NSCA Foundation Coaching Advancement Program
The NSCA Foundation Coaching Advancement Program (formerly the Assistantship Program) is a 12-month professional development experience designed to cultivate the next generation of strength and conditioning professionals.
The Assistantship Program has evolved into the Coaching Advancement Program—designed to expand professional development, mentorship, and educational access for emerging coaches.
Fifteen mentees will be connected to 15 elite RSCC-credentialed coaches through monthly educational sessions featuring nationally recognized industry leaders, and a capstone experience at the NSCA National Conference, this program provides an unmatched pathway to professional excellence.
Mentees
If you're an emerging professional ready to accelerate your career in strength and conditioning, this program is for you.
One-on-One Mentorship Each mentee is paired with an RSCC-credentialed mentor for monthly one-on-one sessions focused on career mapping, program design, leadership development, and professional growth.
Expert Speaker Series Monthly group sessions feature top industry voices — from NSCA TV content to live Q&A with nationally recognized coaches and sport scientists. Topics include developing resilient coaches, decision-making in strength and conditioning, performance nutrition culture, data-driven coaching, and more.
Monthly Mentor/Mentee Development Topics Guided monthly discussions cover essential professional areas including goal setting and career mapping, program design and periodization, athlete monitoring, communication and leadership, research literacy, facility management, networking and branding, ethics, performance psychology, and annual planning.
National Conference Access Attend the NSCA National Conference with full financial support. Present your capstone project — an applied demonstration of how your mentorship learning translates directly to coaching practice — to mentors, Association leadership, and Foundation leadership.
True Sport Coaching Certification All mentees earn the True Sport Coaching Certification, recognized by the U.S. Center for Coaching Excellence for alignment with the National Standards for Sport Coaches. Modules cover coaching philosophy and ethics, safe and healthy sporting environments, supplements, and energy drinks — elevating your professional credibility and standing in the field.
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Eligibility Requirements
- Undergraduate student (Junior or Senior standing)
- Demonstrated interest in coaching and/or sport science
- A completed application which includes
- Two letters of professional recommendation
- 500-word personal essay
- Commitment to:
- The full 12-month program
- Attend monthly one-on-one mentor meetings and group sessions
- Attend the NSCA National Conference
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Development & Support
- $1,500 in conference attendance support
- National Conference registration
- True Sport Coaching Certification (valued at $40 per participant)
- 12 months of dedicated mentorship and professional networking
- A peer cohort of emerging professionals building lasting career connections
Mentors
If you're an experienced strength and conditioning professional ready to give back and shape the future of the profession, we invite you to lead as a mentor.
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Eligibility Requirements
- Hold an RSCC*D or RSCC*E credential
- Hold either a Certified Strength and COnditioning Specialist (CSCS) and/or Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS)
- Active NSCA or NSCA Foundation volunteer experience
- Commitment to:
- The full 12-month program
- Monthly one-on-one meetings with 1–2 assigned mentees
- Attend monthly group sessions
- Submit a complete letter of intent
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Development & Support
- NSCA National Conference registration fee waived
- Recognition for your leadership and commitment to the profession
- The opportunity to develop emerging talent and expand the RSCC community
Individuals interested in serving as mentors in the Coaching Advancement Program must submit a Letter of Intent to foundation@nsca.com by June 1 at 11:59am MTN which includes:
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Professional Background | Current role, organization, years of coaching experience, and RSCCE or RSCCD credential.
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Statement of Interest | Why you are interested in serving as a mentor and how your values align with the goals of the Coaching Advancement Program.
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Mentoring Experience | Previous experience mentoring interns, assistant coaches, students, or early‑career professionals.
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Mentoring Philosophy | Your approach to coach development, professional growth, and athlete‑centered, ethical practice.
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Commitment & Availability | Willingness to commit time, engage consistently with mentees, and follow program expectations.
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Professional Standards | Commitment to upholding NSCA ethical standards, professionalism, and coach/athlete safety.
Letters of Intent are reviewed to ensure mentors demonstrate appropriate experience, commitment, and alignment with program objectives.
NSCA Foundation Assistantship
For nearly 20 years, the Assistantship Program helped launch the careers of emerging strength and conditioning professionals through hands-on experience and mentorship. As the Assistantship program evolves into the Coaching Advancement Program, we proudly recognize and celebrate the alumni whose work continues to strengthen the profession.
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Assistantship Alumni
4/2006-7/2006 Kristi May 1/2012-12/2012 John Mcgee 1/2018-12/2018 Gayfield Tommy 4/2006-12/2006 Eric Rinefierd 6/2012-5/2013 Jeremy Trach 8/2018-12/2018 Cody Stahl 4/2006-12/2006 Brandon Schlotthauer 6/2012-5/2013 Steven Mason 1/2019-5/2019 Benito Cecenas 4/2006-8/2006 John Spurlock 1/2013-12/2013 Ronald Dickson 8/2019-12/2019 Paul Woelmer 8/2006-12/2006 Bethany Gainey 1/2013-12/2013 Katlyn Haycock 8/2019-12/2019 Shannon Smith 7/2006-7/2007 Kimberly Pinske 1/2013-12/2013 Alice Read 1/2020-5/2020 Jenna Werking 1/2007-12/2007 Eric Gibbons 6/2013-5/2014 James Stitz, Jr 1/2020-5/2020 Danielle Sterner 1/2007-3/2007 Suzanne Snyder 6/2013-5/2014 James Walters 1/2020-5/2020 Regina Stump 1/2007-12/2007 James White 1/2014-12/2014 Paul Cipriano 8/2021-12/2021 Kevin Long 8/2007-7/2008 Adam Maronde 1/2014-12/2014 Lexie Dulkis 9/2021-1/2022 Cornel Johnson 8/2007-7/2008 David Kapping 1/2014-12/2014 Trevor Klump 2/2022-6/2022 Amber Rummell 10/2007-3/2008 Harold Rowald 6/2014-5/2015 Dennie Wise IV 8/2022-12/2022 Dieanna Prudholme 2/2008-11/2008 Kaitlin Sweeney 6/2014-5/2015 Bret Miguz 1/2023-5/2023 Philip Bates 04/2008-7/2008 Douglas Briggs 1/2015-12/2015 Benjamin Servais 1/2023-5/2023 Haley Marquardt 8/2008-7/2009 Daniel Rickaby 1/2015-12/2015 Daniel Trautman 1/2024-5/2024 Spencer Manchuck 8/2008-6/2009 Kevin Schultz 1/2015-12/2015 Matthew Murphy 1/2024-5/2024 Garrett Dabney 8/2008-7/2009 Alexander Guice 6/2015-5/2016 Caitlin Prottas-Finn 8/2024-12/2024 Julia Harnish 8/2008-5/2009 Adam Banwarth 6/2015-8/2015 Steven Woodworth 8/2024-12/2024 Brian Milner 1/2010-12/2010 Albert Harrison 10/2015-12/2015 Adam Smith 1/2025-5/2025 Sawyer Sarbacker 1/2010-12/2010 Eric Wiatt 1/2016-12/2016 Ronald Arellano, Jr 1/2025-5/2025 Parker Bohn 1/2010-12/2010 Kevin Wisham 1/2016-12/2016 Paul Moquin 8/2025-12/2025 Chris Prizio 5/2010-4/2011 Angela Dendas 1/2016-12/2016 Kelly Auner 8/2025-12/2025 Greg Baker 5/2010-4/2011 Ryan Poulin 6/2016-5/2017 James Malechek 1/2026-5/2026 Tina Grone 1/2011-12/2011 Brian Charity 6/2016-5/2017 Adam Garner 1/2011-12/2011 Lew Porchiazzo 6/2016-1/2017 Aubrey Jean 1/2011-12/2011 Grant Stewart 1/2017-7/2017 Casey Callison 6/2011-5/2011 Benjamin Hoffman 1/2017-9/2017 Jenee Lange 6/2011-5/2011 Grant Geib 6/2017-5/2018 Sabrina Murphy 1/2012-12/2012 Emily Enos 6/2017-5/2018 Donald Trapp 1/2012-12/2012 Jonathan Mangel 6/2017-5/2018 Paula Costa
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