Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
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Zakary Thor Lawler

Zakary Thor Lawler

Tallahassee

Summary

Strength and Conditioning Coach with extensive experience in elite collegiate athletics and tactical training for United States Special Operators. Expertise in performance enhancement through data-driven assessments and innovative training programs, blending modern methodologies with old school approaches. Proven ability to elevate team performance by fostering a culture of hard work and humility. Background includes playing fullback at the University of Miami under Hall of Fame Coach Mark Richt, and at the University of Tennessee for renowned strength coaches Craig Fitzgerald and AJ Artis.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Associate Director of Strength and Conditioning

Florida A&M University
Tallahassee
06.2025 - Current
  • Appointed Director of Performance for Men's Basketball by Coach Charlie Ward.
  • Managed comprehensive baseball sports performance program to enhance athlete development.
  • Served as lead assistant for all football sports performance initiatives.
  • Directed internship program, ensuring alignment between intern success and administrative goals.
  • Oversaw budget planning and resource allocation for departmental needs.

Assistant Director of Sports Performance

Austin Peay State University Football
01.2024 - 05.2025
  • Supported execution of high-performing, orthopedically sound training programs for athletes.
  • Programmed and implemented return-to-play protocols for 2024 season.
  • Collaborated with athletic training staff to ensure adherence to return-to-play procedures.
  • Facilitated collection of Catapult GPS data for performance analysis.
  • Conducted VBT data collection and analysis to assess individual athlete needs.
  • Contributed to nutrition management, including facility operations and athlete education.

Director of Strength and Conditioning (All Sports)

Pomona High School
01.2023 - 12.2023
  • Designed and implemented training programs to enhance athletes' physical readiness for high school seasons.
  • Achieved zero non-contact knee injuries, zero hamstring injuries, and zero concussions during 2024 seasons.
  • Instructed novice athletes in core movements, establishing mechanically sound movement patterns.

Director of Strength and Conditioning

Archetype Strength
01.2022 - 12.2022
  • Facilitated expansion of company from one to three facilities within Research Triangle.
  • Set multiple facility revenue records in partnership with facility General Manager.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by creating personalized training plans based on individual needs.
  • Mentored junior coaches, strengthening team dynamics through skill development and knowledge sharing.
  • Conducted body composition tests to identify optimal fitness strategies and develop effective meal plans.

Assistant Sports Performance Coach

Duke University (Football + Spirit Squads)
05.2021 - 12.2021
  • Developed and implemented orthopedically sound training programs to enhance athlete performance.
  • Evaluated athlete progress through data-driven assessments, adjusting training plans to maximize results.
  • Established strong relationships with athletes and support staff, fostering a supportive athletic network.
  • Utilized technology tools to analyze athlete movements and identify improvement areas.

Strength and Conditioning Intern

University of Tennessee (Football)
01.2020 - 03.2021
  • Maintained and organized facility equipment to ensure a clean, safe training environment for athletes.
  • Guided athletes on proper exercise techniques to minimize injury risks.
  • Fostered positive relationships with athletes and coaching staff, enhancing the training atmosphere.
  • Assisted in data collection using Catapult GPS, EZ jump mat, and VBT systems.

Education

Master of Science - Sports Performance

United States Sports Academy
Daphne, AL
12-2025

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science

University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN
05-2019

Skills

  • CPR / AED
  • CSCS
  • USAW L1
  • RPR L1

References

  • A.J. Artis: Director of Football Strength and Performance, Georgia Tech University, (336) 280- 1035
  • Craig Fitzgerald: Director of Football Performance, Boston College, (281) 755-5942
  • Maurice "Mo" Sims: Associate Athletics Director for Sports Performance, Florida A&M, (865) 437-9012
  • Charlie Ward: Head Men's Basketball Coach, Florida A&M, (713) 585-6558

Timeline

Associate Director of Strength and Conditioning

Florida A&M University
06.2025 - Current

Assistant Director of Sports Performance

Austin Peay State University Football
01.2024 - 05.2025

Director of Strength and Conditioning (All Sports)

Pomona High School
01.2023 - 12.2023

Director of Strength and Conditioning

Archetype Strength
01.2022 - 12.2022

Assistant Sports Performance Coach

Duke University (Football + Spirit Squads)
05.2021 - 12.2021

Strength and Conditioning Intern

University of Tennessee (Football)
01.2020 - 03.2021

Master of Science - Sports Performance

United States Sports Academy

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science

University of Tennessee
Zakary Thor Lawler