University of Connecticut Athletics
Field Hockey
- Title:
- Sports Performance
- Email:
- chris.west@uconn.edu
Team Assignments:
โขย Menโs Golf, Menโs Soccer, Womenโs Rowing
Education:
โขย Master of Science: Exercise and Movement Science - University of Oregon, 1998
โขย Bachelor of Arts: Physical Education - California State University, Long Beach, 1996
Certifications:
โขย CSCS from the National Strength & Conditioning Association
โขย USAW Level 1 Club Coach
โขย American Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED
Chris West is a nationally respected leader in sports performance, blending over two decades of hands-on coaching experience with cutting-edge sports science to optimize athlete development. Since 2002, he has been a cornerstone of UConn Athletics, currently serving as Associate Head Coach for Strength & Conditioning. At UConn, he works directly with golf, menโs soccer and womenโs rowing, where he oversees the integration of performance technology, athlete monitoring, and individualized training strategies to help student-athletes reach their highest potential.
A pioneer in the use of data-driven performance models, West leverages tools such as Catapult, Perch, Hawkin force plates and athlete management systems to assess readiness, manage training loads, and guide recovery. His collaborative approach brings together coaches, sports medicine, and nutrition to ensure a holistic pathway to peak performance and long-term athlete health.
During his UConn tenure, West has been part of 17 championships, including national titles in menโs basketball and womenโs field hockey, underscoring his impact on championship-level success across multiple sports. His career also spans elite collegiate and professional environments, with previous roles at the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Kings, and Oakland Raiders. Beyond UConn, he contributes as a Sport Scientist with the United States Soccer Federation and has served as a consultant for organizations such as Polar Electro and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He has presented at national and international conferences, authored peer-reviewed research on athlete monitoring and training methodology, and has been featured in outlets includingย The New York Times,ย Menโs Health, andย Menโs Journal.
A certified strength and conditioning specialist (NSCA-CSCS) since 1997, West also holds credentials from USA Weightlifting and earned his masterโs in Exercise and Movement Scienceย from the University of Oregon. His coaching philosophy centers on building resilient, adaptable athletes prepared for the demands of competition while fostering a positive, team-first culture.
When not on the training floor, West is passionate about advancing the field through education, mentorship, and applied researchโhelping shape the next generation of coaches and athletes alike.
