This week, Eli Hallak speaks with Breana Cutler, of the Weber State Spirit Squad, about the unique demands of caring for Performance Athletes in Cheer, Dance, and Spirit Teams. Breana shares how she had to relearn prehab, rehab, and daily care due to the athletes’ specialized skills, high pain tolerance, and exceptional mental toughness. They break down the distinct roles within teams and discuss the long-overdue recognition that these athletes are finally receiving, along with the mental toll of constant performance and the support resources available. Breana also offers insight into what it takes to become an ATC in the performance-athlete space.

Weber State Spirit Squad

In this episode, Eli Hallak talks with Dr. Vanessa Shannon, Ph.D., Sport Psychology, about creating better experiences for athletes during challenging moments. They discuss how the pandemic spotlighted the need for mental health and mental performance in sport, the global impact of the “twisties” and the “yips” in reducing stigma, and the ongoing question of whether the goal is helping athletes feel better or get better. They also highlight the essential role teams play in supporting athlete wellness and performance.

Optimize Consulting

Eli Hallak welcomes Dr. Christopher Schmidt, PhD, ATC, Director of Faculty Development & Support, and ATu Education Lead at Clinical Pattern, to discuss his professional journey and the evolving landscape of athletic training education. Dr. Schmidt shares how his path led him to his current role and offers insight into the state-of-the-art education technology powering ATu. The conversation explores strategies to enhance student engagement, the integration of modern tools in teaching, and how educators and students alike can leverage technology to elevate learning and professional growth.

Clinical Pattern: Health Science and Education Redefined