Podcast
How did you get into sport?
Hosted by Luis Resa · EN
This is the “How did you get into sport?” podcast where we explore the ins and outs of working in high performance sport.
These are conversations with leaders in the industry about their journey and most importantly how they got to where they are. Working in professional sport is one of the most sought after yet highly competitive industries with limited professional organisations offering opportunities to work at the highest level of their respective sports.
This podcast was created on the back of countless conversations with a diverse range of experienced professionals overly frustrated yet still highly motivated to work in their dream role and asking the question “How did you get to work in professional sport and what did you have to do to get there?” Host Luis Resa is a Sports Physiotherapist who has worked in various elite professional organisation both in Australia and internationally.
In each episode, Luis has deep conversations with Sports Physiotherapist, S&C coaches, Head coaches, High Performance Managers and other leaders in the field of elite sport to discuss what it takes to excel in the world of sport as well as diving deeply into the intricacies of what got their foot in the door of some of the world’s most desirable roles.
Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. In the meantime, enjoy a deep conversation and learn the specific do’s and don’ts of both securing and surpassing expectations in the field of high performance sport.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Alicia Edge - Lead Performance Dietician Australian Women's National Football Team (Matildas) & CEO Compeat Performance.
3w ago01:33:03Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailAlicia is one of Australia's leading sports dietitians, with nearly two decades of experience working at the highest levels of elite sport. Her career has spanned the Australian sporting landscape, supporting athletes across a wide range of Olympic and Paralympic programs through the Australian Institute of Sport, while also consulting for organisations including the NSW Waratahs, FIFA, and Football Australia. For more than seven years, Alicia has played a key role within Football Australia, most notably as Lead Performance Dietitian for the Matildas during their historic 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup campaign and the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup. In this conversation, we explore the realities of nutrition in elite sport, from fuelling performance and recovery to navigating the challenges of implementing evidence-based nutrition in complex high-performance environments. Alicia shares why behavioural science can often be just as important as nutritional science when it comes to creating meaningful and lasting change in athletes. This is also a conversation about balance, resilience, and leadership. Alicia reflects on building a career at the highest level of international sport while navigating the demands of motherhood, family life, and running her own business.Highlights from the episode…Alicia shares her desire to go into sports nutrition during an era where the space was very new and there were not an abundance of roles in the industry.We discuss the turnover of dieticians in the industry and the challenge for some dieticians to even get full time work after graduating.After two previous attempts to secure a role at the AIS, she was successful on her third attempt and talks about the gaps she had to fill that eventually led to her securing a role.Her time at the AIS and how services were structured, funded and allocated to specific athletes in sports.The chase for lean muscle mass in athletes. Does body composition actually correlate with performance? and what Alicia does with the women’s national team.An athletes “relationship with food” and how this has more of an impact on decisions around nutritional choices than most other factors.The decision of stepping away from sport to start a family and the accompanying doubt of whether she will ever get back into the world high performance sport.When it comes to nutrition and high performance sport. What matters most “nutrition science” or “behavioural science”?Alicia provides an unprecedented insight into what's involved when providing nutritional support for the Matildas before and during major tournaments.“Covert Monitoring”…What monitoring tools Alicia uses to evaluate adequate dietary intake for performance and minimising negative connotations associated with nutritional monitoring.Managing the tension of being away from family all while doing the best job you can do in the role…how do you do that?Compeat performance what it’s all about and how it is changing the way dietician support is delivered affordably and at scale. People mentioned:Louise Burke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-burke-61923411/Matt Whalan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-whalan-5b59a939/Carmen Colomer: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Mn5jKSrO7mgzfrW9rEURC Alicia Edge contact details: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-edge/Compeat Performance: https://www.compeatperformance.com/about-us/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alicia_j_edge/Host: Luis ResaContact me on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/Email: luis.resa@outlook.comThanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.
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Hamish Macauley - Lead Physiotherapist, Ireland Men's National Rugby Team.
May 2901:37:34Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailHamish is an Australian Sports Physiotherapist who has worked at the pinnacle of rugby across the globe. Over the course of his career, he has held Head Physiotherapist roles with the ACT Brumbies (Super Rugby), the Australian National Rugby Team (Wallabies) and currently serves as Lead Physiotherapist for the world number three-ranked Ireland Men’s Rugby Team. Beyond rugby, Hamish also spent three years in the AFL as Head Physiotherapist for the Geelong Football Club. In this conversation, we explore the differences and similarities between club and international rugby, including how injuries are managed, the systems used to collaborate with coaches, medical staff, and performance teams, and the logistical demands that come with operating in both environments. From humble beginnings working in a private clinic in country Australia, his first opportunity in professional sport came through a referral from a local farmer in his community, a moment that would ultimately launch a career spanning countries, sports, and working with the elite of world sport. Highlights from the episode…On the back of the 6 Nations, Hamish provides an insight into the prestige of the competition and Ireland winning the “Tripple Crown”. Why Hamish chose to go down the pathway of sports physio after initially commencing a Bachelor of Education.How Hamish got his introduction in pro sport with the ACT Brumbies (Super Rugby) through the help of a local farmer.We discuss Hamish’s opportunities in sport and the unspoken factors that lead to securing roles beyond just focusing on building your technical competency.The unique structure of Rugby Australia had in place for club physiotherapist and national team physiotherapist to improve collaboration and continuity of systems, clinical practice and athlete care. The differences in working as a club physiotherapist and a national team physiotherapist regarding schedules, roles, responsibilities, challenges, etc.The challenges of managing players who may have conflicting demands between club and national team.Hamish shares the incredible systems that exist in Irish Rugby that have improved collaboration and collective decision making between club and country.Why he was let go from the Wallabies and how it felt the following 2.5 year not working directly in sport.How Hamish secured a role in a new sport with one of the most successful clubs in AFL history, Geelong Cats.The scale, resources and staff set up in the AFL in comparison to international Rugby.With the long hours, travel, pressure and relentless push to be better day in day out, over many years…Did you ever experience burnout?How Hamish was able to secure a one of the most prestigious roles in international Rugby and his move from Australia to Europe to join Ireland Rugby. People mentioned:Byron Field: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4z8bihACHtSMwpC844wCkQTim McGrath: https://open.spotify.com/episode/73xkOCQlyT1RJ0u9s3ybdEMark Young: https://open.spotify.com/episode/17aAXmr5EdiTtxfqs1D1ZnHamish McCauley contact details: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamish-macauley-13944365/Host: Luis ResaContact me on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/Email: luis.resa@outlook.comThanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.
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David Clancy - How to get a job in pro sport...Literally! Co-founder & CEO of The Nxt Level Group.
May 1401:17:17Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailDavid is the Co-Founder and CEO of The Nxt Level Group, a company specialising in identifying and placing top talent across some of the world’s biggest sporting organisations, including the English Premier League, NFL, NBA, NWSL, and La Liga, to name a few. What makes David’s journey particularly unique is that he hasn’t just operated in recruitment he’s lived the world of high performance. With over 15 years’ experience as a sports physiotherapist working with elite teams and athletes, he brings a rare perspective to the industry. His experience extends even further, from working as a rehabilitation specialist with Isokinetic Medical Group, to co-founding multiple businesses, authoring a book, and hosting a podcast where he interviews high performers across sport, business, the arts, and the military. In this conversation, David shares practical insights on securing a role in high-performance sport, while also opening up about his own journey filled with extreme highs, setbacks, and the ongoing challenge of balancing family, purpose, and fulfilment. It’s this combination of lived experience and honest reflection that positions David to offer valuable insight into not just getting a role in sport, but also thriving within it.Highlights from the episode…After an eclectic childhood and an initial interest in journalism, how David eventually fell into physiotherapy and built a career across some of the biggest organisations and teams in the world.Where did David get this courage to feel confident in the various roles and fields he's succeeded in? How David avoided being “institutionalised” and his ability to pivot away from a 15 year + career in sports physiotherapy and still thrive beyond his skill set as a physio.His initial transition out of “conventional employment” to “entrepreneurship” was met with never-ending challenges and what David did to help him persevere through those tough times.The common tension of building a career filled with personal fulfilment and purpose; and also doing what’s best for your family.What do you want out of your career? A questions that often most don't ask and why it's important.David is directly involved in the recruitment of top talent for some the most well respected sports organisation. He shares what separates the people who go on to secure roles to those who don’t.The specific questions practitioners should ask when applying for roles in sport.Once in the role, what David advises candidates and organisations to focus on in the first 30-90 days to maximise a successful transition.What David advises sporting organisations to do to attract top talent to their teams.Having achieved a lot across various domains what has been the cost of your ambition? People mentioned:Cameron Steel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-steele-1a719926/James Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-allen-4627503b/Martin Seligman: https://positivepsychology.com/perma-model/ David Clancy contact details: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmdclancy/Nxt Level website: https://thenxtlevelgroup.comDavid Clancy website: https://davidclancy.comHost: Luis ResaContact me on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/Email: luis.resa@outlook.comThanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.
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Michael Davie - How to win an NBA Championship and optimise "Long Term Athletic Development".
Apr 2901:54:39Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailMichael Davie is a Strength & Conditioning coach who has operated at the highest level of professional basketball, across both the college system and the NBA. He’s one of the few to have reached the pinnacle of the sport, winning an NBA Championship with the Milwaukee Bucks. His experience extends well beyond basketball and has worked across multiple Olympic sports at the Queensland Academy of Sport, including rowing, sailing, diving, triathlon, and soccer, and was part of the Australian Swim Team staff at the 2012 London Olympic Games. This diverse background has shaped his deep understanding of Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD), which he applied in his work with 2x NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. In this conversation, Michael shares insights into athlete development, his unconventional journey into professional sport, and how belief, persistence, and consistency helped him achieve his dream role.Highlights from the episode…Having entered the industry later than most, bouncing around various jobs why Michael eventually chose to do S&C?After several years juggle part time S&C roles, family of 5 kids and working as a youth worker Michael was hit with a decision…take a $20,000/year role with the QAS or lean into a fulltime manager role youth working.The QAS. Michael provides a day to day outline of what his job entailed, the calibre of practitioners he worked alongside, the array of sports and diversity in elite level athletes.The relationship between “LTAD” and “vocabulary” and how the methodology of vocabulary can assist in coaching effective LTAD. We discuss the challenge of balancing “Long Term Athletic Development” and winning and how athlete development can often come at the cost of wining and Vice Versa…So how do we achieve both?How universities attract top talent to their programs and the business of collegiate sport.After close to 8 years at the QAS and no pro basketball experience how Michael received a chance phone call asking him if he wanted to join the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA.Michael talks about what many don’t consider when transitioning into a new role outside of your own country including family considerations, VISAs, contracts, housing, schools, etc.Working in the NBA. Michael shares what his role entailed and the gruelling schedule that many aren’t aware of when working in the NBA.With 82 game season Michael discusses how the team managed load, periodised strength training and maximised recovery between games.When monitoring players Michael has moved away from the traditional wellness questionnaires and what he currently uses at BYU to monitor overall player wellbeing. People mentioned:Kelvin Giles: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2g1eUNqD0zQXRsKWno93CeSuki Hobson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suki-hobson-588ba276/Troy Flanagan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-troy-flanagan-137a1b3/ Michael Davie contact details: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldavie/BYU Website: https://byucougars.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/season/2025-2026/staff/michael-davieX: https://x.com/MichaelDDavieHost: Luis ResaContact me on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/Email: luis.resa@outlook.comThanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.
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Wayne Diesel - From the Springboks, to the EPL, NFL and NBA...Sports Physiotherapist across various sports, eras and continents!
Apr 1201:59:30Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWayne is a highly regarded sports physiotherapist who has worked at the pinnacle of multiple sports and organisations across the globe for 40 years. He has worked in Olympic sports, with the South African National Rugby Team the Springboks, in the EPL with Charlton Athletic and Tottenham Hotspurs, in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins and the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs to only name a few. Few practitioners can match the breadth and depth of his experience, having led medical departments across multiple sports, countries, and high-performance environments. This is a must-listen conversation for anyone established or is building a career in sport, as Wayne blends practical clinical insights with hard-earned wisdom on what it takes to thrive in elite performance settings.Highlights from the episode…Wayne started physiotherapy during a period where there weren't an abundance of pro sport or high paying roles. So why did Wayne choose this career path?Working with the South African national soccer team (Bafana Bafana) and the national rugby team (Springboks).After a successful career in South Africa, why Wayne decided to sell everything and move the entire family to the UK to take a role with Gloucester Rugby.What he learnt from a “Witch Doctor” while working in South Africa. How player “Belief” can have the biggest impact on the success of an athlete’s rehab.The growing trend of athletes curating their own personal high performance support teams and how Wayne effectively collaborates with them from a clubs perspective. With endless wide spread scrutiny on performance, athlete health, injury rates etc. How do you deal with the added stress of media and opinion.When evaluating risk in RTP decision making who is “Responsible” for the decisions and who is “Accountable” to the decision?How do you work in a high performance sport where you are pushing the envelope but by doing so could be at risk of negative consequence and worse being sued?How Wayne found himself leaving the EPL moving to the USA and working in an unfamiliar sport of NFL with the Miami Dolphins.The unbelievable level of athletic potential he experienced and observed while working in the NFL.NFL is commonly referred to “Not For Long” due to the length of time players stay in the game. When navigating a transient player roster how do you develop trust?Having worked across different sports, organisations and countries. What do you do in the first 90 days to ensure the transition is a success?Working in the NBA with one of the most decorated coaches in NBA history Gregg Popovich.Wayne’s current mission to establish an open source platform for performance data that anyone working in high performance sport can access. People mentioned:Timothy Noakes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-noakes-294b048/Alan Curbishley: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_CurbishleyMichael Davidson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-davison-0568a720/Wayne Diesel contact details: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayne-diesel-3012122a/Opensport Website: https://www.opensport.ioHost: Luis ResaContact me on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/Email: luis.resa@outlook.comThanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.
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Nick Poulos – Leading with vulnerability in the toughest sports in Australia. Coaching in the AFL, Rugby Australia, Aspire Academy and more…
Mar 2302:14:08Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailNick is one of the leading high-performance managers in Australian sport, having spent close to a decade leading performance programs in the AFL with the GWS Giants and Adelaide Crows. Before his time in the AFL, Nick’s career took him around the globe, from professional rugby in Japan with Toyota Rugby, to a senior S&C role with the Aspire Academy in Qatar, and leading athletic performance for Rugby Australia’s men’s 7s program. But what makes Nick’s story truly compelling is the journey behind the success. After being diagnosed with Leukaemia early in his career, Nick spent more than a decade battling financial and professional uncertainty while trying to break into elite sport and at one point, walking away from it all and becoming a firefighter. Today, he draws from both his professional and personal experiences consulting and assisting leaders build high performing teams from locker rooms and boardrooms alike.Highlights from the episode…Nick decided to move to Sydney to pursue his burning desire to work in pro sport to eventually end up becoming a personal trainer and selling Foxtel cable television.Nick speaks of a tough period of his career where opportunities in pro sport were scarce, had a newly born daughter, was diagnosed with Leukaemia, financial challenges, which all led to him becoming a firefighter.After over a decade of pursuing a full time role in pro sport, Nick finally secure his first full time role sport in…Japan!Nick shares the realities of moving overseas, the challenges and advantages of settling both himself and his family into a new culture, environment and way of living.Challenges of having balancing a personal and pursuing a career in sport. Making the move to the middle east to the world renowned Aspire Academy. We chat about what is Aspire, his role and some of the leaders in sports science and S&C he was surrounded by.How Nick secured a role in a sport he has never worked in before and his transition into the next chapter of his career in the biggest sport in Australia AFL.Having been through a very challenging time with the Adeliade Crows we discuss how does Nick deal with loss, high pressure, stress, never-ending demands on his time and still provide a high level program. We chat about the importance of data and also what data DOESN’T show you and why it's important to “Read the room”.One of the most important roles as a high performance manager is recruiting the right people. Nick shares what he looks for in people he hires, what mistakes he’s made and what he’s learnt. People mentioned:Andy Friend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-friend-rugby/Dean Benton: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1vtkbUw2IWpdvKLOzI7wVQDaniel Duvnjak-Zaknich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-duvnjak-zaknich-80a41231/Dan Howells: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7wBAlzYR6InvdBZJ1lEPJB Nick Poulos contact details: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-poulos-phd/details/experience/Nick Poulos Website: https://www.nickpoulos.com.au/aboutX: https://x.com/PoulosNickHost: Luis ResaContact me on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/Email: luis.resa@outlook.comThanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.
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Matt Smith – Becoming a pro late, winning championships with Ange Postecoglou and becoming an international football coach.
Mar 901:57:00Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailMatt’s journey through professional football is anything but conventional. Released by Portsmouth in the UK at 17, he moved to Australia and traded his football boots for a suit, seemingly stepping away from the dream. But at 27, an age when many players are winding down, Matt reignited his career and signed as a professional, playing alongside Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler. He went on to play in three countries, captain and win championships under Ange Postecoglou at Brisbane Roar, and earn call-ups to the Australian national team. What makes his story even more compelling is that the same resilience, belief, and work ethic that defined his playing career now underpin his success in coaching, with experience across the top flights of Australia and Thailand, and currently serving as assistant coach of the Malaysian men’s national team.Highlights from the episode…We start with an in depth discussion around the academy system in Australia and how it compares to the UK system.Matt vulnerably shares the moment he was let go at the final hurdle by Portsmouth after 6 years with the club and how that moment has affected the decisions he makes to this day.Matt shares how he took an unconventional route to professional football by exploring opportunities that allowed him to continue playing and progress gradually through the system. After moving to Australia and being rejected on 3 separate occasions by A-league clubs, Matt shares how eventually he secured a his first professional contract all while working full time as marketing manager for a finance company and staying fit in his lunch breaks. Joining the Brisbane Roar FC and what he learnt as a player and now a coach from his time working closely with Ange Postecoglou. How did Ange maintain conviction in his vision and message when things weren’t going well and what Matt learnt during that period that he uses in his coaching style. How Matt secured the head coach role with Asian powerhouse BG Pathum Utd. in the Thai Premier League and his experience working as a head coach in Asian football. Dealing with the uncertainty, stress and pressure of being a head coach and how Matt personally deals with this. How do you still deliver a compelling message when surrounded by constant uncertainty doubt and when there are no guarantees?Both as a player and a coach what are the fundamentals characteristic you have observed and now look for in great performance support staff? Matt discusses his current role as Assistant Coach with the Malaysian men's national team and what it’s like coaching at a national team level. People mentioned:Stuart McLaren: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1v6BxDgkpbki2sUgGBVzdEAnge Postecoglou: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ange_PostecoglouMilo Micovic: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1svodLILdSKocJJjtA43McMatt Smith contact details: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-smith-50012736/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattsmith_2/?hl=enHost: Luis ResaContact me on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/Email: luis.resa@outlook.comThanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.
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Darcy Norman - Improving performance in the MLS, Serie A, Bundesliga and winning the World Cup with the German men's national team.
Feb 1002:21:50Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailDarcy is the Director of High Performance with Chicago Fire FC (MLS) and has been operating at the highest level of soccer for nearly three decades. His career spans some of the biggest stages in the game, with roles at European giants Bayern Munich and AS Roma, as well as extensive experience in international soccer. Darcy spent six years with the US Men’s national team and was part of the German national team staff that made history winning the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Alongside his work in elite soccer, Darcy has also held performance leadership and consultancy roles with Exos and Kitman Labs. His depth of experience, perspective, and knowledge is second to none and in this conversation, Darcy reflects on a career defined by highs, lows, and a lifetime of lessons, both professional and personal, which all began on the rural slopes of Canada far from the packed stadiums and bright lights of the world game. Highlights from the episode…What it was like being part of the beginnings of “Athlete's Performance” the organisation that went on to be commonly known today as the world renowned performance company, Exos.Working at Exos, the revolutionary ideas, structures, systems, personnel etc. that Darcy still leverages to this day in the high performance programs he’s involved in.How Darcy, admittingly "having no clue about soccer” secured a role with one of the biggest clubs in world soccer, Bayern Munich (Bundesliga).The "Power Formula" that Darcy has refined to facilitate performance in his players across all the environments his worked in.The "Trust Equation". How to get buy in from your athletes…and keep it!How Darcy was able to maintain professionalism and perform at the highest level in amongst the uncertainty and volatility that comes with abrupt coaching changes.When accepting roles abroad what considerations he makes to ensure that the move works both professionally and personally.Conflict resolution. Having difficult conversations in challenging times with staff, players, media etc.How Darcy got a better understanding of human performance by reviewing an unexpected source in the "Supply Change Council of America’s" website.“Linking your thinking”. Structuring his thoughts and tools he uses to develop the frameworks and models that he implements around RTS, performance enhancement, injury prevention, management etc.Being a part of the 2014 World Cup with the German national team, what it was like to win it and a humbling story post winning the World Cup.We discuss the ever-expanding use of technology and whether we are obligated to use it when the data exists. What are we not considering when being a slave to technology. With a World Cup being held in the US and all the work he is doing with the Chicago Fire FC, what is Darcy is excited about?People mentioned:Shad Forsythe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shad-forsythe-b94757237/?originalSubdomain=ukCraig Friedman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigfriedman/Mark Verstegen: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_VerstegenDarcy Norman contact details: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darcy-norman-1705496/X: https://x.com/DarcyNormanWebsite: https://www.darcynormanconsulting.com/contactHost: Luis ResaContact me on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/Email: luis.resa@outlook.comThanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.
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Alex Ross – Head of Athletic Performance & Sport Science (Scottish Rugby). Boosting rugby performance across 4 countries & working with multimillion dollar athletes in MLB.
Jan 2901:58:31Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailFrom international rugby to Major League Baseball and back again, Alex’s journey in elite sport is truly unique. He has made significant contributions to the game of rugby across four countries: in New Zealand as Sport Science Manager with the The Blues (Super Rugby); in Argentina as Physical Performance Manager across all levels of their national rugby program; in the United States as Head of Performance for USA Rugby; and currently overseeing multiple levels of the national program with Scottish Rugby. Beyond rugby, Alex has also held senior leadership roles in Major League Baseball with the New York Mets and the Miami Marlins. This conversation explores the story of someone who grew up immersed in a sport that held relative obscurity in his own country, yet went on to make a global impact shaped by the experiences his gained from multiple high performance environments, research, and a deep commitment to the game he loves.Highlights from the episode…Alex describes the early days of being involved in Rugby in the US where the sport was relatively unknown and considered more recreational than professional.Alex spoke about his move to New Zealand and the challenges of eventually breaking into pro Rugby as an American in a Rugby obsessed nation.What Alex learnt about the high performance landscape during his time in NZ and chats about the similarities/differences he experienced in high performance settings in the US and the world.With no experience in running an international Rugby program, living in a non-English speaking country and not being able to speak the local language, how Alex courageously secured a role with Argentina as Physical Performance Manager across all levels.Now stepping into a role with Argentina and admittingly having limited experience, what did Alex pulled from as a guide for implementing systems, setting up structures, decision making etc?What's it like trying to transition into new country and new way of living?After rapid success in Rugby, why Alex chose to move into a new sport in Baseball joining the world renowned New York Mets (MLB).Alex provides an insight of what it’s like to work in a 162 game MLB season. The resources, staffing, training schedule, daily/weekly plan, load management, periodising strength training etc.“Individual development plans”...what are they? And what Alex has gained from Baseball that could assist with rugby athletes. With an increase in data collection and ability to monitor more in sport, how do you choose what to measure?When dealing with multimillion dollar contracted athletes, how do you get players to do things, that they may not want to do, because you feel strongly that it will benefit them?Are you more data informed or intuition informed when it comes to decision making? You'll be surprised by the answer...You have experienced an exceptional career that has also come with its challenges…Has it been worth it? People mentioned:John (Mitch) Mitchell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mitchell-48041722a/Peter Bendix: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_BendixScott Lawrence: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-lawrence-rugby/ Alex Ross contact details: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexsross15/Host: Luis ResaContact me on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/Email: luis.resa@outlook.comThanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.
Transcribe →Justin Dougherty - Head Physiotherapist Newcastle Jets, A-League
Jan 1301:57:09Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailJustin is an Australian sports physiotherapist who has worked at the pinnacle of football in Australia in both the round ball game and Aussie rules football. He has been the Head Physio for 3 separate A-League clubs including the Newcastle Jets FC, Melbourne Victory FC and Macarthur Bulls FC, as well as spending 5 years as Rehabilitation Physio for the Syndey Swans (AFL). What’s most fascinating about Justin is not only has he been able to transition successfully across different sports, but he has also uniquely been able to transition between being a “generalist physio” to a “specialist physio”. In this conversation we chat all things rehab, including who should be involved, general milestones and the specifics of developing, implementing and evaluating a comprehensive and successful rehab plan, in amongst his own personal journey from starting in Hunter region of Newcastle, moving interstate, working in the AFL and returning full circle to where it all began. Highlights from the episode…What a Match day +1 entails and discusses the recovery protocols, top up drills for players and triaging of injured players that currently occur at the club.He talks about the steps that opened the door to his first opportunity in professional sport, including helping out and observing for over a year unpaid before ever being presented with a role at the club.How Justin deals with complex cases and the process he uses to manage injuries where he may not have extensive experience and knowledge around.After being on a rollercoaster of results with the Jets, Justin shares the lead up to the historic 2018 home grand final in Newcastle. How Justin received a job offer from one of the power houses of Australian football (Melbourne Victory FC) and the things he had to consider moving away from Newcastle to Melbourne.Justin shares his time at the Melbourne Victory and meeting world renowned sport scientist Ryan Timmins.Why Justin chose to leave one of the biggest and established A-league clubs to join one of the smallest and less developed clubs in the A-League.After only a few months at Macarthur Bulls FC, how Justin was offered a role in a different sport, in a different role with a different club with the Sydney Swans.What is involved in a specialised rehab physio role and how the medical/performance team was structured at the Swans."With increase personnel comes with the risk of decrease integration”. With larger medical/performance teams in the AFL, can there be too many people in department? If things don’t go according to plan, what’s the evaluation process you use when assessing the outcome of a return to play scenario.When developing and implementing a comprehensive rehab plan, how do you know what exercises, tests, milestones matter most?Justin shares why he left the Sydney Swans to go back and join the Newcastle Jets as Head Physio. People mentioned:Anthony Crea: https://open.spotify.com/episode/61NEsihgoSiiw5qDRl812xDamian Raper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damian-raper-5b212b23/Ryan Timmins: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Bt1GdDjwWiXNcCmjU2jBq Justin Dougherty contact details: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-dougherty-185a0739/Host: Luis ResaContact me on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-resa-a975196b/Email: luis.resa@outlook.comThanks for listening and please leave a review. If you would like more information on anything mentioned in this episode simply send me an email.
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