Jess Racz @jr7performance

My future success will never be selfish. When I am able, it’s all about supporting those who were loyal to me during the TOUGH times, making sure my family is taken care of, and giving others a shot that are destined for greatness, but just aren’t seen yet.

Depending on the situation and job, certifications &/or degrees can get you in the door. HOWEVER, I don’t know how much value they have in keeping you in the room. I can count on less than 3 fingers how many athletes, parents, or coaches asked what degrees or certs I have.

Athletes🗣 Train for performance, not for physique. Physique comes as a byproduct of performance training. Performance does not come as a byproduct of training physique. The two are not the same. Just b/c you look good doesn’t mean you’re good at your sport.

The more time you spend looking at or wishing you had what someone else has, the less time you get to build, create, & achieve your own dreams. Bet on yourself brick by brick. Your journey is your own.

Too many takers in the world. I’m just here to give.

Don’t ever let a coach tell you you can’t do something. Don’t ever let another person decide your future for you. The work you put in the dark will always show in the bright lights. The magic happens when you use that as fuel and prove yourself right.

Good drill if: ☝️ You’re a hooper 🏀 ✌️ You have knee pain #basketball #girlsbasketball #kneepain

I think the most important thing we can do for our athletes as performance / strength & conditioning coaches is to let our ego go & understand our #1 job: to get our athlete from youth to high school to college and to pro without getting hurt. The best ability is availability.

As a strength coach whether independent or part of a university, I am an extension of the coaching staff of the athlete. If I don’t set my athlete(s) up for the style of play the head coach is looking for, I’m setting them up to be unsuccessful in that environment.

We’re seeing so many players in the WNBA this year getting injured. MCL & ACL tears, ankle sprains & achilles tendinitis, back issues. For trainers, we have to shift our perspective of what strength means. For female hoopers, you gotta take care of your body.

Kaila Charles of the @ConnecticutSun @WNBA

I love seeing female athletes not shying away from the weight room. Why? Getting basketball scholarships (let alone playing time) is SO competitive. The better your body functions and performs, the better outcomes you have in your craft. And the less you get injured.

Two things I teach my females athletes. #1. Confidence & their “superpowers.” #2 To think less & do more. You add that + performance training + practicing your craft, you’ve got an unstoppable athlete. Your dreams can come true.

It’s not just luck or talent. It’s what you do when no one is watching. Don’t get that confused when you see other people in a position you want to be in. The behind the scenes work is where the magic happens.

Female athletes: eating 1,500-2,000 calories a day is NOT enough. Major increased risk of injury, decreased reaction time, mental focus, energy, explosiveness, & overall performance. Nothing else matters if you’re not eating enough.

When you’re always fed, it’s hard to be hungry.

🏀 High School Players: you’ve got to develop your superpower(s) and what will separate yourself as a hooper. This year is the largest number of current collegiate athletes entering the transfer portal. And I have a feeling that number is going to continue to increase each year.

It’s not my job to tell someone who they are. We each have earned the right to be who we want to be & we have untapped potential & confidence we don’t even realize. It’s my job to help them unlock, discover, & teach who they are. This is way more than just a job or a game.

Watching the women’s NCAA tournament: 3 ball & mid range pull up game is a must, everyone is lifting & quick as hell (if you’re not with a trainer before you go to college, you’re in trouble), & go to a school not for their name, but a school that fits your style & WANTS you.

When you chase two chickens, you get none.