Matthew Van Dyke, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at the University of Denver, talks to the NSCA Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, Scott Caulfield, about professional development, working as part of a comprehensive sports performance team, and developing additional knowledge in the field.

Matt Van Dyke, MS, is an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at the University of Denver where he is responsible for the speed, strength, conditioning, and mobility workouts for the men’s lacrosse, alpine ski, volleyball, tennis, and swimming teams. Prior to his position with the University of Denver, Van Dyke was the Assistant Director of Strength and Conditioning for Olympic Sports at the University of Minnesota. During his tenure at the University of Minnesota, Van Dyke was responsible for performance programming for men’s and women’s hockey, baseball, track and field, and the women’s golf team. He has presented at the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCa) National Conference and has presented at the Minnesota Sports Performance Clinic. Additionally, he is a co-author of Triphasic Training: A High School Strength and Conditioning Manual and author of several articles on xlathlete.com as well as his professional website, vandykestrength.com.

Find Matt on Twitter: @Matt_VanDyke | Find Scott on Twitter: @scottcaulfield

Show Notes

“The idea that we are stress managers is how I’m going to focus my time with athletes.” 2:28

“How the athlete is perceiving stress is always going to be a more critical piece of the puzzle than anything else.” 6:17

“We’re on a quarter system at DU, so basically every 10 weeks our athletes are having finals and the likelihood of injury is increased because the body views stress as stress. So how can we vary our training program to ensure we keep our athletes performing at a high level?” 7:30

“Make the most of every opportunity you have. Regardless of what school you’re at, you’re all going to be tasked with different responsibilities. Whether it’s taking out the trash or restocking the fueling station, whatever it is you have to do the absolute best you can do at that because as you progress at those, you’ll be given more responsibilities.” 13:55

“As a young coach, I knew how to get guys strong, but you learn quick there are so many more variables than just that.” 16:14

“For us, nothing is ever set in stone.” 18:10

“Time management and understanding how important your network is to this profession is key.” 20:30

“Writing is a tremendous method to explain the methods that you’re using with your athletes.” 24:30

“I think a roadblock is knowing there’s always going to be the work to personal life ratio. Going into this profession knowing this isn’t a ‘9 – 5’ is key.” 28:25

“What are you doing for your continuing education?” 29:55

“It never feels like work, you’re not stuck in a cubicle, you’re moving every day.” 34:40

“It’s more about development in the long run, because the majority of our athletes aren’t going to play professional sports.” 35:31

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