Performance Matters Podcast

What actually makes a good strength coach? In this episode, Matrixx sits down with Justin Mayo, Strength Coach at the University of Guelph , to talk about the realities of coaching athletes when the perfect plan meets the real world. They get into individualization, athlete feedback, testing, force plates, managing fatigue, working alongside sport coaches, and why great programming has to account for the athlete, the environment, and the chaos that comes with competitive sport. Justin also breaks down why coaches can get too attached to systems and frameworks, why testing numbers need context, and what separates a program that looks great on paper from one that actually works with a room full of athletes. In this episode: Does every athlete really need an individualized program? Why the plan should be written in pencil, not pen Using testing and sports science without getting lost in the numbers Athlete feedback and buy-in Managing fatigue in the collegiate environment Why relationships matter more than the “perfect” program What makes a program actually work in the room Advice for young strength coaches learning to adapt Powered by TeamBuildr TeamBuildr is built for performance professionals who want to spend less time buried in programming logistics and more time coaching. We’re proud to have TeamBuildr supporting the Performance Matters Podcast. We’ve also put together an 8-week in-season high school volleyball training template you can try through TeamBuildr: 👉 https://app.teambuildr.com/shared-workout/court-ready-highschool-volleyball Fuel your performance with Spoken Nutrition. Performance Matters listeners can save 15% on Spoken Nutrition products using code: IRONPERFORMANCECENTER at checkout. If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to like, follow, subscribe, and share it with another coach.

Everyone wants to be called elite. But has the word completely lost its meaning? In Episode 89, Matrixx and Myles dig into the growing obsession with labeling young athletes, teams, programs, and training environments as “elite” — and why that label may be doing more harm than good. They discuss what being elite should actually mean, the difference between being talented and having elite habits, why early success can create dangerous expectations, and whether coaches are sometimes afraid to tell athletes and parents where they truly stand. The conversation also dives into the difference between being busy and being committed, why high-level athletes don’t necessarily need “advanced” training programs, the role of testing and objective data, and why copying what professional athletes do rarely makes sense for a developing athlete. If you have aspirations of playing at the next level, the question isn’t whether someone calls you elite. The question is: Do your habits, preparation, consistency, and performance actually support it? In this episode: Has the word “elite” become a marketing buzzword? Can a 12- or 13-year-old really be considered elite? The danger of early success and premature labels Elite talent vs. elite habits Being busy vs. actually being committed Why young athletes still need development — regardless of how good they are Are coaches honest enough with athletes and parents? Using testing and data to provide real context Why copying professional athletes’ training programs can backfire What athletes can actually control if they want to reach the next level Follow the Performance Matters Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for more conversations on performance, coaching, sport science, and athlete development. Fuel your performance with Spoken Nutrition. Performance Matters listeners can save 15% on supplements from Spoken Nutrition using code IRONPERFORMANCECENTER at checkout, or by visiting spokennutrition.com/ironperformancecenter .

Nutrition doesn’t need to be perfect to improve performance — but athletes do need to eat enough. In Episode 88 of the Performance Matters Podcast, Matrixx sits down with registered dietitian Emily Palmerton of Brick by Brick Sports Nutrition for a deep dive into what athletes actually need from their nutrition. Emily works at the intersection of sports nutrition, eating disorders and athlete health, and this conversation covers everything from building better fueling habits in young athletes to recognizing when underfueling may be holding performance back. We get into RED-S and low energy availability, body composition, weight-class sports, calorie counting, meal plans, supplements, carbohydrates, the role of parents and coaches, and why athletes often need a simpler approach rather than another complicated nutrition strategy. We also talk about the danger of chasing numbers, why body composition should often be viewed as an outcome of quality training and fueling rather than the starting point, and how athletes can build nutrition habits that actually survive busy schedules, travel, school and real life. If you’re an athlete, coach or parent trying to better understand the relationship between food, recovery, health and performance, this is a conversation worth listening to. A huge thank you to our sponsor, Spoken Nutrition. High-quality training deserves high-quality supplementation. Performance Matters listeners and members of the Iron Performance community can save 15% on their order with code IRONPERFORMANCECENTER at checkout. Like, follow and subscribe to the Performance Matters Podcast on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen, and join us every Friday for more rants, raves and revelations on performance.

Former Team Canada beach volleyball player and volleyball strength & conditioning coach Reid Hall joins the Performance Matters Podcast to talk about what it actually takes to develop better volleyball athletes. Reid shares how strength and conditioning transformed his own career, taking him from an undersized athlete struggling to jump higher to competing at the national-team level. We dig into strength, power, jump technique, reactive strength, plyometrics, athlete profiling, testing and long-term physical development — including why simply doing more jumps isn't necessarily the answer. We also discuss how to use data without overreacting to a single test, the difference between physical limitations and technical problems, why most young volleyball players aren't actually “strong enough,” and why developing the complete athlete matters more than chasing quick improvements. In this episode: What actually makes an athlete jump higher Strength vs. power vs. reactive ability Why volleyball players don't necessarily need more jumping Using testing and data without overcomplicating training Why trends matter more than single testing sessions Strength training during the competitive season What volleyball coaches misunderstand about performance training Building athletes for long-term success Why small improvements add up Build the athlete. Not just the jump. This episode of the Performance Matters Podcast is brought to you by Spoken Nutrition . From protein and creatine to greens and recovery products, Spoken Nutrition puts a major emphasis on quality — something we value at Iron Performance Center. IPC athletes, members and listeners can save 15% on their order using code IRONPERFORMANCECENTER at checkout. If you enjoyed the episode, like the video, subscribe or follow the Performance Matters Podcast on your platform of choice, and share the episode with someone who would get value from it.

Registered Dietitian and strength coach Kelly Murphy joins the Performance Matters Podcast to break down what athletes are getting wrong about nutrition—and why eating “healthy” isn’t necessarily the same as eating enough to perform. Kelly and Matrixx dive into under-fuelling, carbohydrates, protein, recovery, hydration, body composition, and the different nutrition challenges facing male and female athletes. They also go down the gut-health rabbit hole, discussing digestion, bloating, fibre, meal timing, and some of the warning signs athletes shouldn’t ignore. Plus, Kelly explains why she changed her mind about supplements, which ones may actually be worth considering, and why food still needs to be the foundation. From what to put on your plate to what might be happening in the bathroom, this one gets practical. Follow Kelly: @CoachKellyMurph This episode is brought to you by Spoken Nutrition. Quality supplementation built for performance. Use code IRONPERFORMANCECENTER at checkout.

A kinesiology degree can teach you the science—but does it prepare you to coach, communicate and work with real people? In Episode 85 of the Performance Matters Podcast, Matrixx Ferreira sits down with Andra Parker, Program Coordinator for Brock University’s Master of Professional Kinesiology program, to examine the gap between academic knowledge and professional readiness. Andra explains why many kinesiology graduates enter the workforce with plenty of information but limited experience applying it. They discuss the growing importance of communication, curiosity, professionalism and learning through mistakes—along with the responsibilities shared by students, universities, employers and practicum supervisors. In this episode: • Why undergraduate kinesiology programs struggle to provide hands-on experience • The professional skills students are increasingly missing • Why a practicum should be treated like a real job opportunity • Credentials versus demonstrated competence • The identity problem within the kinesiology profession • Why communication may be more valuable than technical knowledge • The disconnect between academic research and real-world practice • How fear of failure prevents students from developing • What separates exceptional practicum students from everyone else • The role mentors and organizations play in preparing future professionals • What young practitioners can do to become people others trust, hire and recommend To learn more about Brock University’s Master of Professional Kinesiology program, email mpk@brocku.ca or connect with Andra Parker on LinkedIn. This episode is sponsored by Spoken Nutrition. Performance Matters listeners can save 15% on their order at https://spokennutrition.com/ironperformancecenter or by using the code IRON PERFORMANCE CENTER. If you enjoyed the conversation, subscribe to the Performance Matters Podcast and share this episode with a student, coach, practitioner or mentor who needs to hear it.

Getting out of pain is one thing. Getting back to performing at your best is another. In Episode 84 of the Performance Matters Podcast, Matrixx sits down with physiotherapist Tyler DiSimoni to break down the gap between rehab, training and actually being ready to return to sport. They discuss what “cleared to play” really means, why pain disappearing doesn’t necessarily mean the problem is solved, how athletes should manage training load, and why the transition from physiotherapy back into strength training and sport is so important. They also get into how cautious we should be with injured athletes, the role of objective testing and baseline data, why physios and strength coaches need to communicate better, and how proactive care can help athletes stay on the field instead of constantly reacting to injuries. Plus, Tyler joins the Rapid Fire Round to give his takes on ice, foam rolling, static stretching, massage guns and more. In this episode: Pain-free vs. actually ready to perform What “cleared to play” really means Managing load, recovery and injury risk Why rehab shouldn't end when the pain disappears Bridging the gap between physio and strength training Objective testing and return-to-sport decisions Being proactive instead of waiting until something hurts What athletes and parents should ask their rehab professionals Performance Matters Podcast is proudly supported by Spoken Nutrition. Save 15% on high-quality supplements with code IRONPERFORMANCECENTER at checkout: spokennutrition.com/ironperformancecenter Like, follow and subscribe to the Performance Matters Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube — and share the episode with someone who needs to hear it.

Youth sports have never been more competitive — or more expensive. Club fees. Travel. Tryouts. Private coaching. Strength training. Recruiting. Showcases. Camps. Parents are willing to invest thousands of dollars into giving their kids the best possible opportunity. But are they actually paying for development… or are they sometimes paying for the illusion of development? In Episode 83 of the Performance Matters Podcast, Matrixx and Myles take a hard look at the business of youth sports and some of the systems surrounding athlete development. They discuss whether playing for the “best” team is actually best for an athlete, why playing time and quality coaching may matter more than the logo on the jersey, and whether early signings are completely undermining the purpose of tryouts. They also get into private skills coaches, the pressure parents feel to keep up with everyone else, early sport specialization, and the uncomfortable reality that not every service promising to take an athlete to the “next level” is actually delivering on that promise. The question isn't whether parents should invest in their kids. It's whether the investment is actually helping them get better. In this episode: • Are parents paying for development or the illusion of it? • Is making the best team always the best move? • Are early signings ruining youth sport tryouts? • Should athletes actually have time to improve before being cut? • Are private skills coaches worth the money? • How can parents tell good coaching from good marketing? • Are young athletes specializing too early? • What should parents actually be investing in? Some parts of youth sports are doing an incredible job developing athletes. Others might need a serious rethink. 🎙️ Performance Matters Podcast — Episode 83 Presented by Spoke Nutrition Performance Matters listeners and Iron Performance Center members can save 15% on Spoke Nutrition products using code IRON PERFORMANCE CENTER at checkout. 👉 spokennutrition.com/ironperformancecenter

You show up. You put in the work. You train consistently. So why aren’t you getting better? In Episode 82 of the Performance Matters Podcast, Matrixx and Aidan dig into what happens when effort stops translating into progress — and why simply doing more isn’t always the answer. They break down the difference between being busy and actually training with purpose, why strain is a skill, when consistency alone stops being enough, and how sleep, nutrition, stress and recovery can quietly derail your progress. They also tackle program hopping, training too much, knowing when it’s actually time to change your program, and the uncomfortable question: if you’re doing everything you’re supposed to do and still not improving, is the problem you… or the program? Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or someone who’s been training for years, this episode gives you a practical way to step back, audit what you’re doing, and figure out what’s actually holding you back. Because putting in the work matters. But only if the work is moving you forward. This episode is powered by Coachology. Coachology is an AI-powered coaching platform designed to help coaches and athletes collaborate more effectively through video analysis, personalized feedback, and AI coaching assistance — extending the coach’s expertise beyond the in-person session and giving athletes access to ongoing, individualized guidance. www.coachology.ai

In Episode 81 of the Performance Matters Podcast, Matrixx sits down with Coach Aidan for a conversation about what actually makes an athlete jump higher — and how we train it. We break down the qualities that influence vertical jump performance, including eccentric strength, braking ability, approach mechanics, force production, and the ability to rapidly transition from absorbing force to producing it. We also get into: • What force plate data can tell us about jump performance • Why eccentric strength matters for jump athletes • Submaximal vs. maximal vs. supramaximal eccentric training • Olympic lifts vs. loaded jumps for developing power • Why catching Olympic lifts can be valuable for athletes • Bilateral vs. unilateral strength training • Giving athletes more autonomy in their programs • What we learned from using velocity-based training throughout the summer • How VBT can help athletes better understand effort, load, and intent And because it's an episode with Matrixx and Aidan, things inevitably get off track — including terrible excuses for missing workouts, which IPC athlete would survive a zombie apocalypse, and what IPC would become if we had to shut down the gym and start an entirely different business. If you're a coach, athlete, or anyone interested in improving jump performance and understanding the "why" behind training, this episode is for you. Special thanks to our sponsor, Coachology , an AI-powered coaching platform designed to help coaches extend their expertise beyond in-person sessions through video analysis, personalized feedback, and ongoing athlete guidance. www.coachology.ai

n Episode 80 of the Performance Matters Podcast, Matrixx sits down with physiotherapist Malcolm Sanderson from ProActive Health & Rehab for a conversation about where rehabilitation and performance training need to meet. With a background in powerlifting, personal training, and physiotherapy, Malcolm brings a unique perspective to the rehab world — one that isn’t afraid of appropriately loading people and challenging the idea that injured athletes need to be treated as fragile. We get into the relationship between pain and injury, when athletes need protection versus when they need to start loading again, fear around movement, and why simply eliminating pain shouldn’t always be the finish line. We also take a deeper dive into ACL rehabilitation, including the mistakes Malcolm commonly sees on both ends of the spectrum: doing too much too soon, but also failing to load athletes enough later in the process. Malcolm breaks down what he wants to see before an athlete returns to sport, including strength, confidence, time, and objective testing. Other topics include: • How Malcolm’s powerlifting background influences his approach to rehab • Why rehab needs progressive overload too • The gap between physiotherapy and strength & conditioning • Pain, movement fear, and athlete confidence • ACL rehab and return-to-sport testing • Building tissue tolerance instead of constantly avoiding stress • Why adding more reps isn’t always a real progression • Using force plates and objective data in rehabilitation • What performance coaches and clinicians can learn from each other Whether you’re an athlete, parent, coach, or clinician, this episode is a great look at how we can move beyond simply getting someone “out of pain” and start preparing them to actually perform again. 🎙️ Performance Matters Podcast — Episode 80 Guest: Malcolm Sanderson, Physiotherapist — ProActive Health & Rehab This episode is powered by Coachology. Coachology is an AI coaching platform designed to help coaches and athletes collaborate more effectively through video analysis, personalized feedback, and AI coaching assistance — extending the coach’s expertise beyond in-person sessions and giving athletes ongoing, individualized guidance. Learn more at: https://coachology.ai If you enjoyed the episode, make sure to subscribe to Performance Matters on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, and share the episode with someone who would get value from the conversation.

Artificial intelligence is changing the coaching landscape, but does that mean coaches are becoming obsolete? In this episode of the Performance Matters Podcast , we're joined by Steve Delaney , Head Coach of the Brock University Women's Volleyball team and co-founder of Coachology , to discuss how AI is transforming athlete development, video analysis, and coaching feedback. We dive into why AI isn't here to replace great coaches, it's here to eliminate repetitive tasks, create more learning opportunities, and help athletes receive meaningful feedback between training sessions. Steve also shares how Coachology is giving athletes personalized coaching based on a coach's own philosophy rather than generic AI responses. We also discuss: Why AI should amplify coaches, not replace them. How video analysis is becoming more accessible than ever. Building your own coaching "avatar." Saving hours every week through smarter workflows. Where AI still falls short (and why human coaches remain essential). Brock Volleyball's journey from rebuilding a program to competing for a national championship. Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or simply curious about where sport is headed, this conversation offers a practical look at one of the biggest shifts happening in coaching today. 🎙 This episode is proudly powered by Coachology. Coachology is an AI-powered coaching platform designed to help coaches extend their expertise beyond the gym through personalized video analysis, individualized feedback, and intelligent coaching assistance. Rather than replacing the coach, Coachology helps scale your coaching impact while keeping your own philosophy at the center of every interaction. www.coachology.ai

As summer winds down, we take a step back to reflect on one of the busiest training seasons we've ever had at Iron Performance Center—and the lessons we've learned from watching hundreds of athletes prepare for their upcoming seasons. In this episode, we discuss the culture that's been built inside the gym, why consistency always beats motivation, and what separates athletes who continue to improve from those who stay stuck. We also dive into the biggest misconceptions parents and athletes have about strength & conditioning, why training should be treated like practice—not an optional extra—and how small daily decisions compound into long-term success. Whether you're a parent, coach, or athlete heading into a new school year, this episode is packed with practical advice on building better habits, managing expectations, and maximizing your potential. In this episode: Looking back on another incredible summer at IPC Why community creates better athletes The biggest mistake athletes make before their season starts Why strength training is no longer optional Advice for parents of young athletes Building consistency instead of relying on motivation Why the best athletes never stop improving The four pillars every successful student-athlete needs If you're an athlete preparing for tryouts, a parent looking to support your child, or simply someone who wants to perform at a higher level, this episode is for you. 🎙️ Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube. Performance Matters Podcast is proudly produced by Iron Performance Center , where we help athletes and adults build strength, improve performance, and reach their full potential. This episode is proudly sponsored by Coachology —an AI-powered coaching platform that helps coaches deliver better feedback, improve communication, and extend their coaching beyond the training session. www.coachology.ai

Not every workout should feel the same. In this episode, Matrixx and Aidan dive into one of the biggest shifts we've made at Iron Performance Center—giving every training day a clear purpose. From BOOM days focused on force production to ZOOM , SPRING , SLING , and BUILD sessions, we discuss why understanding the intent behind training can help athletes get more from every rep. Along the way, we also catch up on Aidan's trip to Portugal, discuss altitude training, laugh about roller coasters, Final Destination, home renovation projects, and somehow manage to tie it all back to becoming a better athlete. As always, it's an honest conversation about performance, coaching, and everything in between. In this episode: Why every training day should have a purpose The thinking behind the BOOM, ZOOM, SPRING, SLING & BUILD system How athletes progress from building capacity to expressing performance Aidan's Portugal travel highlights Altitude training experiences Roller coasters, Final Destination, and irrational fears DIY projects, workbenches, and learning new skills Whether you're an athlete, coach, or someone who simply enjoys hearing how high-performance coaches think, this episode is packed with practical insights—and a few laughs along the way. 🎙 Performance Matters Podcast Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube. 💪 This episode is brought to you by Iron Performance Center Niagara's premier performance training facility, helping athletes of all levels get stronger, faster, and more resilient. 🌐 https://ironperformance.ca

Weight loss is one of the most common goals in fitness—but it's also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode of the Performance Matters Podcast , Matrixx and Myles sit down for an honest conversation about Myles' own transformation, losing over 44 pounds (20 kg) while maintaining his strength, building healthier habits, and completely changing his relationship with nutrition. Rather than chasing fad diets or quick fixes, they discuss why sustainable habits, consistency, and patience beat extremes every time. Throughout the episode, they cover: Why weight loss is genuinely difficult—and why that's okay. The trigger that sparked Myles' transformation. How small, sustainable nutrition changes outperformed restrictive dieting. Maintaining (and even improving) strength while losing weight. The role of resistance training during fat loss. Why consistency always beats perfection. Building habits you can actually maintain for life. Identity, discipline, and becoming the example you want to be. Whether your goal is to lose weight, get stronger, improve your health, or simply build better habits, this episode is packed with practical advice and an honest look at what long-term success really looks like. Performance matters. A huge thank you to our sponsors! 📸 Pete Methner Photography Capturing athletes, teams, businesses, and unforgettable moments with professional photography throughout the Niagara Region. 💪 Iron Performance Center Niagara's premier strength and conditioning facility helping athletes and adults train smarter, get stronger, and perform at their best.

In Episode 75 of the Performance Matters Podcast , we sit down with Steven Fife , founder and head coach of the Thorold Elite Track Club , to discuss how a simple "yes" to coaching a high school track team evolved into one of Niagara's premier track and field organizations. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Thorold Elite has grown from just four athletes to more than 300 members while producing national champions and developing athletes across all levels of sport. Throughout the conversation, Steven shares the lessons he's learned while building the club, the importance of culture, and why long-term athlete development must always take priority over short-term success. In this episode, we discuss: ✅ The growth story behind Thorold Elite Track Club ✅ Why track and field benefits athletes in every sport ✅ The biggest mistakes athletes make when trying to get faster ✅ Early specialization vs. multi-sport participation ✅ Physical literacy and age-appropriate athlete development ✅ Coaching philosophy, leadership, and building culture ✅ Mental preparation, competition anxiety, and performance routines ✅ The common traits shared by high-performing athletes ✅ Challenges facing local sport organizations and youth sport today Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or simply passionate about youth sport, this episode is packed with valuable insights on developing athletes the right way and creating environments where young people can thrive for years to come. 💪 This episode is brought to you by Iron Performance Center — Niagara's premier performance training facility helping athletes jump higher, run faster, and perform at their highest level. 📸 A special thank you to Pete Methner Photography — Niagara's premier sports photographer, capturing the moments that matter most for athletes, teams, and families. 🎧 Enjoying the podcast? Make sure to LIKE , FOLLOW , and SUBSCRIBE on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube so you never miss an episode. 📲 Follow Iron Performance Center on social media for more training content, podcast clips, and behind-the-scenes action.

In Episode 74 of the Performance Matters Podcast , we're joined by Steve Goar , co-director and coach of Niagara Athletics Volleyball Club, for a conversation that goes far beyond volleyball. Together, we dive into what it truly means to build culture, develop young athletes, and create environments where people can thrive both on and off the court. Steve shares the story behind the creation of Niagara Athletics Volleyball Club, the lessons he's learned throughout nearly three decades of coaching, and why relationships, trust, and genuine care remain at the heart of athlete development. From navigating adversity and fostering resilience to empowering athletes to think for themselves, this episode is packed with insights for coaches, parents, athletes, and leaders alike. In this episode, we discuss: 🏐 The vision behind Niagara Athletics Volleyball Club 🏐 Why culture is more than just a buzzword 🏐 The biggest changes in youth sport over the past 25 years 🏐 Social media, mental health, and today's athletes 🏐 Building resilient, self-sufficient competitors 🏐 Why great coaches teach athletes to solve their own problems 🏐 The habits that separate high performers from everyone else 🏐 Leadership, gratitude, and the lifelong lessons sport can teach us This conversation is a reminder that while sport may only last a few years, the lessons learned through it can last a lifetime. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. This episode is brought to you by Iron Performance Center — Niagara's premier strength and conditioning facility, where Performance Matters . Big thanks as well to Pete Methner Photography for supporting the podcast and capturing athletes at their best.

What if success wasn't just about working harder? This week on the Performance Matters Podcast, Matrixx sits down with Bob Raybould , entrepreneur, author, investor, former Army officer, and lifelong student of human performance. At nearly 90 years old, Bob shares lessons gathered from decades of business success, personal growth, working with elite athletes, and helping people unlock their potential. The conversation dives into Bob's unique philosophy of "Success by Emotion" —a framework built around the idea that emotions don't just influence performance, they can actually accelerate it. From the story of sitting in a Porsche dealership and transforming his mindset, to working with athletes, business leaders, and high performers, Bob explains why he believes mindset should come before the hard work, not after it. Along the way, the discussion explores: ✅ The Porsche moment that changed Bob's life forever ✅ Why emotions may be more powerful than logic ✅ The relationship between mindset, accountability, and success ✅ How athletes can perform better under pressure ✅ Why hard work alone may be overrated ✅ The role of failure, resilience, and personal responsibility ✅ Practical exercises to improve focus and goal achievement ✅ Lessons from nearly nine decades of life experience Whether you're an athlete, coach, entrepreneur, parent, or someone simply looking to grow, this episode offers a different perspective on what drives success and how we can create momentum toward our goals. 🎙️ Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Performance Matters Podcast is proudly sponsored by: 📍 Iron Performance Center – Helping athletes and adults train with purpose and perform at their best. Iron Performance Center 📸 Pete Methner Photography – Capturing the moments that matter most in sport. Pete Methner Photography

What does it really take to thrive as a university athlete? This week on the Performance Matters Podcast , Matrixx sits down with Charlotte Ross (Brock Badgers) and Gaby Buffong (Keyano College Huskies) for an honest conversation about the realities of collegiate volleyball that most people never see. From balancing academics and athletics, navigating injuries, and dealing with comparison, to separating identity from sport and building trust within a team, this episode dives deep into the mental and emotional side of competing at a high level. The group explores: 🏐 The biggest differences between club and university volleyball🧠 How injuries can reshape your identity as an athlete📈 Why preparation and accountability matter more than talent alone🤝 Building trust, vulnerability, and communication within a team environment🔥 The hidden costs of chasing excellence in sport🏆 Would you rather win a championship or play professionally?😂 Plus, some unforgettable (and embarrassing) volleyball moments along the way. Whether you're an athlete, parent, coach, or simply someone striving to perform at your best, this episode offers valuable insight into the pursuit of growth, resilience, and finding purpose beyond the scoreboard. A huge thank you to our sponsors: 💪 Iron Performance Center — Niagara's premier strength & conditioning facility, helping athletes and adults perform at their highest level. Located at 423 Lakeshore Road, St. Catharines, Ontario . 📸 Pete Methner Photography — The premier sports photographer in the Niagara region. Be sure to support local and check out Pete's incredible work. There are two types of people in this world: subscribers and non-subscribers. You know what to do. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

What does it actually take to play junior hockey at the highest level? In Episode 71 of the Performance Matters Podcast , Matrixx sits down with Rowan Topp , defenseman for the Guelph Storm (OHL) , to dive into the realities of pursuing elite hockey. From growing up skating on backyard ponds in West Lincoln to being selected in the 3rd Round of the OHL Draft , Rowan opens up about the sacrifices that come with chasing big goals: moving away from home at a young age, balancing hockey and academics, navigating life with billet families, and learning how to lead inside a locker room. The conversation goes far beyond hockey. Rowan shares his thoughts on confidence, accountability, teammate leadership, and why the small, often unseen habits separate athletes who simply have talent from those who maximize it. We also tackle important conversations around modern youth hockey development, burnout, and why doing more isn't always doing better . Rowan's journey from backyard ponds to the OHL The biggest misconceptions about junior hockey Balancing school, hockey, and life away from home Developing confidence through preparation and consistency What true leadership looks like inside a locker room Holding teammates accountable without losing trust Why elite athletes embrace feedback The dangers of over-scheduling young athletes How parents can better support long-term development The importance of mastering the basics and winning the day Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or hockey fan, this episode offers an honest look at what it really takes to pursue excellence in sport. 🎙️ Performance Matters Podcast — conversations on performance, leadership, and human potential. 🏋️‍♂️ This episode is sponsored by Iron Performance Center — Niagara's premier strength & conditioning facility helping athletes and adults perform at their best. Learn more at www.ironperformance.ca 📸 Also sponsored by Pete Methner Photography — capturing athletes and teams throughout the Niagara region. Support local. 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, please like, follow, subscribe, and share the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Your support helps us continue bringing these conversations to life.