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Episode Notes
Todd DeSorbo has built one of the most dominant programs in college swimming history—but he says there was never a master plan.
In this conversation we explore what it actually takes to sustain excellence year after year, why coaching elite athletes is more about what you do with the data than long term planning. Listen for how he thinks about recruiting, athlete development, emotional control, and building a culture that keeps producing world-class performances.
Todd also shares why he believes plateaus are often a sign that an athlete is about to break through, how he coaches Olympic champions differently (and not differently), and what surprised him most about leading a dynasty.
Topics include:
- Building a championship program without a fixed blueprint
- Why planning matters—but flexibility matters more
- Coaching world-record holders
- Why female athletes continue improving at Virginia
- Recruiting beyond times
- Managing emotion as a coach
- Creating a culture where athletes compete with each other rather than against each other
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