Making an Athlete

Educated and experienced in a wide variety of sports, Sam Gay brings perspective from the time he spent with the NFL San Francisco 49ers, Utah State, University of the Pacific and now Washington State University.  Professional Athletic Trainer Sam talks the importance of injury rehab, both physically and mentally. 

Tony Sandoval, who’s spent over 15 years as a professional strength and conditioning coach at the University of Kentucky, University of Colorado and University of the Pacific where he was Director of all Athletic Performance, discusses strength training expectations as student-athletes transition to the collegiate level. He has since become one of the top specialized strength and conditioning coaches focused solely on equestrian athletes. 

Jordan Ferrell, current Head Coach of the semi-professional Oakland Roots Football Club discusses youth soccer in the United States and the importance soccer culture fit plays in the recruiting process and a team’s success.  Ferrell is the former head coach of MLS-bound Sacramento Republic’s U-17 and U-19 Academy teams and former assistant coach for the division one University of the Pacific’s Men’s Soccer team. Ferrell previously played professionally in Germany before moving into his coaching career. 

Current Head Women’s Volleyball coach at CSU Stanislaus Mallori Gibson-Rossi talks collegiate volleyball recruiting.  Mallori had a standout career as a NCAA Division I student-athlete, starting her collegiate playing career at the University of Colorado before transferring to the University of the Pacific, where she was a two-time first-team All-Big West Conference outside hitter. She previously played professionally in the Premier Volleyball League and oversees in Greece, leading the Olympiacos in capturing the Greek Cup Gold Medal. Prior to her current head coaching position at Stan State, Mallori was regarded as one of the most respected assistant coaches in the Mountain West Conference during her four seasons with Fresno State. 

Making an Athlete podcast sources the stories of past successful athletes and current collegiate/pro coaches. Through their stories, they bring to light a greater understanding of making the best decisions for today’s youth athlete looking for a successful athletic career. Here you hear the stories of athletes that have gone through the process and been where young athlete's are today.  They highlight the good and the bad of the decisions they made, and provide lessons learned as they reflect back on the paths of their athletic careers.  Collegiate and professional coaches provide insight on the who and what they are looking for as they recruit/draft for their teams, and how to better position yourself to maximize exposure. Making an Athlete looks to help further understand the process, so you can have more trust in the process.