Matt Bales

SITE DIRECTOR

Matt Bales is originally from Christiansburg, Virginia where he grew up playing football and soccer. In 2010 he graduated from Radford University with a degree in Exercise and Sport Sciences, and shortly thereafter he relocated to northern Virginia to begin his professional career as a Strength and Conditioning Coach. Matt brings a broad range of experience in athletics, having worked with athletes from the U10 age-group up to the collegiate and professional levels. His philosophy; “Athletes should be able to absorb and redistribute force in multiple positions and directions, while being stable in vulnerable positions, with a certain level of repeatability. If we can build proficiency in the basics while filling the gaps with specifics, we can develop physically talented and resilient athletes.”

CAREER

Coaching Experience and Accomplishments:

Program Manager and Head S&C Coach - Underground Athlete (2011-2016)
Assistant S&C Coach - George Mason University (2016)
Explosive Performance Coach - Sport and Health (2016-2018)
Director of Strength and Conditioning - The St. James (2018-2023)
Strength and Conditioning Coach - Old Glory DC Rugby (2019-2022)

Personal Trainer of the Year - Sun Gazette Best of Fairfax (2016 & 2018)
Washington Irish RFC D2 Mid-Atlantic Conference Championship, 8th at Nationals (2017)
Northern Virginia Women’s RFC 2x D1 National Champions (2019 & 2022)

Certifications:

Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist - NSCA (2011 - Present)
Embodied Leadership Level-1 - Strozzi Institute (2020 - Present)
Heartsaver CPR/AED - American Heart Association

Playing Experience

Radford University Club Football (2009-2010 MVP)
Virginia Steelers Semi-Pro Football (2015)
Battle at Baywood Strongman Competition (2nd Place - Open Weight Class )
Rugby: Washington Irish, Stars 7s, Tiger Rugby Academy, Beltway Elite 7s, Northern Virginia Men’s, Capital Selects