In this weeks episode of The Podcast, Abby Sherard joins Jay DeMayo to discuss the changing demands of college basketball strength and conditioning. With transfers, international competition, new coaching staffs, and constantly changing rosters, Abby explains why athletes must be evaluated individually instead of placed into a one-size-fits-all program.She emphasizes giving athletes time to recover and move independently before beginning a demanding summer program focused on foundational movements, volume, heavy lifting, tempo work, and conditioning. The conversation also explores how coaches can balance structure with athlete autonomy, communicate individualized plans, and prepare players for the entire season—not just the first practice.Abby’s overall philosophy is simple: meet athletes where they are, identify what they need, train the basics well, and help them become independent athletes who understand how to train, recover, and care for themselves beyond college basketball.

Key Topics

• Summer training strategies for college basketball
• Managing roster volatility and transfer athletes
• Building trust and autonomy with athletes
• Individualized programs based on athlete needs
• Handling stress and recovery in training
• International athlete management and expectations

Sound Bites

• “Give athletes space to be themselves”
• “Meet athletes where they are in their development”
• “Handle stress better by doing simple things well”

Chapter List

00:00 — Intro and Abby’s background

03:41 — The new reality of college basketball rosters

04:35 — Evaluating athletes during the summer

07:14 — Why transfer summers are so important

08:30 — Giving athletes autonomy in May

09:56 — Building individualized summer programs

10:54 — Training volume and handling stress

12:16 — Adjusting training for a younger roster

13:13 — Foot training and conditioning foundations

14:13 — Trust, autonomy, and athlete buy-in

22:45 — Managing international athletes

23:14 — Creating different plans for different athletes

28:20 — Preparing athletes for the long season

29:28 — Communicating individualized plans

32:10 — Balancing recovery with team participation

34:11 — Preparing athletes for life after college

36:18 — Meet athletes where they are

37:19 — Why coaches do not need to reinvent the wheel

38:01 — Simple does not mean easy

39:10 — Abby’s recommended future guest