Welcome to another episode of Finding Small Wins Podcast, a space for conversations that pull back the curtain on sports, where to learn how to upgrade health & performance, and shed some light on how some of the best at what they do are finding the small wins that help them along the way. Adam Loiacono, your host, is a physical therapist in the NBA & a former performance coach in Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League.  In this episode, Adam is joined by Nicole Surdyka, who shares her experiences as a physical therapist and professional woman soccer during the 2020 pandemic season and how she was able to overcome limited resources while still finding success.  Key Takeaways: [:45] Adam introduces Nicole by sharing a briefing on her outstanding career. [1:48] Nicole shares her experience as a soccer player. [3:04] What motivated Nicole to become a PT? [4:43] Nicole speaks of the common challenge of having limited resources. [6:07] Nicole was initially worried about entering the professional women's soccer niche. [8:23] What was Nicole’s role at Seattle? [11:04] Nicole shares the memory of a day when the Team was left with no transportation.   [13:00] Another responsibility included in Nicole’s role was to order the gym equipment. [14:44] Nicole talks about how it is possible to go pro without going to college, even though it is not the norm. [15:37] What were the first things Nicole did in her role? [18:50] Were there things Nicole wishes she could have done better? [21:04] How do you transition the high-level care the men are getting and provide it for the woman? [23:11] Were there times when Nicole had information about a player that the player did not know yet? [27:43] As a PT, ask yourself:  What does the athlete need from me now? [30:43] Transfer vs. loan. [34:45] What if the league had standards for every Team to follow for medical or PT evaluations? [36:45] Nicole talks about what she thinks the minimum requirements for medical or PT evaluations should be. [43:10] What happens when the PT disagrees with the athlete's perspective? [45:21] How can a PT meet the athlete where he/she is? [47:16] Nicole advises PTs to show authentic appreciation for the athletes (they can tell when the attention is not genuine). [49:15] Nicole is constantly helping her athletes to find their small wins. [50:56] Nicole shares her biggest mantra: Calm, consistent, curious. [55:17] Apart from being good at your work, you must be flexible and adaptable. [57:14] As a clinician, what were some of the expectations she had that did not match with reality? [59:40] Nicole talks about handling pressure when an athlete is rushed to play back when is not totally ready. [1:07:17] Nicole speaks on what is new and exciting in her career.  [1:12:44] Rapid fire questions with Nicole. Mentioned in this episode:  Learn more at FindingSmallWins.com Follow  Adam Loiacono on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube. Women in Sports and Entertainment Women in Football