Merrimack College Strength and Conditioning

Mission Statement

The mission of the Merrimack College Strength and Conditioning Department is to empower student-athletes by optimizing their physical performance and fostering a holistic approach to well-being. Through evidence-based training and injury prevention strategies we strive to create an environment where athletes can safely challenge themselves, grow resilient, and reach their full potential. We are committed to cultivating a culture of support, connection, accountability and continuous improvement preparing our athletes for success in competition and life.

Why Statement

We exist to inspire and empower student-athletes to achieve their highest potential by fostering resilience, promoting well-being, and building a foundation for lifelong success. We believe that through strength and conditioning, athletes develop the physical strength and mental agility necessary to excel not only in their sport but also in life. Our purpose is to create a safe, supportive environment where athletes can fail, grow, learn and ultimately succeed by pushing past their limits and realizing their true capabilities.

Department's Philosophy

Our philosophy is centered on developing well-rounded athletes who are physically prepared, mentally resilient, and emotionally supported. We equip athletes to succeed in all areas of life by providing holistic support, fostering a safe environment for growth, and utilizing diverse training methods. Our focus on increasing athleticism and mitigating injury ensures their long-term success beyond just their sport.

Core Values

Communication

Connection

Culture

Programming Principles

Relationship Building - Serving as a strong and prominent presence in the student-athletes' life, we can build strong, trusting relationships that will serve as a conduit for enhancing self-confidence, a sense of community, and ultimately allow us to act as role models and mentors.

 

Ground Based Movements -Athletes spend most of the time with their feet on the ground and we believe that the most productive movements follow that principle. The application of force to the ground is displayed by specific athletic movements (run, jump, change direction). The greater the force delivered, the greater the impact on movement.

 

Multi-Joint Movements - Classified as exercises that require more than one joint working at a time, these movements are the most productive exercises for our athletes. Sport-specific movements require the coordination of multiple joints so we will stress this in training.

 

360-Dimensional Movements - Athletic movements require movement, stabilization and the need for strength in all planes of movement.

 

Energy System Development - Every athlete in each sport will require specific capacities and demands on their conditioning levels. There are three energy systems in the body: ATP - PCr (primarily utilized for up to 15 seconds of activity), Glycolytic (15 seconds to 2 minutes), and lastly the oxidative system (longer than 2 minutes lasting duration).  Through analyzing the sport and demands on the athlete we will properly prescribe exercise to develop specific energy systems in high demand.

 

Rate of Force Development - Sports require high skill movements to be done very quickly and explosively. By emphasizing power and jump training, we will enhance the ability to rapidly apply force; hence leading to improvements in sport skill

 

Nutritional Guidance - The fuel we put into our bodies plays a major role in the ability to practice, train, compete, recover, and ultimately improve. The student-athlete will enhance their knowledge and understanding of this crucial area and strategies to live a healthier and balanced life. We are sure to collaborate with Sports Nutrition to ensure the appropriate delivery of information.

For more information on the department's principles and goals, the staff, facility and internship, please click one of the links above.

To contact the Strength & Conditioning Department, click here or call 978-837-5318.