The Athletes Couch

by Madi Doletzky

Season 2

The opportunity of being a strength coach, the process of becoming one and, going to them for support

I’ve had the honor of knowing Nick for the last few years. He is an amazing strength coach, person, and friend! Some might say biggest hype man in the MAC! In this Episode Nick talks about his experience in college baseball and how it all happened for a reason. Nick then goes on to speak to the opportunity that is being a strength coach for college athletes. We talk about the importance of a strength coach to the athlete, embracing the suck, and how your plans in your college career may not look how you thought they would. Though when you step back and look at the bigger picture you wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Whether you are thinking about becoming a strength coach, looking for support as an athlete, or wondering what college sports may look like for you this one has all the answers. Tune in to hear more!

S2 · E1

Feb 4, 2025

47:18

Season 1

People aren’t going to make it to the end of season & I'm not talking about quitting with Catie Lang

In this Episode we dive into Catie’s college lacrosse experience at Colgate. Catie experienced something an athlete should never have to face at any level of sport. Having a coach steal your love for the sport is one of the most heartbreaking experiences an athlete can go through. Catie talks about how she often suppressed expressing her mental health in order to save her playing time. She felt like she couldn’t quit because quitting is so frowned upon but to endure the pain and abuse at what cost?! This is a tough subject and one not often talked about until it’s too late. Tap in to start the conversation. Let’s all do our part to keep these coaches & political decisions far away from sports!

S1 · E11

Jan 28, 2025

41:08

Finding the right fit, identity of the athlete, & the importance of teams with Barb Smith

In this episode we get to know more about Barbs companies and her work with teams. As Barb beautifully says “teams run the world”. She helps athletes find the right fit when it comes to finding a college as well as helping them along the journey. Wow what a beautiful gift that is! Talk about doing something that you love! If I could go back in time I would have benefited from working with Barb tremendously. Hop into the pod to learn a bit of knowledge & food for thought from a 30 year long basketball coach and overall intelligent woman!

S1 · E10

Jan 20, 2025

31:49

Disordered eating, growing out of traditional athletics, & learning to love your body with Taylor

In this episode Taylor & I dive into her high school experience in traditional athletics. Taylor courageously speaks on her experiences with disordered eating, what it looked & felt like for her. We talk about how she navigated her way out of soccer practice & into the mountains on two wheels. Taylor talks about how the switch was vital to her personal successes. After recording this podcast I went on to thank Taylor for leading the way. Having this chat helped me navigate and understand a bit better my own struggles with disordered eating. Being able to verbalize these feelings can make such a difference. Let’s push ourselves to have these tougher conversations more often.

S1 · E9

Nov 23, 2024

54:24

Coming from another country to play sports in the US with Charly

Charly is a collegiate junior and accomplished athlete from Germany currently representing the Swim&Dive Team at CSP in St. Paul, Minnesota. With a strong background in sports and a history of competing in various events since youth in Berlin, swimming has been a passion of hers since the age of eleven. Successes include participation in prestigious events such as the Northern German, Youth German, and open German Championships. This year, she swam in the A final at the conference, marking a significant milestone in her journey. Charly is proud of these achievements and looks forward to continuing to push the limits of potential as a dedicated member of the Swim&Dive Team at CSP. In this episode we chat about the challenges of coming to a new country to live. Charly is a sweetheart & I am so thankful we were able to connect!

S1 · E8

Apr 5, 2024

36:15

Pressure, building well rounded humans, growing as a coach, & finding balance with Willette

Willette White has spent the last four decades in college basketball as a player and coach. She was a two time All-Region and All-American for the University of Idaho, as well she was awarded the honor of induction into three basketball Hall of Fames. On the other side of the curtain, she spent time coaching for the Utes, the USA Basketball program, and 26 years around the Pac-12. In this podcast White speaks to the importance of not just creating better players but teaches them first as humans. She talks about how she grew as a coach and what that looks like to find yourself in a new realm of not playing the sport. Willette is an outstanding human before she is a coach and I feel so honored to have her on this pod.

S1 · E7

Apr 2, 2024

34:07

Fifth year life, being a good teammate, and creating a good mental space with Callie

Callie runs cross country and track for the University of Louisville. She is a nursing major and currently in her last semester of college athletics. Callie hit the transfer portal after her first year & is a great example of how a new environment can make the world of a difference. She is dedicated, she is kind, she is so strong & I cannot wait for you to hear her thoughts.

S1 · E6

Feb 29, 2024

28:37

Numbing yourself, suicide, and being an outlet with Coach Day

Explicit

Coach Day has been a successful strength coach for years. He really gets to know the human before the athlete and is a lifetime coach. In this episode we talk about numbing yourself with drugs or alcohol, suicide, being an outlet for others, and so much more.

S1 · E5

Feb 27, 2024

39:30

Injuries late in the career, pressure, & life after college athletics with Sammy

Samuel has been playing soccer since he learned how to talk. He grew up in London & had the opportunity to play for Ottawa University’s first ever year as a school. Later in his college career he transferred to the University of Akron where he played for the nationally ranked zips. In this episode we talk about injuries later in the career, the mindset shift of an injury, pressure that college athletes face, and what it’s like to leave your sport after 20 years.

S1 · E4

Feb 13, 2024

37:46

Gaining the Mental Edge with Sandy

Sandy is the founder of Mental Edge Hockey. A personalized method for athletes to take their career to the next level. Sandy speaks on the importance of taking a deeper dive into the mental game and the conversations that need to be pushed in athletics.

S1 · E3

Feb 1, 2024

35:27

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