The National High School Strength Coaches Association exists to Educate, Equip, and Empower Coaches to make a lasting impact on student-athletes’ lives. We are committed to developing trustworthy, knowledgeable, effective, passionate, and transformational coaches.
NHSSCA Committed Partners
NHSSCA Mission
We Saw A Need
In the summer of 2016, several high school coaches met to discuss the unique needs of our profession. The current state of high school strength coaches has left us disconnected, devalued and underserved. Although there are a few organizations and associations serving the field of strength and conditioning, none were dedicated solely to the high school strength coach. It was decided that there was a better path. The National High School Strength Coaches Association (NHSSCA) was created to allow us to grow as true professionals and the movement began.
NHSSCA Vision
THE NHSSCA Program
of Excellence
Across the nation, countless coaches dedicate themselves to enhancing students’ developmental experiences in high schools. The NHSSCA stands as their unifying hub. We don’t just recognize excellence; we define it through our ‘Program of Excellence’ – the Gold Standard for high school strength and conditioning. This pinnacle is set by a comprehensive rubric, school administrative certification, and a pivotal video component.
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NHSSCA’s High School Strength Coach Certification
The HSSCC
Elevating High School Strength & Conditioning Nationwide
By empowering high school strength coaches, sport coaches, educators, and students with the HSSCC, we’re paving the way for superior training programs, ensuring student-athletes reach their full potential while enhancing a coach’s ranging needs and abilities.
Similarly, the HSSCC helps the NHSSCA promote high school strength and conditioning so athletic and academic administrators, school officials, and national educational organizations gain the inherent value of a qualified high school strength and conditioning coach.
#FAMILY
Rather than continue to be a collection of individuals or disconnected state coaching associations, the NHSSCA strives to be a point of connection. The value of any association is not in certification, clinic, or conference. The value rests in the ability to create connections and build relationships.
National Conference
NATCON, dubbed the ‘Super Bowl of high school strength and conditioning,’ is more than just an event; it’s our annual #Family reunion and an unforgettable experience. Kicking off with a social gathering on Thursday and culminating in the Partner Raffle on Saturday, this conference is the grand finale to our year. With 14 presenters, 4 lectures, 8 hands-on sessions, our Awards Dinner, and numerous opportunities to network with coaches nationwide, NATCON truly has something for everyone.
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State
Clinics
Our State Clinics are immersive one-day events, tailored to foster learning, growth, and connections within the strength and conditioning community. Each clinic showcases 5 distinguished speakers, blends lecture with hands-on sessions, and concludes with a collaborative coaches’ roundtable.
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Family
Day
Family Days are complimentary 3-hour mini-clinics, blending insightful lectures with hands-on sessions, and concluding with a coaches’ roundtable. It’s a prime opportunity to network with fellow coaches, teachers, administrators, and more. Plus, for non-members, it’s a glimpse into why for us, #Family is more than just a hashtag.
WHAT COACHES ARE SAYING
Joining the NHSSCA has been a fantastic choice for me as a professional and as an individual. It has provided me with a great deal more than many professional organizations has because it has connected me with a group of like-minded individuals who deal with the same demographic of student-athletes that I deal with daily. Working in the high school setting (Massachusetts boarding school) is unlike any other setting and because of that high school strength and conditioning coaches have specific trials and tribulations, skill sets, and problem-solving skills that most coaches will never have to think about, let alone deal with. This organization has provided me a community to connect, work-shop ideas and build my own skills to better serve the high school student-athlete and has afforded me the opportunity to better my program, all because of the high-quality individuals who are members of this great organization. I am forever grateful I chose to join the NHSSCA.
Blayne LapanDirector of Sports Performance
Williston Northampton School (MA)
Finding a network of qualified strength and conditioning coaches at the high school level is difficult in the PNW. It was crystal clear after attending my very first NHSSCA regional clinic this year that I found my tribe of highly qualified working professions who I can trust to share my triumphs, struggles and love for all things strength and conditioning. From day one the NHSSCA is like having armor, I’m protected with access to current certified professionals, access to a wealth of research and knowledge while feeling 100 percent embraced with so much love and support like family.
Christi Smith-RyanHead Strength and Conditioning Coach
Central Catholic High School Portland (OR)
Belonging to the NHSSCA has been one of the smartest moves of my coaching career. The NHSSCA provides a one stop resource to any coach or administrator to learn not only coaching technique but also how to communicate and bond with their student athletes. It is rare to find an organization that teaches you how to create a winning culture while also helping you build a winning program both on and off the court, pitch, ice or field.
Dan LearyS&C Coach
Astoria HS (OR)
The NHSSCA has been a huge asset not only in my professional career but also many others. Our school enjoys being a part of such an upstanding organization. Having the ability to draw on so much experience from coaches in the high school sector that understand the struggles high school coaches face is a huge asset. Many organizations are geared towards the college coach which is great and needed but the logistical struggled the high school coach faces are vastly different. The open dialogue of the community at the national conference is second to none. I belong to many professional organizations and I have never experienced the open communication and welcoming that I experienced at Natcon. No one was big timing or too good to speak all members were willing to talk and share experiences.
Deerick SmithAssistant Athletic Director and Director of Strength and Conditioning
Southside Charter High School Southside (AR)
The NHSSCA has provided me with a network of coaches that are knowledgeable and passionate about high school strength and conditioning. My goal is to help promote the employment for qualified and experienced strength and conditioning coaches in my area the same way high schools employ full time athletic trainers. When it comes to strength and conditioning organizations, it’s not about who did it first but who is doing it the best! I believe the NHSSCA is an organization that is doing high school strength and conditioning the best and I am happy to be a member
Elton “Croc” CrochranHead Strength and Conditioning Coach
Veterans Memorial High School (TX)
The NHSSCA has really helped me to become a better strength coach for the students at our school. The people I have met and the things I have learned from other coaches, not only locally but nationally, has been invaluable. The biggest thing that has struck me with this organization is how the people who are a part of it really just want to help the kids we all train. Everyone has always been more than willing to give any information of what they do with their program. At the end of the day, we are here to help the students/athletes we coach become better people. I believe the NHSSCA really believes in that, which is why I have decided to become as involved as possible with the organization and encourage others to do the same.
Jimmy LitscherPhysical Education and Health Teacher
Head Strength and Conditioning Coach
St. Thomas More High School (WA)
Joining the NHSSCA has given me a space to develop as a professional. It has given me an opportunity to learn, network, and collaborate with like minded people, with the priority being what is best for our student athletes. We are able to share our knowledge, philosophies, and experiences to better each other and the profession. I feel strongly about this association and what we stand for: to educate, equip, and empower.Our mission positively impacts not only our student athletes, but also our network of high school coaches at both the regional and national
level.
Jay NacionalesSports Performance Coordinator
Jesuit High School (CA)
Our geographic isolation yields few networking opportunities and resources. The NHSSCA afforded the opportunity to network amongst colleagues as well as meet some of the top coaches in the world. I have been able to build professional and personal relationships with many coaches. The knowledge gained has enabled me to build upon my foundation benefitting athletes and coaches I am privileged to work with.
My opportunity to present at the NHSSCA Pacific Regional Conference has brought awareness to MVP Academy and what we offer athletes. Our methods are validated when we see results in our athletes. It is encouraging to see other top level coaches utilizing similar methodologies.
I am grateful for the NHSSCA for providing this framework for coaches like me.
Joshua K. MartinHead Coach
MVP Academy, LLC
I was first introduced to the NHSSCA by another S&C Coach in my area who knew I was looking for an organization to help grow my knowledge and network on the High School field. I quickly signed up that inaugural year and haven’t looked back since. The NHSSCA has provided a platform to share ideas, grow relationships and gain access to coaches across the country. Whether you have questions about programming, technology, culture, or personal growth the NHSSCA has brought together a tremendous base of experience to draw upon. Personally, the NHSSCA and its members have bolstered my confidence in the job that I’m doing and the professional/personal goals I have inside this mission field.
Karl “Beef” BielfeldtFootball Strength & Conditioning Coordinator
Leander High School (TX)
When I was first hired as the strength coach at Ypsilanti Lincoln High School, I was fresh out of college and a little overwhelmed. At the time, I didn’t realize how many other coaches were in the area. One local coach reached out and got me connected with the Michigan NHSSCA. I was grateful to be introduced to other coaches across the state, who have all given me great advice over the past 5 years. My favorite part of the NHSSCA is how willing coaches are to help other coaches. I am constantly having coaches contact me to see how my program has been doing. The NHSSCA has also allowed me to lend a helping hand to other new strength coaches in the area and help them the same way coaches have helped me.
Kelsey AuchmutyHead S&C Coach
Ypsialnti Lincoln High School
The NHSSCA is an organization that I strongly support and believe in. I have had the opportunity to connect with several coaches around the country that all have the same goal in mind: work with high school athletes to develop quality young people and win championships. These aren’t mutually exclusive of one another and it’s fun to see the developmental process of the youth. Whenever I need help or advice, I know I can always reach out via social media or one of the local or regional leaders. I highly encourage any high school coach to join this organization and get involved. In my short time involved with this organization, I’ve made connections that will last a lifetime.
Kerry BrownHead Strength and Conditioning Coach
Brookings High School, Brookings (SD)
The NHSSCA is one of the best organizations that you can be a part of if you are a strength and conditioning coach who works with high school age and or younger student-athletes. The amount of collaboration and willingness to share information among members is groundbreaking and truly unique within the strength and conditioning profession. Also, I am not sure if there is another organization that offers as much free and low-cost continuing education opportunities for its members and the student-athletes that they work with. These are all great reasons to join the NHSSCA but the most important reason for me is FAMILY. It is not just a hashtag or slogan it is a noun, verb, and core belief for anyone who is involved with the organization. If you are a looking for an organization that you can continue your professional growth and build relationships that will last a lifetime, then the NHSSCA is the place for you! Come join the FAMILY!
Kerry HarborPhysical Education Teacher
Assistant Football/Strength Coach
Ronald W. Reagan High School (NC)
The NHSSCA has been an absolute game changer for me and our program. The knowledge I have gained from others in this organization is truly invaluable, but the connections with other coaches tops that. This organization has opened so many doors for me not only professionally, but also personally. The NHSSCA has given me connections that go deeper than just Strength & Conditioning. I know I can call, text, and email hundreds of coaches across the country at any time to ask questions I may have and will always get phenomenal responses. However, the best conversations have nothing to do with Strength & Conditioning, they’re about life. The NHSSCA is truly a Family that I am extremely grateful to be a part of!
Mark CarnesDirector of Sports Performance
ThunderRidge High School
The NHSSCA has made a huge impact on me as a strength and conditioning coordinator. I have created numerous relationships with coaches that have helped me expand my knowledge and scope as a strength coach. The dedication to create an open environment for all coaches to grow is unparalleled in the strength and conditioning realm. The NHSSCA creates great opportunities for coaches and athletes alike to get recognition for their dedication to strength and conditioning. I can honestly say that I would not be the coach I am today without the help from the NHSSCA and the members that I communicate with constantly.
Matthew SeaboldDirector of Strength & Conditioning
Bettendorf High School (IA)
Becoming a member of the NHSSCA has truly had a huge positive impact on me personally and professionally. I have benefited from a great network of High School strength coaches both in my home state and around the country. The NHSSCA has offered me opportunities to continue to learn and grow as a strength coach in many areas including programming, organization, and best practices with regard to implementing the best strength and conditioning program possible at my school. Attending National Conferences and state and regional conferences have been extremely engaging and has allowed me to learn, grow, and develop as both an educator and a high school strength coach. Working with so many dedicated and professional strength coaches has inspired me to continue to strive to be the best strength coach I can be. I have been challenged to think outside of the box and continually ask the question… How can I improve our program and how can I better serve our student-athletes. I am extremely thankful to the NHSSCA for the many opportunities that I have had to learn, grow, and develop and I look forward to continuing to develop as an educator and strength coach.
Nick CornellStrength Coach
Campo Verde High School (AZ)
The NHSSCA has been a huge benefit to me as a coach and as a person. I have grown tremendously as a coach and as a person due to the relationships that have been formed through the NHSSCA. The clinics, family days, and the contacts have allowed me to learn and grow from professionals in our industry. I have also developed lifelong friendships through networking through the NHSSCA. Numerous times when I have had a question about anything in the coaching business I have reached out to members I have met through this organization for their input. The NHSSCA is really a family more than an association.
Riley EdwardsDirector of Sports Performance
Crossville High School (AL)
The NHSSCA provides amazing resources. Just a couple clicks on the website or Facebook page and you have incredible information at your fingertips. These resources, as great as they are, will provide you with numerous ideas, but to me the real strength and purpose of the NHSSCA is Family. Family is an unbreakable bond. I have a connection with my sisters and brothers of the NHSSCA. I will do anything to support our members as this organization has helped me to find purpose. This Family means more to me than words can describe. They have helped a father keep his promise. They have given us support and a platform to associate with those that want to make an impact in this world. WE are Family… WE are NHSSCA!
Scott PhersonFitness and Performance Director
Concord High School (IN)
The first NHSSCA event I attended was the 2019 National Conference in Nashville. I learned so much that weekend, but maybe more importantly, had a lot of fun, and met many great people who are passionate about this profession, as I am, and understand the incredible importance of our work. I have been a member since, have attended many conferences, and recently got to present at a state clinic for the first time in my career. The NHSSCA has helped me grow incredibly as a professional, and I look forward to that continuing. The organization’s motto is “Family,” and it truly feels that way.
Shelby ReichleDirector of Athletic Performance
Columbus Academy
I have known since I was a senior in high school that I wanted to be a high school strength and conditioning coach. I was led to this organization in its early stages by a mentor of mine. In 2018, I attended my first NHSSCA conference in Indianapolis which assisted in propelling my career forward nearly 4 years later. The relationships I built within that one weekend have led me to where I am today, a full-time strength coach at the high school level. Through job postings, educational questions, and selflessness to increase the profession and decrease the self, this organization has truly created a #Family environment that is hard to find anywhere else.
Taylor SmithSport Performance Coach
The King’s Academy (FL)
Being a member of the NHSSCA has afforded me many professional and personal benefits. Professionally, I have had access to many of the premier strength coaches in the nation. I have embraced the wealth of information through this organization and it has helped me to grow as a performance and strength coach. Personally, I have developed many relationships with others in the field who share my passion for working with athletes. For me, the support and relationships of others in my profession has been instrumental in my developing the foundation of my training philosophy. For those who are entering the profession or for those who are veterans, the NHSSCA is a highly beneficial and professional organization. All will benefit and all will grow professionally.
ZaQuan IrbyDirector of Performance Training
Shaker High School Latham (NY)
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THE #FAMILY
READY TO JOIN NHSSCA?
Are you a high school sport coach or strength coach, or do you aspire to be one? Explore how the NHSSCA can amplify your journey. Let’s redefine the future of high school strength and conditioning in America.
