Coach Zachary Nauert, a native of Evanston, Illinois, began his coaching career in the personal training industry. Under mentors such as, Tommy Christian and Steve Breitenstein at TC Boost, he learned the value of big-picture coaching. Coach Nauert is now in his fourth year at Mound Westonka (Min.) High School. As the Strength & Conditioning Coordinator, he strives to establish a constructive training environment for student-athletes. With an emphasis on multi-sport participation, speed, and fun, Coach Nauert stands out as a strong example of how to support students in honing their athletic talents.
“I’ve been coaching since I graduated high school, started coaching hockey, coaching lacrosse,” Coach Nauert says. “At the end of the day, kids want to have fun. Kids want to know that you are gonna be honest with them and be truthful, but also joke with them, and not just be a coach, but a friend.”
Promoting Multi-Sport Participation
One of Coach Nauert’s key philosophies is the promotion of multi-sport participation. He believes a sports-centered approach not only enhances overall athleticism but also reduces the risk of overuse injuries. By encouraging athletes to engage in more sports rather than train harder in the weight room, he aims to better develop their speed, agility, and overall physical resilience.
“My philosophy of training is this, you gotta put them in situations where they are playing a sport,” Nauert says. “I think there’s no better way to mitigate injuries than having them play a sport. We all want to talk about training and going in and lifting, but at the end of the day, playing a sport is just as good as lifting weights.”
Speed Development Focus
Speed development is another cornerstone of Nauert’s program. Rather than spending time on conditioning exercises, Nauert believes his skillset is better suited for developing speed in his athletes. He dedicates 30 to 40 minutes of training sessions to outdoor speed work, prioritizing running mechanics and explosive movements over heavy lifting. Speed development, while typically underemphasized in kinesiology programs, is now a focal point in Coach Nauert’s training regimen.
“When it comes to our weight room, it’s not the old school, ‘How much can we lift,’ says Coach Nauert. “It’s about that speed component, being explosive, being powerful. Not just how much weight can you lift. I think that’s where we get our buy-in. Almost every team here trains with me because they know how we run the weight room is a lot different. It’s a lot more about trying to create a better athlete. Sport performance is the key. Versus, just coming in and lifting weights.”
Creating a Fun and Engaging Environment
Nauert’s weight room is characterized by its fun and engaging atmosphere. Understanding that many high school students find the weight room intimidating, he strives to make it a place where athletes want to be. Coach Nauert believes that making the training environment welcoming and enjoyable is crucial for maintaining long-term engagement, especially among high school athletes. Nauert’s lighthearted attitude toward training attracts students who may otherwise be uninterested in weight training.
“We crack jokes in here while we’re lifting,” Coach Nauert says. “Some might look at it as, ‘Well, are you focused in on the goal of training and this and that?’ Maybe not as much at times. But at the same time, I’m creating an environment that kids want to be in and want to lift in. We’re creating lifelong habits, and training should be fun. If you make it that structured and that focused in on the goal, you might get to a few kids, those elite athletes that want that. But for the majority, you’re gonna lose a lot more than you are going to keep.”
Mitigating Overtraining
When coaching 7th graders to high school seniors, overtraining becomes a significant concern. Coach Nauert addresses overtraining through keen observation and communication. He emphasizes the importance of communication from his athletes, to understand their fatigue levels and adjust training plans accordingly. Recognizing the physical demands of young athletes, Nauert incorporates mobility work and allows athletes to rest when necessary.
“Don’t being afraid of saying, ‘You’re not training today,'” says Coach Nauert. “Just because you write a program doesn’t mean a kid has to do it. Listening to them, understanding where they’re at, and shifting, pulling an audible for what might be best for them. Because if you can give them one day off and that brings them back to go 100 the next day. That’s a win.”
Coach Nauert’s Parting Advice
A critical lesson Nauert wishes to impart to his peers is the value of their own time. From his experience in the private sector, he understands how much time coaches can put towards their profession. The risk of burnout is real and late nights can take a toll on personal lives. By setting boundaries and taking well-deserved breaks, Nauert encourages coaches to pursue a healthy balance between their personal and professional passions.
“Don’t be afraid to say no,” Coach Nauert says. “Now, I’m a hypocrite when I say that because I struggle with that. I’m here probably more than most. But, always keep in mind that it’s okay to say no. The kids will be okay. 9 times out of 10. They’re okay with not coming in and training. They want their winter break, too.”
Coach Zachary Nauert’s program is a testament to the growing success of Mound Westonka’s athletic programs, with numerous records being broken and a significant increase in student participation in the weight room since his arrival. His focus on multi-sport participation, speed development, overtraining mitigation, and creating a fun environment provide a blueprint for effective coaching. Through fostering strong relationships and open communication, Coach Nauert ensures that his athletes are not only physically prepared but also confident and motivated to participate in high school sports.
