University Strength and Conditioning Departments in Focus
The S&C departments within universities provide excellent examples of evidence-based practice, applying scientific principles of S&C to their unique and challenging performance environments.
Through these articles, we will be taking a detailed look at what our partners at different institutions do, sharing good practice and providing a platform for collaboration and improvement.
If you run a university based S&C department, anywhere in the world, please get in touch to share your story.
Sacred Heart University
In this article we'll be looking at the Strength & Conditioning Department at Sacred Heart University, in Fairfield, Connecticut. The 'Big Red' athletic programs are predicated on the philosophy that success in the classroom and positive participation in the greater University community will lead to success on the athletic field. You have the opportunity to compete against some of the most competitive NCAA Division I institutions in the nation to develop these valuable life skills. As a full member of the Northeast Conference (NEC),.member of Atlantic Hockey (AH) and an associate member of the MAAC conference for field hockey and rowing, teams take the field, court and ice against top-flight national and regional schools.
The Department of Athletics has undergone tremendous growth over the years and now fields 32 Division I varsity teams, including 18 women’s programs and 13 men’s programs. Sacred Heart University is one of only a small handful of schools across the country to offer such a diverse assortment of NCAA athletic programs. Sacred Heart University made a major commitment to its athletics programs, bringing them in line with its top-flight academic and service programs, when it elevated the varsity programs to the NCAA Division I level in September 1999.
SHU Big Red S&C Department
"Our mission is to provide department wide strength and conditioning programs that will reinforce the goals of injury reduction, athletic performance improvements and creating a competitive winning environment. Focus is placed on all areas of athletic enhancement, strength, power, speed, agility, core strength, conditioning, nutrition, flexibility and mental strength. All teams are viewed individually to allow each student-athlete and team to develop their full potential." The S&C Department is led by Director of Strength and Conditioning, Chris Fee. Chris has built a staff of six that creates and implements strength and conditioning programs for all 32 varsity programs, with a focus on injury reduction and athletic performance.
S&C Staff
Chris Fee, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach, Assistant Director of Athletics
Coach Fee joined SHU in July 2014 as the University’s first ever full time Head Strength & Conditioning Coach. He currently directly oversees Football, Men’s Lacrosse and Women’s Lacrosse along with a staff of 6 assistant coaches. Under his direction, all 32 varsity programs have adopted a comprehensive strength & conditioning program focused on injury reduction and athletic performance.
Sergio Merino, Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach
Sergio Merino joined the staff in August 2020 as a Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach. Coach Merino is responsible for overseeing the strength and conditioning programs for Men’s & Women’s Basketball, Baseball and Women’s Volleyball.
Keith Parker, Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach
Keith Parker joined the staff in August 2019 as an Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach. Coach Parker is responsible for overseeing the strength and conditioning programs for Men’s & Women’s Ice Hockey and Track & Field (Multis/Sprints/Jumps/Hurdles).
Asa Britt, Graduate Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach
Asa Britt joined the staff in August 2020 as a Graduate Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach. Coach Britt oversees the strength and conditioning programs for Men’s & Women’s Soccer, Men’s & Women’s Tennis, Dance and assists with Football.
Bailey Forst, Graduate Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach
Bailey Forst joined the staff in August 2019 as a Graduate Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach. Coach Forst oversees the strength and conditioning programs for Wrestling, Softball, Women’s Rowing, Men’s & Women’s Cross Country, Men’s & Women’s Golf and assists with Football.
Ryan Gipson, Graduate Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach
Ryan Gipson joined the staff in August 2019 as a Graduate Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach. Coach Gipson oversees the strength and conditioning programs for Equestrian, Men’s Volleyball, Swim and Dive, Women’s Rugby, Women’s Bowling and assists with Football.
Rachel Sciullo, Graduate Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach
Rachel Sciullo joined the staff in July 2020 as a Graduate Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach. Coach Sciullo oversees the strength and conditioning programs for Field Hockey, Fencing, Cheer, Track & Field (Throws) and assists with Football.
Weight Room
Interested in sharing how your department is structured?
Contact us at info@IUSCA.org and discover how to partner with us, share your story, and offer placement and internship opportunities to our members around the world.