Wake Forest Campus Recreation is excited to announce its Elite Performance Training Program designed specifically for high school athletes in Forsyth County and surrounding areas. Fitness Coordinator Michael Spieldiener emphasizes the program’s goal: “to provide committed athletes with an affordable option that will elevate their skills to the next level this summer.”
Located in the heart of campus, the state-of-the-art facility will serve as the athletes’ training home for eight weeks. This program offers a unique opportunity for varsity athletes to cultivate lifelong habits that will benefit them both on and off the field, while building strength, speed and agility that will push them to their best as they prepare for their high school season.
Starting June 2nd, participating athletes will have access to a facility typically reserved for Wake Forest students during the academic year. “We have everything from sleds and medicine balls to a turf field and a multitude of squat racks,” Spieldiener notes, highlighting the comprehensive resources available. The program is designed for athletes with a strong commitment to their sport and, for many, aspirations of playing at the Division 1 collegiate level.
The program consists of three weekly sessions (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) for high school athletes aged 14-18. The first half of each 90-minute session takes place on the turf, focusing on linear, lateral and rotational speed and agility training. “This is a crucial building block for every athlete,” Spieldiener emphasizes. “So many athletes think lifting weights alone will suffice, but you need to train like an athlete to be an athlete. These movement patterns are learned, and improving them will make you incrementally better.”
The second half of the session moves indoors for resistance training, emphasizing fundamental lifts such as squats, deadlifts, bench press and pull-ups. “There are no magic tricks,” Spieldiener states. “It all comes down to hard work and getting stronger and faster – that’s what we teach our students day in and day out.”
Spieldiener’s experience as a performance coach in Orlando has shaped his vision for the program. “Before coming to Wake Forest, I saw firsthand how early habits impact collegiate athletes. They would arrive 20-30 minutes early to begin their warm-ups. These patterns and continuous drive develop at a much earlier age than college,” he explains.
The eight-week program incorporates performance tests, speed and agility training, and reaction and coordination drills. Last year’s pilot program yielded impressive results. Spieldiener shares the story of one baseball player who improved his 40-yard dash time from 6.8 to 6.2 seconds. “We were so pumped for him! It was exciting to see the difference, and the coolest thing was witnessing his confidence increase. It’s like a light bulb going off – they realize this is what it takes to be successful.”
The coaching staff at Wake Forest Campus Recreation boasts diverse backgrounds, including swimming, tennis, gymnastics and weightlifting, with all coaches possessing extensive expertise in strength and conditioning and personal training. This ensures that each high school athlete receives high quality, well rounded instruction. The program aims to prepare athletes for the fall season by enhancing their speed, strength and confidence.
Registration is currently open at go.wfu.edu/elite.
For parents and athletes seeking more information, Wake Forest Campus Recreation will host virtual Q&A sessions on March 3rd, March 17th and March 31st from 6:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. For further inquiries, contact [email protected]. The staff looks forward to welcoming you and providing the competitive edge your athlete needs.
Session 1: June 2nd – June 27th
Session 2: June 30th – July 25th
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Times: 6:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. or 7:15 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Session Price: $200 (less than $17 per training session!)
Interested in both months? Register for both sessions for $390 total!
