Talkin' Pitt #49 From Softball to Sidelines: Coach Grossman’s Journey in Strength & Conditioning

In this episode of Talkin’ Pitt, Coach Devin sits down with Coach Tessa Grossman, Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach for football at the University of Colorado Boulder. Tessa shares her inspiring journey from being told she wasn’t strong enough to play D1 softball to falling in love with the weight room, earning her stripes in the private sector, and carving her path in collegiate athletics.

 

Coach Grossman opens up about:

• How being told "you’re not strong enough" sparked her lifelong commitment to S&C
• Navigating Ivy League academics as a sociology major and how it shaped her coaching philosophy
• The value of relationship-building and curiosity in athlete development
• Why she left a director role in women’s basketball to pursue her dream in football
• Imposter syndrome, authenticity, and staying grounded in a male-dominated sport

 

Tessa also breaks down how she mentors interns, builds autonomy through critical thinking, and the key lessons she’s learned transitioning between basketball and football.

This one’s packed with honesty, reflection, and real-world advice for anyone looking to grow in the strength and conditioning field.

📲 Connect with Coach Tessa on Instagram: @coachtessagrossman

 

 

Pitt Sports Performance Instagram

@pitt_sportsperformance

 

Pitt Sports Performance Twitter

@pitt_science                                                                       

 

Tessa Grossman Contact

Instagram: @coachtessagrossman

Email: tessa.grossman@colorado.edu

 

 

Music Credit

Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”