Director of Athletics Nicki Pieart recently announced the addition of Head Strength and Conditioning Coach and Program Coordinator Andrew Parker to the Lake Forest College Athletics Staff.
Parker comes to Lake Forest from Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York, where he had been the head strength and conditioning coach and equipment room manager since 2018. During that time, he streamlined the strength and conditioning process, implementing sport-specific protocols addressing all aspects of student-athlete performance. He also started a nutrition education program which included simple information and initiatives designed to positively affect the daily habits of student-athletes. Parker created a culture of hard work, dedication, and accountability and the result was numerous school records set in the weight room, improved performance in competition, and a significant increase in the number of Hawk teams qualifying for postseason play.
Parker received Hartwick's Paul Spaziani Special Recognition Award for making a significant impact in the operation of the athletic program and an award from the school's SAAC for significant impact on student-athlete experience.
Prior to his tenure at Hartwick, Parker spent nearly three years at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, where he first served as a graduate assistant strength and conditioning coach before remaining on staff as assistant strength and conditioning coach. His experience in the field also includes a three-month internship at the Barwis Methods Training Center in Plymouth, Michigan.
Parker earned a bachelor's degree in kinesiology with a concentration in fitness development from State University of New York at Cortland and his master's degree in sport and fitness administration from Winthrop. He is an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach.
"I am humbled and honored to join the Forester Family and could not be more excited to serve as Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for Lake Forest College," began Parker. "Vice President Jackie Slaats, Director of Athletics Nicki Pieart, and all associated with Forester Athletics quickly showed me how special Lake Forest College is and I am eager to build positive relationships with the student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and others at the College. Forester Strength and Conditioning is committed to contributing to the Tradition of Excellence, developing athletes to their potential, and putting them in position to compete in all aspects of their life at the highest level."
"We are extremely excited about what Andrew brings to our programs here at the College," stated Pieart. "I am confident his experience, training, and ability to connect with and motivate our student-athletes will have an immediate impact on our athletic teams and will help our Foresters achieve even greater levels of success for years to come."
Parker's first day at the College will be September 12.