News Summary
Augusta University Athletics has appointed Jacob Topple as its first Head Strength and Conditioning Coach. This position was established alongside the newly built Al & Yvette Harris Sports Performance Center. Topple brings extensive experience from Western Carolina University and is dedicated to enhancing athlete development and performance. With over 100 applicants considered, his vision for student-athlete care is expected to greatly impact Augusta University’s athletics program.
Augusta, Georgia – Augusta University Athletics has announced the appointment of Jacob Topple as its first Head Strength and Conditioning Coach. This new position was created in alignment with the recent construction of the Al & Yvette Harris Sports Performance Center, which will serve as the primary facility for athletic training and development.
Topple joins Augusta University after serving as the Assistant Sports Performance Coach at Western Carolina University. During his tenure, he was responsible for developing comprehensive training programs for the baseball team and both men’s and women’s golf teams. Furthermore, he served as the interim Head Sports Performance Coach for the football program during the 2023 season, showcasing his capability to handle leadership roles in high-pressure environments. His commitment to the profession is further highlighted by his success in crafting a department-wide internship program, which focused on staff development within the athletic performance realm.
Mason Grounds, Associate Athletics Director for Operations, noted that over 100 applications were received during a year-long national search for this position. Grounds expressed enthusiasm regarding Topple’s vision and his passion for athlete development, stating that his contributions are expected to have both immediate and long-term positive effects on the athletics program.
In his new role, Topple is committed to prioritizing the development of student-athletes, both in their sports careers and in their lives beyond athletics. He aims to foster strong relationships with the athletes he will work with and build a community centered on excellence and character. His extensive background includes experience across collegiate, high school, and private training settings, which will inform his approach to athlete development.
Topple has a wide-ranging experience in strength training programs, having previously led programs for all varsity and junior varsity teams at White Knoll High School. His previous role as Assistant Director of Athletic Performance at Byrnes High School in South Carolina further demonstrates his capability in overseeing athletic performance training at various levels. Additionally, Topple has gained valuable experience working with youth, collegiate, and professional athletes at Next Level Strength and Conditioning in New York.
Educationally, Topple holds a Master of Science in Exercise Science and Wellness from Liberty University and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from The College at Brockport. Along with his academic credentials, he is a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and he holds certifications in first aid/CPR and nutrition. His qualifications solidify his status as an expert in athlete performance and safety guidelines.
Topple’s responsibilities at Augusta University will encompass all aspects of athletic performance training across the institution’s 15 NCAA programs. His office will be based at the newly constructed Al & Yvette Sports Performance Center, which will serve as a hub for athletic training efforts, focusing on optimizing performance and enhancing the overall well-being of the student-athletes.
With Topple at the helm as the first Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, Augusta University Athletics expects to usher in a new era of athlete care and enhancement, setting a solid foundation for the future of its athletic programs.
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