My journey with Friends University Athletics is a story of growth, resilience, and passion.
From my beginnings as an undergraduate powerlifter to my current role as an assistant strength and conditioning coach, Friends has been a cornerstone in my life.
I found my way to Friends through a unique opportunity. During high school, my football and powerlifting coach mentioned that Friends had a new powerlifting team and asked me if I was interested.
A couple of weeks later, I received a call from Joe Belden, the head strength and conditioning coach, who was starting the brand-new program.
After visiting the campus, I committed and became the first signee ever for the powerlifting team.
Building a Legacy
As a member of the powerlifting team, I had the privilege of being part of something special — building a program from scratch.
In my first year, we competed with eight males and four females. By 2023, we had expanded the team to around 30 people, built some national placers and champions, and became a top-five collegiately ranked team.
Seeing the program evolve and improve over the years has been incredibly rewarding.
Powerlifting is a sport that pushes you to your limits and teaches you the value of discipline, perseverance, and teamwork.
It has been a privilege to be part of a program that has grown and evolved over the years, and I am grateful for the opportunities that Friends University has provided me in this journey.
A Mentor and Friend
Throughout my time at Friends, Joe Belden has been more than just a coach to me.
He’s been a mentor, a boss, and even a father figure.
I cannot thank him enough for his care, support, sacrifices, and trustworthiness. He has taken me from a small-town athlete to a college-level strength coach, and I cannot imagine my life without his guidance.
Working with athletes and helping them reach their full potential is a passion of mine, and I am grateful for the opportunity to do so at Friends University.
Continuing the Journey
After completing my undergraduate degree, I wanted to further my education and continue my journey at Friends.
Despite the challenges of finding the right program, Joe and Dr. Rob Ramseyer devised a way for me to pursue a master’s while staying at Friends as a graduate assistant in the weight room.
This opportunity allowed me to continue my education and gain valuable experience in my field.
Working as an assistant strength and conditioning coach, I’ve learned that building relationships with athletes and understanding their individual struggles is crucial for their success.
I strive to meet athletes where they are and help them build confidence, improve their health, and enjoy getting stronger.
Being part of the Friends University community has been a transformative experience, and I am grateful for the support and encouragement I have received from my mentors and colleagues.
Reflecting on my time at Friends, I am most grateful for the community and values that the university upholds.
The support I received from professors, advisors, coaches, administrators, and athletes helped me overcome challenges and achieve my goals.
Without the community here at Friends, I am unsure if I would have finished my degree and been led to my current position.
The R.I.S.E. values upheld by the students and staff create a diverse, expressive, and inclusive community that helps athletes through the most difficult and formative years of their lives.
Looking ahead, my short-term career goals are to obtain my master’s degree and Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification and continue to grow in my knowledge and leadership.
Long-term, I aim to work within the collegiate level of strength and conditioning, with a focus on supporting, encouraging, and inspiring athletes to fall in love with the process of growth.
Sports have the power to change lives, teach valuable lessons, and create lifelong friendships. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had and look forward to what the future holds.
