Your Project, Our Classroom

Texas A&M University is proud to partner with sport organizations across the globe. With this alliance and investment, Texas A&M University can provide our Capstone Experience students with hands-on and practical experience. By working with our students, this real-world experience impacts their lives as leaders and future employees in the Sport Management field.

Ryan Connors, SPMT 2023

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Ryan Connors

I started personal training when I was a senior in high school at a local gym. This idea started when I got a herniated disk from high school football, and it all started in the weight room. I realized how overlooked this aspect of high school sports was and how under-educated most coaches are regarding proper weightlifting form and safety. There are no requirements for coaches to be educated before entering a weight room. Many high schools will hire strength and conditioning coaches for this reason, but there is a problem with this. Many times, when athletes are in the weight room, those strength and conditioning coaches have other classes to teach, so they aren't always able to be present during the lifts. With this course, I plan on empowering all coaches to have a baseline of knowledge on this aspect so the liability is mitigated and fewer athletes are injured.

The current course I have right now covers basic lifting safety and movements (squat, bench, deadlift, power clean, etc.) This course can be used for all coaches and athletes, no matter the sport. The entrepreneurial track for my capstone allowed me to learn how to build a business plan for my business, Advance Athletics, and how to execute it. I plan on eventually getting more specified with making courses for each sport, but as of now, this course will bring a good baseline level of knowledge to these coaches. I have partnered with a corporation that provides online training services to coaches for continuing education, and I will continue developing content for them.

Words of Wisdom

  • Focus on finding something that ignites your passion.
  • If you love what you do, you won't view it as work.
  • Don't be afraid to take risks; success favors the bold!