

CVASPS The Podcast
Central VA Sport Performance
Thanks for checking out The CVASPS Podcast! On our show will bring the best practitioners in the field of strength and conditioning from around the world together to discuss all aspects of athlete development. Each show has a unique theme that is designed to help your athletes in improve performance. We hope you enjoy the show, and if you do, like all our content, feel free to share it with anyone is the sport performance field who you feel will find value in the content.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 8, 2025 • 30min
Episode 8: Season 5 Episode 8- Casey Cathrall- Don’t Compound The Issue.
In this episode of the Central Virginia Sport Performance Podcast, host Jay DeMayo sits down with Casey Cathrall from the University of Dayton. They discuss the impact of AI on content creation, the evolution of strength and conditioning in college sports, and the importance of building foundational routines for athletes. Casey shares insights from his career journey, including his time at La Tech and his current role at Dayton, emphasizing the significance of adaptability and maintaining a fun, engaging environment for athletes.KeywordsAI, content creation, strength and conditioning, college sports, athlete development, foundational routines, adaptability, fun environment, University of Dayton, La TechTakeaways
Building foundational routines is key for athletes.
Adaptability is crucial in strength and conditioning.
Maintaining a fun environment enhances athlete engagement.
Casey Cathrall's career journey is inspiring.
La Tech has a strong legacy in strength coaching.
University of Dayton fosters athlete development.
Transfer portal impacts training strategies.
Consistency is challenging in the transfer era.
Fun and autonomy are vital for athlete buy-in.

Nov 24, 2025 • 35min
Episode 7: Season 5 Episode 7- Tyler Curtis- Urgency, Effort, and Attitude
In this episode of the Central Virginia Sport Performance Podcast, host Jay DeMayo welcomes Ty Curtis, the Assistant Director of Strength and Conditioning for Olympic Sports at Florida Atlantic University. Ty shares his career journey from Syracuse University to Fort Bragg, and now to FAU, discussing the challenges and insights gained from working in both collegiate and tactical settings. The conversation delves into the importance of coaching the person, not just the athlete, and the value of building genuine connections with athletes to enhance their performance and personal growth.Take Aways:- Ty Curtis emphasizes the importance of coaching the person, not just the athlete. - Building genuine connections with athletes enhances their performance and personal growth. - Ty's career journey includes experiences in both collegiate and tactical settings. - The transition from tactical to collegiate coaching offers unique challenges and insights. - Coaching requires understanding the underlying motivations of athletes. - Ty values honesty and proactivity in his coaching philosophy. - The importance of being adaptable and open to new experiences in coaching. - Ty's respect for the military influences his coaching style and perspective. - The role of strength and conditioning in athlete development is multifaceted. - Ty encourages athletes to face challenges head-on and learn from them.

Nov 16, 2025 • 31min
Episode 6: Season 5 Episode 6- Lily Griffith- Metrics That Matter and Motivate
In this conversation, Lily Griffith emphasizes the importance of explaining the rationale behind training exercises to athletes. By connecting the training to their performance goals, she fosters better understanding and buy-in from the athletes, ultimately enhancing their relationship and commitment to the training process.takeaways
It's important to give athletes the reason behind their training.
Understanding the 'why' helps athletes connect with their training.
Communicating the benefits of exercises increases athlete buy-in.
Building relationships with athletes is crucial for effective coaching.
Using data in training should be explained to athletes.
Athletes are more engaged when they see the relevance of their training.
Power production and resiliency are key focuses in training.
Effective communication enhances the training experience.
Athletes need to understand how training impacts their performance.
Investing time in explanation fosters trust and commitment.

Nov 9, 2025 • 32min
Episode 5: Season 5 Episode 5- Daniel Marshall- Competitive Spirt Drives Performance
In this engaging conversation, Jay DeMayo hosts Daniel Marshall, a seasoned strength coach, to discuss his journey through various successful basketball programs and the unique lessons learned from each. Daniel shares insights from his time at Arizona State University, San Diego State, and his experiences with renowned coaches like Dan Hurley and Bobby Hurley. The discussion delves into the importance of development, the different coaching philosophies, and how these have shaped his approach to training athletes. Daniel emphasizes the significance of adapting training methods to suit individual needs and the value of maintaining a competitive spirit in training sessions.Key Takeaways:
Coaching Philosophies:Daniel highlights the distinct coaching styles of Dan Hurley, Bobby Hurley, and Dutch, emphasizing the importance of accountability, player empowerment, and patience.
Development Focus:The conversation underscores the need for programs that prioritize player development and respect for all team members.
Adapting Training Methods:Daniel discusses the evolution of his training methods, moving from traditional strength exercises to incorporating machines like leg presses and belt squats for efficiency.
Importance of Creativity:Finding creative ways to engage athletes, especially those resistant to traditional methods, is crucial for their development.
Competitive Spirit:Maintaining a competitive environment in training sessions helps athletes push their limits and improve performance.
Recruitment Strategies:The importance of recruiting players who fit the program's style and philosophy is emphasized, with honesty during the recruitment process being key.
Track and Field Influence:Daniel's background in track and field significantly influences his training approach, focusing on applying strength through sprints, jumps, and throws.
Balancing Skill and Strength:While learning the skill of exercises like squats is important, achieving a training stimulus and adaptation is equally crucial.
Outdoor Training Days:Daniel describes the structure of outdoor training days, which focus on speed and power without inducing fatigue.
Long-term Athlete Development:The conversation highlights the importance of long-term development, with a focus on building strength that translates into athleticism.
Chapters:
Introduction and Background (0:00 - 5:00):Jay introduces Daniel and they discuss his background and current role at San Diego State.
Coaching Philosophies and Lessons (5:01 - 15:00):Daniel shares insights from working with different coaches and the lessons learned.
Training Methods and Adaptations (15:01 - 25:00):Discussion on the evolution of training methods and the influence of track and field.
Recruitment and Development (25:01 - 35:00):The importance of recruitment strategies and maintaining a focus on player development.
Conclusion and Future Guests (35:01 - End):Jay wraps up the conversation and Daniel suggests future podcast guests.

Nov 3, 2025 • 31min
Episode 4: Season 5 Episode 4- Derek Savage- Fostering Trust and Collaboration in Team Dynamics
In this episode, Jay DeMayo and Derek Savage discuss the unique dynamics and challenges of strength and conditioning at Colorado College. They explore Derek's journey from volunteer to director, the importance of building athlete buy-in, and the innovative triangle meetings that foster collaboration among coaches, medical staff, and strength coaches. The conversation highlights the significance of mentorship, trust, and communication in achieving success in collegiate sports.Takeaways
Building strong relationships is key to athlete buy-in.
Mentorship plays a crucial role in career development.
Triangle meetings enhance collaboration and communication.
Trust and communication are vital in team dynamics.
Derek's journey from volunteer to director is inspiring.
Colorado College's unique block plan presents challenges.
Collaboration with medical staff is essential for success.
Attention to detail is critical in strength coaching.
Networking and building connections are important.
Adapting to different coaching styles is necessary.
Chapters
00:00:00 Introduction and Background
00:00:00 Derek's Journey to Director
00:00:00 Building Athlete Buy-In
00:00:00 Triangle Meetings and Collaboration
00:00:00 Mentorship and Trust
00:00:00 Challenges and Successes at Colorado College

Oct 27, 2025 • 32min
Episode 3: Season 5 Episode 3- Mike Chatman- Nothing Matters More Then The Player
In this conversation, Michael Chatman and Jay DeMayo discuss a pivotal moment in a basketball game, focusing on the energy and mindset shifts that come with performance. They reflect on the importance of embracing new energy and the impact of significant plays on team dynamics.TakeawaysThe first play of the game can set the tone.Energy and mindset are crucial in performance.Embracing new energy can lead to better outcomes.Players evolve, and so should their roles.A memorable dunk can change the game's momentum.Team dynamics are influenced by individual performances.Humor can lighten the pressure in competitive situations.Expectations can shift based on past performances.The importance of wanting the best version of teammates.A positive mindset can lead to greater success.

Oct 20, 2025 • 39min
Episode 2: Season 5 Episode 2- Cam Davidson- The Balance Between High Challenge and High Support.
In this episode, Jay DeMayo welcomes Cam Davidson back to the podcast to discuss his journey through various coaching roles, including his recent transition to NC State. They explore the importance of family dynamics in coaching, the evolution of training methods, and the philosophy of high challenge and high support in athlete development. Cam shares insights from his experiences at different institutions and how they shaped his coaching style, emphasizing the need for adaptability and continuous learning in the field.TakeawaysCam Davidson discusses his transition from Colorado to NC State.Family dynamics play a crucial role in coaching decisions.High challenge and high support are essential for athlete development.Training methods must evolve based on the athlete's needs and environment.Cam emphasizes the importance of collaboration among coaching staff.Lessons learned from previous coaching stops inform current practices.The significance of creating an enjoyable training environment for athletes.Adaptability is key in coaching different sports and levels.Cam's training philosophy has evolved over the years, incorporating various methodologies.The podcast highlights the importance of mentorship and networking in coaching. Chapters00:00 Cam's Journey: From Penn State to NC State06:17 The Importance of Family in Coaching10:10 Lessons Learned from Different Coaching Environments18:12 High Challenge, High Support: A Coaching Philosophy21:28 Finding Balance in Coaching and Life24:25 The Evolution of Coaching Styles31:02 Adapting Training Methods for Different Sports35:56 Continuous Growth and Learning in Coaching

Oct 13, 2025 • 34min
Episode 1: Season 5, Episode 1: Greg Goldin- The Evolution of Performance Standards
In the return of The Podcast, Jay DeMayo and Greg Goldin discuss the evolution of performance coaching in basketball, focusing on Greg's journey through various programs and his partnership with Coach Wade. They explore the importance of building trust, establishing standards over culture, and adapting to the changing landscape of college athletics, particularly with the introduction of NIL. Greg shares insights from his diverse experiences, including working with the DOD and at Penn State, and emphasizes the need for authentic relationships with athletes.TakeawaysGreg's journey reflects significant growth in performance coaching.Building trust with the head coach is crucial for career advancement.Establishing standards is more effective than focusing on culture.Authentic relationships with players are essential in the NIL era.Lessons from military organization can enhance athletic programs.The importance of making systems repeatable for sustained success.Navigating the transfer portal requires adaptability and quick relationship building.Greg's experiences highlight the value of diverse coaching environments.Effective communication is key in strength and conditioning roles.The evolution of coaching roles requires a shift from hard skills to soft skills.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:23 Evolution of Greg and Coach Wade09:51 Lessons from Diverse Experiences16:42 Building Standards Over Culture25:16 Navigating the NIL Landscape33:36 Outro.mp4As always we truly appreciate you and all you do for CVASPS. If you enjoy the show please help us out by doing 3 things: 1) please subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform, 2) if you could leave us a review I would be so thankful, and 3) as with all our content, if you know anyone who could find value in this episode please share the show with them. Thank YOU for all you do for us here at CVASPS and we will see you in the next episode!

Apr 1, 2024 • 31min
Episode 30: Season 4 Episode 30 David Deets- “Train them for the sport instead of for numbers”
On this week’s episode I got to sit down and discuss the preparation process with basketball players with a coach that has been on my “wish list” for guests to have on The Podcast, David Deets. David has had a really awesome voyage that to his position now at Tulsa, and this has helped him formulate a unique philosophy and mindset when it comes to all aspects of preparation. Throughout the 30-minute discussion Coach Deets and I get into: 1) Where the origin of his passion for the warm up aspect of perpetration, but for training and practice came from2) The value of keeping similar patterns in the warm up, but changing the movements as often as possible 3) Examples of how he prescribes these variations including specific examples of some of these patterns4) Why and where we find value in barefoot training5) What training them for the sport not the numbers mean to him Such a great conversation with a fantastic practitioner who has a unique perspective on developing the basketball players, and a discussion that, quite frankly, has made me have some second thoughts about some things that I do, specifically with our daily practice warm ups. Coach Deets is really doing great work, and I’m so grateful for his open and candid sharing today. Make sure you give him a follow on The Gram at @ coachdeets23 and on the Twitter-sphere at @coachdeets. I truly hope you took as much from this discussion as I did, and if so, and could please help me out with three HUGE favors I’d be super grateful. If you could please: 1) share this with a colleague that would find value in the episode; 2) subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform; and 3) while you’re there, please leave us a 5-star review. Thank you so much for helping us grow The Podcast.

Mar 25, 2024 • 31min
Episode 29: Season 4 Episode 29- Federico Pizzuto- “Find the balance between what we want and what they really need"
Today we have a really awesome discussion about connecting the physical aspects within our vocation and how it can be related back to the technical tactical side of the games we work in with Federico Pizzuto. Throughout this sensational 30-plus minute chat, Federico and I get into: 1) The model that he utilizes when connecting the technical tactical side with the physical preparation of the athletes.2) What he’s looking at to build out his progressions, and the ways it impacts buy in with the players3) Where autonomy for the players fits in his perpetration and RTP programming.4) Video’s impact on communicating the goals and objectives of the program 5) Simple ways he has found success building out individualization in his programming So much great insight from a practitioner working at the highest level, this episode is full of great, practical, real world tactics that we can all utilize (or adapt from) with our return to play progressions. I can’t thank Federico enough for being so open to sharing with us today because this was absolutely fantastic. Make sure you keep up with what he’s doing up in Columbus by following him on IG @federicocapacci. If you found value in the show and could do me three huge favors I’d really appreciate it if you would: 1) share the show with a colleague, this is the best way to spread the word; 2) subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast player to stay up to date with all our shows; 3) please leave us a review to help others find our show when they search for strength and conditioning based podcasts.


