Matt Sheehan, PE Teacher and Head Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach, directs the Strength & Conditioning program for the entire GFS community in the school’s state-of-the-art R. Chase McDaniel III '50 Weight Room, installed in 2019. Sheehan has been at the helm of the program since 2017 and ensures that all students are given the same opportunity, attention, and focus.

“You want every student to understand and embrace strength training. I believe it's a fundamental skill that every student should have for their lifelong journey which is their health and wellness,” Sheehan noted. 

With new science, understanding, and techniques in the field often emerging, Sheehan is dedicated to staying in front of the latest research and best practices. He recently secured certification as a Certified Functional Strength Coach at a program in Reading, Pa. Different from his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification, the training gave Sheehan more hands-on practice teaching plyometrics, slams, and group training, which he immediately implemented in the training room.  

This time of year, about ninety students train in the Weight Room, which is open from 3:15 - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Individuals and teams come into the welcoming environment and work to improve their fitness and strength with the goal of gaining an edge on their competition, being the best they can be, and – in part – to enjoy the camaraderie found there. Sheehan is quick to assist students, answer questions, and help devise regimens that will optimize their goals. 

“For athletes, they may already have that base but being able to give them the guidance to make their college hopes a reality is fulfilling. For students who don’t identify as athletes, it’s  pretty awesome to introduce the benefits of exercise – giving them a base that they can build off of when they leave GFS can make a big impact on their lives,” Sheehan said. 

Sheehan makes it a priority to communicate closely with the the coaching staff and athletic trainers, especially now with the influx of participants. When he took the reins of the Strength & Conditioning program, there were 15-20 students at a time that would be in the "fitness club", as he refers to it. “Today, we have to cap the club at 90 each season. I never thought we would get to this point so quickly.” 

“I appreciate the guidance that Coach Sheehan gives our student-athletes. Not only is he helping them get stronger and more confident in what their bodies can accomplish, but he also is helping build a strong mindset. Matt urges students to listen to their bodies – to focus on rest, recovery, stretching, sleep training, and all attributes that are going to help them have a positive outlook on life, plus gain success in the classroom and in competition.  He is an expert  coach that has had an impact on so many on our campus!” Bergstrom Mark added. 

Learn more about the GFS Sports Performance program, including Strength & Conditioning.