
    • Transfer portal impacts training strategies.
    • Consistency is challenging in the transfer era.
    • Fun and autonomy are vital for athlete buy-in.


    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    30 min
  • Episode 7: Season 5 Episode 7- Tyler Curtis- Urgency, Effort, and Attitude
    Nov 24 2025

    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.

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    35 min