In this episode of Behavior of Sport Podcast, Dr. Alicia Naser sits down with Will Morlock, Director of Athletic Performance for Michigan State University men’s hockey, to talk about what it really takes to train elite hockey players. From offseason development and on-ice speed work to athlete feedback, testing, and the balance between data and coaching intuition, this conversation breaks down the science and art of performance in a way that’s practical, thoughtful, and deeply grounded in real-world experience. Will shares his unusual path into performance coaching, including his background in soccer, his master’s degree in the UK, and the long road from unpaid internships to working with collegiate and national team athletes. He also explains how he approaches training differently depending on the athlete, why the ice matters more than the gym in hockey, and how he builds trust and buy-in through communication, flexibility, and individualized programming.

Takeaways

• Early morning workouts allow Will Morlock to spend time with his family before training athletes.
• The path to success in the sports industry involves sacrifice, delayed reinforcement, and a slow burn of experience and knowledge. Player development in hockey involves a comprehensive approach to physical training, including body composition, power, and speed. Mental resilience and competitive spirit are crucial for success in the sport.
• The use of technology and data in training programs should be balanced with the coach's experience and intuition, and athlete feedback is essential for program effectiveness.

Chapters

• 00:00 Balancing Personal Life and Training
• 03:12 Transition from Soccer to Hockey
• 09:05 Training Philosophy and Player Motivation
• 10:32 Educational Background and Career Path
• 17:06 Comparison of Sports Science Systems
• 20:15 Assessment and Training for Speed
• 39:59 Preparing for National Team or College Hockey Camp

Disclaimer: Guests appearing on the Blades & Behavior™ podcast do so solely in their personal capacity, and their participation does not constitute or imply endorsement, affiliation or sponsorship by any team, league, employer, or organization with which they are affiliated, including organizations within professional sports leagues. Guest appearances do not indicate that individuals featured on the podcast are clients of Dr. Naser. All statements, perspectives, and opinions expressed during podcast episodes are those of the individual speakers and are provided for discussion and informational purposes only. They should not be interpreted as official positions, policies, or statements of any team, league, organization, or governing body. Content presented on the Blades & Behavior™ podcast is not intended to serve as medical, psychological, legal, or professional advice, nor should it be relied upon as organizational guidance or performance directives for any team, athlete, or staff member. The content contained in this podcast is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical, psychological, or behavioral health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare or behavioral professional regarding any questions or concerns you may have. This podcast and all related content produced by Alicia Naser LLC // The Naser Institute for Behavioral Sports Psychology™️ are independent of and not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®). All materials are the intellectual property of Alicia Naser LLC // The Naser Institute for Behavioral Sports Psychology™️ and are protected under U.S. and international copyright law.