Description

🎙️ 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 Auburn

• From a small NAIA soccer program to elite Division I athletics
• How internships at TCU and UNC led to her dream position at Auburn
• Building confidence and credibility as a young coach in the industry

⚽ Training Philosophy: Simple, Savage, Effective

• The “Mount Rushmore” of performance training: Sprint, Jump, Squat, Hinge, Push, Pull
• Why front squats come before back squats
• The importance of the posterior chain and why every athlete needs RDLs
• Using 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 nurture
• How understanding each athlete personally builds stronger programs and trust
• Helping players connect purpose, faith, and performance

📊 Sports Science and Modern Coaching

• Building a sports science department from scratch
• Using Catapult GPS data to guide training loads
• Teaching athletes to understand the “why” behind the metrics

💬 Women in Strength & Conditioning

• Overcoming the early pressure to “fit in” with the guys
• The importance of being authentic—“Wear the tennis skirt.”
• Advice for young women aspiring to enter the field

📖 Lessons, Faith & Culture

• Finding light and leadership through faith-based team culture
• Adapting to different regions and environments—from Indiana to Texas to Alabama
• Embracing vulnerability and authenticity as a coach

Coach 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 Highlights

• Superpower 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?

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