# Isabelle Stadden: UVA Reset, Breaking a 5-Year Plateau & The "Traumatic" Murphy Sets | Ep. 290

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/social-kick-swim-culture-stories-462617/isabelle-stadden-uva-reset-breaking-a-5-year-plateau-the-traumatic-murphy-sets-ep-290
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/social-kick-swim-culture-stories-462617/isabelle-stadden-uva-reset-breaking-a-5-year-plateau-the-traumatic-murphy-sets-ep-290.md
Podcast: [Social Kick • Swim Culture & Stories](https://stenobird.com/podcast/social-kick-swim-culture-stories-462617)
Published: 2026-03-23T14:39:40+00:00
Episode link: https://thesocialkick.podbean.com/e/isabelle-stadden-uva-reset-breaking-a-5-year-plateau-the-traumatic-murphy-sets-ep-290/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/7zc3p6zp3nis4x7s/E290_Isabelle_Stadden.mp3
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Duration seconds: 3514

## Resource

What happens when a top-tier athlete hits a plateau after five years in the same environment? Isabelle Stadden joins the crew to discuss her "reset" move from Cal to the University of Virginia. After nearly walking away from the sport last summer, Isabelle is back and faster than ever, dropping a massive 2:05 200 Backstroke at Westmont. We dive deep into the differences between the Dave Durden and Todd DeSorbo training styles, the "trauma" of training with Ryan Murphy at altitude, and why she’s suddenly swimming with the endurance of her high school self. From specific caffeine protocols to the psychology of "Social Kick," this is a masterclass in elite athlete longevity.

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