MPE Podcast

In this episode of the MPE Pod, we welcome Jim Gasso and Casey White from the Gasso Center of Excellence to discuss a new vision for athlete development centered around understanding the individual.

The conversation explores how Motor Preferences provides coaches with a framework for identifying how athletes naturally organize movement and why coaching becomes more effective when training matches the athlete rather than the other way around.

Jim and Casey also share the story behind the Gasso Center of Excellence, the philosophy driving its partnership with Motor Preferences Experts, and their commitment to creating a collaborative environment where coaches, parents, and athletes can continue learning together.

We also discuss:
• The origins of the Gasso Center of Excellence
• Why individualized coaching matters
• Common coaching mistakes that create unnecessary frustration
• Building confidence through better assessment
• Mental performance and athlete ownership
• The value of collaboration across organizations
• Upcoming opportunities for coaches and athletes to get involved

Whether you're coaching youth athletes, high school, college, or professional players, this episode offers practical insights into creating an environment where athletes can perform naturally and continue developing over the long term.

Learn more about Motor Preferences Experts:
https://motorpreferencesexperts.com

What does successful Motor Preferences integration actually look like with athletes and teams?

In this episode, we discuss:
• observation before correction
• understanding root causes
• movement tendencies and predictable patterns
• communication and cueing
• training environment and fatigue
• athlete feedback and long-term development

The conversation centers around helping coaches better understand how athletes naturally move and how that impacts performance, recovery, and development over time.

Because successful integration isn’t just about making adjustments.

It’s about understanding the athlete first.

This is the point in the season where development becomes real.

You can do all the work you want in the offseason,
but games show you what actually transfers.

In this episode, we talk about:
• What you learn about players in-season
• Why confidence grows when something clicks
• How development shows up under pressure

It’s not just about reps.
It’s about what carries over.

In this episode of the MPE Pod, we sit down with Brice Johnson, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach at Baylor School.

Brice shares how he’s integrating Motor Preferences into the weight room and across multiple sports, and how it’s changed the way he evaluates movement, cues athletes, and individualizes training.

We talk through:

• Applying Motor Preferences in the weight room
• Why athletes respond differently to the same lift
• How to individualize without overcomplicating
• What strength coaches often miss when it comes to movement

A great listen for coaches looking to better understand the athlete in front of them and make more effective training decisions.

In Episode 8 of the MPE Pod, we’re joined by Tommy Gardiner, Assistant Coach at Maryland Baseball and a key voice in the program’s defensive and offensive development.

A former Terp infielder (2018–2021), Tommy helped lead Maryland back to a Regional as a player and has since helped guide the program to two Big Ten regular season championships and one Big Ten Tournament title as a coach. Under his tutelage, Maryland has produced seven All-Conference infielders since 2022, including 2023 Brooks Wallace Award winner Matt Shaw.

Tommy was also the first coach outside of Coach Matt Swope to integrate Motor Preferences into daily practice, helping bridge traditional infield fundamentals with individualized movement-based development.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Tommy’s coaching journey and transition from player to coach
• How he defines Motor Preferences
• Applying MP to infield development
• Building confident, consistent defenders
• Structuring daily defensive work
• Advice for young coaches and infielders

This episode is a valuable listen for baseball coaches, infielders, and anyone interested in individualized player development and long-term growth.

In this episode of the MPE Pod, we sit down with Laura Heberling, Associate Head Coach at Kansas Softball and a pitching coach known for developing confident, high-level arms.

Laura shares her coaching journey from Maryland to Kansas and explains how Motor Preferences became part of her approach through her relationship with Coach Matt Swope. She breaks down how MP applies to pitching, how it helps individualize development, and how coaches can support pitchers without over-coaching mechanics.

The conversation dives into pitcher confidence, daily development, recruiting philosophy, and the lessons Laura has learned while working across multiple programs and roles.

This episode is especially valuable for softball coaches, pitching coaches, and athletes looking to better understand individualized development and long-term growth.

EP 6: Chicago Cubs 3B Matt Shaw

In this episode of The MPE Pod, we sit down with Chicago Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw to break down what it takes to perform and stay consistent at the highest level of baseball.

Matt shares how understanding his Motor Preferences gave him clarity around his movement, swing decisions, and preparation, helping him eliminate unnecessary trial and error as he transitioned from college baseball to the Major Leagues.

We dive into the mental side of hitting, in-season adjustments, and why chasing universal mechanics often creates more problems than solutions.

Topics include:

• How Motor Preferences create a clear performance blueprint

• Feel vs real and why cues matter in elite competition

• Staying balanced and coordinated against high-level velocity

• Making adjustments without losing your identity

• Applying Motor Preferences beyond hitting, including defense

• Advice for players navigating modern development and information overload

This episode is a must-watch for players, coaches, and parents looking for a smarter, more sustainable approach to development and performance.

👍 If you enjoyed the episode, like the video, leave a comment, and subscribe for more conversations on performance, movement, and Motor Preferences.

In this episode we sit down with JT Gasso, Associate Head Coach for Oklahoma Softball, one of the most dominant programs in NCAA history with 6 national championships, 9 WCWS appearances, and a long-standing reputation for elite offense. JT has played a major role in developing some of the best hitters in the country.

Oklahoma was also the first softball program to partner with Motor Preferences Experts (MPE) in 2022. JT breaks down how Motor Preferences have changed training, communication, and player development inside one of college softball’s greatest dynasties.

In this episode, we dive into Aerial vs. Terrestrial movers, what they are, why they matter, and how they shape the way athletes swing, pitch, and field.

Learn how to spot these natural styles, common misconceptions to avoid, and simple adjustments that can unlock hidden performance.

Coach Swope also discusses his approach to individualizing routines, showing how respecting movement preferences helps build complete players and stronger teams.

X: @MotorPreference

IG: @motorpreferencesexperts

Website: www.motorpreferencesexperts.com

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The cultural and environmental impacts on motor preferences (with examples from the Maasai and Māori)
• How food industries shape energy availability, development, and athletic outcomes
• Why a holistic approach combining movement, nutrition, psychology, and recovery is essential
• How athletes adapt to stress and energy demands over time
• The “Acceptance Tank” concept and its role in managing performance ceilings

We close with key takeaways for coaches and athletes who want to optimize performance and train with purpose.

👉 Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share the MP Pod, and join us as we keep exploring the science of Motor Preferences and athletic development.