Earlier this summer I had the pleasure of spending a week at the University of Kansas as an intern with the Jayhawk’s Strength and Conditioning Department. While there I was able to assist with the day-to-day operation of the Anderson Strength Center, a 42,000-square-foot facility containing over 25 platforms and racks with accompanying free weights and a 50-yard turf field. More importantly I was able to meet and “talk shop” with one of the most respected collegiate basketball strength and conditioning coaches in nation, Andrea Hudy, as well as with several experienced up-and-coming coaches on Andrea’s staff.
One of these coaches was Glenn Cain, Jr., an assistant S&C coach and coordinator of the internship program. Coach Cain, a former Kansas intern, led weekly classes on the application of scientific training principles, providing valuable practical experience for the interns. I was also able to have detailed strength and conditioning discussions with Patricia Dietz (assistant S&C coach for women’s basketball, soccer, and softball). In addition to working as a full-time coach, Patricia is pursuing her doctorate in exercise/sport physiology under Dr. Andrew Fry. She also works with various high school athletes teaching fundamental movement and weightlifting skills. At the end of my week at KU Glenn and Patricia were able to provide me with some valuable coaching feedback.
Other coaches and support staff I was able to interact with included, Luke Bradford (assistant S&C coach for baseball and women’s volleyball), Joe Staub (assistant S&C coach for men’s and women’s track and field and men’s and women’s golf), and Aaron Carbuhn (sport nutritionist for all athletes). For several years now I have been particularly interested in how other S&C coaches integrate their program with sport coaches. Luke and Joe were able to discuss a few approaches, including a yearly planning meeting and weekly updates with sport coaches regarding their annual plans. I was very impressed by the team approach used by the staff at Kansas. All assistants were on hand to help coach men’s and women’s basketball sessions, displaying a commitment to each athlete’s development and ensuring a safe training environment.
Coach Hudy, or just “Hudy” as she is best known around the university and the surrounding community, is the Assistant Athletic Director for Sport Performance at Kansas, and serves as the strength coach for men’s and women’s basketball. Throughout the week I was able to observe Hudy’s interactions with her athlete’s and staff. My first encounter with Hudy came on a Monday morning at 6:00am during women’s basketball conditioning and weight training sessions. I noticed one thing about Hudy immediately, and that was her coaching presence. Throughout the week we were able to have several conversations about periodization, networking within the field, and coaching philosophies. I was even able to train with Hudy when she decided to do the conditioning session that women’s basketball performed earlier that morning. The session consisted of running the stairs of the football stadium while wearing a weighted vest. Although I firmly believe in having done everything you prescribe to your athletes, I later regretted that decision when I woke up the following morning.
As I continued to observe Hudy throughout the week it became very clear that the athlete’s viewed her with high regard, and trusted that she was going to make them a better athlete. As a female strength coach I found this notable, so I asked her, “How are you able to gain the trust of your athletes (and coaches)?” She responded, “I don’t yell, I motivate…all you have to do is show them you care…pick them up instead of putting down… and they’ll do anything for you.” This impression, as well as several other experiences, are lessons I truly appreciate and will value for the rest of my coaching career.
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