Lessons learnt from transitioning across sports, levels and job roles with Steph Mock Grubbs and Ryan Grubbs

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Steph Mock Grubbs and Ryan Grubbs discuss their experiences transitioning across different sports, levels, and job roles within elite performance environments. Their journey from college athletics to professional sports highlights the evolution of roles in strength & conditioning, rehab, and sports science.

Steph, now with the Houston Astros, and Ryan, working with the Houston Texans, explain how reconditioning bridges the gap between rehab and performance training, ensuring athletes return to play at optimal levels. They emphasize the importance of adapting training methodologies, particularly in baseball, where athlete workload and season length pose unique challenges.

A key theme of their discussion is the shift from being generalists to specialists, requiring continuous upskilling in rehab, load management, and performance programming. The integration of strength, rehab, and reconditioning teams in professional sports enables collaboration and efficiency in managing injury risk and athlete development.

The episode also covers balancing athlete health with team needs, using objective performance data to inform return-to-play decisions, and navigating career transitions in elite sport. They stress the importance of mentorship, research, and relationship-building in making successful career moves.

Finally, they discuss challenges in balancing professional careers with personal relationships, emphasizing adaptability, teamwork, and continuous learning in both career growth and life. Their insights provide valuable lessons for practitioners looking to evolve within high-performance environments while maintaining long-term career sustainability.

Main talking points:

• Reconditioning bridges rehab and performance training.
• Transitioning from college to pro sports requires adaptation.
• Balancing athlete health with team performance needs.
• Eccentric training is key in injury prevention.
• Collaboration between strength, rehab, and reconditioning teams.
• Athlete workload management is crucial in long seasons.
• Individualized return-to-play plans improve performance outcomes.
• Generalist to specialist career shifts require upskilling.
• Mentorship and networking help career transitions.
• Objective performance data informs return-to-play decisions.
• Professional careers impact personal relationships significantly.
• Continuous learning and adaptability drive career growth.