Becoming a strength and conditioning coach was a dream I carried from the moment I entered the fitness industry over a decade ago. My vision was clear: I wanted to train elite athletes, helping them perform at their peak and sustain excellence throughout their careers.
Like many trainers, I began by working with everyday clients in my hometown of Helsinki, Finland. I spent early mornings running boot camps and long evenings training individuals who wanted to stay fit. While that experience shaped my coaching style, my spare time was devoted to devouring books and resources from legends like Charles Poliquin, Mike Boyle, Joe DeFranco, and Vladimir Zatsiorsky. Their work deepened my knowledge, but I knew theory alone wouldn’t land me in the weight rooms of elite teams.
To make the leap from personal trainer to strength coach, I had to go beyond reading. This role demanded mastery in powerlifting, Olympic lifting, sprinting, conditioning, and injury rehabilitation—along with the leadership skills to command a room full of athletes. It was a different world than personal training, and I needed a way in.
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Do Your Homework
Breaking into strength and conditioning is tough, especially without connections. Many hockey organizations, for instance, prefer hiring former players who already have credibility and access to decision-makers. Since I wasn’t one of them, I had to prove my worth another way.
Knowledge was my first weapon. I immersed myself in training science, watched coaching DVDs, attended seminars, and studied everything I could find about developing hockey players. If I wanted clubs to take me seriously, I needed to know the game inside out—even if I hadn’t played it professionally.
3This stage wasn’t glamorous, but it laid the foundation. Before chasing opportunities, I had to ensure my expertise would outweigh my lack of athletic pedigree.
Find the Right Mentors
No one climbs in this industry alone. To break in, I needed guidance from coaches who had already worked with elite athletes. Initially, I searched across Finland and Europe, but I found no suitable mentors active in hockey strength and conditioning.
So, I expanded my scope to North America, where the field was far more advanced. I identified three leaders who specialized in hockey:
- Mike Boyle – Pioneer in strength and conditioning at Boston University, longtime coach for the Boston Bruins, and part of the U.S. women’s Olympic gold medal-winning team staff.
- Kevin Neeld – Strength coach for the U.S. women’s national hockey team, later assistant coach for the San Jose Sharks, and founder of a facility for developing athletes.
- Ben Prentiss – Trainer of NHL stars, consultant for the New York Rangers, and founder of a renowned facility in Connecticut.
Each of them represented the level of expertise I aspired to reach. The challenge was figuring out how to learn directly from them.
Reach Out and Take Initiative
Breaking into a new circle isn’t about sending cold résumés—it’s about building authentic relationships. I knew that if I wanted a chance, I had to meet these coaches in person.
That’s why I booked a trip to the United States. Beforehand, I sent personalized emails explaining my mission to learn from the best. I expressed genuine respect for their time and even offered to pay for the chance to observe.
To my surprise, Neeld, Prentiss, and Pete Dupuis from Cressey Sports Performance all agreed to let me visit. Boyle also welcomed me through his online forum. Within weeks, I had four opportunities lined up at some of the most respected facilities in the world.
Lesson learned: coaches are far more likely to say yes when you show commitment, respect, and a willingness to invest in your growth.
Show Up Ready to Learn
Traveling to the U.S. was a gamble—I had no guarantees beyond observation. But I showed up prepared, eager, and willing to contribute.
The week with Kevin Neeld turned out to be transformative. After one day of shadowing, he asked me to step in and help coach athletes. By the third day, I asked if he had an upcoming internship. He said yes, and I spent 11 weeks interning at Endeavor Sports Performance, gaining hands-on experience with elite hockey players.
At Prentiss Hockey Performance, I initially arranged a single afternoon but managed to extend it into a one-week internship. Training alongside NHL stars was surreal, but more importantly, it gave me confidence that I belonged in this space.
The common thread? Simply asking. Coaches appreciate initiative, especially when paired with genuine effort. Some charged fees, others didn’t, but offering to compensate them showed respect and opened doors.
Turn Opportunity Into Results
The U.S. trip wasn’t cheap—I spent over $10,000 on flights, lodging, and mentorships. At the time, it felt like a financial risk. In reality, it was the best investment of my career.
Back in Finland, I put my experience to work. I compiled a list of junior hockey clubs, cold-called directors, and asked for opportunities. The very first call landed me a meeting, which resulted in a role with a U17 team.
I volunteered for the U20 team the same year, gaining even more exposure. Within two years, I was coaching four different teams, including a professional squad. Several of the athletes I worked with went on to play professionally, with some even drafted into the NHL.
The key was simple: make yourself available and deliver value. Whether it meant early-morning rehab sessions, Sunday lifts, or extra support for injured players, I never turned down a chance to help.
Lessons for Aspiring Strength Coaches
Looking back, my path was anything but easy. But the lessons I learned can guide anyone hoping to break into strength and conditioning:
- Invest in Knowledge – Read, study, and attend seminars relentlessly.
- Find Mentors – Seek out coaches who work with the athletes you aspire to train.
- Be Proactive – Opportunities rarely come knocking; you have to chase them.
- Show Commitment – Traveling, paying, and showing up prove you’re serious.
- Deliver Results – Reputation grows when your athletes improve, not when you talk about improving them.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What inspired you to pursue a career as a strength and conditioning coach?
I was passionate about helping athletes reach their peak performance and wanted to transition from general fitness training to working with elite players.
How is training athletes different from training the general population?
Athletes require highly specialized programs focusing on strength, power, speed, recovery, and injury prevention, unlike general fitness clients who often seek weight loss or improved health.
Do you need to have played a sport at a high level to become a strength coach?
Not necessarily. While it can help with connections, knowledge, mentorship, and hands-on experience matter far more in building credibility.
How important is mentorship in becoming an elite trainer?
Mentorship is critical. Learning from experienced coaches accelerates growth, provides networking opportunities, and gives real-world insight into training athletes.
What steps should aspiring strength coaches take to get started?
Study extensively, seek internships, attend seminars, build relationships with mentors, and offer to volunteer with local teams to gain practical experience.
How did international experience help in your coaching journey?
Traveling to North America exposed me to world-class facilities, elite athletes, and renowned coaches, which elevated my knowledge and confidence.
Is becoming a trainer for elite athletes financially rewarding from the start?
Not usually. It often requires unpaid internships, side jobs, and significant investment in education before consistent financial rewards appear.
Conclusion
Becoming a strength and conditioning coach for elite athletes is not a straight path—it’s a journey built on persistence, sacrifice, and passion. My experience showed that knowledge alone isn’t enough; you must combine education with mentorship, practical experience, and a willingness to create your own opportunities. From cold calls to unpaid internships and international travel, every step was an investment in a bigger vision. The rewards didn’t come overnight, but with patience and dedication, they eventually did. Today, I have the privilege of helping athletes unlock their full potential—a responsibility that motivates me to keep learning and improving every day.
