Our story
Welcome to Primal Athlete Development, founded by David Bergida, a former D1 wrestler at Virginia Tech, former high school wrestling coach, ISSA-certified nutrition coach, and passionate advocate for holistic athletic growth. Our story begins with a vision to transform how athletes prepare not just for competition, but for life.
David's journey from a walk-on colligate athlete to earning a scholarship at Virginia Tech is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. After experiencing the competitive world of collegiate wrestling and MMA, David recognized a significant gap in traditional athletic training - a lack of emphasis on the mental, nutritional, and wellness aspects crucial for true excellence.
This realization sparked the creation of Primal Athlete Development, a program where young athletes are nurtured to achieve their full potential in every aspect of their being.
Our Philsophy
At Primal Athlete Development, our core philosophy is rooted in the understanding that the pillars of athletic excellence - mindset, nutrition, and wellness - are deeply interconnected. We believe that to cultivate a powerful mindset, an athlete must also nurture their body with the right nutrition and maintain a lifestyle that supports overall wellness. These elements feed off each other; a well-nourished body fuels a strong mind, and a resilient mindset enhances an athlete’s ability to engage in healthy living.
Our approach is holistic and integrative. We recognize that improving an athlete’s mental fortitude requires more than just mental exercises; it demands a comprehensive lifestyle approach that includes mindful nutrition and wellness practices. A poor diet or an imbalanced lifestyle can undermine mental sharpness and resilience, just as a neglected mindset can hinder an athlete’s physical health and performance.
In our coaching, we strive to create a synergy between these elements, ensuring that each athlete can reach their full potential. By addressing and intertwining these aspects, Primal Athlete Development offers a program that prepares athletes for peak performance, not just in their sport, but in every aspect of their lives. Join us to experience a coaching approach where your mental, physical, and emotional well-being are all integral parts of becoming the best athlete you can be.
Our Team
Starting as a walk-on at Virginia Tech, I didn’t just face the mat or my opponents; I faced every doubting voice, including my own. Yet, perseverance and grit not only secured me a scholarship but also earned me a starting spot in my final year. I wasn’t just part of a team; I was part of an upcoming powerhouse program that consistently ranked in the top 10 nationwide.
However, success wasn’t limited to my collegiate years. I transitioned into the intense world of MMA as a fighter and coach, molded young talents as a high school wrestling coach, and showcased leadership by managing a sales team in the software industry.
Despite these accolades, my journey wasn’t without setbacks. Throughout my athletic career, I grappled with challenges beyond the physical: mindset, wellness, and nutrition. These were the invisible opponents, the unspoken battles. Truth be told, had I had someone to guide me through these nuances, my journey might've been different—maybe even smoother.
But it's those very challenges that gave birth to my athlete development program. Unlike other programs that deploy a one-size-fits-all strategy, I believe in tailoring my approach. Because no two athletes are the same, so why should their programs be?
When you enroll in my program, you're not just another name on a roster. You're an individual with unique aspirations and challenges. I recognize that. My commitment is to understand and amplify your strengths, address your weaknesses, and prepare you or your child for both athletic and life success.
Here, it's not about just athleticism. It's about arming you or your child with skills often neglected—ensuring holistic growth, not just athletic prowess. This isn't just athletic development; it’s transformational guidance. It's what sets us apart—our unwavering commitment to individualized support and resources tailored to help you become the best version of yourself.