DUDLEY, Mass. (10/6/2025) - Kevin Mooney, a second-year graduate assistant for strength and conditioning at Nichols College, has already made a significant impact on the athletes and community. Originally from Newington, Connecticut, Mooney attended Newington High School, where he played baseball all four years. His passion for athletics and performance led him to the University of Rhode Island, where he majored in Exercise Science. 

During his time at URI, Kevin completed two key internships that helped solidify his career aspirations. One of these was in the university's weight room, where he worked hands-on with several athletic programs, including football, baseball, softball, women's volleyball, women's soccer, men's soccer, men's golf, and rowing. In the summer of 2023, he expanded his experience by interning with the football team at Central Connecticut State University. 

After graduating in the spring of 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Mooney connected with Justin Ruff, the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Nichols College. He soon accepted the position as a graduate assistant and has embraced the role ever since. 

Mooney describes his attraction to the field of strength and conditioning as rooted in his love for coaching, high-energy environments, and the ever-changing nature of the job. "No two days are the same," he says. "It's everything I admire about being part of a team." He also emphasizes how the position sets him up perfectly for his future goals, providing the hands-on experience and supervision needed to grow in the field. 

In just one year at Nichols, Kevin has already built strong relationships with both his colleagues and the student-athletes. Coming from a large state university to a smaller institution like Nichols, he immediately noticed the difference in community atmosphere. "At Nichols, it's a tight-knit environment where everyone knows each other. The support is visible and constant throughout the entire campus," he notes. 

Mooney values the connections he's made with athletes, highlighting the unique position strength and conditioning coaches have. "We're with these athletes year-round—pre-season, in-season, and off-season. That consistency helps us build meaningful relationships." 

Graduate student and football player Jack Morvan, who has worked with Coach Mooney for two years, shared high praise: "Mooney has had an amazing impact on the football team. He brings so much knowledge and passion, and he's truly setting us up for success." 

Kevin believes that building strong connections with athletes is essential for performance. "If a coach can't connect with their athletes, they won't get valuable effort or results from them," he explains. 

Looking ahead, Kevin aspires to become a strength and conditioning coach for an NCAA Power Four football program. He views his current role at Nichols as a critical steppingstone toward that goal. He's proud of the culture he's helping to create in the weight room—one rooted in dedication, energy, respect, and accountability. He emphasizes that these values extend beyond the weight room and directly impact team culture. "There's a bridge between the weight room and the field. What we teach here is carried over into their individual sports." 

With his passion, drive, and growing experience, Kevin Mooney is on a clear path toward making a lasting impact in the world of strength and conditioning.