When people hear I’m a strength and conditioning coach, they usually picture heavy squats, sprints, and sweat-drenched practices – and that is part of the job. But the truth is, training athletes is about way more than physical development. The best athletes I’ve worked with aren’t just strong and fast, but also grounded, focused, and built to handle life both on and off the field. That’s why, over the years, I’ve come to believe in training the whole athlete: body, mind, and spirit.
More Than Muscle
In today’s performance world, it’s easy to get caught up in numbers. How fast is his 40? What’s his vertical? How many reps can she knock out on bench? Metrics matter, especially at the college and professional level. But metrics alone don’t win championships, or build strong men.
As a strength and conditioning professional, I’ve seen firsthand that physical talent without internal stability can lead to burnout, frustration, and even injury. That’s why my approach has always been about creating athletes who are not only physically elite but also mentally sharp and spiritually anchored.
The Strength to Withstand
Don’t get me wrong, strength is foundational. We spend hours in the weight room refining movement patterns, correcting form, and pushing thresholds. But for me, strength isn’t just about putting more weight on the bar; it’s about building a body that’s durable and dependable. Strength is about protection against injury, against self-doubt, against giving up when things get tough.
It’s not just physical, either. True strength shows up when an athlete faces a setback—a missed game-winning field goal, a torn ACL, a personal struggle—and chooses to fight back. That kind of resilience comes from something deeper than muscle. It comes from mindset and, in my experience, from faith.
The Speed to Adapt
Speed gets the spotlight, and rightfully so. The game of football is faster than ever. Athletes who can move explosively, react quickly, and cover ground efficiently are the ones who stand out. Some of the fastest athletes I’ve coached were the ones who paid attention to the details, stayed consistent in their habits, and were open to correction. In training, I emphasize not just max output, but purposeful movement. Because in life and sport, it’s not enough to move fast—you have to move well.
Spirit: The Missing Piece
One area that often gets overlooked in athlete development is spiritual health. I’ve been in enough locker rooms to know that athletes are dealing with a lot—pressure, performance anxiety, identity issues, family struggles. When their entire worth feels tied to their performance, it’s easy to unravel when the game isn’t going well.
For me, my relationship with Christ has always been a grounding force. It gives me a bigger picture. When I was younger, I had to learn the hard way that no amount of success on the field would fill the void that only faith could satisfy. I try to bring that perspective into my coaching, not by preaching, but by being present, listening, and encouraging players to explore what’s anchoring them.
Some of the most meaningful moments I’ve had with athletes haven’t come during a lift or a run, but during a quiet conversation about purpose, faith, or pain. I’ve seen the weight of the world lift off a player’s shoulders when he finally realizes he’s more than just a number on a depth chart. That’s when real growth starts.
Faith, Family, and the Long Game
Outside the gym and the field, I’m a guy who loves skiing, hiking, hunting, and making music. Being outside and being with my family keeps me grounded. I believe those things matter. They’re not distractions—they’re part of the rhythm of life that keeps me whole. I try to help my athletes build a similar rhythm—one that values relationships, faith, rest, and perspective.
At the end of the day, sport is a vehicle. It’s a powerful one, no doubt, but it’s not the destination. My hope is that every athlete I train leaves with more than just a stronger body. I hope they walk away with confidence in who they are, clarity in their purpose, and the tools to handle life when the cheering stops.
Final Thoughts
Training the complete athlete means looking beyond reps and sets. It means helping them grow into men who are ready for life, not just the next play. If we can help them become stronger in the weight room, faster on the field, and steadier in their faith, then we’re doing more than building athletes—we’re building leaders.
I don’t claim to have it all figured out, but I do know this: when strength, speed, and spirituality come together, something powerful happens. Athletes become more than performers, they become people of impact. And that, to me, is the real win.