Shane Green, while usually found on the ice playing hockey, has been spending time
with his professor Dr. Peter Hoyt at Gemini Gymnastics in North Adams, and at Williams
College, in order to fulfill his course observation hours.
Green is a sophomore at MCLA studying health sciences with a concentration in sports
medicine. As a student-athlete on the Men’s hockey team, Green knows the value of
strength, conditioning, and discipline. Now, he's taking those lessons a step further
through clinical observation that's giving him hands-on experience with the very principles
he studies in class.
This spring, Green is completing 45 hours of observation time under the mentorship
of Hoyt, MCLA biology professor, and Victor Brown, the head strength and conditioning
coach at Williams College. The experience spans two very different athletic environments—Gemini
Gymnastics in North Adams, where he works alongside Hoyt in the ACL injury prevention
program, and the state-of-the-art facilities at Williams, where he observes and assists
with collegiate athletic training.
“We talk a lot about what it takes to get certified and be a strength coach,” Green
said. “Dr. Hoyt is constantly asking about my future and giving me real advice about
the field. It’s not just about what you learn in a book, or the class—it’s how you
apply it.”
At Gemini, Green helps develop exercises focused on injury prevention. “Dr. Hoyt would
come up with new movements targeting specific muscle groups, and we’d have the gymnasts
test them out,” Green said. “It’s a totally different setting than the classroom.”
At Williams, Green is learning how to train athletes according to their specific sport.
He observes Coach Brown leading athletes through strength and mobility exercises,
applying the anatomy and physiology concepts from his coursework in real time.
“I’ve even had the chance to demonstrate some of the exercises. It’s one thing to
learn about muscle function in class—it’s another to see it in action,” Green said.
Hoyt acknowledges the potential in Green’s passion and work ethic.
“It has been a pleasure to work with Shane outside of class at Gemini,” Hoyt said.
“It is refreshing to have a student so passionate about the field of strength and
conditioning. He’s a bright student and a hard worker; he is going to do well in the
field.”
Hoyt noted that Green’s background in hockey offers a unique perspective in a field
often dominated by coaches with experience in football or track and field. “With Shane
having a background in ice hockey, I think this will set him apart from others trying
to get started. We’ve had a few alumni get certified, and I’d love to connect Shane
with them—it could open doors for him to jumpstart his career.”
Hoyt also praised the community partnerships that make these experiences possible.
“It’s great to have Coach Brown at Williams College as a resource. And I appreciate
Gemini Gymnastics for allowing students to come and work alongside me—it’s been a
great opportunity for many years. The gymnasts love having the MCLA students there;
it’s a win-win relationship.”
As Green continues his coursework, he’s also preparing for future certification through
the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) to become a Certified Strength
and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Hoyt emphasized the importance of starting early.
“The certification requires a bachelor’s degree, prerequisite coursework, and CPR/AED
certification. Shane will be able to get everything he needs here at MCLA, and we’ve
discussed him doing an internship as he gets closer to graduation,” he said.
Green’s experience highlights MCLA’s commitment to hands-on learning, strong faculty
mentorship, and supporting student-athletes who want to turn their passion into a
profession.
