Sam Thomas

Discovering a Passion for Strength and Conditioning 

Sam's journey into strength and conditioning began as a ‘shot in the dark.’ Initially uncertain about his career path, he discovered his passion during his undergraduate studies at the University of South Wales (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. 

"It wasn’t just about learning in lectures. We were encouraged to apply our knowledge practically, which prepared me immensely for the professional world." 

Building on his undergraduate experience, Sam pursued a postgraduate degree in Strength and Conditioning Coaching at USW. He found the advanced curriculum both challenging and rewarding, as it encouraged critical thinking and deeper exploration of key concepts. 

"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." 

While Sam once aspired to be a professional rugby player, his love for the gym and a desire to optimise athletic performance led him to a career in strength and conditioning. 

Working with Elite Athletes in the U.S.  

In 2022, Sam participated in a seven-week internship at the University of Colorado, facilitated through a partnership with the International University Strength and Conditioning Association (IUSCA). During this time, he worked with basketball, volleyball, and football teams, facing an intense learning curve that ultimately proved rewarding. 

"I was thrown into the deep end from day one, which was the steepest learning curve but also the most rewarding." 

His performance during the internship led to a fellowship offer, which eventually became a full-time role. 

Now at the University of Colorado, Sam works with multiple teams, including cross country, alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, women’s tennis, and the spirit squad. He thrives in the variety and enjoys the dynamic nature of his role. 

“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.” 

Living in Boulder has been an enriching experience for Sam. The town, nestled by the Rocky Mountains, offers breathtaking scenery and a welcoming community. While cultural adjustments were initially challenging, his prior internship experience helped ease the transition. 

Currently, Sam is focused on continuing his work at the University of Colorado, where their ski team recently won a national championship. This success has reinforced his dedication to the team and his role in their ongoing achievements.