Learn about advocacy topics for collegiate strength and conditioning coaches, and the commitment of the NSCA to provide professional development resources in support of the field. This episode features Mary Beth George, the Chair of the NSCA College Coaches Professional Development Group (PDG). She shares her story in the profession with NSCA Coaching and Sport Science Manager, Eric McMahon, including key insights on the NSCA’s ongoing efforts to support athlete wellness and safety, and personal perspectives on being a strength and conditioning coach as a parent. Tune in for an early listen of areas that will be discussed at the College Coaches PDG Meeting next month as part of the 2023 Coaches Conference (Charlotte, NC, January 4-6).

Connect with Mary Beth via email at megeorge01@ysu.edu or on Instagram at mbgeorge2569| | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs and Twitter: @ericmcmahoncscs

You can join the College Coaches PDG Council before the December 15th annual NSCA Volunteer Application deadline.

Show Notes

“I think the biggest thing that I've learned since being a part of this group has been that there is a whole network of people behind you, rooting for you to do well, and will support you-- whether it is that you're an assistant, just coming up, and it's your first full time position, or if you're someone like me trying to build a program, whatever it might be-- there are other people that have experienced something similar before and they can be a sounding board to help you succeed.” 11:07

“As we get accredited education programs, as we advance our professional communities, as we improve our research and all of our scientific areas, the way you're going to see that is by the students, and young coaches, and young professionals of today showing up at our conferences, and speaking, and being on committees.” 19:47

“When I got in the field, I didn't even think about having a family at the time. I was so devoted to this is my career, and this is what I want to do, and this is what I have to do to make my career work. But then when the kids came along, I had to adjust some of my own beliefs about the job.” 28:22

“Being able to be there and push the student athlete on the physical side, but then also being there to support them mentally. And being there, having an open ear, whatever it may be, just building that relationship with the student athlete to know that, hey, they can come to us and know that we're going to listen to them. And if we're not the right resource, we'll point them in the right direction to have whatever support they need.” 33:20

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