Internship Series - Velocity Sports Performance

By Aubrey VanGoethem

Velocity Sports Performance was developed in 1999 by Loren Seagrave as a program to train student athletes to develop their speed, power, and agility. Since its conception, Velocity has grown to over 60 training centers across North America, including housing a center in Bristol, TN. 

As an intern at Velocity, I was taken through the program’s methodology in small pieces each week. At the beginning of the internship, I was given a manual containing the program methodology and my progress was assessed at the end of each week with a quiz regarding questions from the topic(s) discussed. Topics included acceleration mechanics, maximum velocity mechanics, multidirectional movement, warm-up and soft-tissue considerations, strength characteristics, adult fitness, functional movement assessments and performance testing, and others (i.e. considerations of training in heat). These concepts were learned during the internship through a combination of lecture, self teaching, “teach backs,” and hands-on activities (i.e. coaching classes). Each week I was given a larger portion of the class to coach, ending the internship coaching full classes (soft tissue/warm-up, movement component, weight room component, and aerobic conditioning) and helping to program future strength blocks.

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In addition to learning the Velocity program methodology and way of practice, I was also given the unique opportunity to prepare for the CSCS exam. Given its importance and necessity in our field, this internship was very much designed to help prepare students to take this exam. I was given access to an old NSCA textbook in addition to old CSCS practice tests. Through this preparation, I was given the chance to note which subjects I needed to focus on more during my studies and ask questions if I needed further clarification.

Overall, I would highly recommend this internship to anyone who is interested. The Sports Performance Director (Jason Moreno) at the Bristol facility is highly passionate about training new coaches and excels at it. It is sometimes difficult to drive the 40 minutes to Bristol and the 40 minutes back to Johnson City, but it is certainly doable if you budget your time and money correctly. This was a rewarding experience and I am excited about learning more from Jason as a part-time performance coach on the Velocity’s staff. 

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