Matthew Kritz, PhD

Architect and Executive Director of the UC San Diego Athletic Performance Unit (APU). A cutting-edge human performance initiative that unites strength and conditioning, sports medicine, sports nutrition, sports psychology, and sports science by prioritizing the comprehensive growth and advancement of each scholar-athlete. Utilizing data-driven methodologies, the APU is dedicated to delivering holistic support services to over 500 scholar-athletes across 23 NCAA Division 1 sports programs. The APU is transforming the landscape of university athlete health and performance.

• Developed an athlete support system instrumental in UC San Diego Athletic Department's successful transition from NCAA Division III to Division I
• Achieved a 22% reduction in soft tissue injuries and decreased recovery time for season-ending injuries by 38%
• Established the first exclusive executive role for coach development, focusing on Coach Success
• Expanded the scholar-athlete health and human performance support infrastructure by 115%
• Directed the Athletic Department's medical strategy, ensuring uninterrupted athlete training and competition during the COVID-19 pandemic without any shutdowns
• Oversaw the design and management of the Spanos Sports Performance Training Center
• Initiated several collaborative projects with campus partners to develop training tools enhancing scholar-athlete health and performance
• Fostered key relationships with campus directors to enhance support for scholar-athlete health and performance, contributing to the Triton Human Performance Institute initiative.

• Managed the fusion of sports performance and sports medicine, coordinating remotely from New Zealand and through on-site visits
• Spearheaded the creation of an advanced Athletic Performance Training Center
• Orchestrated strategic planning for the Athlete Health and Performance division within the Athletics department
• Guided the implementation of NCAA Health and Wellness programs, focusing on Division 1 transformation.
• Remained composed and highly professional in a fast-paced and constantly changing environment, effectively handling challenging situations and difficult individuals to achieve objectives.

Architect and supervisor of the national strategy, and support service delivery of strength and conditioning support for New Zealand’s development and elite athlete population.

• Led and managed the national strategy, coordinating strength and conditioning services for New Zealand's development and elite athletes
• Instrumental in New Zealand Sport's achievement of a 130% increase in Olympic medals from 2008 to 2016
• Successfully obtained a $40 million government investment for the construction of six national sports training centers, overseeing their design, equipment, and management
• Expanded the national performance coaching staff by 1100%
• Formulated a nationwide strategy focused on assessing physical readiness and improving injury resilience
• Gained international acclaim for pioneering advancements in New Zealand's human performance infrastructure
• Coached over 20 athletes who achieved World and Olympic medals in a diverse range of over 32 ground and water-based sports.

• I held a position as a lecturer with a focus on Sports Biomechanics, Exercise Science, and Exercise Physiology, where I conducted laboratory sessions and practical coursework for students pursuing their master's degrees in Exercise Science
• My responsibilities also extended to significant contributions to curriculum design and evaluating master's level projects.

• As a lecturer specializing in Sports Biomechanics, Exercise Science, and Exercise Physiology, I was responsible for instructing both undergraduate and master's degree students in Exercise Science through comprehensive laboratory sessions and engaging coursework
• My role extended to the development of the curriculum and the assessment of projects at both the undergraduate and master's levels, substantially contributing to the program's excellence
• My commitment to enhancing student satisfaction was recognized by the Dean, with survey results reflecting satisfaction rates exceeding the 90th percentile.

• Initially served as the University's inaugural head strength and conditioning coach
• Advanced to the position of Director of Athletic Performance, recognized for fostering a comprehensive approach to athlete development
• Independently designed and executed strength and conditioning programs for 23 sports, catering to over 500 scholar-athletes
• Contributed to a range of departmental tasks that extended beyond the official duties of my role.