ABOUT 2025 NATCON + PRECON
Two and days dedicated to the professional development of sport coaches and high school strength coaches. High school coaches from all over the country gather to connect, network, share, and learn from each other to better serve their communities, schools and athletes.
DATE: June 26-28, 2025
LOCATION:
Christian Brothers School
5900 Walnut Grove Rd
Memphis, TN 38120
2025 PreCon + NatCon Event Schedule
Click each tab to review detailed breakdowns of specific sessions, speakers, and times.
6:00 – 9:00 pm – NATCON KICK-OFF
Join us for the NHSSCA NatCon #Family Social on Thursday, June 26th from 6:00–9:00 PM at Christian Brothers High School!
🍕 Enjoy legendary Garibaldi’s pizza
🍻 Beverages from Crosstown Brewing
🤝 Connect with coaches from across the country and get the conversations started early!
This is more than just a social—it’s your first chance to plug into the energy, community, and relationships that make NatCon special. Don’t miss it!
7:00 – 8:00 am – PRECON REGISTRATION
PreCon tickets purchased on the day of the event and must be accompanied by or purchased with a NatCon ticket.
NHSSCA PreCon: The Mental Edge – Unlocking Peak Performance in Strength & Conditioning
Overview: In this exclusive NHSSCA PreCon event, Dr. Adam Feit and Dr. Mary Kate Feit bring a cutting-edge blend of sport psychology, strength and conditioning, and athlete development expertise to help coaches elevate their impact.
This hands-on, high-impact series of sessions will equip coaches with the practical tools and psychological strategies needed to enhance athlete engagement, motivation, and long-term success. From self-auditing coaching identity to mentorship, mental toughness, and business development, this event is designed to transform the way you approach coaching—both on and off the field.
If you’re serious about improving athlete buy-in, developing a championship culture, and leveling up your career, this is a PreCon you won’t want to miss.
8:00 am – 8:50 am – SESSION 1:
Self-Audit & Coaching Identity: Know Yourself, Grow Yourself
Overview: Before improving others, coaches must first evaluate themselves. This session will guide participants through a structured reflection process to assess personal strengths, weaknesses, coaching philosophies, and goals. By identifying key areas for growth, coaches will establish a foundation for maximizing their conference experience and long-term development.
What you will gain:
- Identify personal strengths and weaknesses in coaching, leadership, and communication.
- Develop a framework for goal setting and personal growth based on self-assessment.
- Create an individualized action plan to maximize the value of the national conference and future career growth.
9:00 am – 9:50 am – SESSION 2:
Beyond Sets & Reps: Training the Mental Side of Athletic Performance
Overview: Physical training is only half the battle—coaches must also develop the mental resilience of their athletes. This session will explore sport psychology techniques specifically designed for high school athletes, including motivation, goal setting, arousal and emotional regulation, and mental toughness. Coaches will leave with tools to enhance athlete buy-in, confidence, and competitive performance as well as foster high-quality coach-athlete relationships.
What you will gain:
- Understand key psychological principles that impact high school athlete performance and engagement.
- Learn practical strategies to foster mental toughness, confidence, and motivation in young athletes.
- Implement effective communication techniques that improve coach-athlete relationships and team cohesion.
10:00 am – 10:50 am – SESSION 3
Successful Staff Development & Mentorship: From Interns to Impactful Coaches
Overview: Great programs are built on great leadership. This session will provide strategies for recruiting, developing, and mentoring young coaches, interns, and staff. Coaches will learn how to establish clear expectations, foster professional growth, and create an environment where staff members contribute meaningfully to the program’s success.
What you will gain:
- Develop a structured approach to hiring, onboarding, and mentoring young coaches or interns.
- Implement effective feedback and leadership strategies to help staff grow professionally.
- Build a staff culture that supports collaboration, accountability, and long-term success.
11:00 am – 11:50 am – SESSION 4
Building a Business: From mVP to MVP: Turning Your Skills Into a Sustainable Business
Overview: Strength coaches seek ways to supplement their income through private training, camps, or consulting. This session will explore key principles of business development, marketing, and financial planning. Whether launching a summer camp or a part-time performance facility, coaches will learn how to turn an idea into a thriving business.
What you will gain:
- Identify potential business opportunities within strength and conditioning, including camps, consulting, and private training.
- Understand fundamental business principles, including pricing, branding, and marketing strategies.
- Develop an actionable plan to launch or grow a business while balancing full-time coaching and/or teaching responsibilities.
12:00 – 12:30 pm – LUNCH BREAK
12:30 – 1:20 pm – SESSION 5
Coaching Behaviors & Best Practices: The Art & Science of Coaching Presence
Overview: Effective coaching is more than just programming—it’s about how you deliver instruction, provide feedback, and engage with athletes. This hands-on session will challenge coaches to refine their on-the-floor presence, cueing strategies, and ability to adapt their communication styles. Coaches will practice real-time coaching while receiving peer and expert feedback.
What you will gain:
- Improve coaching delivery by refining cueing, feedback, and athlete engagement strategies.
- Adapt communication styles to effectively coach athletes of different skill levels and personalities.
- Receive real-time feedback to enhance presence, confidence, and effectiveness in coaching sessions.
1:30 – 2:20 pm – SESSION 6
Raising your Coaching IQ: From Information to Action
Overview: To ensure lasting impact, coaches need a clear plan for applying what they’ve learned. This session will guide participants through a structured reflection and goal-setting process based upon the material covered within the preconference, helping them identify key takeaways and actionable steps for implementation right after the national conference. Coaches will leave with a concrete plan to elevate their programs and personal development to guide them through the next year.
What you will gain:
- Reflect on key insights from the preconference and identify top takeaways.
- Develop specific, actionable goals to implement new coaching strategies and professional development plans.
- Create a peer accountability system to maintain progress and long-term growth beyond the conference.
About PreCon Presenters
Dr. Adam Feit
Dr. Adam Feit is the Coordinator of Physical and Mental Performance at Springfield College (MA), where he leads the design and implementation of the college’s football strength and conditioning program while providing sport psychology education to athletes, coaches, and teams. With a PhD in Sport and Exercise Psychology and over 15 years of experience in strength and conditioning, Adam integrates mental skills training with physical performance coaching, ensuring a holistic approach to athlete development.
His coaching career spans across professional, collegiate, and private sectors, with roles at Reach Your Potential Training (RYPT), Inc., the Carolina Panthers, Eastern Michigan University, the University of Louisville, and The Citadel. Adam’s expertise lies in bridging the gap between the physical and mental demands of sport, empowering athletes to perform at their best inside and outside the weight room.
Dr. Mary Kate Feit
Dr. Mary Kate Feit is an Assistant Professor of Strength and Conditioning in the School of Physical Education, Performance, and Sport Leadership at Springfield College. With a career spanning coaching, education, and research, Mary Kate has dedicated herself to mentoring and developing the next generation of strength and conditioning professionals.
Her passion for sports performance training was ignited early under the mentorship of Mike Boyle at Mike Boyle’s Strength and Conditioning Center. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the College of the Holy Cross, where she played Division I collegiate soccer, followed by a master’s degree in Applied Exercise Science with a concentration in Strength and Conditioning from Springfield College.
Mary Kate has held high-level coaching positions at the University of Iowa, University of Louisville, and Reach Your Potential Training, where she specialized in athlete development and internship education. Her doctoral research at Springfield College focused on strength and conditioning internship education, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and hands-on learning in the profession.
In addition to her role as a professor, she serves as the Associate Director of Strength and Conditioning, overseeing graduate assistant strength coaches at Springfield College. Mary Kate holds certifications from the NSCA, CSCCa, Precision Nutrition, Functional Movement Screen, and Certified Functional Strength Coach.
8:00 – 12:00 pm – NEW ADDITION TO NATCON: THE ATHLETIC DIRECTORS PRECON
Overview: We’re excited to introduce a brand-new offering at this year’s NatCon—an exclusive Athletic Directors Conference, limited to just 25 Athletic Directors. This FREE four-hour PreCon event is designed to help ADs understand how to implement safe, effective strength and conditioning programs, whether by hiring a full-time strength coach or empowering certified sport coaches to take on this critical role.
This NHSSCA initiative is led by Dr. Fred Eaves, co-founder of the NHSSCA and the Assistant Head of School for Operations and Co-Curricular Programs at Battle Ground Academy. With a distinguished career in athletic administration and strength and conditioning, Fred brings invaluable expertise to this event.
Event Schedule
📅 8:00 am – 12:00 pm – Athletic Directors Conference
🍽️ 12:00 – 12:30 pm – Lunch during the PreCon break
🏢 12:30 pm – Exclusive Partner Hall Walkthrough
👉 CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE & REGISTER
What ADs Will Gain from This Conference:
✅ Why Every School Needs a Certified Strength Coach or Strength-Certified Sport Coaches
- The direct impact on injury reduction, faster return-to-play timelines, and reduced legal liability
- Why having a structured, certified strength program is essential—even if a full-time strength coach is not in the budget
✅ Solutions for Schools with Limited Funding
- How to leverage existing staff by certifying sport coaches in strength & conditioning
- Low-cost professional development options for sport coaches to implement evidence-based training
- Strategies to maximize booster support, grants, and community partnerships for funding
✅ How to Identify & Hire the Right Strength Coach (Full-Time or Part-Time)
- Key qualifications, credentials, and interview strategies for hiring a full-time or dual-role strength professional
- How to effectively structure responsibilities for sport coaches who take on strength training
✅ Weight Room Design & Construction Best Practices
- How to collaborate with architects and construction teams for:
- Optimal square footage and space planning
- Proper coach-to-athlete ratios
- Flooring selection: Inlaid platforms vs. raised platforms
- Best practices for safety, durability, and functionality
✅ The NHSSCA Program of Excellence & HSSCC Certification
- An introduction to our Gold Standard assessment for high school strength & conditioning programs, recognizing schools that exemplify the highest levels of professionalism and safety.
After lunch, ADs will be personally guided through the Partner Hall, where they will have dedicated time to connect with industry-leading vendors specializing in equipment, flooring, technology, nutrition, and recovery solutions.
Coaches, share this event with your Athletic Directors so they don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical, actionable strategies that fit your school’s needs and budget!
8:00 am – 6:30 pm – NATCON REGISTRATION
NATCON EVENTS BEGIN
3:00 – 3:50 pm – LECTURE
Mastering Program Design for High School Athletes with Coach Bubba Reynolds
Overview: Join Coach Bubba Reynolds for an eye-opening session on Principles of Program Design, where you’ll gain the knowledge and tools to create training programs that maximize strength, power, and resilience in high school athletes.
What You’ll Take Away:
- Unlock the Science of Strength – Learn how to apply progressive overload, specificity, and periodization to ensure steady and measurable athletic development.
- Design Smarter, Not Harder – Craft tailored programs that meet the unique needs of high school athletes, optimizing both short-term gains and long-term success.
- Adapt and Overcome – Learn how to modify and adjust training strategies for athletes with different skill levels, ensuring every athlete improves, regardless of experience.
- Injury Prevention & Recovery – Discover must-know techniques to keep athletes healthy, reduce injury risk, and maximize recovery for peak performance.
This is more than just a lecture—it’s your playbook for success in building effective, sustainable, and results-driven training programs that develop stronger, faster, and more resilient athletes. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to refine your coaching and elevate your program to the next level!
4:00 – 4:50 pm – Networking
Regional Breakout – Connect, Network & Grow the Future of High School Strength & Conditioning!
Overview: This grassroots networking session allows you to connect with NHSSCA members from your state and region, all in one room. Whether you’re looking to share ideas, gain new insights, or get more involved, this breakout session is where real connections happen.
What to Expect:
- Meet Your Leaders – Get to know your Regional Advisor and State Directors, and discover how you can play a bigger role in growing strength & conditioning in your area.
- Collaborate & Exchange Ideas – Engage in meaningful discussions on the challenges and opportunities in our profession, and learn best practices from fellow coaches.
- Strengthen the NHSSCA #FAMILY – This isn’t just networking—it’s about building local and regional relationships that will last throughout your career. Whether you’re new or a veteran, this is where our community thrives.
- Find Ways to Get Involved – From volunteering and hosting events to shaping the future of high school S&C, discover opportunities to make an impact beyond your own weight room.
This is more than just a meet-up—it’s an opportunity to grow, inspire, and be inspired alongside passionate professionals just like you. Join us, contribute to the conversation, and help shape the future of high school strength & conditioning in your region!
5:00 – 5:50 pm – Hands-On: Session I
Overview: Attendees will have the opportunity to choose a 50-minute hands-on session to attend. Sessions will repeated later in the conference to allow coaches to maximize their experience. LIMITED SEATING (75-100) at each session to allow better personal connections and learning environments.
Session A: Mastering the Jerk Progression with Coach Stan Luttrell
Overview: Join Coach Stan Luttrell for a hands-on, high-energy session that will equip you with the skills to teach and perform the Jerk Progression effectively—even in large group settings.
Why You Can’t Miss This:
- Master the Jerk Progression – Learn step-by-step progressions to break down the movement for maximum power, speed, and efficiency.
- Train Large Groups with Confidence – Discover effective coaching strategies to engage and instruct student-athletes of all skill levels—without chaos.
- Hands-On Learning – Not just theory! You’ll practice the progression yourself and leave with actionable techniques you can apply immediately in your program.
- Elevate Your Athletes’ Performance – The jerk is a game-changer in power development. Learn how to teach it efficiently and safely to help athletes jump higher, sprint faster, and become more explosive.
Whether you’re new to Olympic lifting or looking to refine your coaching, this session will empower you to teach the Jerk with confidence and precision. Don’t miss this chance to level up your coaching and bring elite lifting techniques to your weight room!
Session B: Mastering Training Stations for Maximum Impact with Coach Anna Woods
Overview: Join Coach Anna Woods for a high-energy, hands-on presentation designed to help you set up training stations that are quick, efficient, and highly effective—no wasted time, no chaos, just results.
Why You Can’t Miss This:
- Game-Changing Training Stations – Learn how to create purpose-driven, high-impact stations that develop strength, power, and endurance—all while keeping your athletes engaged and motivated.
- Time-Saving Tactics – Discover simple yet powerful strategies for setting up and transitioning between stations seamlessly, ensuring every minute of your session is maximized.
- Smart Use of Space & Equipment – Whether you’re working with limited space, minimal gear, or a full-scale weight room, Coach Woods will show you how to optimize every square foot and resource.
- Safe, Scalable, & Effective – Get proven methods for structuring stations that accommodate different skill levels, minimize injury risk, and keep workouts running smoothly.
- Real-World, Actionable Solutions – Walk away with practical ideas and templates you can implement immediately to streamline your training sessions and drive better results for your athletes.
Whether you coach a large team or small group, this session will give you the confidence and blueprint to run a high-energy, results-driven program that keeps athletes progressing.
Session C: Unlock the Secrets of Speed with Olympian Mechelle Lewis Freeman!
Join Olympian and Olympic Coach Mechelle Lewis Freeman for an immersive, hands-on session designed to elevate your athletes’ speed and explosiveness—regardless of sport.
In Fundamentals of Speed Training, Coach Freeman will break down the four essential pillars of elite speed development:
- Range of Motion – Enhance mobility and flexibility to unlock full athletic potential.
- Posture – Build strength and stability as the foundation of efficient movement.
- Mechanics – Learn and correct proper movement patterns to improve form and reduce injury.
- Energy Systems – Train smart to build lasting speed through targeted conditioning.
You won’t just sit and listen—you’ll move, learn, and walk away with proven strategies to improve acceleration, top-end speed, and explosive power.
Whether you coach football, track, basketball, or any sport in between, this session will help your athletes apply and absorb force more efficiently—translating into real, on-field speed gains.
Session D: Kettlebells, Maces & Clubs: Unlocking the Power of Non-Traditional Training with Coach Tim Pederson
Overview: In this high-energy, hands-on session, Tim Pederson will break down exactly how to integrate kettlebells, maces, and clubs into your strength and conditioning program—without the guesswork. You’ll learn:
- How to teach the kettlebell swing in just 4 simple steps—under 15 minutes, even for beginners! Plug-and-play programming for kettlebell lifts using Supersets, Ladders, Complexes, and Finishers
- Best practices for equipment selection—which weights to start with, how many to purchase, and top vendor recommendations
- The hidden power of maces and clubs—which athletes benefit most and how to teach them safely
This session isn’t just about learning exercises—it’s about building confidence in using non-traditional tools to unlock new levels of strength, resilience, and movement efficiency for your athletes.
Don’t miss this chance to diversify your coaching toolbox and leave with practical drills, progressions, and programming strategies you can implement immediately!
8:00 am – 6:30 pm – REGISTRATION
6:00 – 6:20 pm – WELCOME + NHSSA STATE OF THE ASSOCIATION ADDRESS
Overview: NHSSCA Vision and Growth Update from:
– Executive Director: Rich Gray
– President: Eric Cash, EdD
– Admin Services: Mike Bewley
6:20 – 7:00 pm – Annual Celebration Dinner
“The #Family Reunion”
7:00 – 7:30 pm – Keynote Address
Coach Kevin Vanderbush
We are honored to announce that Coach Kevin Vanderbush will be the keynote speaker at the NHSSCA National Conference 2025. With a distinguished career spanning four decades, Coach Vanderbush has been a trailblazer in high school strength and conditioning.
In 1984, Coach Vanderbush became the full-time strength and conditioning coach at Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis, a pioneering role at a time when even many colleges lacked dedicated strength coaches. Over his 40-year tenure, he developed a unified training approach applicable across various sports, contributing to Ben Davis’s remarkable athletic success, including 10 state football championships.
Beyond his contributions at Ben Davis, Coach Vanderbush co-founded the National High School Strength Coaches Association (NHSSCA), demonstrating his commitment to advancing the profession and mentoring fellow coaches.
His dedication to student-athlete development and his innovative training methodologies have left an indelible mark on high school athletics.
We look forward to the insights and inspiration he will share at NatCon 2025.
7:30 – 8:20 pm – Award Presentations
NHSSCA All-American Athletes
NHSSCA Athletes of the Year Male & Female
NHSSCA Program of Excellence
NHSSCA State Coaches of the Year
NHSSCA Scholarship Awards
NHSSCA Regional Coaches of the Year
NHSSCA National Coach of the Year
8:20 – 8:50 pm – Hall of Fame Ceremony
NHSSCA Hall of Fame, Class of 2023
8:50 – 9:00 pm – Closing Remarks
Executive Director: Rich Gray
President: Eric Cash, Ed
7:00 – 7:50 am – Women’s Coaches & Coffee
Overview: Coach Michelle Freeman TBA
8:00 – 8:50 am – NHSSCA Hall of Fame Coaches Roundtable Breakfast
Overview: Step into a morning of wisdom, camaraderie, and unparalleled expertise at the NHSSCA Hall of Fame Coaches Roundtable Breakfast. This exclusive gathering brings together over 12+ NHSSCA Hall of Fame Inductees, representing a combined 480+ years of high school strength and conditioning experience.
More than just a meal, this event is a living history of our profession, where legends in the field share insights forged through decades of dedication. The NHSSCA Roundtables provide an intimate setting for coaches to engage in real, impactful conversations—discussing best practices, challenges, and the evolving landscape of high school strength and conditioning.
Whether you are a veteran coach or just starting your journey, this breakfast offers a rare opportunity to learn from the pioneers who have shaped our profession. Their stories, experiences, and mentorship will empower you to elevate your coaching, build a lasting legacy, and strengthen the athletes and programs you serve.
Fuel your passion. Learn from the best. Be part of the legacy.
9:00 – 9:30 am – NHSSCA Partner Session
Overview: Collaboration fuels growth, and our Partner Sessions at this year’s National Conference are designed to do just that. These sessions provide a unique opportunity to engage directly with the partners who support and strengthen our profession.
Attendees will have the freedom to select three partners of interest and attend exclusive 10-minute presentations, where industry leaders will share insights, innovations, and resources to enhance your coaching and facility operations.
This is more than just an opportunity to educate yourself—it’s a chance to access tools that can elevate your daily practice while building meaningful connections with the companies that invest in our field. By participating, you’re not only gaining invaluable knowledge but also showing appreciation for the partners who help sustain and advance our association.
Take advantage of this chance to connect, learn, and grow—because stronger partnerships lead to stronger coaches.
9:40 – 10:30 am – Hands-On: Session II
Overview: Attendees will have the opportunity to choose a 50-minute hands-on session to attend. Sessions will repeated later in the conference to allow coaches to maximize their experience. LIMITED SEATING (75-100) at each session to allow better personal connections and learning environments.
Session A: Mastering the Jerk Progression with Coach Stan Luttrell
Overview: Join Coach Stan Luttrell for a hands-on, high-energy session that will equip you with the skills to teach and perform the Jerk Progression effectively—even in large group settings.
Why You Can’t Miss This:
- Master the Jerk Progression – Learn step-by-step progressions to break down the movement for maximum power, speed, and efficiency.
- Train Large Groups with Confidence – Discover effective coaching strategies to engage and instruct student-athletes of all skill levels—without chaos.
- Hands-On Learning – Not just theory! You’ll practice the progression yourself and leave with actionable techniques you can apply immediately in your program.
- Elevate Your Athletes’ Performance – The jerk is a game-changer in power development. Learn how to teach it efficiently and safely to help athletes jump higher, sprint faster, and become more explosive.
Whether you’re new to Olympic lifting or looking to refine your coaching, this session will empower you to teach the Jerk with confidence and precision. Don’t miss this chance to level up your coaching and bring elite lifting techniques to your weight room!
Session B: Force Plates & Long-Term Athlete Development with Rich Burnett
Overview: How do you truly measure athletic progress? How can you ensure that your athletes are developing efficiently over time? In this cutting-edge session, Rich Burnett will break down how Hawkin Dynamics Force Plates are revolutionizing the way we assess, monitor, and enhance athlete performance from ages 11 to 19.
- Discover how force plates provide real data—no more guessing about strength, power, and movement efficiency
- Learn how to track athletic progress over time to optimize training decisions for each stage of development
- See real-world applications of force plate technology in high school settings
- Get insights on injury prevention and readiness monitoring—helping athletes train smarter, not just harder
If you’re looking to take your strength and conditioning program to the next level, gain actionable insights, and maximize long-term athletic development, this session is a must-attend. Don’t just train—train with precision.
Session C: Unlock the Secrets of Speed with Olympian Mechelle Lewis Freeman!
Join Olympian and Olympic Coach Mechelle Lewis Freeman for an immersive, hands-on session designed to elevate your athletes’ speed and explosiveness—regardless of sport.
In Fundamentals of Speed Training, Coach Freeman will break down the four essential pillars of elite speed development:
- Range of Motion – Enhance mobility and flexibility to unlock full athletic potential.
- Posture – Build strength and stability as the foundation of efficient movement.
- Mechanics – Learn and correct proper movement patterns to improve form and reduce injury.
- Energy Systems – Train smart to build lasting speed through targeted conditioning.
You won’t just sit and listen—you’ll move, learn, and walk away with proven strategies to improve acceleration, top-end speed, and explosive power.
Whether you coach football, track, basketball, or any sport in between, this session will help your athletes apply and absorb force more efficiently—translating into real, on-field speed gains.
Session D: Jimmy Radcliff TBA
10:40 – 11:30 am – Mini Breakout Sessions – Engage, Reflect, and Connect
Overview: The Mini Breakout Sessions at NatCon are designed to transform passive learning into active engagement. With so much valuable content shared throughout the conference, many attendees have expressed the need for dedicated time to process, discuss, and apply what they’ve learned.
These interactive sessions provide a structured yet informal setting where coaches can step away from the role of spectator and engage in meaningful discussions with peers. This is an opportunity to exchange insights, share key takeaways, and “talk shop” about the most impactful topics of the day.
By participating, you’ll gain new perspectives, reinforce key learnings, and strengthen your professional network—all while ensuring that the knowledge acquired at NatCon translates into actionable strategies for your program.
Take a moment to step in, share, and grow—because the best learning happens together.
11:40 am – 12:40 pm – LECTURE
Unleashing the Brain’s Potential: Neuroplasticity in Strength & Conditioning with Amber Burson
Overview: We train the body relentlessly—but what about the brain? Neuroplasticity is more than just a buzzword; it’s a game-changer in how athletes learn, adapt, and perform at their peak. Yet, few truly understand how to harness its power in the strength and conditioning setting.
In this cutting-edge session, Amber Burson will break down what neuroplasticity really is and, more importantly, how you can intentionally enhance it in your training programs. You’ll walk away with:
- A clear understanding of neuroplasticity and why it’s essential for athletic development.
- Assessments and drills you can immediately implement to optimize movement, coordination, and cognitive performance.
- Practical applications to help athletes improve reaction time, adaptability, and skill retention
This is more than just a presentation—it’s a chance to revolutionize the way you approach training by tapping into the brain’s ability to reshape and refine performance. Don’t miss this opportunity to add a new dimension to your coaching toolkit!
12:30 – 1:20 pm – LUNCH
More Than a Meal, It’s a Networking Opportunity.
Overview: Lunch at the NatCon is not just about grabbing a plate and catching up with your usual circle. It’s a chance to collaborate, share, and expand your professional network. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just stepping into the field of high school strength and conditioning, this is your moment to connect with coaches who inspire, mentor, and challenge you to grow.
If you leave NatCon without making at least three to four new connections, you’ve missed an incredible opportunity to grow professionally and personally. The NHSSCA is more than an organization—it’s a #FAMILY, built on shared knowledge, support, and a commitment to making each other better.
So, don’t just eat—engage, listen, and learn. The people sitting around you might change how you approach coaching forever. Let’s make this lunch one to remember!
1:30 – 2:00 pm – NHSSCA Partner Session
Overview: Collaboration fuels growth, and our Partner Sessions at this year’s National Conference are designed to do just that. These sessions provide a unique opportunity to engage directly with the partners who support and strengthen our profession.
Attendees will have the freedom to select three partners of interest and attend exclusive 10-minute presentations, where industry leaders will share insights, innovations, and resources to enhance your coaching and facility operations.
This is more than just an opportunity to educate yourself—it’s a chance to access tools that can elevate your daily practice while building meaningful connections with the companies that invest in our field. By participating, you’re not only gaining invaluable knowledge but also showing appreciation for the partners who help sustain and advance our association.
Take advantage of this chance to connect, learn, and grow—because stronger partnerships lead to stronger coaches.
2:10 – 3:00 pm – Hands-On Session III
Overview: Attendees will have the opportunity to choose a 50-minute hands-on session to attend. Sessions will repeated later in the conference to allow coaches to maximize their experience. LIMITED SEATING (75-100) at each session to allow better personal connections and learning environments.
Why You Can’t Miss This:
- Game-Changing Training Stations – Learn how to create purpose-driven, high-impact stations that develop strength, power, and endurance—all while keeping your athletes engaged and motivated.
- Time-Saving Tactics – Discover simple yet powerful strategies for setting up and transitioning between stations seamlessly, ensuring every minute of your session is maximized.
- Smart Use of Space & Equipment – Whether you’re working with limited space, minimal gear, or a full-scale weight room, Coach Woods will show you how to optimize every square foot and resource.
- Safe, Scalable, & Effective – Get proven methods for structuring stations that accommodate different skill levels, minimize injury risk, and keep workouts running smoothly.
- Real-World, Actionable Solutions – Walk away with practical ideas and templates you can implement immediately to streamline your training sessions and drive better results for your athletes.
Whether you coach a large team or small group, this session will give you the confidence and blueprint to run a high-energy, results-driven program that keeps athletes progressing.
Session B: Jimmy Radcliffe TBA
Session C: Force Plates & Long-Term Athlete Development with Rich Burnett
Overview: How do you truly measure athletic progress? How can you ensure that your athletes are developing efficiently over time? In this cutting-edge session, Rich Burnett will break down how Hawkin Dynamics Force Plates are revolutionizing the way we assess, monitor, and enhance athlete performance from ages 11 to 19.
- Discover how force plates provide real data—no more guessing about strength, power, and movement efficiency
- Learn how to track athletic progress over time to optimize training decisions for each stage of development
- See real-world applications of force plate technology in high school settings
- Get insights on injury prevention and readiness monitoring—helping athletes train smarter, not just harder
If you’re looking to take your strength and conditioning program to the next level, gain actionable insights, and maximize long-term athletic development, this session is a must-attend. Don’t just train—train with precision.
Session D: Kettlebells, Maces & Clubs: Unlocking the Power of Non-Traditional Training with Coach Tim Pederson
Overview: In this high-energy, hands-on session, Tim Pederson will break down exactly how to integrate kettlebells, maces, and clubs into your strength and conditioning program—without the guesswork. You’ll learn:
- How to teach the kettlebell swing in just 4 simple steps—under 15 minutes, even for beginners! Plug-and-play programming for kettlebell lifts using Supersets, Ladders, Complexes, and Finishers
- Best practices for equipment selection—which weights to start with, how many to purchase, and top vendor recommendations
- The hidden power of maces and clubs—which athletes benefit most and how to teach them safely
This session isn’t just about learning exercises—it’s about building confidence in using non-traditional tools to unlock new levels of strength, resilience, and movement efficiency for your athletes.
Don’t miss this chance to diversify your coaching toolbox and leave with practical drills, progressions, and programming strategies you can implement immediately!
Overview: The Mini Breakout Sessions at NatCon are designed to transform passive learning into active engagement. With so much valuable content shared throughout the conference, many attendees have expressed the need for dedicated time to process, discuss, and apply what they’ve learned.
These interactive sessions provide a structured yet informal setting where coaches can step away from the role of spectator and engage in meaningful discussions with peers. This is an opportunity to exchange insights, share key takeaways, and “talk shop” about the most impactful topics of the day.
By participating, you’ll gain new perspectives, reinforce key learnings, and strengthen your professional network—all while ensuring that the knowledge acquired at NatCon translates into actionable strategies for your program.
Take a moment to step in, share, and grow—because the best learning happens together.
4:10 – 5:00 pm – LECTURE
Beyond the X’s and O’s: The Art of Coaching with Coach Brandon Herring
Overview: Great coaching isn’t just about sets, reps, and game plans—it’s about leadership, relationships, and the ability to navigate challenges both on and off the field.
In this powerful and practical session, Coach Brandon Herring pulls back the curtain on the real challenges coaches face—from earning buy-in from administration to dealing with tough athletes and co-workers, and even learning from mistakes that only experience can teach.
- Master the art of “leading up”—gain administration’s trust and support for your program.
- Learn how to build relationships that strengthen culture and inspire athlete buy-in.
- Handle behavior issues effectively—turn challenges into growth opportunities.
- Avoid common coaching mistakes and fast-track your professional development.
This session isn’t just about coaching better athletes—it’s about coaching smarter, stronger, and more resilient leaders. If you’re ready to elevate your impact, your influence, and your program, don’t miss this one!
5:00 – 5:30 pm – NHSSCA RAFFLE
5:30 pm – SWEEP THE SHEDS
Main Hotel
Conference Hotel
Hilton Memphis
939 Ridge Lake Blvd
Memphis, TN 38120
Reservations must be made not later than 6/4/2025 to receive block rate of $145.
TICKET PURCHASE AS A MEMBER
- Join the #FAMILY: Sign In to unlock exclusive member ticket pricing, ensuring you get the best value as you step into our network of professionals passionate about high school strength and conditioning.
- Purchase Order Option: Prefer to purchase your ticket via purchase order? Please fill out and submit This Pre-Order Form.
- Coupon Code: Have a coupon code? Enter it at checkout to apply your discount.
- Membership Status Check: Professional, Standard, or Student Members having trouble accessing the purchase option should verify their Membership Status for access.
Who's coming?
136 people are attending 2025 National Conference
