Michael Richards

Mike Richards is a former U.S. Marine (2011–2014) and EMT/Paramedic (2015–2020), building a strong foundation in service before transitioning into human performance and strength & conditioning.

He attended John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio, where he played fullback during the 2017–2018 season before shifting his focus to strength and conditioning. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science and began coaching across Northeast Ohio, working with programs including Oberlin College, Case Western Reserve University, Bowling Green University, and several high schools.

Richards’ coaching career expanded to Watford City, North Dakota, where he led a high school strength program and worked with the Bismarck Bucks. During this time, he completed a Master of Science in Kinesiology with a focus on Testing and Human Performance.

He later transitioned into tactical strength and conditioning, working with the 82nd Airborne Division in North Carolina, followed by a move to San Antonio where he trained U.S. Air Force Special Warfare candidates. He went on to complete a Doctorate of Education (EdD) in Kinesiology.

Currently, Richards serves as the Site Lead and Human Performance Coach for the 149th Fighter Wing at Kelly Airfield (Lackland AFB). He also works with COYA Health & Wellness and contracts with SimpliFaster.

Outside of coaching, he competes in and coaches Olympic weightlifting, with 6 appearances at the Arnold Sports Expo.