From Basement Intern to Pro AT: Bryan Schopieray on Athlete Recovery, Mental Resilience, and Team Culture

In this episode, we sit down with Bryan Schopieray, a seasoned athletic trainer with a passion for helping athletes overcome both physical and mental challenges. Bryan shares how his journey shifted from mechanical engineering, inspired by his dad's business, to the intricate "machinery" of the human body. Growing up with a pro racquetball player as a brother and racing motorcycles himself, Bryan's path was destined for high-paced, adrenaline-fueled sports.Bryan dives into his unique experiences, from interning with the Maine Black Bears, living in his cousin’s basement to chase his passion, and eventually becoming the head AT for the Maine Celtics. He reveals what makes his job truly rewarding, from connecting the dots for injury recovery to celebrating an athlete’s return to play. Bryan also discusses the mental side of training, funny rituals with athletes, and his goals for the future. Plus, hear about his unforgettable trip to China with the USA national team and how he creates a welcoming training room environment for athletes of all levels.You can follow Bryan @b.schop91 on Instagram-You can follow us on social media @underdog_brand on Instagram, @underdog_brand  on TikTok and The Underdog Brand on YouTube where we share podcast snippets, athletic research, and our products.Visit our website to shop clothing and our performance drink, Underdog Energy.Thanks for letting us share inspiring stories with you! Make sure to leave us a review and rating, it is very much appreciated! Most importantly, share with a friend that needs to hear this story.Support the show