SEWARD, Neb. – The first head coach in the history of Concordia University Men’s and Women’s Powerlifting is Freddie Myles. The Concordia Athletic Department made Myles’ hiring official on Monday, Dec. 20. The Penngrove, Calif., native and University of California, Davis alum will have the unique opportunity to put his stamp on this new program set to begin athletic competition in 2022-23. Myles will also work alongside Director of Strength Conditioning and Training Todd Berner as Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach.
Concordia Athletics announced the launch of men’s and women's powerlifting on Nov. 9 with a goal of pinpointing a head coach before New Year’s Day. Myles was quickly identified as the top candidate in a nationwide search. Myles is looking forward to diving into a new challenge and joining the Concordia Community.
Said Myles, “I want to thank Concordia and the athletic department for entrusting me with the creation and development of a team for its newest sport: powerlifting. I’m excited to work at Concordia, where Christian values, academic success and athletic achievement are all valued. I am also excited to work with the student athletes, who will be introduced to a sport where hard work and dedication show immediate results. I envision an immediate attraction to this new powerlifting program. Many experienced powerlifters will be pleased that they will now be able to compete in their sport as a Bulldog, representing Concordia while earning the best education possible, and working amongst the most caring community of coaches and fellow athletes. Concordia truly fosters athletic success, academic excellence and an atmosphere that helps students to grow in their faith.”
Said Director of Athletics Devin Smith, “We are thrilled to welcome Coach Myles to Concordia and for him to take the reins of our newest intercollegiate sports program. During the interview process, it was clear he demonstrated the passion, skill set, and leadership ability to infuse our community with a sense of collective purpose, discipline, & Christian character to continue the pursuit of broad-based athletic excellence. Coach Myles is prepared and ready to offer a premier student-athlete and shareholder experience. We are so blessed to have Freddie, his wife Niki, and their children joining our Bulldog family.”
Most recently, Myles has served as Assistant Strength Coach at NCAA Division II Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, Calif. Myles filled that role while operating his own gym, Myles Ahead Fitness, Inc., a training ground for elite powerlifters. Since opening the facility in January 2005, Myles has worked with 21 national champions in weightlifting and powerlifting, three American record holders, seven international competitors, one Pan American champion, four world champions and four national championship teams. Myles has also developed scholarship athletes in the sports of softball, soccer, track & field and weightlifting as part of his individualized strength and conditioning programs.
Myles is a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and has earned USA Weightlifting Level 4 certification. During his career, Myles has served roles as president of the Pacific Weightlifting Association (2014-18) and USA Weightlifting Youth Committee member (2014-16) and managed city youth wrestling and track & field programs.
Myles graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Biology from UC Davis in 2002. He earned his Master of Science in Applied Exercise Science with a concentration in Strength and Conditioning from Concordia University, Chicago. Freddie and his wife Niki have three children, Desmond, 12, Annemarie, 9, and Gabrielle, 7.
If interested in being recruited as a Concordia Powerlifting student-athlete, apply via the recruit form HERE.