Dean College Athletes See Change in Strength and Conditioning Program

(Cover Photo Courtesy of Dean College Athletics)

In August, the Dean College Department of Athletics announced that Chris Noyes would succeed Bob Donahue as the school's Director of Strength and Conditioning. Noyes transitions to Dean from conference rival Lasell University, where he spent nine years as their Head Athletic Trainer and three years as Director of Sports Medicine.

Noyes is familiar with Dean College, as he took classes at the institution before finishing his degree at Bridgewater State University. His first professional opportunity in sports medicine also came at Bridgewater, where he spent five years as an assistant athletic trainer.

A military veteran, Noyes was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 2002. He has already begun to teach young athletes from his experience.  "He brings a military style to our training." Said Bennett Walsh, a junior on the men's soccer team. "It's very serious, but I think that is good for us."

Noyes inherits a rebuilt facility on the basement floor of Memorial Hall that was formerly a pool. The location recently became a state-of-the-art weightlifting gym for Dean's 16 varsity athletic programs.

Since his hire, Noyes has re-structured both weight rooms in Memorial Hall to provide greater opportunities for athletes to grow. He has also incorporated a software called "Volt" that athletes can use to view workouts on their phones from anywhere. The app demonstrates exercises and displays personalized programs created by the strength and conditioning staff.

"The app is really helpful. It shows us exactly what to do and even has workouts outside of team lifts." Said Jazlyn Estrella, junior captain of the women's soccer team. "It can be tough when we only have one or two lifts a week with the entire group, so having a plan to work on in our own time is great."

Noyes will also teach classes in the Exercise Science program, adding to an extensive list of career endeavors as a Marine, athletic trainer, strength coach, and educator.

"We have only had a few lifts, but I am excited with the direction things are headed." Concluded Walsh.