Graduation Tales | Sam soars to success in States
23 January, 2025
The International Convention Centre Wales in Newport has once again seen thousands of our graduates cross the stage in their cap and gown. To celebrate, we are sharing the stories of some of our inspirational students.
This week, Sam Thomas, a Strength and Conditioning Coach, celebrates the culmination of his academic journey that has taken him from the UK to the United States.
Having completed a postgraduate degree in Strength and Conditioning Coaching at the University of South Wales (USW), Sam now thrives at the University of Colorado where he works with elite athletes across multiple sports.
Sam’s journey into strength and conditioning began as a ‘shot in the dark’. Initially unsure about his path, he discovered his passion during his undergraduate studies at USW, where he pursued a degree in Strength and Conditioning. Reflecting on his time there, Sam credits his lecturers for providing invaluable support and real-world opportunities that laid the foundation for his career. He said: "It wasn’t just about learning in lectures. We were encouraged to apply our knowledge practically, which prepared me immensely for the professional world."
His postgraduate studies at USW built upon this solid foundation. Sam appreciated the advanced and challenging curriculum of the course, which encouraged critical thinking and further honed his expertise. "It wasn’t a carbon copy of the undergraduate course. It pushed us to question and develop the ideas we had previously learned, which was incredibly beneficial," he explained.
A passion for sports and a desire to stay connected to the athletic world drove Sam to choose strength and conditioning as a career. While his early aspirations of becoming a professional rugby player didn’t materialise, his love for the gym and a desire to optimise athletic performance led him to this field. “Choosing strength and conditioning has been the best decision I’ve ever made,” he said.
Sam’s experience in the U.S. began in 2022 when he participated in a seven-week internship at the University of Colorado. This opportunity, facilitated through a partnership with the International University Strength and Conditioning Association (IUSCA), allowed him to work with basketball, volleyball, and football teams. The experience was transformative. "I was thrown into the deep end from day one, which was the steepest learning curve but also the most rewarding," Sam said. His performance during this internship led to a fellowship offer, which eventually became a full-time role.
Today, Sam’s responsibilities span several teams, including cross country, alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, women’s tennis, and the spirit squad, which includes cheerleaders and dancers. Each day brings unique challenges and rewards. “The variety suits my coaching style perfectly. Every day is different, and I love building relationships with my athletes and colleagues. It never feels like work,” he said.
Living in Boulder has been an enriching experience for Sam. Nestled by the Rocky Mountains, the vibrant college town offers stunning views and a supportive community. “It’s a progressive and accepting place, and I’ve felt supported from all sides,” he said. While there were initial cultural adjustments, Sam’s familiarity with the environment, gained during his internship, eased the transition.
For now, Sam is focused on continuing his work at the University of Colorado, where their ski team recently won a national championship. This achievement not only solidified his role but also reinforced his commitment to the team’s ongoing success.