Show notes
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 Lee Nguyen, a professional soccer player, who shares his international journey and offers insights on how he approached the development of training and rehab over his career.Key Takeaways:[2:23] What career path led Lee into professional soccer?[3:29] Lee was in Vietnam when COVID began, and the season had to be canceled.[5:33] Lee talks about participating in the TST: The Soccer Tournament.[10:37] Lee speaks of the cultural differences in training in different countries.[11:54] How do different cultures train off the field?[15:41] What is the best professional athlete Lee can be?[16:37] Lee emphasizes the value of efficiency and preparedness for a professional athlete and explains how he prepared to be a professional athlete. [20:32] Has Lee ever tried a change in lifestyle or nutrition plan?[21:45] What advice would Lee tell himself 10-15 years ago?[23:27] What things worked for Lee in train and rehab?[25:51] How did Lee approach the rehab process when he was going through an injury?[29:06] How has the business aspect influenced some of the decisions regarding rehab times?[31:44] Lee shares the importance of considering your value as a player and your contribution to the Team.[33:25] Lee describes what trust looks like in professional sports, specifically in the rehab space.[35:56] Adam talks about the three different kinds of players.[36:32] Lee talks about the value of building healthy habits early on in a professional athlete's career.[39:39] How would Lee approach the case when an athlete refuses to try a new training plan?[42:58] As a player, how does someone build trust when they come into the locker room?[45:12] Has Lee ever found himself in a situation with a misconception about being a pro athlete?[49:00] How does Lee’s life as a pro athlete affect his personal life?[51:38] Lee advises about the importance of communication and keeping realistic expectations when balancing personal and professional goals.[53:19] How does Lee define small wins?[56:39] How do you find your small wins when the morale is down, the culture's down, and the team is losing? [58:56] Lee shares his advice with everyday people regarding how to find small wins.[1:01:43] Lee talks about his new career as a coach that is just beginning.[1:03:15] Lee advises anyone trying to improve their performance: Seek a professional (and also trial and error).[1:06:01] What was Lee’s favorite city to live in as a player? [1:06:38] What was Lee’s favorite stadium? [1:07:31 Lee shares memorable highlights from his career.[1:08:01] Lee shares one of the most memorable moments behind the scenes.[1:08:49] What was Lee’s favorite goal-scoring celebration?[1:09:23] What is next in Lee’s career?Mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Finding Small WinsFollow Adam Loiacono on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

