Talkin' Pitt # 52 Building Better Systems: Austin Tomaz on Testing, Data, and Development in Pro Soccer
Description
In this episode of Talking Pitt, Coach Young sits down with Austin Tomaz, Strength and Conditioning Coach for Carolina Ascent FC, part of the growing women’s professional soccer scene.
Austin shares his path from never playing organized soccer to carving out a niche in the sport’s high-performance world, discussing how curiosity, problem-solving, and data-driven systems shaped his coaching philosophy. The two dive deep into force plate testing, mid-thigh pull implementation, and creating efficient systems for athlete profiling, all while balancing the human side of coaching and buy-in.
They explore topics like:
- Transitioning from collegiate S&C to the pro level and the evolving landscape of women’s soccer performance
- Building testing systems with limited staff using Hawkin Dynamics and Vald tools
- How to use force plate data (CMJ, IMTP, drop jump metrics) to drive programming and identify weaknesses
- The importance of eccentric strength, readiness tracking, and individualized French contrast pairings
- Using manual muscle testing and asymmetry analysis to guide activation and injury prevention
- Why trimming the fat in programming and sticking to what matters creates better results
Austin also reflects on lessons learned through his journey from simplifying systems to embracing humility and shares advice for young coaches about doing more with less and never being afraid to admit you don’t know something yet.
If you’re a strength coach looking to understand better applied sport science, testing metrics, or athlete profiling without a whole sports science staff, this conversation will hit home.
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Austin Tomaz Contact
Email: austintomaz13@gmail.com
Music Credit
Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”
United States
