Challenges Facing the Strength and Conditioning Professional
Karin Werth, the former Assistant Director of Strength and Conditioning for Olympic Sports at the University of Florida, has recently retired after dedicating over 26 years in sports performance. Werth worked at the University of Florida Athletic Association since July 1997. She served one year as the Assistant Swim Coach for the Gator Women. Her desire to tackle the field of Strength and Conditioning began in July 1998, where she was named an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for Florida. Prior to working at Florida, Werth was a firefighter/paramedic for the City of Miami Fire Department for 7 years. She was a member of the S.W.A.T. team, serving as a medic in special situations. Karin not only enjoyed weight training to better herself for her career, but took it to the next level and competed in 3 bodybuilding competitions. In 1996, she won the heavyweight division in South Florida, in 1998, she won the overall in Gainesville, and in 2000, third place in the heavyweight division in Mid-Florida. Karin’s ties to the University of Florida begin in 1984, as she was a 10-time All-American swimmer for the Gators. Her passion for strength and conditioning was a huge part of her success as a student-athlete. She graduated in 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Karin holds multiple professional certifications including USAW (USA Weightlifting Coach Level 1), NSCA CSCS (National Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist), CSCCa SCCC and MSCC (Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association Strength and Conditioning Coach Certified, Master Strength and Conditioning Coach), NASM CES (National Academy of Sports Medicine Corrective Exercise Specialist). She also holds American Heart Association First Aid, AED, and CPR certification. Werth has coached over 100 All-Americans, conference, and national champions. She was a part of back-to back-to back National Championships with Gator Gymnastics from 2013-2015. She also coached Honda Award winners Bridget Sloan (2), Kytra Hunter (2), Trinity Thomas (2), and Alex McMurtry (1). During her tenure at UF she trained multiple teams including long stints with soccer, gymnastics, swimming and diving, lacrosse, softball, and women’s basketball. Karin has recently launched Werth-it Sports Performance and hopes to not only train college-prep high school and middle school aged athletes, but anyone who desires strength and fitness results.
