Sam Elsner

Sam Elsner, a distinguished Sports Performance Coach and Sports Scientist, resides in the vibrant city of Savage, MN. With a profound passion for athletic development, Sam has acquired extensive academic credentials and a remarkable track record in the realm of sports performance.

Sam's journey towards excellence commenced at the University of Wisconsin - Stout, where they earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health, Wellness, and Fitness. Building upon this foundation, they pursued a Master of Education in Sport and Exercise Science at the esteemed University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, further deepening their understanding of the intricacies of athletic performance.

As a high-level competitor in Track and Field, Sam achieved remarkable feats that solidified their position as a formidable athlete. Their remarkable accolades include being a two-time NCAA DIII National Champion (2018 Indoor - Shot Put, 2018 Outdoor - Discus Throw) and a six-time NCAA DIII All-American. In addition, Sam is also the School Record Holder in the Discus Throw at the University of Wisconsin - Stout. 

Sam's training philosophy revolves around the development of high-performing and antifragile individuals, guided by an ecological dynamics framework. By adopting this non-traditional approach, Sam fosters holistic athlete development that transcends the boundaries of the field, court, ice, or track. As a Sports Scientist, he harnesses the power of data to inform his decision-making, ensuring precise progression within an athlete's development journey.

Believing in the significance of long-term athletic development, Sam views an athlete's career as a whole rather than focusing on short-term improvements. This comprehensive approach, combined with the ecological dynamics framework, has yielded exceptional results during his tenure as a Sports Performance Coach at St. Olaf College, Director of Sports Science at Starters Sports Training, and Director of Athletic Development at the Northern Lights Junior Volleyball Club.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Sam finds joy and support from his beloved wife, Jennifer, cat Zoey, and dog Eevee.