Gallery: (9-18-2024) Weight Room Photos
Mission Statement
At Christopher Newport University's Division III Strength and Conditioning Department, our mission is to prioritize the holistic development and well-being of our student-athletes. Through personalized training programs, mentorship, and fostering a culture of excellence, we empower our students to achieve their full potential, both on and off the field. With a commitment to student-centered practices, we strive to cultivate resilience, discipline, and a lifelong dedication to health and fitness. Our goal is not only to enhance athletic performance but also to instill values that promote success in academics, leadership, and personal growth. At the heart of our mission lies the belief that by putting students first, we can shape confident, empowered individuals prepared to excel in all aspects of life.
Philosophy
The philosophy of strength and conditioning for Christopher Newport University (CNU) aligns with principles aimed at optimizing athletic performance, injury prevention, and the overall well-being of our student-athletes.
- Holistic Approach: CNU's strength and conditioning program takes a holistic approach, addressing not only physical aspects but also mental and emotional aspects of athletic performance. This may include mindfulness training, stress management techniques, and goal-setting strategies.
- Individualization: Recognizing that each athlete is unique, our programs are tailored to individual needs, goals, and capabilities. This involves assessments to determine strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
- Periodization: Our strength and conditioning programs utilize periodization, dividing the training year into specific phases to optimize performance, prevent overtraining, and peak for competitions. This includes off-season, pre-season, in-season, and transition phases.
- Functional Training: Emphasis is placed on exercises and movements that mimic the demands of the sport in which the athletes participate. This includes sport-specific drills, plymometrics, agility training, and speed work.
- Injury Prevention: The program includes components aimed at reducing the risk of injury through proper warm-up protocols, mobility exercises, corrective movements, and education on proper technique.
- Strength and Power Development: Building strength and power is a key focus, with progressive overload incorporated into training plans to challenge athletes and drive performance improvements continually.
- Nutrition and Recovery: Recognizing the importance of nutrition and recovery in athletic performance, the program guides optimal fueling strategies, hydration, sleep, and recovery modalities such as foam rolling, stretching, and massage therapy.
- Sport-Specific Conditioning: Conditioning drills and workouts are designed to enhance cardiovascular fitness, endurance, and stamina specific to the demands of the sport in which the athletes compete.
- Continuous Evaluation and Adjustment: The program emphasizes ongoing assessment and evaluation to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and make necessary adjustments to training plan
- Education and Empowerment: Athletes are educated on the principles behind the training methods employed, empowering them to take ownership of their own development and make informed decisions regarding their training, nutrition, and recovery practices.
By embracing these principles, CNU's strength and conditioning program can contribute to the overall success and well-being of their student-athletes, both on and off the field of play.
Internships
Christopher Newport University Strength & Conditioning Internships are an excellent opportunity for students to develop the skills needed to start a successful career as a strength & conditioning coach, sports performance specialist, or personal trainer. The student will gain valuable knowledge, hands-on experience, and valuable skills such as exercise technique, program design, performance testing, building a rapport with student-athletes, and facility scheduling
For more information about an internship opportunity, please contact William Pendergraph, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at william.pendergraph@cnu.edu.
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