NATIONAL STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2026 GRANT RECIPIENTS

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Research, Coaching Advancement, and Equipment Grants. This cycle, the Foundation will award nearly $195,000 in funding and resources to 15 deserving NSCA Members. These grants reflect the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to advance the science and practice of strength and conditioning through evidence-based research and professional support.

This year’s recipients represent a diverse group of student researchers, faculty members, coaches, and programs across the U.S. Funded research examines aging populations, sport performance, tactical readiness, recovery, and more, while additional support reduces barriers to credentials, continuing education, and essential equipment.

“The NSCA Foundation’s grant programs are designed to move our field forward by investing in high-quality research and the coaches who translate science into practice,” said Dr. Brandon Roberts, Chair of the NSCA Foundation Grant Committee. “The 2026 recipients represent an outstanding group of professionals and emerging scholars whose work will meaningfully impact performance, health, and safety across diverse populations.”

The NSCA Foundation is one of the few sources that supports research and professional growth across education and experience levels, from Master’s degree students up to senior investigators and practitioners.

2026 Research Grants

Directed Research Grant:

Austin Graybeal, AI-Adaptive Velocity-Based Resistance Training with Eccentric Overload to Improve Strength and Functional Independence in Older Adults, Texas Christian University*

Mitch Magrini, From Lab to Living Room: Implementing Remote Velocity-Based Resistance Training with Real-Time Biofeedback in Older Adults, Creighton University*

Senior Investigator Research Grant:

Dan Newmire, The Effect of Post-Resistance Training Hot Water Immersion on Skeletal Muscle Adaptations in Females, Texas Woman’s University

Young Investigator Research Grant:

Bridget McFadden, Field-Based Compared to Laboratory-Based Fitness Tests to Determine Metrics of Maximal Aerobic Capacity in NCAA Student Athletes, Queens College

Doctoral Research Grant:

Quinlan Thompson, Comparison Between Eccentric Hamstring Strength Training and Sprint-Specific Training on Strength, Power, and Sprint Performance in Club Sport Collegiate Athletes, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Ryan Burke, Comparison of Unilateral vs. Bilateral Training on Muscular Adaptations and Oxygenation Responses, Rutgers

Tiffany Adams, SHIFT-MAP: A Multimodal Assessment of Physiological and Behavioral Demands During 24-Hour Firefighter Shifts, University of Alabama

Masters Research Grant:

Tyler McCollum, Effects of Passive Heated Garments on Neuromuscular Readiness, Central and Peripheral Fatigue, and Thermoregulatory Responses During Cold Exposure, Texas Tech University

2026 Coaching Advancement & Equipment Grants

NSCA-CPT® Support Grant:

Austin Cooper

Military CSCS® Support Grant:

Michael Bellot, U.S. Army

Dr. Richard Borden Coaching Advancement Grant:

Rylee Kara, Lindenwood University*

Concept2 Armed Forces Equipment Grant:

Mark Christiani, Lovejoy Army Reserve Center, Tampa, FL

Concept2 Law Enforcement Equipment Grant:

Joseph Wilkie, Orleans/Niagara BOCES Educational Training Center, Buffalo, NY

Concept2 Fire Service Agency Equipment Grant:

Paul Nelson, Janesville Fire Department, Janesville, WI

DC Blocks® Law Enforcement Strength Training Equipment Support Grant:

Joseph Wilkie, Orleans/Niagara BOCES Educational Training Center, Buffalo, NY

Hammer Strength High School Equipment Grant:

Carrie Vernieuw, San Juan Diego Catholic High School

An asterisk (*) indicates the school is a member of the NSCA Education Recognition Program (ERP), which recognizes institutions that meet established guidelines to effectively prepare students for careers in strength and conditioning.

“These awards reflect the Foundation’s commitment to rigorous inquiry and real-world coaching development,” said Dr. Sean Collins, Grant Committee Board Member and Liaison. “From innovative training interventions to applied research in sport, tactical, and community settings, the 2026 projects and awardees highlight the breadth of impact strength and conditioning can have when supported by strong scholarship and professional growth.”

The NSCA Foundation encourages interested NSCA Members to learn more and apply next cycle at NSCA.com/Grants.

Media Note: To schedule an interview, please contact Foundation@NSCA.com.

About the National Strength & Conditioning Association Foundation

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 to support the NSCA’s mission by enhancing the practical applications of strength and conditioning. Since its establishment, the NSCA Foundation has awarded more than $4 million to advance strength and conditioning research, education, and professional support. The NSCA Foundation is one of the few sources that supports research and professional growth across education and experience levels, from Master’s degree students up to senior investigators and practitioners. To expand its impact, the NSCA Foundation strives to maximize assets to increase scholarships, grants, and coaching advancement opportunities for NSCA Members.