Dec. 20, 2006

The University of Texas-Pan American Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced on Wednesday (Dec. 20) that Matt Taylor has been named the athletic department's first-ever Head Strength and Conditioning Coach.

"I'm excited and honored to be UTPA's first Head Strength and Conditioning Coach," said Taylor. "I'm grateful for the opportunity given to me, and I believe in the vision and direction that Mr. Street has for the athletic department. This is a great time to be a part of UTPA's athletics, and I'm looking forward to beginning this new chapter in my career."

"We are excited that Matt Taylor has been hired as our first-ever Head Strength and Conditioning Coach. He brings a wealth of experience to the position, and we believe that he will be able to give our student-athletes the necessary knowledge and motivation in order to help them perform to their highest ability," said Scott Street, UTPA Director of Athletics.

Taylor comes to the Rio Grande Valley after serving as an assistant coach in the Sports Performance Department at the University of Buffalo since August of 2004. During his time with the Bulls, Taylor was primarily responsible for the design and implementation of strength and conditioning programs for men's basketball, wrestling, volleyball, men's soccer along with men's and women's tennis. He also assisted in the design of the football strength and conditioning training sessions for the Bulls.

Prior to joining the staff at the University of Buffalo, Taylor served as an intern at Arizona State University during the summer of 2004 where he worked directly with the football program in the implementation and construction of the strength and conditioning training sessions. With the Sun Devils, he also assisted with various Olympic sport strength and conditioning workouts as well as handled all maintenance duties and general function of the weight room.

The newly-named UTPA Head Strength and Conditioning Coach served as a graduate assistant strength and conditioning coach at Gardner-Webb University in Boiler Springs, NC, from 2003-04 where his duties included designing strength and conditioning programs for a variety of sports, including football, men's basketball, baseball, wrestling, volleyball, women's soccer, tennis and golf.

Taylor also assisted in the daily maintenance of the weight room as well as handled several administrative duties for the Runnin' Bulldogs. He is currently finishing his Master of Arts degree in Sports Science and Pedagogy at Gardner-Webb University.

During his undergraduate days at Mount Union College in Alliance, OH, Taylor was a member of the football programs where he helped the Purple Raiders to four consecutive NCAA Division III National Championships. Following his playing career, Taylor joined the strength and conditioning staff as a student assistant coach.

The newly-named UTPA Head Strength and Conditioning Coach is certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Associated as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Along with being certified by the American Red Cross in Adult CPR/AED, Taylor is also a member of the United State Powerlifting Federation.

Taylor graduated from Mount Union College in 2001 with a bachelor's degree in physical/health and secondary education.

Taylor will begin his duties with The University of Texas-Pan American on January 8th, 2007.

UTPA Sports Information