From IndyCar to the NCAA: Coaching High Performance Across Sports w/ Sean Smith

The Adaptable Athlete Podcast

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In this episode of the Adaptable Athlete Podcast, Javi sits down with performance coach Sean Smith, who shares lessons from a unique career that’s spanned elite collegiate volleyball and the high-octane world of IndyCar racing.

They dive into what it takes to support athletes across vastly different sports, why curiosity and communication are non-negotiables for great coaching, and how to create high-performance environments without losing the human element. From letting athletes have a say in their training to managing in-season fatigue, Sean offers practical strategies rooted in trust, adaptability, and an ever-evolving coaching philosophy.

🔹 Key Topics Discussed:

✅ Lessons from coaching in motorsport and NCAA Division I athletics

✅ How to support athletes when you're unfamiliar with their sport

✅ Building autonomy and joy into elite sport environments

✅ What “true integration” looks like across performance departments

✅ Why athlete wellness data must be actionable—not performative

✅ A nuanced take on early specialization vs. multi-sport development

✅ Sean’s personal shift into ecological and context-driven coaching

🔹 Resources & Mentions:

✅ Emergence Website

✅ Challenge Point Framework

✅ Drive to Survive on Netflix

✅ 100 Days to Indy

Whether you're in strength and conditioning, sport science, or skill acquisition, this episode will challenge your assumptions and help you think differently about what high performance really means.

Don't forget to reserve your spot for the IN PERSON 2025 Sport Movement Skill Conference.

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Credits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io
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