Head Strength & Conditioning Coach, Troy University
Richard Shaughnessy, who began his strength and conditioning career in 1990, is entering his thirteenth year as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for Troy University. Shaughnessy earned his B.S. in Physical Education from Auburn University in 1989, his M.S. in Education from Troy State University in 1998, and an Ed.S (Educational Specialist Degree) in Physical Education from Troy State University in 2000.
Shaughnessy's interest in strength and conditioning first developed in high school and continued into college where he worked for Bill Kazmaier's "Kaz Fitness Center" in Auburn, Alabama. From there, he coached football and strength and conditioning at various high schools in Alabama and Georgia. After discussing and receiving advice from Coach Dave Van Halanger, who was then at Florida State University, Shaughnessy accepted the Head Strength and Conditioning position at Troy State University in 1997.
Shaughnessy is a certified member of the College Strength and Conditioning Coaches' Association (CSCCa), the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA), the National Association of Speed and Explosion (NASE), and is a "Club Coach" for the United States Weightlifting Federation. He is the Alabama State Director for both the NSCA and NASE. In 2003, Shaughnessy was selected by the National Strength and Conditioning Association as one of the 18 "elite" strength coaches honored through the Coach Practitioner Program.
He currently oversees seventeen sports, teaches Weight Training and Essentials of Strength and Conditioning classes, and serves as the NFL pro liaison. His current weight room is 10,000 square feet and serves over 400 athletes. Shaughnessy has been instrumental in developing stronger, quicker, and more durable athletes. During his tenure at Troy University, players have set records at the combine numerous times in their prospective positions, and notables include Demarcus Ware, Osi Umenyiora, Leodis McKelvin, Sherrod Martin, Lawrence Tynes, and Brannon Condren. Shaughnessy continues to work with athletes after the conclusion of their collegiate careers, and in total, he has helped over seventy players advance to another level.
Coach Richard Shaughnessy is a native of Dothan, Alabama. He is married to Dr. Candice Howard Shaughnessy, and they reside in Troy, Alabama. A well-respected member of the community, Shaughnessy continues to provide outstanding service to Troy University.
