Kyle Hashimoto is a strength and conditioning coach who has climbed the ranks to become Head Baseball Strength and Conditioning Coach at UCLA. Kyle’s journey, which began in Hawaii and included stops in Iowa, Maryland, and Texas, offers a realistic outlook on what you have to do to climb the ranks as an S&C coach.
As an S&C coach, you often have to wear many hats. You aren't simply a coach in the weight room. To be successful, you need to build strong relationships with fellow coaches and players. Part of this is showing your face at practices and, you know, not just talking about training.
Maintaining a professional distance is crucial, but connecting with athletes on a personal level can make coaching more effective long-term. Your athletes fundamentally need to trust you so they can buy into what you’re asking them to do.
Throughout his career, Kyle has worked with a variety of sports, from football and baseball to basketball and softball. This experience has solidified his belief that strong foundational knowledge in basic training principles is essential. While specialization can be helpful, understanding how to coach fundamental movements like squats, hinges, presses, and pulls translates across all sports, as this is what you’ll spend a huge amount of your time doing.
We also discuss the process of learning from other coaches and how, in your early years when you are drawing inspiration, in reality, this can often be more like copying, which there is no problem with, as long as you understand why you’re doing what you are doing.
Finally, Kyle and I get into the age-old debate of work-life balance. Kyle reflects on the importance of finding a balance between personal and professional life. While acknowledging the financial limitations of the S&C field, he emphasizes the value of pursuing a career that brings personal satisfaction and allows for a fulfilling life outside of work.
Key takeaways for aspiring strength coaches:
- Master the fundamentals: Build a strong foundation in basic training principles and exercises.
- Be adaptable: Learn to adjust your approach based on different schedules, sports, and athlete needs.
- Build relationships: Connect with coaches and athletes to create a positive and effective training environment.
- Never stop learning: Continuously seek new knowledge and draw inspiration from other coaches.
- Find your balance: Prioritize personal well-being alongside career aspirations.
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Talk soon,
Justin
