South Florida Local News
Pine Crest School recognized with strength of america award for excellence in strength and conditioning programs
Pine Crest – Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale has received a prestigious honor, being named the recipient of the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s (NSCA) Strength of America Award for the 2025-2028 period. This award is a significant recognition of the school’s commitment to the safety and success of its young athletes through its strength and conditioning programs.
The Strength of America Award is not an accolade given lightly. It is awarded to schools that demonstrate excellence in creating safe and effective strength and conditioning programs for students. Schools selected for the award have shown exceptional ability in four key areas: Supervision, Education, Program, and Facilities. The honor serves as a mark of distinction, illustrating Pine Crest’s dedication to providing athletes with the highest level of training while ensuring their safety.
“This award is a testament to the work and dedication of our Strength and Conditioning Coaches, Coach Mike Hlatki, Coach Micaela Von Essen, and Coach Jacey Kuhlman,” said Dr. Jeff Johnson, Pine Crest’s Athletic Director. “They work with Middle and Upper School students daily, implementing the highest standard of performance training.” The recognition emphasizes the vital role these coaches play in fostering an environment where students can excel in their athletic pursuits, while also minimizing the risks that come with intense physical activity.
The award itself is based on four major categories: supervision, education, program, and facilities. Pine Crest’s strength and conditioning program excels in all these areas. The school has met and exceeded the NSCA’s rigorous standards, providing athletes with the best possible opportunity to improve their performance. Through effective supervision, a well-structured and educationally sound program, and top-tier facilities, Pine Crest ensures that student-athletes have everything they need to succeed in their respective sports.
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The program’s success is also attributed to its comprehensive approach. It not only focuses on physical strength but also prioritizes the education of athletes on the best practices in training. Coaches at Pine Crest guide students not just in building strength, but in understanding how to do so safely and sustainably. The commitment to creating a holistic training environment has played a key role in the school’s ability to win this coveted award.
Pine Crest School’s receipt of the Strength of America Award places it among the elite institutions in the nation that prioritize the health, safety, and success of young athletes. It highlights the school’s ongoing dedication to developing well-rounded student-athletes who are equipped to perform at their best, both on and off the field. As Pine Crest moves forward with its strength and conditioning programs, this award will undoubtedly continue to serve as a symbol of the school’s commitment to excellence in athletic development.
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