On the latest edition of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, we sit down with Andrew Rafferty, Strength and Conditioning Coordinator at Clinton High School. In this episode, Andrew discusses his journey from baseball coaching to a full-time strength and conditioning role and the years-long effort to advocate for the value of a strength coach in high school sports.
We cover the importance of athlete relationships, effective communication with school administrators, injury prevention strategies, and the positive role social media can play in building a team culture. Andrew shares how humility, community, and consistency have been the cornerstones of his coaching philosophy.
⸻
Topics Covered:
• Transition from sport coaching to strength & conditioning
• Advocating for a full-time strength coach role
• Building relationships with athletes and administrators
• Coaching with humility and perspective
• The power of positive social media
• Injury prevention and athlete engagement
• Creating lasting buy-in
• Coach community and collaboration
⸻
Keywords: Andrew Rafferty, strength coach, high school athletics, coaching relationships, athlete development, injury prevention, sports performance, communication, coaching philosophy
