Philosophy

We strive to improve athletic performance while reducing the risk of injury through training and sport practice. While we are driven by improved performance in competition, the promotion of an atmosphere that is conducive to the mental and physical development of each individual student-athlete is equally important.

1.0 Core Values

• Intent – To coach and execute each individual repetition with the upmost attention to detail.

• Grit – To maintain resolve regardless of the magnitude or duration of adversity.

• Passion – To create an uncommon atmosphere that upholds high standards, competition, and teamwork.

1.1 Program Goals

• Minimize soft-tissue & non-contact injuries

• Implement evidence-based modalities to improve performance

• Build on core values to cultivate character & foster enthusiasm

1.2 Long-Term Development Model

Though student-athletes may quickly see improvements in their physicality through training, performance enhancement is not a linear or short process.  Over the course of four years, it is our department's goal to improve the strength, speed, durability, and condition of our student-athletes through:

• Nutrition education

• Improved movement competency

• Recovery & fatigue management

• High Standards

2.0 Program Design

Our program design utilizes five principles to improve athletic performance.  

These principles are the following:

• Progressive overload (periodization)

• Ground-based, multi-joint movement

• Linear & multidirectional speed development

• Sport-specific energy system development

• Increasing complexity & specificity over time

2.1 Exercise Selection

Strength is an expression of movement competency; power is the ability to express strength in the shortest time possible.  Variations in training are primarily changes to load, volume, and velocity.  Changes in exercises are primarily variations of ground-based, compound movements.  

2.2 Speed Development

Linear and multidirectional speed development is dependent on multiple variables; genetics, mechanics, strength, and rate of force development determine how quickly an athlete can move.  The foundation of our speed development program is built on positioning, acceleration and deceleration mechanics, and sprinting.  A student-athletes' training age determines the complexity of their speed development programming.  Modalities can range from the implementation of rudimentary skips, marches and jumps to complex sprint protocols.

2.3 Energy System Development

Energy system development is sport and position specific.  Before any advanced conditioning protocols are implemented, our program prioritizes the development of movement competency, efficiency, and durability.  Modalities include, but are not limited to: team runs, circuit training, and cross-training to fully develop student-athletes' aerobic systems.  Moreover, anaerobic capacity can be built on a fully-developed aerobic foundation to produce robust and explosive performances in competition.  Our program is built on developing athletes that can withstand the demands of both training and competition, and energy system development determines their recoverability throughout the year.

2.4 Nutrition and Supplementation

It is our department's responsibility to educate student-athletes on the importance of training, but also recovery, nutrition, and the maintenance of overall health and wellness.  Long-term development cannot happen without adequate nutritional education.  The foundation of our philosophy is built on fueling with high-quality whole foods; Lean protein sources, healthy fats, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and complex carbohydrates.  Macronutrient and micronutrient balance is important, but so is recognizing that each individual student-athlete is different.  

Supplementation is secondary to high-quality fuel, and is dependent on training schedule and individual needs.  High-quality protein supplements high in essential amino acids, complex carbohydrates, and multivitamin supplements can be used to help achieve fitness and body composition goals.  Moreover, they can assist in recovery and overall wellness.

2.6 Injury Prevention (Mobility, Stability, Fatigue Management)

A student-athlete's durability is determined by a combination of dynamic mobility, stability, and training load.  In addition to educating student-athletes on how to better care for their bodies, fuel properly, and recover, our staff utilizes a number of strategies to manage our student-athletes.  Tracking acute and chronic training loads, power output, and administering self-assessments can help us build fatigue-performance profiles for each individual athlete.  

3.0 KPI Testing

Key Performance Indicators vary depending on different sports and position groups.  Strength and power output are important, and cyclical testing assists in tracking development.  However, testing should be geared towards assessing student-athletes' performance relative to their sport, not popular fitness trends.  Some areas for KPI testing include:

• Upper & lower body strength

• Upper & lower body power

• Linear & multidirectional speed

Internship Opportunities

Job Description:

The goal of our program is to provide an encompassing view of collegiate strength and conditioning, including programming, exercise technique, and facility management.  As an intern with NC A&T Strength and Conditioning, you will have the opportunity to gain perspective and coaching experience.

Qualifications:

In pursuit of or recent completion of a Bachelor's Degree in an exercise science related field, three (3) professional references, and a positive attitude.

Compensation:
This is an unpaid position with no housing or meal assistance. Internship credit hours may be obtained.

How to apply:
Email a Cover Letter, Resume and three (3) References to strength@ncat.edu
Incomplete or inaccurate applications will not be accepted.