Dave Downey, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at Brown University, joins the Samson Strength Coach Collective to discuss the realities of coaching insecurity and self-doubt. From difficult internship experiences to exploring sports psychology, Downey shares insights from his journey and his book Imposter Coach. He highlights how vulnerability and empathy can strengthen relationships between coaches and athletes, and how initiatives like Brown’s “Bruno Cares” support mental health and peer connection.

Key Takeaways

• Imposter syndrome is common among coaches and athletes.
  

• Mentorship and honest reflection are key to personal growth.
  

• Building genuine athlete relationships drives effective coaching.
  

• Mental health must be prioritized within performance programs.
  

• Leadership is developed through resilience, empathy, and consistency.
  

• Programs like Bruno Cares foster community and support among athletes.
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“It got to a point where they told me, ‘Hey man, I don’t think coaching is for you.’ That’s hard to hear when you’ve invested everything into it.” — Dave Downey