Brief bio: I have been fascinated with the human body and its response to training since junior high school when I began working out as part of the football program. As I transitioned through high school and into college, fitness and muscular development was always a hobby. When I hit my mid-twenties, I knew I was overweight and needed to get a handle on my health. I made some healthy choices with my diet and got serious about my fitness… I went on to lose 70 lbs. in a few months. In the few years after that experience, I began pursuing certification, first as a personal trainer, and then as a strength and conditioning coach.
In 2007, I was invited to join the Performance Staff with the Ohio State University Football Program in an entry-level position and I worked with them from mid-summer through the BCS Championship Game in January of 2008. I left there and, within a few months, was hired as a Graduate Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at UAB. (This is also where I met Cody Robinson!) At UAB, I worked with Men’s and Women’s Tennis, Cross Country, and Track & Field, and assisted with Football, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Volleyball, and Softball. I left UAB in 2009 to help develop a strength and conditioning program for Faulkner University in Montgomery, AL. I was there for three years, first as an Assistant Volleyball Coach and then as the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the entire Athletic Department. I have also coached high school football and softball… high school coaching fueled my passion for young athletes and seeing them succeed.
While most of my experience with exercise and fitness as been through coaching in the arena of sports performance, I also spent time as a Recreation Minister with a church in Montgomery (while I pursued my CSCS and started my M.S. at CalU). My experience with health, fitness, and faith, has led me to believe there are strong connections between physical, mental, social, and spiritual health. I also believe that fitness/strength training is for everyone whether you’re an athlete or not. The injury and disease prevention gained from healthy practices (diet, exercise, relationships, etc.) are reason enough to put in the effort!
Personal Mission Statement: I believe that physical health is a key element
in any person’s well-being. I believe in
constantly learning from others and experience regarding how to achieve and
maintain that health, especially through exercise and healthy choices.
