Samson Strength Coach Collective

On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we sit down with Andrew Rafferty, Strength and Conditioning Coordinator at Clinton High School. In this episode, Andrew discusses his journey from baseball coaching to a full-time strength and conditioning role and the years-long effort to advocate for the value of a strength coach in high school sports. We cover the importance of athlete relationships, effective communication with school administrators, injury prevention strategies, and the positive role social media can play in building a team culture. Andrew shares how humility, community, and consistency have been the cornerstones of his coaching philosophy. ⸻ Topics Covered: • Transition from sport coaching to strength & conditioning • Advocating for a full-time strength coach role • Building relationships with athletes and administrators • Coaching with humility and perspective • The power of positive social media • Injury prevention and athlete engagement • Creating lasting buy-in • Coach community and collaboration ⸻ Keywords: Andrew Rafferty, strength coach, high school athletics, coaching relationships, athlete development, injury prevention, sports performance, communication, coaching philosophy

In this episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, host Connor Agnew sits down with Nick DaCosta, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at Appalachian State University. Nick opens up about his climb from intern to coach at the same university, and what lessons he’s carried with him along the way. He discusses his work with diverse teams—like field hockey and cheer—his takeaways from the Starting Strength Seminar, and how continuous learning has shaped his approach. For Nick, trust and adaptability aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the keys to long-term success. * Adaptability is essential in navigating different sports and athlete needs. * Trust is the foundation of athlete-coach relationships. * Mentorship significantly impacts career development. * Working with international athletes requires cultural sensitivity. * Continued education helps coaches stay relevant and effective. * Understanding sport-specific demands improves training outcomes. * Personal fitness goals enhance coaching credibility. * Monitoring athlete load is vital for preventing injury. * Strong staff bonds enhance collaboration and morale. * Learning from seminars and practical experience is invaluable. “That was the biggest thing for me is just building the trust with them… Once that was instilled in their minds and they were like, wow, this is actually awesome for us… that’s where you build that.” — Nick DaCosta Key Takeaways:Quote:

In this episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, host sits down with Zach Hicks, a Graduate Assistant at Appalachian State University. Zach opens up about his path from a small-town upbringing and a background in theater to the weight room, sharing valuable insights from his first year and a half as a GA. His unique experience in performance taught him how to step outside of his comfort zone—an essential skill in coaching. Throughout the episode, Zach stresses the importance of being genuine, building strong athlete relationships, and learning through the early struggles of coaching. Key Takeaways: * Being yourself builds long-term trust and success as a coach * Theater helped Zach become confident and adaptable in front of groups * Relationship-building with athletes is key to coaching effectiveness * Early sessions and mistakes are valuable learning opportunities * Traveling with teams creates deeper coach-athlete bonds * Injury management and athlete wellness are central coaching pillars * Consistency, authenticity, and reflection drive personal growth Quote: "Being able to get out of your comfort zone and still be able to handle that—that’s something theater taught me, and it’s helped me immensely as a coach." – Zach Hicks

In this episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we sit down with Kacie Allison, Assistant Director of Sports Performance at Bowling Green University. Kacie shares her powerful journey from college athlete to strength coach and opens up about how embracing discomfort led to personal and professional breakthroughs. Drawing from her experience in softball and triathlon, Kacie discusses the challenges of being an introvert in a high-energy profession, the profound impact of COVID on her career trajectory, and the importance of mentorship and clear communication with interns. Whether you're just entering the field or a seasoned coach, this episode is a powerful reminder that growth happens outside the comfort zone. Key Takeaways: * Stepping into uncomfortable situations leads to the most personal and professional growth. * Dual-sport experience builds unique insight and resilience. * COVID-19 played a pivotal role in shifting career priorities and opportunities. * Internships are vital for building connections and learning soft skills. * Mentorship, clear expectations, and regular feedback are key for intern development. * Introverts can thrive in coaching by owning their voice and purpose. * Failure is a gateway to growth—mentally and emotionally. Quote: "Each time that I go through an experience like that where I'm moving and I'm taking a new big job or I'm doing something that's really scary for me, I grow the most." — Kacie Allison

In this episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, Charles Kenward of Incarnate Word University joins us to break down the nuanced relationship between teaching and coaching. As someone running both Olympic and football strength programs solo, Charles brings a unique lens on time management, communication, and athlete development. He emphasizes how the weight room isn't just for physical training—it's a classroom, a community, and a space where leadership is formed. He shares how trust and understanding—knowing a coach’s or athlete’s middle name, as he says—are the foundation for effective coaching. Charles walks us through how his methods evolve as athletes mature and how empowering seniors to become teachers in their own right builds sustainable culture and performance. Key Takeaways: * Charles Kenward runs both Olympic and football strength programs at Incarnate Word University. * The weight room should be a place of community, teaching, and leadership development. * Teaching is the foundation of coaching—athletes must first learn before they can perform. * Seniors are empowered to become teachers to freshmen, reinforcing knowledge and accountability. * Building strong, trusting relationships with both athletes and coaches is critical. * Intimacy in basketball training creates different dynamics than football. * Understanding anatomy enhances coaching decisions and athlete development. * Coaches should balance being both mentors and friends to athletes. Quote: “You can’t coach anyone until you really know them… at least know their middle name.” — Charles Kenward