In episode 015, Tom is joined by Brown University Strength and Conditioning Coach Anthony Paiva to talk about how environment can shape an athlete's experience and attitude. Coach Paiva talks about his decision to open about his sexuality to his athletes and colleagues, and overcoming the anxiety that came with the decision. Tom and Anthony also talk about how to foster an environment that is motivating and inclusive, the need for diversity in the performance field, and the willingness to have tough conversations around student athlete mental health.
About Coach Anthony Paiva, MS, CSCS, SCCC, USAW:
Anthony Paiva is a strength and conditioning coach for Brown University, currently in his fourth year. Anthony joined the strength and conditioning staff in 2019 following an internship with the university.
Anthony has a background in a plethora of sports, most notably Jiu-Jitsu in which he trained for over 10 years. He currently competes in Olympic weightlifting in the 81kg weight class. He has spent 9 years in the strength and conditioning industry working in a range of settings from private sector to collegiate.
Anthony currently works with five sports at Brown, Baseball, Softball, Men’s and Women’s Water Polo and Men’s Soccer. He also serves as the Assistant State & Provincial Director for the Rhode Island NSCA Advisory Board, where he aims to provide continuing education for professionals and work to progress the field further.
Anthony graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2018 with a BS in Kinesiology, where he then went on to receive a MS in Exercise Science & Human Performance from Liberty University in 2019.
