Erik Hernandez is the Associate Director of Sports Performance for Olympic Sports at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Hernandez began his tenure with the Tar Heels in August 2010 as intern coach with a year break in that stint where he served as a graduate assistant coach at the University of Tulsa in 2011 working with football and basketball, before returning to UNC as an assistant strength and conditioning coach. He was later promoted to his current title as the associate director of sports performance for Olympic sports in 2019 where he is currently responsible for the men’s lacrosse, men’s golf, women’s golf and volleyball teams. Throughout his time at Chapel Hill, Hernandez has work with several other teams including the women’s lacrosse team during their 2016 and 2022 NCAA Championship seasons. Hernandez cut his teeth in coaching in 2009 as a student intern at Loyola University Chicago, in addition to garnering experience as an intern at Arizona State University in 2010 and Niles North High School.
In addition to his time working with collegiate athletes, Hernandez is the Owner of Hernandez Health and Performance where he has devised the Athlete Within Project; an online coaching program designed for former athletes who want to reconnect with their strength, and non-athletes who are ready to discover their untapped potential.
Hernandez is no stranger to competitive athletics himself, as he is a former shot putter on the Loyola University Chicago track and field team. He continues to stay active himself training to be a healthy role model for his family, athletes and clients. Nowadays he typically is lifting 3-4 times a week, running 1-3 times a week and training Jiu Jitsu 1-2 times a week with this daughter.
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