Sebastian Vargas
Hopkins,SC
Summary
Performance-driven Strength and Conditioning Specialist with a proven record in the Air Force and Olympic training. Enhanced athlete performance through data-driven strategies, contributing to a gold medal achievement and a 100% pass rate in fitness assessments. Secured funding for innovative training resources, showcasing collaboration and coaching expertise.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Strength and Conditioning Specialist
United States Air Force
Sumter, SC
05.2023 - Current
- Directed programs to enhance the readiness and resilience of over 7,000 Airmen as Strength and Conditioning Specialist.
- Specialized Training: Prepared 5 members for elite career fields (Special Warfare/TACP) and engineered 35+ unique, high-performance conditioning protocols. Prepared a top-ten finishing team for the 2024 annual CE Readiness Challenge.
- Program Development: Designed and executed an installation-wide program that resulted in a 100% PFA retest pass rate and an 18-point average score increase. Created and implemented squadron fitness improvement programs with an average reduction in MSK profiles by 14.4%.
- Logistics & Funding: Secured over $100,000 to establish new fitness center and mobile BeaverFit training trailer, enhancing training resources at unit level.
Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Chinese Olympic Committee
Beijing, China
05.2019 - 04.2020
- Olympic Performance: Coached athlete Gao Tingyu to win Olympic Gold and set a new Olympic Record.
- Leveraged data and a multi-disciplinary team to optimize athlete performance, culminating in a gold-medal victory at the 2022 Winter Olympics.
- Youth Development: Coached 26 junior athletes to achieve 97 national medals and 10 first-place finishes in international/national competitions.
- Athlete Wellness: Developed recovery program that reduced subjective stress metrics by 17%, enhancing athlete well-being.
- Data-Driven Methodology: Implemented multi-point data sets to inform evidence-based program design, resulting in measurable performance improvements.
Personal Trainer
Independent Contractor
Davenport, IA
08.2016 - 04.2019
- Designed and implemented tailored strength, conditioning, and educational programs for a broad client base, ensuring optimal performance and safety.
- Program Design & Education: Authored 53 individualized strength and conditioning programs and 35 unique testing protocols to meet specific client needs and goals.
- Provided over 200 hours of one-on-one exercise and nutrition instruction.
- Coordinated training schedules to align with client competitions, team practices, and personal commitments.
- Oversaw daily training operations, ensuring equipment setup, post-session cleaning, and preventative maintenance for client safety and equipment longevity.
Physical Therapy Technician
Genesis, Pediatric Clinic
Coralville, IA
07.2016 - 04.2019
- Assisted in direct treatment of pediatric patients with cerebral palsy and autism by programming, organizing, and supervising prescribed therapeutic exercises to support their rehabilitation.
- Functioned as key clinical extender under supervision of certified Physical Therapist, enhancing pediatric therapy services for patients with complex neurological conditions.
- Conducted off-site patient evaluations and delivered hands-on care, ensuring in-home activities aligned with primary Physical Therapist's treatment plan for continuity of care.
- Remote Service Delivery: Acted as a force multiplier for the clinic by providing remote and in-home physical therapy services, significantly improving patient access to consistent care.
Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach
Pleasant Valley High School
Davenport, IA
08.2016 - 01.2017
- Championship Program Contribution: Contributed to the conditioning program that helped the football team secure a state championship and enabled multiple athletes across various sports to earn all-state recognitions.
- Assisted in hands-on training for 6+ varsity sports teams, including football, swimming, wrestling, and basketball, implementing conditioning programs and collaborating with Olympic lifting coaches.
- Completed 300-hour internship under Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, contributing to athletic development and performance of state-level high school sports teams.
- Designed and launched self-help resource board to educate athletes on hydration, nutrition, and recovery strategies, enhancing their performance and rehabilitation.
Physical Therapy Technician
Mercy Hospital
Iowa City, IA
08.2012 - 01.2013
- Completed 100-hour clinical internship, supporting certified Physical Therapists in multiple rehabilitation settings and ensuring safe, sterile a safe, sterile environment for patients.
- Treatment Plan Execution: Executed prescribed patient treatment plans under the direct supervision of a certified Physical Therapist, guiding individuals through therapeutic exercises and monitoring their progress.
- Gained hands-on experience in diverse clinical settings, assisting with pre-habilitation and rehabilitation for neurological, respiratory, and occupational conditions.
- Managed sanitation protocols and maintained clinical cleanliness, upholding health and safety standards in compliance with hospital and clinic regulations.
Education
Technical or occupational certificate - Landmine University Level I and II certification
Landmine University
Iowa City, IA08-2024
Master's degree - Kinesiology with an emphasis on Exercise Physiology
St. Ambrose University
Davenport, IA05-2022
Technical or occupational certificate - 200-hr certified yoga teacher
Himalayan Institute
Iowa City, IA08-2021
Technical or occupational certificate - NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Certification
National Strength and Conditioning Association
Gaithersburg, MD09-2020
Bachelor's degree - Exercise Science & Human Performance and Fitness
St. Ambrose University
Davenport, IA05-2018
Skills
- Strength training
- Strength training techniques
- Athletic performance analysis
- Data analysis
- Performance metrics
- Coaching and mentoring
- Team collaboration
- Effective communication
Certification
- Landmine University Level I and II certification, Tactical and rotational-based training to promote low-back health and improve spinal engine drive and locomotion.
- 200-hr certified yoga teacher
- NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Certification, CSCS ID: 7248334979 (Exp. 12/31/26)
Awards
- 2025 ACC's Medical Service Civilian Organizational Leadership Award
- 20MDG Civilian CAT III of the Year x2
- 20MDG Civilian CAT III of the Quarter x2
- 20MDG Civilian CAT II of the Quarter x2
- 20MDG Team of the Quarter
- 20MDG Group Staff Team of the Year
- 20MDG Group Staff Civilian CAT III of the Quarter
- 2016 National Society for Leadership and Success Inductee
Languages
- Spanish
- Korean
- Chinese
- English, Advanced, Advanced, Advanced
- Spanish, Advanced, Intermediate, Intermediate
- Korean, Novice, None, None
- Chinese, Novice, None, None
Timeline
Strength and Conditioning Specialist
United States Air Force
05.2023 - Current
Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Chinese Olympic Committee
05.2019 - 04.2020
Personal Trainer
Independent Contractor
08.2016 - 04.2019
Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach
Pleasant Valley High School
08.2016 - 01.2017
Physical Therapy Technician
Genesis, Pediatric Clinic
07.2016 - 04.2019
Physical Therapy Technician
Mercy Hospital
08.2012 - 01.2013
Technical or occupational certificate - Landmine University Level I and II certification
Landmine University
Master's degree - Kinesiology with an emphasis on Exercise Physiology
St. Ambrose University
Technical or occupational certificate - 200-hr certified yoga teacher
Himalayan Institute
Technical or occupational certificate - NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Certification
National Strength and Conditioning Association
Bachelor's degree - Exercise Science & Human Performance and Fitness
St. Ambrose University