Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Geletko.
Hi Joseph, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My interest in the strength and conditioning career began as a collegiate soccer athlete. I had an outstanding strength coach, which was my first formal experience with a career field that combined training and team environments. After college, I spent 7 years as a collegiate strength and conditioning coach at NCAA Division I universities such as Pepperdine and UCLA. I left the collegiate sector to join Monarch Athletic Club as a manager and strength coach for two years. I’ve always been fascinated by mental health and have the desire to work with veterans and active-duty military personnel (Both my parents served in the Marine Corps). In Sep 2022, I decided to move down to San Diego to enroll in graduate school and career pivot to clinical mental health counseling. At the moment, I operate my own private coaching business called TKO Athletic Performance which will serve as a bridge to my private psychotherapy practice (TKO Cognitive Performance) when I become a licensed mental health counselor.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nope. Plenty of struggle and doubt but the hardship has been a privilege. I planned to commission as an officer in the Navy in 2021 (I wanted to be a pilot, a childhood dream), but COVID, family obligations, and poor eyesight changed the plan. I have little to no experience in entrepreneurship and business so operating my own company has been a steep learning curve. Managing my own mental health has been difficult at times and depression comes and goes in waves but I’m grateful for this because I intend to use it to become a better man and practitioner and help people in a massive way. But for all the “struggles” there have been an equal amount, if not more, moments that I can claim as the best of my life thus far. I try not to let my career consume the other “slices” of my life. It’s not the only thing that brings me peace or gives me purpose. It’s just a slice of the pie. I am going through a career transition, which has provided resistance, but there are many other aspects of my life that are rich and easy.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an athletic performance coach that specializes in preparing club soccer players for their college careers and professional soccer players for their competitive seasons. I particularly enjoy training athletes who are rehabilitating ACL injuries, women’s pro soccer players looking to get faster in the off-season, and goalkeepers (I was a goalkeeper in college)! I work with all athletes and populations because my business is fledgling but if I had to claim a niche, those three would be my beans and rice.
I’m most proud of my ability to connect with my clients and build meaningful relationships with them, which has allowed me to grow an organic client base with minimal time spent on social media (I’m not a strong proponent of social media). I am also proud of my ability to implement effective training principles and get results without the need for a massive gym with expensive equipment or advanced technology like force plates, etc.
What sets me apart from others is my attention to detail and depth of service. If you spoke to all of my clients, they would say that they have all the knowledge and support necessary to be successful. They don’t get cookie-cutter coaching and they shouldn’t experience any anxiety about completing the program. Every client, even completely virtual, receives a discovery questionnaire, a movement and fitness assessment, a nutrition journal, a new phase of individualized programming every month, twice monthly consultations to ensure progress, and nearly unlimited access to me for compliance and questions. They get the VIP treatment because I want to provide unrivaled value.
I also believe my experience with a variety of different sports/athletes (soccer, track & field, combat sports, beach volleyball, baseball, etc.) and my experience as an athlete provides a fresh perspective that makes training efficient but enjoyable.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
In 2-3 years, I will be making the transition to clinical mental health counseling. I am an amateur Muay Thai competitor.
Pricing:
- Virtual coaching starts @ $450/month
- 1v1 Coaching – 8, 12, or 24 sessions starting @ $1,200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tkoathleticperformance.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tko_athleticperformance/
Image Credits
Katie Lerch https://www.katielerch.photos/
