The steps necessary to become a collegiate strength & conditioning coach:

1.       Gain as much athletic experience as possible [High School, Collegiate, Club, Professional].  It’s real difficult teaching athletes if you aren't one yourself.  I always prefer hiring people with an athletic background.

2.       Learn as much about strength & conditioning as possible, and stay on a path to continual learning.

a. HS – biology, anatomy, algebra, biomechanics, sports

b. BS – major: exercise science, exercise physiology, human performance, kinesiology, minor: coaching, marketing, psychology

c. MS – same as above for BS but do it while working in strength & conditioning

d. Professional development – CANI: Constant And Never-ending Improvement, always reading, researching, speaking with other professionals and attending conferences, clinics and workshops

e. Join the NSCA and the CSCCa and begin to network with like-minded people.

f. Get in the weightroom and lift, go on the field and do speed, agility, footwork, plyometric and mobility/flexibility work.  Develop a Love for what you do.

3.       Get as much experience as possible.

a. Volunteer as a student assistant during undergrad

           i.      Do a practicum

           ii.     Do an internship

b. Volunteer at other schools/camps/programs during the summers while in undergrad

           i.      Collegiate

           ii.     Professional (NBA, WNBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, MLS)

           iii.    Private facilities (Velocity, Parisi, D1, etc.)

4.       Work your way up (Pay your dues)

a. Graduate assistant

b. Assistant

c. Associate

d. Head/Director

We accept interns at JMU all year.

Greg Werner