Wolfpack Elite's Joao Mescolote on Training Speed, Underwaters, and the new "Speed Force" group

On the latest episode of Inside with Brett Hawke, we had the pleasure of catching back up with Joao Mescolote, who's now fully immersed in coaching with Wolfpack Elite at NC State in Raleigh, North Carolina.

They talk about everything from specialized training techniques to the mental resilience needed for peak performance.

Typical sprinters, Brett and Joao have a lot in common - their love for speed and flexing for pictures. 

The journey from Ball State University to coaching Wolfpack Elite has been full of growth for Joao. When we last heard from him, Joao was finishing his master's degree. Now, he's coaching some of the best swimmers in the country, including Capt. Kat Berkoff, Rhyan White, and a pair of promising Brazilian swimmers. He described how the transition has been a learning experience, especially working alongside established coaches like Braden Holloway, and helping swimmers like Breno Correia adapt to a new training culture.

Joao discussed the unique dynamics of coaching both professional and collegiate swimmers at Wolfpack Elite, highlighting the importance of customized training. With each swimmer’s needs in mind, Wolfpack Elite has developed a truly individualized approach; some pros train separately from college athletes, each with carefully tailored workouts that balance intensity and recovery. “We sometimes have four or five different workouts for four or five people,” Joao explained, illustrating the precision needed to support each athlete's growth.

Focusing on Underwater Development

Brett and Joao explored underwater development in depth, noting that Wolfpack Elite prioritizes this skill extensively. Athletes engage in rigorous underwater drills emphasizing strength, flexibility, and refined kick counts. To enhance underwater power and efficiency, Wolfpack Elite employs resistance tools like socks, parachutes, and heavy kickboards, challenging swimmers in innovative ways and helping them gain a competitive edge in underwater kicking.

The Mental Game: Balancing Patience with Drive

As Brett often emphasizes, mental resilience is key. Joao echoed this, stressing the importance of patience for swimmers, coaches, and parents alike. While many young athletes and their families seek quick results, Joao pointed out that skills like underwater kicking and sprinting require time and persistence. Reflecting on his experiences, he described how athletes respond differently to the pressures of high-level training, with some thriving under intense schedules and others needing a more tempered approach to perform their best.

Training Smart: Quality Over Quantity

Joao and Brett also discussed the shift in training philosophy for elite sprinters, moving from sheer volume to a focus on quality. At Wolfpack Elite, tools like resistance socks and parachutes are integrated into workouts, but rest and recovery are equally prioritized. Training sessions are structured not only to push athletes to peak performance but also to refine pacing, technique, and powerful movement execution. Joao and Brett agreed that sometimes longer rest intervals between high-quality efforts are more beneficial than adding extra yardage, a strategy that keeps swimmers engaged and reduces burnout—a crucial factor for both college athletes and professionals aiming for long careers.

The Growth of Wolfpack Elite

Joao shared exciting updates on Wolfpack Elite’s growth and new initiatives. A highlight is the launch of “Speed Force,” a sprint team for high schoolers, providing specialized sprint-focused workouts once a week for local swimmers seeking focused sprint training alongside their regular club practices. The program has already shown results, with swimmers achieving personal bests mid-season.

Reflecting on how far Wolfpack Elite has come since Joao's first visit to NC State, he fondly recalled the days when Cullen Jones was training there alongside legendary coaches Todd DeSorbo, Bobby Guntoro, and Gary Taylor, and coaches like Brandt Nigro and Lyle Robelot. Joao’s dedication to the sport and his passion for coaching make him a natural fit for Wolfpack Elite, a place where he can continue to inspire and lead a new generation of swimmers.

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