Samson Strength Coach Collective

The Illusion of Choice with Lilly Simon

In this episode, Lilly Simon of the University of North Carolina dives into “The Illusion of Choice”—the idea that small, seemingly simple decisions can shape the direction of a coaching career. Drawing on her journey from lacrosse athlete to strength coach, Lilly explains how taking initiative, reflecting on personal values, and making intentional choices have positioned her for early success in the field. Her insights highlight how meaningful career growth often stems from the smallest moments of alignment. Key Takeaways: * Small decisions can significantly impact your career trajectory. * Evaluating decisions through the lens of your values is essential. * Aligning goals with values strengthens long-term decision-making. * Reflection provides clarity for shaping future choices. * Career development is built through consistent, small actions. * Knowing your values helps guide your professional path. * Success is often the result of many small, intentional choices. * Intentional decision-making fosters fulfillment and growth. * Values-aligned career paths lead to greater satisfaction. * Continuous reevaluation of goals is key to development. Quote “Just how impactful small decisions can be… evaluating how choices align with my values and goals has put me in the position I am today.” — Lilly Simon

Filling Roles to See Team Success | Justin McKenna

Justin McKenna, Director of Basketball Performance at Bucknell University, joins the Samson Strength Coach Collective to discuss his journey through the strength and conditioning world—from small-school beginnings to experiences at powerhouse programs like Duke and Kentucky. He dives into the importance of being adaptable, filling additional roles that support overall team operations, and developing systems that promote athlete ownership. Throughout the conversation, Justin highlights the role of nutrition, communication, and individualized training in maximizing performance. His perspective emphasizes that success in basketball performance isn’t just about sets and reps, but about providing athletes with the tools, environment, and autonomy to grow. Key Takeaways: * Justin’s path from Division III athlete to Power 5 performance coach shaped his coaching versatility. * Building genuine relationships is foundational for athlete buy-in. * Nutrition and recovery innovations play a critical role in modern performance. * Strength coaches must adapt to increasing demands and evolving athlete needs. * Autonomy fosters investment—athletes perform better when they have a say. * Individualized training strategies are essential in basketball performance. * Creativity and alternative environments can keep athletes engaged. * Strength coaches often fill additional roles beyond the weight room. * Life skills built in sport can prepare athletes for long-term success. Quote:“Because at the end of the day, like if they're more invested, if they feel like they have a stake in what we're doing, they're going to give better outputs.” — Justin McKenna

Understanding the Why with Technology | Dr. John Harry

In this engaging conversation, Dr. John Harry shares his journey from athlete to academic in biomechanics and strength conditioning. He emphasizes bridging research with practical application, helping coaches understand the purpose behind their methods. The discussion covers technology’s role in coaching, momentum versus velocity, and the importance of movement quality and clarity in data interpretation. Key Takeaways: * Understanding biomechanics is fundamental to athletic development. * Coaches must bridge the gap between research and practice. * Momentum, not just velocity, is essential for effective training. * Clarity in terminology prevents confusion in performance data. * Overreliance on technology can hinder coaching intuition. * Understanding the “why” behind training methods enhances effectiveness. * Research informs practice—but experience completes the picture. * Simplified methods often lead to better athlete outcomes. Quote: “It's all about how you interact with the environment. The interaction with the environment is overcoming gravity, it's force application, and putting those things together within the laws of motion—and that's how movement goes.” — Dr. John Harry

Imposter Coach with Dave Downey

Dave Downey, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at Brown University, joins the Samson Strength Coach Collective to discuss the realities of coaching insecurity and self-doubt. From difficult internship experiences to exploring sports psychology, Downey shares insights from his journey and his book Imposter Coach. He highlights how vulnerability and empathy can strengthen relationships between coaches and athletes, and how initiatives like Brown’s “Bruno Cares” support mental health and peer connection. Key Takeaways * Imposter syndrome is common among coaches and athletes. * Mentorship and honest reflection are key to personal growth. * Building genuine athlete relationships drives effective coaching. * Mental health must be prioritized within performance programs. * Leadership is developed through resilience, empathy, and consistency. * Programs like Bruno Cares foster community and support among athletes. Quote “It got to a point where they told me, ‘Hey man, I don’t think coaching is for you.’ That’s hard to hear when you’ve invested everything into it.” — Dave Downey

Embracing Adversity with Liane Blyn

In this episode, Samson sits down with Liane Blyn, Director of Sports Performance for Olympic Sports at Arizona State University. Liane shares how strength and conditioning has evolved through the years and what it takes to build a culture of accountability. From breaking barriers as a female coach in a male-dominated field to mentoring the next generation of coaches, Liane’s story embodies grit, growth, and purpose in the ever-changing landscape of athletics. Key Takeaways * Building professional connections is vital for growth in coaching. * Communication styles and expectations have evolved across generations. * Structure and consistency benefit both coaches and athletes. * Transitioning from athletic training to strength coaching can redefine a career. * Female coaches continue to face unique barriers in male-dominated fields. * The transfer portal has transformed athlete development and retention. * Adversity builds resilience and fosters accountability. * Competing in strength sports can deepen a coach’s credibility and empathy. Quote: “75% of kids drop out of organized sports by the time they get to high school. You can’t just point the finger and blame the coach—look in the mirror sometimes.” — Liane Blyn