Anna Cruse: Building Collaborative Sport Science Systems

Anna Cruse: Building Collaborative Sport Science Systems

What does effective sport science actually look like in practice? In this episode of VALDCAST, host Dylan chats to Anna Cruse, Assistant Athletic Director for Applied Health and Performance Science at the University of Utah. They delve into the systems, relationships and decision-making processes that underpin successful sport science programs — explaining why collaboration, data quality and athlete-centered thinking are essential for turning information into meaningful action. The conversation explores: • Why sport science looks different in every organization • Building collaborative performance teams that break down silos • The importance of data hygiene and reliable testing processes • Why collecting more data isn't always the answer • Communicating performance insights effectively to coaches • Balancing athlete-specific information with team-wide decision-making • Creating flexible systems that adapt to the realities of high-performance sport Whether you work in sport science, strength & conditioning, rehabilitation or athlete performance, this episode is packed with practical insights on building systems that help practitioners make better decisions while keeping athletes at the center of the process.

Braylon Tatum: Athlete Profiling, Objective Data & Working in Elite Sport

What does it actually take to work in elite sport environments?  In this episode of VALDCAST, Braylon Tatum discusses athlete profiling, objective data and the realities of operating in high performance sport. From managing elite athletes to building systems that support performance decision-making, this conversation dives into how modern practitioners approach performance, monitoring and development at the highest level. The conversation explores: * Athlete profiling in elite sport * Using objective data to guide decision-making * Key physical qualities practitioners should monitor * The realities of working in high performance environments * Building systems around athlete performance and readiness * Lessons from operating in elite sport settings Whether you're a coach, sports scientist, physio or practitioner looking to work in elite sport, this episode offers valuable insight into modern performance systems and athlete management.

Ziad Dahdul: Inside Modern ACL Rehab

What does elite ACL rehab actually look like in 2026? In this episode of the VALDCAST, Ziad from Ignite Phyzio breaks down how objective data, athletic development and clinician education are reshaping modern rehab.  From using ForceDecks and ForceFrame testing to guide decision-making, to integrating sport-specific drills early in the rehab process, this conversation explores what it really takes to return athletes to performance — not just participation.  The discussion also dives into: * Why EQ matters more than IQ when hiring clinicians * How data changes exercise prescription and rehab progression * Why isometrics are essential in early ACL rehab * The role of athletic development in return to sport * Using technology to improve outcomes and clinician growth * Building culture and leadership inside high-performance rehab teams If you work in sports medicine, physiotherapy, rehab or performance, this episode is packed with practical insights.

Dave Hamilton: Building Performance Systems That Actually Win

In this episode of VALDCAST, high‑performance leader Dave Hamilton shares insights from over 25 years across Olympic sport, collegiate athletics and the NFL. From his early days at the UK Institute of Sport to leading performance units in elite team environments, Dave breaks down how he cut's through complexity and builds performance models that genuinely move the needle. Dave explains why simplicity beats dashboards full of noise, how objective testing like jump metrics can reveal readiness and fatigue and why intent, context and human behaviour matter just as much as data. Drawing on real‑world examples from team sports, he unpacks how performance staff can balance monitoring, recovery and competition demands across long seasons. The conversation also unpacks: * Why simple performance models outperform overengineered systems * How CMJ and RSI can be used to monitor fatigue and readiness * How hormonal and biomarker data can inform preparation and recovery * Why fresh athletes, not just fit athletes, win games * The importance of soft skills, communication and influence in high performance Dave also reflects on career longevity, lessons learned from elite environments and what emerging practitioners should actually focus on if they want to succeed in performance sport.

Jarrod Antflick: Why Loading Beats Quick Fixes in Tendinopathy

In this episode, clinician and researcher Jarrod Antflick breaks down the real drivers of tendinopathy across the Achilles tendon and patellar tendon.  From systemic influences like metabolic and hormonal factors to the impact of high load sport, Jarrod explains why diagnosis is everything and why not all tendinopathies are created equal. He dives into the key differences between Achilles and patellar tendinopathy, how tendon structure and length influence performance and what the key foundations to quality tendon rehab look like. The conversation also unpacks: * Why heavy slow resistance and progressive loading remain the gold standard * How poor load management and shortcuts like injections can do more harm than good * The role of strength testing and kinetics in identifying risk and guiding rehab * How plyometric progression should be prescribed like strength training * Why tendon structure matters more than most practitioners think Jarrod also shares insights from elite sport and his ongoing research into tendon kinetics, plus how surgical interventions are evolving for chronic cases.