Gary Schofield, Jr., MAT, CSCSD, RSCCE, is a distinguished leader in athletic administration and human performance with over 30 years of experience shaping the landscape of amateur and professional sports. Currently serving as the Athletic Director and Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at Strong Rock Christian School, he oversees a comprehensive program of 25 sports and more than 50 competitive teams.
Schofield’s career is defined by his dedication to professionalizing the field. In 2016, he co-founded the NHSSCA. His influence extends globally through his previous role as National Director of Youth and High School Development for PLAE.
Before his national leadership roles, Schofield spent two decades as the Director of Strength and Conditioning at Greater Atlanta Christian School. Under his tenure, the program earned the Strength of America Award for six consecutive years, and in 2012, he was named the NSCA National High School Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year.
What do you enjoy most about being a high school strength and conditioning coach?
Outside of being a husband and a father, there is no title I value more than “Coach.” While modern athletics relies heavily on technology and data, the heart of coaching remains the same: connection. For me, the most rewarding aspect of this career isn’t the scoreboard— it’s the lifelong bonds formed while helping athletes reach their desirable but difficult destinations that they once thought impossible. There is no greater honor than watching former athletes grow into remarkable men and women who are now making their own positive mark on the world.
Please describe your training philosophy.
Rather than relying on a specific philosophy, I remain committed to principle-based systems (specificity, overload, progression, recovery, reversibility, variation, and individualization). Those principles drive what I do every day with my athletes to create an athlete that is Prepared and Protected, Moves Well, Moves Strong, Moves Fast, and Thrives. In the end, I want athletes that simply PLAY MORE and PLAY BETTER.
What Do You Consider Your Greatest Accomplishment As A Coach?
While many measure success in trophies, my greatest accomplishment as a coach is entirely inseparable from the athletes I serve. I have achieved nothing – it is their hard work and success that defines my career. My goal has always been to help athletes become “Monstahs.” To me, a Monstah is an individual who inspires awe by shattering expectations and accomplishing what others—and perhaps even themselves—once thought impossible. My greatest professional achievement isn’t a title or a plaque; it is the privilege of standing on the sidelines and watching my athletes transform into those elite versions of themselves. Their victory is my greatest accomplishment.
What stands out most about your career?
Throughout my career, people often ask about the impact I’ve had on student-athletes, but the true story is how they have changed me. When I first entered this profession, I mistakenly thought I had all the answers. Every year since has been a humbling masterclass in how much I still have to learn. My athletes, fellow coaches, and school communities have taught me the most valuable lesson of my career: success isn’t found in chasing victories on a field.
Which coaches have shaped your career the most?
My professional growth has been defined by three distinct phases of mentorship, each providing the perspective I needed at that specific stage of my journey. In my early years, I relied heavily on veteran pioneers who cleared the path and taught me the fundamentals of the craft. These mentors—Mike Boyle, Vern Gambetta, Chip Sigmon, and Chip Smith—provided the essential guidance and wisdom that formed my professional foundation.
As my career progressed into its mid-stage, my growth was fueled by a close circle of colleagues. We leaned on one another to navigate the challenges and celebrate the victories of the profession. This era was shaped by the partnership and insights of Kevin Vanderbush, Fred Eaves, John McKenna, and Ryan Johnson.
Today, as a veteran leader, I find myself inspired by the new generation of coaches. Leaders like Adam Vogel, John Garrish, Rich Burnett, and Nick Garcia, are showing me how modern technology and fresh engagement strategies can amplify a coach’s impact. By learning from those who came before me, those beside me, and now those following me, I’ve remained a lifelong student of the game.
