The PAADS Athlete Development Podcast

This podcast transcript features Jen Cross, Carmen Teepen, and Tommy Vera from the Gold Coast Titans discussing their roles in athlete development and well-being within professional rugby. The staff outlines the unique challenges of managing young athletes, such as balancing high salaries with the need for career education and long-term identity outside of sport. They highlight the differences between the men’s and women's leagues, noting that female players often juggle motherhood and full-time jobs alongside their athletic commitments. The team emphasizes the importance of head coach support and proximity to players in fostering a culture of trust and holistic growth. By integrating mental health specialists and cultural workshops, they aim to prepare athletes for success both during and after their playing careers. Their collaborative approach serves as a model for how modern sports organizations can prioritize the human element of high-performance competition.

This podcast episode features an interview with Riley Poduje, a former intern at Professional Association ofAthlete Development Specialists (PAADS) who now works professionally in the sports industry. The discussion highlights Poduje’s career trajectory, from managing a collegiate basketball team to handling player engagement and operations for a Major League Soccer club. She emphasizes that successful athlete development requires building trust and supporting the whole person rather than just the performer. Poduje also outlines her vision for the field, advocating for tailored education, personal branding resources, and mental health support for players. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the importance of interpersonal relationships and the behind-the-scenes work necessary to help athletes transition through different stages of their lives.

In this episode, hosts Duncan Fletcher and Stephanie Thorburn sit down with Tom Livengood from the WTA Player Development team to explore his remarkable career journey—from international exchange work to shaping athlete development in professional tennis. Livengood shares how his global perspective has influenced his approach within the internationally driven WTA. The conversation dives into the WTA’s holistic model for athlete support, focusing on individualized development, transferable skills, and data-driven strategies that promote long-term success both on and off the court. The hosts also compare the WTA’s player development approach to other sports, unpacking the unique challenges of supporting athletes in a global, individual sport where professional careers can start at any age.

The source is an excerpt from a podcast featuring an interview with two doctors from the University of Florida, Dr. Molly Harry and Dr. Emily Plunkett, who discuss their research on athlete development and the rapidly changing landscape of collegiate sports. The conversation focuses heavily on NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) policies, the potential for athletes to be reclassified as employees, and the resulting confusion and lack of education among student-athletes navigating these seismic shifts. The researchers also detail a collaborative study they conducted on baseball and softball athletes' use of LinkedIn to showcase their transferable skills, noting low-profile development and differences in self-presentation between male and female athletes. Finally, they discuss the need for standardization and customization in athlete development programming to effectively support student-athletes during and after their college careers.

In an episode of the PAADS Podcast, hosts Duncan Fletcher and Stephanie Thorburn interview JP van Wyke, the Player Services Manager for the South African Cricketers Association. The discussion centers on Funve's 20-year career in athlete development and player well-being, particularly within the evolving global cricket landscape. Van Wyke details the Player Plus program, which offers mental health, financial wellness, and educational support to players, highlighting the shift towards a dual-career mindset for athletes. He also addresses the challenges of supporting younger players entering professional leagues and the importance of collaboration with agents to ensure player welfare. The conversation further explores the critical work in mental health pioneered by cricket organizations, the impact of the Athlete Development Summit, and future initiatives focused on financial literacy and leveraging the expertise of past players for mentorship.

This discussion centers on the NBA's Coaching Development Program (CDP), featuring insights from Duncan Fletcher of PADS, along with Erjaam Hayes, Director of Player Development at the NBA, and Anisha Curry, Head Coach of the NBA Coaching Development Program. They highlight the program's evolution from event-based training to a comprehensive eight-month curriculum that focuses on technology, core coaching competencies, and professional development for both current and former players. The conversation also addresses the challenges and successes of transitioning from player to coach, emphasizing the importance of a lifelong learner mindset, managing unseen hours, and the value of relationships. Furthermore, it touches upon the program's selection process, the opportunities for practical experience, and the NBA's commitment to inclusivity by providing access for women in coaching.

This text features an interview with Guy Taylor, the national director for the Talented Athlete Scholarship (TASS) in the UK. He explains the origins of TASS, which was formed after the 1996 Olympics to improve Great Britain's performance by creating a pipeline for elite athletes. TASS is a charity that supports talented athletes through partnerships with universities that provide access to facilities and practitioners, offering strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, lifestyle support, nutrition, and psychological services. Taylor highlights the importance of holistic athlete development and discusses the challenges and successes of building relationships with institutions and sports organizations. He also touches on the increasing need for mental health support for athletes and the evolving field of athlete development, emphasizing the importance of establishing professional standards and recognizing it as crucial for long-term success, rather than just a "soft" service.

This podcast episode previews the upcoming PAADS Athlete Development Summit and Symposium events in New York City, hosted at MLB. The discussion outlines a week of activities in May, including an international guest experience with visits to the NBA, WNBA, and MLS, followed by a research symposium on May 14th featuring presentations on topics like gambling culture in female sports and fan reactions to athlete mental health disclosures. The main athlete development summit on May 15th and 16th will feature global partners from various sports leagues sharing their programming, along with sessions on neurodiversity, social media protection for athletes, athlete panels, and self-care for practitioners, emphasizing networking and shared learning. The speakers highlight the value of connecting with fellow professionals and the diverse content planned for the week.

This podcast features an interview with Laney Hodges of Improv Alchemy, who discusses using improvisational theater techniques to improve athlete development. Hodges explains how improv builds crucial skills like communication and teamwork, fostering a more cohesive and resilient team on and off the field. She details her experience working with NFL teams, highlighting the positive impact on player performance and overall well-being. The discussion also addresses overcoming initial hesitancy to participate in improv exercises and emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to athlete development. Finally, Hodges shares her plans to expand the application of improv training within professional sports.

This podcast features a conversation with Erjaam Hayes, NBA Director of Player Development, about his career and the NBA's player development programs. Hayes discusses his journey from community relations to player development, highlighting the role of NBA Cares in fostering player interests and passions. He details the structure and challenges of G-League player development, including program creation, resource allocation, and engagement strategies. Furthermore, Hayes addresses the evolving needs of players, particularly concerning entrepreneurship and social media, and looks toward the future of athlete development in the context of NIL deals and changing engagement methods. Finally, the discussion emphasizes the importance of viewing athlete development as a crucial investment rather than a cost.

Steve is a Registered Psychologist with 15+ years of experience working with adults, adolescents, and children. Steve has a Bachelor of Psychology (Arts), a Graduate Diploma in Psychology, and is a Board Approved Supervisor with AHPRA. He has spent the last 12 years working with Juvenile Justice, mostly in correctional settings, but he has also worked in educational, mental health, and disability settings. Steve has been in private practice since early 2017. Steve’s particular interests and skills include working with trauma and PTSD, ADHD/Neurodivergence, anti-social behavior, behavior management, parenting, substance abuse, and divorce and child custody disputes. He has extensive experience in group therapy workshops and training. In terms of sport, Steve is currently one of the team-aligned psychologists for the Parramatta Eels and Wests Tigers Rugby League clubs. He is also a specialist psychologist for antisocial behavior, trauma, and neurodivergence for the National Rugby League as a whole. He was recently appointed as a psychologist assisting the players in association with the Australian Football League and has worked with athletes from the A-League and other Olympic Events. 

From a National Hockey League athlete to leading a multi-million-dollar strategic initiative with the National Hockey League Players Association. Experience and perspectives have propelled strategies for a successful outcome. A conversation with Stephanie and Duncan of PAADS to discuss the development of the NHLPA UNLMT athlete development initiative and how it helps serve the needs of athletes and the NHLPA. 

In a conversation with Athlete Development Specialists, focusing innovative strategies to support athletes' growth both on and off the field. This includes addressing the different locker room conversations and guiding athletes through the emotional and psychological challenges of transitioning from active competition to retirement. This also covers the struggles athletes face in retirement, such as identity loss and finding a new purpose and the importance of providing support systems to ease this transition. Additionally, the conversation would emphasize the role of coaches in athlete development, ensuring they are equipped to support their athletes' personal and professional growth.

Welcome to the PAADS Podcast! We hope you enjoy our conversation with Antoine McClain.  Antoine has a unique role in college athletics, working to build bridges between active collegiate athletes and former Clemson Tigers, while helping shape career development objectives. We learn more about Antoine's fascinating gig, how it relates to athlete development and why his role is crucial.  We hope you dig in!McClain played offensive for the Tigers from 2008-11. In his college career, he played in 54 games while making 41 starts. He was signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2012 and spent time with the Oakland Raiders, Buffalo Bills, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears and Arizona Cardinals during his professional career.McClain earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology with a minor in athletic leadership from Clemson in 2017. He completed his Athlete Development Specialist Certification from the University of Florida in 2020.

NASCAR runs over 1,500 races at over 100 tracks in the US, Europe, Brazil, Mexico and Canada.  It has three primary national-level series in the United States including, Cup, Xfinity and Truck.  Our discussion with Meghan Miley, the Managing Director of Racing Operations, explores how NASCAR is exploring athlete development initiatives for its competitors that make sense for its culture and unique structure.  A fascinating insight into major professional motorsport - we hope you enjoy the conversation.

A conversation with Danielle Burrell of Brown University and her experiences in breaking into Athlete Development.  This a great dialogue for aspiring athlete development specialists to listen to, particularly if you are interested in learning how to build relationships, ask questions and be in a position to create opportunities in elite sports.  For those who have been in the industry, it provides great insight into how a new generation of young professionals are approaching the field.

A conversation with Francesca Del Monte of Major League Soccer.  Newer to the world of athlete development and with a unique multicultural perspective on working with professional athletes.  We discuss her experiences breaking into sport and helping professional athletes from a range of international backgrounds.

A conversation with the founders of the Wellbeing Science Institute (WSI), Steve and Alison Johnson.  The WSI developed the world’s first holistic elite athlete wellbeing management qualification which currently runs in both the UK and Australia.  They have extensive experience advising some of the world’s premier sporting leagues on implementing effective wellbeing strategies for athletes, coaches, and officials.  Steve and Alison have a unique perspective on what it takes to address mental health and wellbeing in a manner that is beneficial to athletes and leagues.  We hope you enjoy our conversation today!

A conversation with Premier League athlete development specialist Kristian Thomas.  Kristian is a former Olympic medallist in gymnastics.  We talk about Kristian's experiences as an athlete and the transition out of elite sport.  We also discussed working in professional athletics, the challenges associated with professional soccer players (football) and where he thinks the field may be going.  We hope you enjoy it!

A conversation with Shelley Lyle of the University of Florida about athlete development education for athlete development specialists. Learn more about educational options, including a master's or certificate programs: https://sm.hhp.ufl.edu/specializations/athlete-development/.

Welcome back! Today we talk with Brian Phelan and Peter Robinson who with the Melbourne Storm. Based in Melbourne, Australia the Melbourne Storm participates in the National Rugby League (NRL). The club play their home games at AAMI Park. The Storm have won four premierships since their inception, in 1999, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2017 and 2020, and have contested several more grand finals. In short, the Storm win.  Moreover, they are an organization with a long history of incorporating athlete development into their culture to drive performance-related outcomes. Enjoy the conversation.

Dr. Janice Hilliard is the founder of Hilliard Solutions and long-time leader in the field of athlete development.  Dr. Hilliard previously worked for the National Basketball Association.  She is a published author and an adjunct professor as well as a nationally recognized workshop presenter and the founder of the annual Women in Athlete Development Symposium & Networking Event. She holds a Doctorate degree in Educational Administration and a Master’s degree in Urban Counseling from Michigan State University and a Bachelors in Education from the University of Houston.

What role should agents play in supporting athlete development initiatives? Is there a role within an agency environment?  A conversation with Yves Btoba who currently works with an agency and previously worked in athlete development at the NFL club level and the NCAA.  Enjoy a unique perspective on the industry.

Stephanie and Duncan break down what to expect at the 2023 Athlete Development Summit and Research Symposium taking place in New York City May, 24, 25 & 26.Learn more about the speakers and topics to be covered!  Tell your friends and join us in the Big Apple along with the leading thinkers in the field of athlete development.Learn more: www.athdevsummit.com

Athlete development in non-team sports present different challenges and opportunities. Enjoy our conversation with Blake Henderson who manages the athlete development services and resources for the LPGA. Learn more about LPGA programs, initiatives and resources and how Blake and his team seek to engage female professional golfers.

Having worked at MSG, the National Football League and now Major League Soccer, Chidozie Ibeabuchi has experienced a great deal working the athlete development space.  Listen to our conversation as we discuss his journey through the field, the lessons he has learned and where he thinks the industry is headed.  It is a great conversation, we hope you enjoy it.

Does sport have a safety culture? What does having a safety culture even mean? Learn from a guy who started out managing carnival rides. Join us for an interesting conversation with Professor Brian Avery. Prof. Avery area of expertise includes events, tourism and the attractions industry. His background is comprised of three areas of expertise: risk and safety management, event design and execution, and education.

As the conversation evolves around mental health and wellness amongst professional athletes, we seek the perspective of Dr. Becky Ahlgren Bedics a long time athlete development professional and the Vice president of Mental Health and Wellness and Performance Health at the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA). The challenges of working across cultures, countries and distance are discussed. Our conversation provides a fascinating insight into the athlete well-being approach of one of the planets leading sports organizations for elite female competitors.

What does it take to make it to the pinnacle of professional or elite sport? How optimistic must athletes be oriented to deal with the long odds? Do they need to be delusional and if so, what impact can that have on their long well-being? Needless to say, this was an interesting conversation with University of Florida Professor, Dr. Chris McLeod. We hope you enjoy it.

A very interesting conversation with legendary coach, Becky Burleigh about her experiences as a young coach and how she perceives interacting, influencing and developing athletes both on and off the playing surface.  Undeniably successful, in 26 seasons at the helm of the University of Florida soccer team, Burleigh, led UF to an NCAA Championship, two NCAA College Cup appearances, 14 Southeastern Conference titles and 22 NCAA Championships berths. Along the way, Burleigh picked up National (1998) and SEC Coach of the Year (2012, ‘10, ‘08, ‘00 & '96) honors. One of two females (and only in DI) in NCAA soccer history with 500 career wins, Burleigh finished her 31-season coaching career in the top 10 on two NCAA Division I Winningest Coaches charts.Currently, she is a professor at the University of Florida and is involved in the What Drives Winning project.

Learn more about PAADS visit, www.athdevsummit.com.

A discussion with Dr. Timothy Fong on the impact of cannabis on athletes. There are both potential benefits and negative impacts on performance. Dr. Fong is a Professor of Psychiatry at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience andHuman Behavior at UCLA and he is board certified in adult and addiction psychiatry. Dr. Fong is also part of the Steering Committee of the UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative whose mission is to address the most pressing questions related to the impact of cannabis legalization through rigorous scientific study and discourse across disciplines.

A really interesting conversation with Lindsey Long about how Iowa State approaches athlete development, how their approach is different than most major NCAA institutions and why it may be the new face of 'total' student-athlete development. We hope you enjoy this conversation!

Carrie White has had a unique career. Injured as a gymnast in college, she migrated into working with collegiate athletes after completing her degree. Carrie then joined AthLife where she worked with both collegiate and major professional athletes. Now starting on a new adventure with the USOPC, her perspectives on athlete development are beneficial to any new or long-serving professional.