At smaller colleges, strength and conditioning coaches are often asked to lead big with limited staff. Whitney Leyva-Camberos, Director of Sports Performance at Fresno Pacific University and NSCA Southwest Regional Coordinator, shares how she supports a growing program while building a career through service. Leyva-Camberos talks through small-department challenges coaches know well, from crowded training windows and shared weight room space to constant communication with sport coaches. She uses timing gates and velocity-based training to raise intent, spark athlete competition, and keep data useful for a small staff. As a parent and department leader, Leyva-Camberos reflects on the support that helps coaches stay in the field for the long term. She also shares how saying yes and showing up at NSCA events helped turn local introductions into lasting connections. Listen for strategies to lead with limited resources, choose technology with purpose, and get connected through NSCA opportunities in your region.
Connect with Whitney on Instagram: @bigassmuscles or by email: whitney.leyva@fresno.edu
| Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs and LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs
Have you ever considered getting a K-12 teaching license, with your CSCS, to gain employment as a high school strength and conditioning coach? Coach Justin Loudon serves as the Chair of the NSCA High School Coaches Professional Development Group (PDG). He shares PDG updates with NSCA Coaching and Sport Science Program Manager, Eric McMahon, including highlights from the 2024 NSCA Coaches Conference and direction for the future of high school coaching. Learn about the impact of school-based strength and conditioning beyond the weight room, and important benefits for students over their lifetime.
Connect with Justin on Instagram at: @coach_loudon or by email: loudonsc@gmail.com| Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs or X (Twitter): @ericmcmahoncscs | Here is a link to engage with NSCA Professional Development Groups.
As mentioned in the episode, check out the book: NSCA's Guide to High School Strength and Conditioning
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) 64th Annual Meeting was held in Denver, CO May 30 – June 3, 2017. Overall, there were more than 50 presentations with a military focus, an indication of the importance of this research. The following is a review of some of the presented research.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise ScienceTSAC ReportTSACmilitarytactical strength and conditioning
This NSCA Coach article examines strength and conditioning strategies for collegiate distance runners to build performance for outdoor competition. Visit NSCA online to read about sport science.
CoachesExercise ScienceExercise TechniqueProgram designOrganization and AdministrationTesting and EvaluationBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or DiseaseProfessional DevelopmentReturn To Play (RTP)NCAA AthleticsMuscular EnduranceExercise ProgramsAerobic PowerWeight TrainingRunningCollege Track and FieldWomen Sports
This NSCA Coach article explores how neck training programs can reduce the severity of sport-related concussions. Visit NSCA online to read more on sports science and athletic performance.
Exercise ScienceExercise TechniqueProgram designOrganization and AdministrationTesting and EvaluationClient Consultation|AssessmentSafetyBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or DiseaseProfessional DevelopmentConcentric ExercisesStrength TrainingRecoveryTraumatic brain injury (TBI)Brain HealthConcussionInjury PreventionAthlete Safety
The purpose of this article is to make the case for implementing non-traditional sports into training programs that prepare youth for participation in traditional American sports and bridge the gap between pedagogy of physical education and strength and conditioning youth coaching.
This NSCA Coach article describes how to manipulate movements, lifts, and rest periods in a way that controls time, space, and flow efficiently to creatively enhance athletic performance.
Personal trainersCoachesExercise ScienceProgram designOrganization and AdministrationStrength and Conditioning CoachCoachingEffective CoachingCreative Programming