Welcome to another episode of Finding Small Wins Podcast, a space for conversations that pull back the curtain on sports, where to learn how to upgrade health & performance, and shed some light on how some of the best at what they do are finding the small wins that help them along the way.

Adam Loiacono, your host, is a physical therapist in the NBA & a former performance coach in Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League. 

In this episode, Adam is joined by Nicole Surdyka, who shares her experiences as a physical therapist and professional woman soccer during the 2020 pandemic season and how she was able to overcome limited resources while still finding success. 

Key Takeaways:

[:45] Adam introduces Nicole by sharing a briefing on her outstanding career.

[1:48] Nicole shares her experience as a soccer player.

[3:04] What motivated Nicole to become a PT?

[4:43] Nicole speaks of the common challenge of having limited resources.

[6:07] Nicole was initially worried about entering the professional women's soccer niche.

[8:23] What was Nicole’s role at Seattle?

[11:04] Nicole shares the memory of a day when the Team was left with no transportation.  

[13:00] Another responsibility included in Nicole’s role was to order the gym equipment.

[14:44] Nicole talks about how it is possible to go pro without going to college, even though it is not the norm.

[15:37] What were the first things Nicole did in her role?

[18:50] Were there things Nicole wishes she could have done better?

[21:04] How do you transition the high-level care the men are getting and provide it for the woman?

[23:11] Were there times when Nicole had information about a player that the player did not know yet?

[27:43] As a PT, ask yourself:  What does the athlete need from me now?

[30:43] Transfer vs. loan.

[34:45] What if the league had standards for every Team to follow for medical or PT evaluations?

[36:45] Nicole talks about what she thinks the minimum requirements for medical or PT evaluations should be.

[43:10] What happens when the PT disagrees with the athlete's perspective?

[45:21] How can a PT meet the athlete where he/she is?

[47:16] Nicole advises PTs to show authentic appreciation for the athletes (they can tell when the attention is not genuine).

[49:15] Nicole is constantly helping her athletes to find their small wins.

[50:56] Nicole shares her biggest mantra: Calm, consistent, curious.

[55:17] Apart from being good at your work, you must be flexible and adaptable.

[57:14] As a clinician, what were some of the expectations she had that did not match with reality?

[59:40] Nicole talks about handling pressure when an athlete is rushed to play back when is not totally ready.

[1:07:17] Nicole speaks on what is new and exciting in her career. 

[1:12:44] Rapid fire questions with Nicole.

Mentioned in this episode: 

Learn more at FindingSmallWins.com

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