Hayli Yetter - Sports Performance Assistant Coach - University of Denver 
Smith College ESS Graduate Class of 2018
The GA position in Strength & Conditioning at Smith College was easily one of the most beneficial opportunities in starting my career as a Strength & Conditioning Coach. Coach Turner gave me the opportunity to have full autonomy with multiple teams over a two-year span, a rare experience for many graduate programs. This autonomy, paired with Coach Turner's remarkable mentorship, allowed me to create my own systems of training and hone my coaching skills. The GA position at Smith was undoubtedly the biggest factor in me advancing my career in Strength & Conditioning, and I would recommend it to any individual trying to break out into the field.
Jordan Helms - Gym Manager - Body Electric Yoga & Athletic Company // Owner and Head Coach - J. Helms Training 
Smith College ESS Graduate Class of 2019
Getting my Masters at Smith AND having the opportunity to be an assistant Strength Coach was pivotal for my coaching career. Coaching at Smith allowed be to build not only my coaching skills but also taught me other 
communication, management, and leadership skills that I can take to my next job. I am confident when I say that the graduate assistantship position has springboard my career.
Dexter Taylor - Assistant Strength Coach - New England Patriots
Smith College ESS Graduate Class of 2020
During my time at Smith, Coach Turner was instrumental in my development as a coach. With his guidance I was able to expand my college network with coaches across the New England area. Coach Turner allowed me to express my strengths in coaching while guiding me to discover my weaknesses. In the workplace, he created an environment that allowed staff to build personal relationships.
Madeline Prado CSCS, SCCC - Strength and Conditioning Coach - Iowa State 
Smith College ESS Graduate Class of 2021
From the moment I walked on campus, Jake Turner made sure that my transition into this new challenging role, as a graduate student, assistant coach, and instructor, was seamless. The experience is not undemanding by any means, but it will give you insight into what being an assistant strength and conditioning coach is like at a collegiate setting. The support and camaraderie within the strength and conditioning staff allowed for an ideal learning environment. Autonomy is a key concept that permitted for exponential growth to occur, from the scientific to the practical. The highlights of my time at Smith College were when I was able to coach. The time I spent with my teams, while training each of them to become a better version of themselves, was truly rewarding. Any coach looking to grow their professional experience should consider applying to this position. I was able to develop as a professional in this short amount of time. I also built a network of peers from within the ESS & Athletics department, from coaches, professors, and student-athletes, that I will take with me into my new role and life.
Clare Ingersoll - Strength and Conditioning Specialist - MedStar Sports Performance
Smith College ESS Graduate Class of 2022
The practical portion of Smith's ESS program combines mentorship and autonomy to best prepare coaches for the field of strength and conditioning. Jake takes the time to get to know each of his graduate assistants as people and as coaches. He is patient, compassionate, and meets you exactly where your feet are. The opportunity to have Jake as a mentor was a crucial part of my development during my time at Smith.
Jose Martinez - Strength and Conditioning Specialist - Allegheny Health Network
Alumni List
Hayli Yetter - ESS Grad 2018 - Sports Performance Assistant Coach - University of Denver
Jordan Helms - ESS Grad 2019 - Founder of Coach J. Helms Training
Dexter Taylor - ESS Grad 2020 - Assistant Director of Strength & Conditioning - Harvard
Madeline Prado - ESS Grad 2021 - Strength and Conditioning Coach - Iowa State
Clare Ingersoll - ESS Grad 2022 - Strength and Conditioning Assistant - Virginia Tech
Jose Martinez - Assistant Coach, Sports Performance - Arizona State
Vicki Kraft '18 - Former Intern - Academic Specialist - Lamar University
Shannon McGinnis '22 - Former Intern - Physical Therapist - University of Florida
Steph Lopez '22 - Former Intern - Smith College Tennis - Director of Operations
Kate Winstanley - ESS Grad 2025 - Assistant Strength and Conditioning - University of Delaware Women's Ice Hockey
