Joey Rodriguez leads the Strength and Conditioning program at Vanguard University. Hired in the fall of 2021, Rodriguez brings years of experience from many different levels of strength and conditioning training.
Rodriguez comes from the University of Redlands, where he was a key leader over the past four years, serving as a Physical Education Course Instructor, the Fitness Center Director, and as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach.
"Every person is one opportunity away from building, growing, and impacting the lives of others. I'm everlastingly grateful for this opportunity and will do everything in my power to enhance the student-athlete and staff experience each day with this mentality," said Rodriguez. "God blessed me by connecting me with Jeff Bussell and the VU staff, which I hope and pray that I earn consistently the confidence and support they have seen in me thus far. I want to personally thank the many individuals who have put me in this position throughout my life. My family, first and above all, my best friends and close friends for years to come, and fellow strength and conditioning coaches Matt Durant and Joe Buckley. I feel unbelievably fortunate to be presented with the leadership responsibilities of Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for Vanguard University. Lions in Spirit!"
As the Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach, Rodriguez worked with 13 teams in the weight room, creating and implementing unique programs for each sport. His training regimens helped the women's basketball team win the 2020 Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular-season title for the first time in almost ten years, with the team winning the conference tournament as well. In addition, he also worked with the softball team during the 2021 season as the Bulldogs claimed a double title, reaching the DIII National Regional Tournament.
"Joey is a tremendous addition to Vanguard University," said Athletic Director Jeff Bussell. "He is a faith-driven man with the work ethic, energy, and enthusiasm to help us establish a great strength and conditioning program. We are excited for the impact he will make in our student-athletes lives, both on and off the playing field. The future is bright for the Lions."
Serving as the Fitness Center Director at Redlands, Rodriguez organized and maintained the center and oversaw the 20-plus students that operated the center daily. As an Instructor, Rodriguez taught weight training for both beginners and more advanced students, findings ways to keep instructing and engaging with students virtually over the COVID-19 shutdowns.
Before working at Redlands, Rodriguez received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of La Verne. He then served as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for over 100 student-athletes at La Verne for three years. He also worked at both La Canada High School and Alhambra High School, working with the softball and football programs respectively. When school was out, Rodriguez worked at Parisi Speed School at Breakthru Fitness in Pasadena and as a private trainer. He is currently working on his Master's Degree in Kinesiology from Cal Baptist University.
