天涯海角APP

Derek Vacha holds a Master of Art degree in Strength and Conditioning from LaGrange College and a Bachelor of Applied Sciences degree in Exercise and Sport Science from Youngstown State University. In addition to being a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), he is currently completing his PhD in Exercise and Sport Science at Liberty University.

Before beginning his career at 天涯海角APP University, he worked as a Strength and Conditioning Coach in NCAA, U.S. Army, and private-sector environments. Derek most recently served as the Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach for the 193d Infantry Brigade at Fort Jackson Holistic Health and Fitness Program where he oversaw the physical readiness of Drill Sergeants and Basic Training Trainees. Previous to working at Fort Jackson, he acted as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade at Fort Drum. Prior to his Tactical Strength and Conditioning career, Derek worked his way up as an intern at Youngstown State University and Lagrange College, where he ultimately earned a Graduate Assistant role at LaGrange College working as the Assistant Director to the SPEED Center along with his duties working with soccer and volleyball.

Derek teaches research methods, cultural competency in healthcare, introduction to nutrition, senior seminar, strength and conditioning, personal training, and practicum I for the Department of Exercise and Health Science.

His current research agenda includes force-velocity prediction for the Army Fitness Test, periodization/programming, force-velocity prediction in athletic populations, and validation of commercial physical testing equipment. Derek is excited to share his decade of experience of full-time practice along his passion for mentorship and personal growth to support the next generation of professionals in the Exercise Science field.