Director of Sports Performance and Nutrition, Western Carolina University
Andrew Bates joined the Western Carolina Athletics staff as the Director of Sports Performance in January 2024. Bates will oversee the Catamount Sports Performance and Nutrition efforts, while working directly with the football program. Bates came to Cullowhee after a two-year stint at Southern Utah where he was the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the football team. The Thunderbirds posted a winning record in 2023 for the first time since 2017.
Before making the move to Utah, Bates served Hampton University as the Head Football S&C Coach in 2021. Bates led Jacksonville University nearly a decade (2012-21) serving as Head S&C Coach. Bates played a crucial role in the program’s success as they won 35 conference championships across various sports. Bates worked directly with football, men’s basketball, women’s lacrosse, men's lacrosse, baseball, and track & field programs, Bates was part of 10 Conference Championships in football (2014), women's lacrosse (2013-2021), and baseball (2021).
Bates joined JU from Marshall University where he spent the previous two years as a graduate assistant. He additionally completed internships at both Michigan State University and his alma mater, Wayne State University.
Andrew would like to thank the following people:
- Paul Harker at Wayne State — for changing my entire life mentally and physically and giving me my start in Strength and Conditioning
- Ken Mannie, Mike Vorkapich, Tommy Hoke, Aaron McLaurin and Ryan Wood at Michigan State University — for allowing me to learn and experience what it takes at the highest level, a great pleasure to learn from one of the greatest S&C Staffs
- Joe Miday, Paul Ivkovich, Tyson Gale, Rodney Prince, and Joe Varga at Marshall University — for allowing me to grow and develop as a young coach, preparing me well for my future S&C positions
- Doug Frye, Todd Moyer, Rhian Davis, Marci Hoppa, Tim Boeni, Jon McNemar, Mindy Black, and Mike Wojciechowski at Jacksonville University — for all the growth, support, hard work, and fun times
- Travis Illian at SUU — for your guidance and wisdom, you gave me a new perspective on what’s important and how to invest in what really matters
- And finally, my Wife Kasandra and Parents Jim and Sue for their unconditional support throughout my life/ strength and conditioning journey. It would not have been possible without all they have sacrificed!
- And to everyone I didn’t list who made a positive impact on my life and career, Thank you for everything!!!
