Talkin' Pitt by Pitt Sports Performance

In this episode of Talkin Pitt, I sit down with strength and conditioning coach and author of The Athletic Blueprint, Josh Bray, for a wide-ranging conversation on coaching, programming, and developing young athletes.
 
Josh works primarily with high-level youth hockey players, which creates an interesting challenge: how do you develop a well-rounded athlete when their sport becomes increasingly specialized at such a young age?
 
We dive into Josh’s generalist approach to training and why he intentionally exposes his athletes to movements and activities they aren't getting from hockey. From gamifying training and developing physical literacy to adjusting programs around growth and maturation, Josh shares how he tries to build adaptable athletes rather than simply creating better weight-room performers.
 
We also get into the realities of programming that don't always show up on paper. We talk about working with limited equipment, why logistics should influence program design, how Josh filters new training information, and why something that doesn't work with one group of athletes doesn't necessarily need to be thrown away.
 
Throughout the conversation, we come back to the importance of context. There isn't one perfect system or training method. Good coaching is understanding the problem in front of you, having enough tools available to solve it, and knowing when and why to use them.
 
We also discuss:
Gamification and using competition to drive intent and engagement
Developing general athleticism in highly specialized youth athletes
Balancing sport demands with what athletes are not getting from their sport
How Josh structures his training into prep, plyometric, strength, and accessory work
Adjusting training around growth and maturation
Simple strategies Josh uses for foot and ankle development with hockey players
Filtering the massive amount of training information available to coaches
Learning from coaches like Joe Padula and Hunter Eisenhower
Why logistics and available resources have to influence programming
Knowing when to regress, progress, or simply choose a different training tool
The value of coaches openly sharing their ideas and processes
Finding balance and longevity within the strength and conditioning profession
This was one of those conversations that moves naturally from programming into philosophy and ultimately into what it means to continue developing as a coach.
 
 
Teambuildr Trial Code
Use code PITT at checkout.
 
Josh Bray Contact
Instagram: @jbraythecoach
 
Pitt Sports Performance Instagram
@pitt_sportsperformance
 
Pitt Sports Performance Twitter
@pitt_science                                                                       
 
 
Music Credit
Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”
 
 

In this episode of Talkin’ Pitt, I sit down with Conor Cantwell from the College of William & Mary to talk about one of the biggest challenges in strength and conditioning: making informed decisions without overcomplicating the process.
 
Connor shares how he's using heart rate monitoring with women's basketball, why he's pursuing a PhD in the area, and how objective data can help coaches better understand training load, fitness, recovery, and readiness throughout a long competitive season. We dive into practical ways to monitor athletes without adding unnecessary fatigue, why submaximal fitness testing may become a valuable tool, and how heart rate data can improve communication with sport coaches.
 
Beyond monitoring, we discuss what effective conditioning actually looks like, the importance of training athletes hard enough to create adaptation, and why coaches shouldn't be afraid of planned fatigue when it's part of the process. We also explore how to make conditioning more engaging through competition and games, how to program plyometrics for basketball and volleyball athletes, and how to balance science, coaching instincts, and athlete development.
 
Whether you're a strength coach, sport coach, or student looking to improve your understanding of athlete monitoring and performance, this conversation is packed with practical ideas you can apply immediately.
 
In this episode, we cover:
Connor's journey into a PhD focused on heart rate monitoring in women's basketball.
How submaximal fitness testing can track aerobic fitness throughout a season.
Using heart rate data to guide practice planning and monitor training load.
Why recovery, fatigue, and readiness aren't always the same thing.
The value of gamifying conditioning to increase athlete buy-in.
Programming plyometrics for basketball and volleyball athletes.
Whether strength coaches are training athletes hard enough in today's environment.
Lessons from mentorship, continuing education, and building a career in collegiate strength and conditioning.
 
 
Teambuildr Trial Code
Use code PITT at checkout.
 
Conor Cantwell Contact
Instagram: @cantwellconor
Email: cjcantwell@wm.edu
 
Pitt Sports Performance Instagram
@pitt_sportsperformance
 
Pitt Sports Performance Twitter
@pitt_science                                                                       
 
 
Music Credit
Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”
 
 

In this episode of Talkin’ Pitt, Aaron Duvall takes over hosting duties as he sits down with Dr. Justin Lima, owner of Strength Coach Network and former collegiate strength coach, for a conversation that goes far beyond sets, reps, and programming.
 
Justin shares his journey from coaching in the collegiate setting to becoming a business owner, discussing the challenges of building Strength Coach Network and the lessons he's learned along the way. The conversation explores how many of the skills that make great strength coaches- problem-solving, adaptability, communication, and leadership- also translate directly into running a successful business.
 
Aaron and Justin also dive into what it means to build a long, fulfilling career in strength and conditioning. They discuss why "work-life balance" is better viewed as work-life integration, the importance of creating systems that allow you to be both an effective coach and present for your family, and why coaches should focus less on how many hours they work and more on the results they produce.
 
Throughout the episode, Justin reflects on the hundreds of conversations he's had with coaches through the Strength Coach Network podcast and explains why the best practitioners are lifelong learners who aren't afraid to ask questions, collaborate, and build relationships. Rather than viewing other coaches as competition, he encourages listeners to connect with former coaches, private performance coaches, and anyone who can help them better serve their athletes.
 
To close the conversation, Justin shares what has him most excited about the future of sports performance. He explains why aerobic development and energy system training have become a major focus in his own learning and coaching, and why many strength coaches may be overlooking one of the biggest pieces of long-term athletic development.
Whether you're an experienced coach, just entering the profession, or simply looking to become a better leader, this episode is packed with practical lessons on coaching, business, lifelong learning, and building a career that makes a lasting impact.
 
 
Teambuildr Trial Code
Use code PITT at checkout.
 
Dr. Justin Lima Contact
Instagram: @dr.justinlima, @strength_coach_network
 
Pitt Sports Performance Instagram
@pitt_sportsperformance
 
Pitt Sports Performance Twitter
@pitt_science                                                                       
 
 
Music Credit
Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”
 
 

This episode of Talkin’ Pitt features Erica Lowery, one of the fastest-rising young coaches in collegiate strength and conditioning. Erica shares her journey from being a Division I volleyball athlete at Texas A&M University and Liberty University to becoming a strength coach at the University of South Alabama, where she works with volleyball, soccer, and cross-country athletes.
 
Throughout the conversation, Erica dives into the coaches and experiences that shaped her philosophy, including the impact of legendary mentors like Danny Evans and Ray Ellsworth. She opens up about transferring schools, finding confidence through training, and how strength and conditioning completely changed the trajectory of her life and career.
 
Devin and Erica also delve into volleyball performance training, discussing front squats vs. back squats, low-impact conditioning, force plates, jump prep, deep-tier plyometrics, injury-reduction strategies, and how training has evolved for female athletes. Erica shares why she prioritizes movement quality, athlete buy-in, and keeping athletes healthy enough to perform at a high level year-round.
 
The episode also explores Erica’s passion for athletic performance outside of coaching, including her experience competing in the growing sport of Apex Competition, a unique event combining sprinting, jumping, strength, and endurance testing. She breaks down how she trained for the event, balancing her competitive goals with her full-time coaching at the Division I level.
 
This conversation is packed with insight for strength coaches, athletes, and anyone passionate about performance, coaching, and personal growth.
 
 
Teambuildr Trial Code
Use code PITT at checkout.
 
Coach Erica Lowery Contact
Instagram: @ericalowerystrength
Email : ericalowery@southalabama.edu
 
Pitt Sports Performance Instagram
@pitt_sportsperformance
 
Pitt Sports Performance Twitter
@pitt_science                                                                       
 
 
Music Credit
Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”
 

In this episode of Talkin’ Pitt, Coach Young sits down with Dr. Dillon Martinez to dive deep into the world of speed development, sprint mechanics, and coaching communication. From breaking down the myth that “speed can’t be taught” to discussing how coaches can create faster, more resilient athletes, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for strength coaches, sport coaches, and anyone interested in athletic performance.
 
Dr. Martinez shares the story behind his book Breaking the Speed Barrier, how his father shaped his philosophy on sprint training, and why teaching speed is just as important as teaching strength. The conversation also covers sprint technique, agility vs. change-of-direction, max-velocity training for field sports, hamstring injury prevention, isometrics, coaching cues, athlete confidence, and the importance of communication and feedback in coaching.
 
Whether you work with track athletes, team-sport athletes, or just want to become a better coach and communicator, this episode delivers a ton of actionable insights in a simple, relatable way.
 
 
Teambuildr Trial Code
Use code PITT at checkout.
 
Coach Dr. Dillion Martinez Contact
Instagram: @martinez_dillion
X : @DillionMartinez
Email : dillon.martinez@winona.edu
 
Dr. Martinez Book
“Breaking The Speed Barrier” Available on Amazon
https://a.co/d/0imWiw5u
 
Pitt Sports Performance Instagram
@pitt_sportsperformance
 
Pitt Sports Performance Twitter
@pitt_science                                                                       
 
 
Music Credit
Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”
 

In this episode of Talkin’ Pitt, Devin sits down with LSU’s Coach AK to dive deep into the evolving landscape of strength and conditioning, challenging traditional norms and exploring innovative approaches to athlete development.
 
Coach AK shares why she’s currently most excited about implementing year-round isometrics, discussing how overcoming, yielding, and quasi-isometric methods can improve athletes' health, performance, and adaptability within a system. The conversation explores how coaches can balance evidence-based principles with real-world constraints such as facility limitations, training age, and time demands.
 
Devin and Coach AK discuss the value of being open to professional pushbacks, why differing coaching philosophies can coexist, and how curiosity drives growth within the field. From experimenting with eccentric overload methods to rethinking the necessity of traditional 1RM testing and Olympic lifting for certain populations, this episode highlights the importance of adapting training to meet athletes' needs rather than forcing them into rigid systems.
The discussion also emphasizes the importance of health over performance, the role of trust and relationship-building in athlete buy-in, and how coaches can use guided autonomy to help athletes take ownership of their development. Coach AK shares insights on navigating social media as a professional, presenting at conferences, and continuously learning through collaboration with peers.
 
If you’re a strength coach looking to challenge assumptions, explore new programming ideas, or better understand how to integrate isometrics into your system, this episode delivers both practical insights and thought-provoking perspectives.
 
 
Teambuildr Trial Code
Use code PITT at checkout.
 
Coach AK Contact
Instagram: @ashleykowalewski
Email: ashk@lsu.edu
Phone: 225-615-6989
 
Pitt Sports Performance Instagram
@pitt_sportsperformance
 
Pitt Sports Performance Twitter
@pitt_science                                                                       
 
 
Music Credit
Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”
 

In this episode of Talkin’ Pitt, Coach Young breaks down 5 key lessons every young strength and conditioning coach should understand when starting their first internship. Whether you are currently in school, preparing for your first internship, or working through your early experiences in the profession, this episode offers practical insights on how to make the most of these foundational opportunities.
 
Drawing from nearly 10 years of experience in collegiate strength and conditioning, I share lessons I learned from multiple internships and graduate assistant positions, along with common patterns I’ve observed among interns at several universities. Internships are often the first major step into the profession, and how you approach them can significantly impact your long-term development as a coach.
 
We discuss the importance of being a sponge, asking questions, stepping outside of your comfort zone, and maximizing the value of the time you invest early in your career. I also talk about how to identify the right internship environments, how to learn from different coaching styles, and why being proactive can separate you from other young professionals entering the field.
 
If you are looking to build a strong foundation in strength and conditioning, better understand internship expectations, and position yourself for future opportunities such as graduate assistant roles or full-time positions, this episode will provide practical guidance to help you navigate the early stages of your career.
 
 
Teambuildr Trial Code
Use code PITT at checkout.
 
 
Pitt Sports Performance Instagram
@pitt_sportsperformance
 
Pitt Sports Performance Twitter
@pitt_science                                                                       
 
 
Music Credit
Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”
 
 

In this episode of Talkin’ Pitt, I’m joined by Dr. Christian Carter, the Director of Olympic Sports Performance at James Madison University (JMU). Christian has been one of the most-requested guests by listeners, and this conversation delivers equal parts coaching philosophy, real talk, and practical lessons from nearly 13 years at JMU.
 
We start with Christian’s path into strength & conditioning: from discovering powerlifting as a teenager, to internships and graduate work, to landing at JMU in 2013 and building a career rooted in consistency, community, and culture. From there, we dive into what actually matters in performance environments: staying authentic as a coach, building a weight room that’s safe and fun, and creating buy-in through competition and intent (yes… including laser tag warm-ups).
 
Christian also shares a perspective that many coaches will feel the longer you’re in it, the more you question how much S&C “matters” compared to skill, sport context, and the reality of athlete lives. We dig into the limitations of sports science, the chaos of real schedules, and why the foundation is still the same: train hard, train consistently, and take care of the human.
 
The back half gets even deeper as Christian talks candidly about mental health, why he started a meditation group for athletes, and the importance of teaching athletes to manage their minds, not just their training loads. We close with a quick-hitter lightning round, including books, dessert, coaching favorites, and a powerful message to his 18-year-old self.
 
If you coach athletes, lead people, or want a conversation that’s honest and refreshing, this one’s for you.
 
Teambuildr Trial Code
Use code PITT at checkout.
 
Christian Carter Contact
Instagram: @drcoachcarter
Email: carte5cr@jmu.edu
 
Pitt Sports Performance Instagram
@pitt_sportsperformance
 
Pitt Sports Performance Twitter
@pitt_science                                                                       
 
 
Music Credit
Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”
 
 

For the first time ever, this is a solo episode of Talkin’ Pitt.
 
As we kick off 2026, Devin Young is reflecting on 10 years in the strength & conditioning profession, from interning at U-Mass Lowell to running departments at the Division I and Division III levels, to now coaching softball and track & field at Pitt.
In this episode, I break down five major lessons I’ve learned over the last decade, the things I wish I understood earlier, and the principles that continue to shape how I coach, program, and lead.
 
We dive into:
The power of mentorship and building a real network
Why mastering the basics matters more than chasing advanced methods
Falling in love with the process of becoming great
Understanding that your best work is what you’re doing right now
And how to reframe imposter syndrome into a tool for growth
Whether you're a young coach trying to break into the field, a seasoned coach looking to reflect, or someone who just loves performance and development, this episode is about growth both professionally and personally.
 
Teambuildr Trial Code
Use code PITT at checkout.
 
Pitt Sports Performance Instagram
@pitt_sportsperformance
 
Pitt Sports Performance Twitter
@pitt_science                                                                       
 
 
Music Credit
Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”
 
 

In this special episode of Talkin’ Pitt, Devin sits down face-to-face in Baldwin for a Forever Panther conversation with Pitt softball legend Jess Bova, the first Pitt softball inductee to the Pitt Hall of Fame.
 
Jess takes us inside what it was really like being a student-athlete at Pitt in the early 2000s: the pressure, the schedule, the 12 hours of study hall, and the huge adjustment from high school to college. She shares her unique path to Pitt as a preferred walk-on, how she earned scholarship money, battled early injuries, and helped build the program during its first decade, including milestone moments like making the Big East Tournament and getting Pitt softball’s first NCAA Tournament win.
 
We also dive into the weight room culture that shaped her: first-day “deer in headlights” energy, training in the old Pete weight room, and why strength coaches matter far beyond sets and reps from buy-in to culture to lifelong impact. Jess also shares how those experiences eventually helped lead her into coaching, CrossFit, and gym ownership, plus a full-circle moment connecting back to Pitt strength coach Tim Beltz.
 
To close it out, we hit quick hitters (books, desserts, podcasts), favorite Pitt memories, and Jess’s message to her 18-year-old self: keep fighting, it’ll be worth it.
Hail to Pitt.
 
Teambuildr Trial Code
Use code PITT at checkout.
 
Pitt Sports Performance Instagram
@pitt_sportsperformance
 
Pitt Sports Performance Twitter
@pitt_science                                                                       
 
 
Music Credit
Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”