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.
University of Portland
In this article we will be looking at the Sports Performance Department at the University of Portland in Oregon. The Portland Pilots are members of the West Coast Conference and compete at the NCAA Division 1 level. There are sixteen intercollegiate teams: Baseball (M), Basketball (MW), Cross Country (MW), Rowing (W), Soccer (MW), Tennis (MW), Indoor and Outdoor Track and Feld (MW), and Indoor and Beach volleyball (W).
Sports Performance Mission Statement
To provide comprehensive performance programs that minimize potential for injury, enhance sports performance, and maximize long term development.
Philosophy - Vision
Creating an environment that is process oriented through a team of like-minded individuals who share the same vision: A High Performance Team that is the leading provider in Student-Athlete Development.
This team is built upon clear communication, meaningful relationships, and constant desire to grow personally and professionally. These characteristics are centered around the student-athlete to maximize sports performance and be successful in all aspects of life.
Guiding Principles
Student-Athlete Centred: An environment where student-athletes’ wellbeing and development is the focal point, while empowering them to make decisions, create ownership, and learn how to develop and apply solutions to enhance their performance.
Growth Mindset Oriented: Develop a mental approach that drives learning and skill building through hard work, effort, persistence, and feedback.
Education Focused: Create a foundation of understanding, awareness, and action.
Evidence Based: Optimise decision making through the use of current research and practical experience.
Comprehensive Wellness Model: Sleep, Nutrition, Hydration, Stress/Time Management
Core Values: Unity: Creating a team first mindset through a shared vision, purpose, and values.
Integrity: Empowering student-athletes to do what is right and in the best interest of their wellbeing.
Ownership: Creating a culture in which behavior is guided by values and student-athletes taking responsibility for both their success and failure.
Optimism: Instilling confidence through a process-oriented approach that there is opportunity within every challenge.
Humility: Being open minded to continually evolve while raising the standard of performance and putting the needs of the team first.
Want to share how your department is structured?
Contact us at info@IUSCA.org and share how your department runs on a daily basis