From Research to Reality: The Role of Sports Science in Athlete Development with Dr. Chris Taber

Totten Training Systems
Jun 6
1 min read

In this episode of Totten Talks, Leo and Cait are joined by Dr. Chris Taber—longtime friend, teammate, and the Graduate Program Director of Exercise and Sports Science at Sacred Heart University.

Chris brings a unique perspective, blending cutting-edge research with years of practical, hands-on coaching experience. The conversation is all about the intersection of sports science, coaching, and building stronger athletes—and coaches!

In this episode, Leo, Cait, and Chris cover:

Chris’s path into sports science, from Penn State to working with Leo, to earning his doctorate at East Tennessee State University
What “sports science” really means, how it’s different from (but connected to) exercise science and strength & conditioning
The importance of applied sports science—bridging the gap between lab research and the real day-to-day work with athletes and coaches
Why good mentorship matters, how to find the right mentor, and how early experiences shape coaches
The Totten Training Mentorship Program: how it started, what it offers, and why it’s making a difference for young coaches
The role of Olympic lifts in strength & conditioning: the pros, the challenges, and busting the myth that they’re “too hard to teach”
How to use weightlifting movements for athletic development (vs. competing as a weightlifter)
Advice for coaches: periodization, programming for strength and power, balancing “sport-specific” and foundational training
A fantastic listen for coaches, athletes, and anyone interested in the science (and art!) of making better athletes and building legacies.