Master of Science in Strength & Conditioning Archives

Cheerleading Champion, Coach Taking Next Step in Logan’s MSSC Program

Posted on April 8, 2025 in Athletics in Careers in College of Health Sciences in Master of Science in Strength & Conditioning in Students

When David Patton decided to join the cheerleading team at Louisiana State University (LSU) in 2008, he did not know it would lead to a fruitful coaching career. “I did gymnastics for several years, so I decided to try out for cheerleading in college as a way to make friends and get involved,” David said. “It’s something that has stuck with me and had a major impact on my life.” In 2011, David transferred to the University of Kentucky (UK), where he was part of the cheerleading team that won the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) National College Cheerleading Championship in …

Division I Collegiate Athlete Aspires to Become Coach with MS-SC from Logan

Posted on December 10, 2024 in Athletics in College of Health Sciences in Master of Science in Strength & Conditioning in Students

Mason Melancon, a former NCAA Division I collegiate athlete, is pursuing his Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning (MS-SC) at Logan University with the goal of transitioning from athlete to coach. Originally from Houston, Melancon competed as a sprinter in the 100-meter and 200-meter events and was an integral part of the 4×100-meter and 4×400-meter relay teams at Louisiana Tech University and the University of New Orleans (UNO). He completed his undergraduate degree in human performance and health promotion at UNO in May 2023. “After graduation, I worked in the private sports performance sector, where I soon realized my …

From New Zealand Rugby Field to California Classroom: Johnathan Ploke

Posted on November 7, 2024 in Alumni in College of Health Sciences in Leaders Made in Master of Science in Strength & Conditioning in Tower Magazine

This is a story from The Tower – Volume 2, 2024. At 8 a.m. CDT when many members of the Logan University community were just starting their day, Johnathan Ploke, MS (’24) was wrapping his up as a Master of Science in Strength & Conditioning (MS-SC) student in New Zealand. Johnathan’s academic journey began at California State University, Chico, where he earned bachelor’s degrees in kinesiology and human physiology. After graduating he worked as a personal trainer but wanted additional qualifications to advance his career. He discovered Logan’s one-year, 100 percent online MS-SC program. The program appealed to Johnathan because …

Degrees & Dreams: How Austin Kuennen’s Education Paved His Path to the Pros

Posted on October 30, 2024 in Alumni in Bachelor of Science in Human Biology in Careers in Doctor of Education in Health Professions Education in Leaders Made in Master of Science in Nutrition & Human Performance in Master of Science in Strength & Conditioning in Students

Between treating MLB players, running a private practice and working on master’s programs, Austin Kuennen, RDN, MS (’23) has become a pro at time management. Originally from St. Louis, MO, the 2017 graduate from Lindbergh High School enrolled in the University of Arkansas’ exercise science program with plans to work in healthcare. His interest in healthcare developed as a child watching his mom, Laura Kuennen, serve various roles at Logan University. “I love sports and grew up alongside the healthcare industry, so I thought exercise science would be a great middle-ground to prepare me for a career in this field,” …

Jacob Linn Brings Coaching Expertise to Logan’s Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning Program

Posted on August 20, 2024 in Athletics in College of Health Sciences in Master of Science in Strength & Conditioning

Jacob Linn, MED, CSCS, PN1 has brought his extensive background in collegiate athletics to Logan University’s Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning (MS-SC) program. He recently joined the program’s faculty teaching the applied lab course that is required for students. This course uses video to evaluate the student skillsets in the program, allowing for feedback. “This course is so great for students in the program because we really get creative in how we teach and assess skills,” Jacob says. “Students are also able to receive personalized feedback and use the video submissions to build their portfolio with best practices …

Eric McMahon Uses Professional Baseball Coaching Experience to Elevate MS-SC Program

Posted on July 17, 2024July 17, 2024 in Careers in College of Health Sciences in Leaders Made in Master of Science in Strength & Conditioning

Eric McMahon, MEd, CSCS,*D, TSAC-F,*D, RSCC*E is the coaching and sport science program manager for the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), where he organizes and collaborates with professionals across sports organizations to support education and career advancement opportunities. Before joining the NSCA in 2020, he spent more than a decade working with professional baseball players as a strength and conditioning coach. After earning his bachelor’s degree in biology from St. Lawrence University in New York and his master’s degree in strength and conditioning from Springfield College in Massachusetts, he began his career in the Minor Leagues as a strength …