The Art of Coaching Relationships and Trust

🎙️ Podcast Show Notes – The Moffitt Method Podcast Episode Simple, Savage, and Authentic: Building Better Athletes with Coach Malorie Henderlong (Auburn University)Episode Summary In this episode, host Joe Ryan sits down with Coach Malorie Henderlong, the strength and conditioning coach for Auburn University Women’s Soccer. From her early start as a college soccer player to her rapid rise through programs at TCU, Baylor, UNC, and now Auburn, Coach Henderlong shares her journey, her coaching philosophy, and what it means to train athletes holistically—both on and off the field. She opens up about finding authenticity in a male-dominated field, keeping training “simple but savage,” and how faith, relationships, and purpose have shaped her career and coaching style. This one is packed with real talk, passion, and wisdom for coaches, athletes, and anyone in performance development.Key Topics Covered 🏆 The Journey to AuburnFrom a small NAIA soccer program to elite Division I athleticsHow internships at TCU and UNC led to her dream position at AuburnBuilding confidence and credibility as a young coach in the industry⚽ Training Philosophy: Simple, Savage, EffectiveThe “Mount Rushmore” of performance training: Sprint, Jump, Squat, Hinge, Push, PullWhy front squats come before back squatsThe importance of the posterior chain and why every athlete needs RDLsUsing sprint work as both a physical and mental development tool🧠 Coaching the Whole Athlete“I don’t coach weights—I coach people.”Balancing empathy and accountability: knowing when to push or nurtureHow understanding each athlete personally builds stronger programs and trustHelping players connect purpose, faith, and performance📊 Sports Science and Modern CoachingBuilding a sports science department from scratchUsing Catapult GPS data to guide training loadsTeaching athletes to understand the “why” behind the metrics💬 Women in Strength & ConditioningOvercoming the early pressure to “fit in” with the guysThe importance of being authentic—“Wear the tennis skirt.”Advice for young women aspiring to enter the field📖 Lessons, Faith & CultureFinding light and leadership through faith-based team cultureAdapting to different regions and environments—from Indiana to Texas to AlabamaEmbracing vulnerability and authenticity as a coachCoach Henderlong’s Favorite Quotes & Lessons“We’re going to do simple, savagely well.”“Human movement is human movement. My job is to teach athletes to move exceptionally well.”“Be where your feet are—go a mile deep and an inch wide.”“I don’t coach weights. I coach people.”“Just be yourself—the right people will let your light shine.”Books & Resources Mentioned 📚 Grit by Angela Duckworth 📚 The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer 🎥 Dare to Dream – Documentary on the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team Rapid-Fire HighlightsSuperpower Wish: The ability to feel athletes’ pain to better understand their injuries.Motivational Movie: Dare to Dream (U.S. Women’s Soccer documentary).Stranded on an Island Equipment: Kettlebell—versatile for training (and survival!).Go-To Saying: “Simple, savage, and done well.”Connect with Coach Malorie Henderlong 📸 Instagram: @malorie_henderlong 💬 “I respond to every message—even the ones in requests!” Takeaway Message At Auburn and beyond, Coach Henderlong’s mission is simple: build strong, resilient, faith-driven athletes who compete with purpose. Whether it’s sprinting, lifting, or leading, her message rings true—keep it simple, stay authentic, and do it savagely well. Would you like me to create a short social media caption and episode description (for Spotify/Apple Podcasts) to match this episode next?🌐 www.themoffittmethod.fit📧 Contact us - [e-mail]📸 Instagram - https://bit.ly/3LGwDiC🐦 Twitter - https://bit.ly/3kqPc0S🐦 Coach Moffitt on Twitter - https://bit.ly/3ev6zuC