Reiskind Named Inaugural Strength and Conditioning Coach

HARRISONBURG, Va. – EMU Director of Athletics Carrie S. Bert recently announced that Michael Reiskind has been tabbed to be the first strength and conditioning coach in the university’s history.

“As a former student athlete at the University of Lynchburg, and working as an intern with Ed Smith, who started the S&C program there, Michael brings strong DIII and ODAC knowledge,” Bert said. “Michael brings a passion for strength & conditioning development and a range of experiences working with well-respected people in the field. While starting a program could be daunting, I know that he has the support of mentors and our staff to be successful. EMU Royals are eager to add this layer to their overall collegiate athletic experience.”

Before coming to EMU, Reiskind was the assistant strength and conditioning coach at Appalachian State, a DI university in Boone, NC. While there, he designed, implemented and coordinated year-round strength and conditioning programs for the Mountaineers baseball, field hockey, women’s tennis and wrestling teams. He also assisted with training for men’s & women’s basketball, co-ed cheer, softball and women’s volleyball as the Olympic strength & conditioning intern for ASU.

Reiskind is no stranger to ODAC sports, as he was a varsity baseball letter winner at University of Lynchburg from 2018 to 2021. He was a pitcher for the Hornets who made 45 appearances on the mound, going 3-3 while striking out 46 in 70.2 innings. He was named to the ODAC All-Academic Team and was a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success.

“I am excited to get back into Division III,” Reiskind said. “It was a special place for me as an athlete and I hope to provide the same experience for all of the athletes at EMU. Building a strength and conditioning program is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I am very excited to head. My vision of the strength and conditioning program is to create a hardworking, and fun environment for all student athletes. I believe I have the support from Carrie and the coaches in the shared vision of having a winning culture across the athletic department, and creating this position furthers that endeavor.

Bert explained that the creation and implementation of a strength and conditioning program at EMU will further enhance the student-athlete experience while making all the Royals programs more competitive at all levels.  

“EMU Athletics is excited to be adding the full-time position of head strength &…