St. Michael’s College School Launches New Strength and Conditioning Programme
A new Strength and Conditioning Programme at St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) is meeting the demands of today’s student-athlete and targeting not only competitive advantages but also lifelong habits. “The launch of a dedicated strength and conditioning programme is an important step in ensuring St. Michael’s remains at the forefront of athlete development for our competitive athletes and for those committed to developing lifelong fitness habits,” says Alex Frescura ’92, Director of Athletics. “Cam’s expertise and leadership have helped establish a unified model and reinforced our commitment to investing in holistic development opportunities for all students.” Cameron Branch, SMCS Strength and Conditioning Coach, holds a master’s degree in kinesiology and certifications as both a functional strength coach and a high school strength coach. Before joining SMCS, he played professional volleyball in Europe and coached hundreds of individuals worldwide, from youth athletes to professionals. “I am excited for the opportunity to lead Strength and Conditioning at St. Michael’s College School and feel fortunate to work alongside dedicated coaches, athletic therapists, educators, social workers, and students with incredible potential,” says Branch. “Strength and conditioning is a structured approach to physical development that integrates health, skill, and performance. Additionally, emphasis is placed on targeted education surrounding the pillars of recovery, including sleep, hydration, and nutrition. Our goal is not only to support athlete and team success but also to work individually with students, helping them plan for and achieve their personal development goals.” For students, the positive impact is tangible. “The strength and conditioning programme has helped me in various aspects of my athletic journey,” says Derek Sui, Grade 11. “I’ve not only learned how to become physically stronger, but, most importantly, how to approach recovery and understand all its components. SMCS students need to be exposed to this kind of programme because it elevates performance in
