Recap of Dane Miller Episode
Success as a Moving Target – The Evolving Coach’s Journey
“Success is being able to pull as much as you can out of that athlete without having a negative impact on them, but instead leaving this huge positive impact.”
Dane reframes success not as a destination, but as a series of ever-evolving goals. From coaching at the Olympics, to coaching an Olympic finalist (Sam Mattis), to now pushing for an Olympic medal — each achievement is both a benchmark and a springboard.
What makes Dane’s approach powerful is how deeply it's tied to impact over outcome. Whether it’s sixth graders at CYO track meets or Jaime Pérez breaking a discus record, he values personal and athletic growth equally.
“It’s a never-ending cycle... but that’s what keeps me motivated.”
Example: Coaching across multiple levels, from grassroots to Olympic stage, allows Dane to measure success not just in medals, but in mentorship, influence, and culture.
Culture Built on Four Pillars: Trust, Expectations, Accountability, Support
“Culture to me is a very layered thing… We use trust, expectations, accountability, and support.”
Rather than just “vibes” or slogans on the wall, Garage Strength culture is structural. Dane explains that culture must be tangible — showing up, being present, and ensuring consistency.
Here’s how the four pillars are implemented:
Trust: Athletes believe their coach is all-in.
Expectations: Clear standards around attendance, effort, and outcomes.
Accountability: “Rubber to the road” moments — you must show up and do the work.
Support: Includes coaching presence, programming, saunas, recovery tools, even protein shakes.
“Culture is also built by the lifts themselves.”
Example: The front squat and snatch are more than just lifts. They symbolize community, attention to detail, and shared hardship — which builds athlete-to-athlete and coach-athlete support systems.
The ‘Dark Side’ of Training – Where Athletes Are Forged
“You learn at a very young age that it’s okay to let go and to have the stress and the fear go away.”
Dane introduces a powerful idea: embracing the “dark side” of training — the grueling, uncomfortable sessions where resilience is built. He doesn’t shy away from prescribing these challenges; instead, he sees them as formative.
“Most people don’t do front squats… not because it’s hard to learn — but because they’re a baby. It’s really, really hard.”
Example: A 13-year-old female athlete grinding through three brutal sets of 90kg front squats. These are the moments Dane believes forge champions mentally and physically.
“If you're a strength coach and you're telling me you don’t want to teach the clean or snatch because it’s hard — you’ve missed the whole point of our job.”
This ties into his disdain for shortcuts — coaches avoiding Olympic lifts because they’re “hard to teach” in groups, while quoting Goggins online. The real work lies in the trenches.
Why Olympic Lifting is Non-Negotiable for Transfer and Culture
“There’s a breadth of data that fast concentrics drastically lead to strength gains… you can’t debate that.”
Dane makes a powerful case for Olympic lifting as foundational — not just for physical development, but for technical mastery, kinesthetic awareness, and cultural bonding.
“Technique rules. If your technique is dialed in and you’re precise with your movement, you're going to win.”
He dismantles common arguments against cleans and snatches:
Too hard to teach? Teach anyway — that’s your job.
Doesn’t transfer? Data says otherwise.
Too hard to quantify? Try comparing a clean over 180kg at 1.45 m/s vs. any trap bar jump.
Example: Dane’s 17-year-old athlete deadlifting 500 lbs and cleaning 183kg faster than most powerlifters can move 80% of their max.
He also touches on advanced progressions like no-feet cleans and partial lifts from blocks — all with intent, specificity, and measurable transfer to sport (e.g., wrestling level changes, football hip extension).
Goal Setting & Athlete Accountability as Coaching Foundations
“It’s okay for me to believe in the athlete more than the athlete believes in themselves.”
Goal setting at Garage Strength isn’t just motivational fluff — it’s structured through data and tiers:
Level 1: Junior High
Level 2: JV or Club
Level 3: Collegiate
Level 4: Pro/Elite
Dane outlines clear benchmarks based on test results, setting tangible goals like “bench 135 → 185 → 225…” and using them as both training feedback and motivational drivers.
But perhaps more powerful is how he balances athlete-led and coach-informed goals.
“The athletes who come to me with their own goals — that’s when I know they’re taking ownership.”
Example: Weightlifter Ryan McDonald tracking his squat progress to predict clean and snatch outcomes — learning not just how to lift, but how to think and plan.
Final Thoughts: Building More Than Athletes
Dane closes by emphasizing what real coaching looks like:
“I care about the success of the person. I want to know what’s going on at home. I want to know if they’re okay.”
Despite coaching elite athletes, he keeps humanity at the core of his practice. It’s a reminder that our job isn’t just performance — it’s people.
🎧 Listen to the full episode with Dane Miller:
📲 Connect with Dane Miller
Follow and reach out to Dane on Instagram:
PA Chalk Up Sponsor Highlight:
PA Chalk Up is proadly sponsored by Teambuildr
What is TeamBuildr?
TeamBuildr is a cloud-based strength and conditioning software designed for coaches, trainers, and sports teams to create, track, and analyze training programs. It’s widely used in colleges, high schools, professional teams, and private training facilities to streamline programming, athlete monitoring, and performance tracking.
Key Features of TeamBuildr:
📊 Customizable Workout Programming – Easily build and distribute training plans for individuals or teams.
📈 Performance Tracking & Analytics – Track lift progress, velocity-based training (VBT), wellness surveys, and more.
📲 Mobile & Web Access – Athletes can log workouts, receive feedback, and check their schedules from their phones.
🔗 Integrations – Syncs with GymAware, Hawkin Dynamics, NordBord, and other sports science tools.
🔥 Live Leaderboards – Creates a competitive training environment by displaying athlete performance in real-time.
Whether you're coaching a high school team, a pro squad, or private clients, TeamBuildr helps you manage programming, monitor progress, and keep athletes engaged—all in one place.
💡 Want to try TeamBuildr? Click here and use my promo code “PACHALKUP” for 30 FREE trial! 🚀