Director of Strength and Conditioning, University of Hawaii
Tommy Heffernan is in his 18th year as strength and conditioning coach at the University of Hawaii, having served as the director of all 19 sports for the past 12 years. Tommy began his career in 1994 as an assistant under Curtis Tsuruda. At the time, it was just the two of them for the entire department, sharing a small weight room with the students and faculty. In 1999 after Tsuruda's departure, Tommy was promoted to Director of Strength and Conditioning.
During his tenure at Hawaii, Tommy has had the opportunity to work with all 19 men's and women's sports. Over the last several years, his primary focus has been football, baseball, and women's volleyball.
Tommy has had the opportunity to train many athletes who have moved on to the professional level in the NFL, MLB, and Europe. He has trained multiple All Americans in Men's and Women's Volleyball. The 2008 Silver Medalist USA Olympic Women's Volleyball Team featured three starters from the University of Hawaii: Setter Robyn Ah Mow, middle blocker Heather Bowen, and outside hitter Kim Willoughby.
The most satisfying part of Tommy's job is seeing his athletes develop into great people and members in society.
A two sport athlete himself, Tommy played football and baseball at the University of Hawaii, where he received his B.A. in Hawaiian language / Hawaiian history in 1991. In 2010 Tommy completed his M.S. in Kinesiology.
Tommy would like to thank Curtis Tsuruda for believing in him and giving him a chance as a strength coach. Curtis has served as a great mentor, role model, and friend over the years. He would also like to thank his assistant Grant Steen and his graduate assistants over the years for their hard work and support. All of this would not be possible without their help.
Tommy would like to send a special Aloha to his wife Kealoha and his children Hilina'i, Ho'omana, and Hala'i for their unconditional love and support. They are his inspiration and motivation to be the best that he can be.
He considers it a great honor and privilege to represent the University, the state, and people of Hawaii.
