Director of S&C
Ruben Mendoza is now in his 30th year as a strength and conditioning professional at the collegiate level. He has served as a director 23 out of those 30 years. Throughout his career, he has always believed in providing student athletes with the means by which they may achieve athletic excellence. This is accomplished through developing communication, trust, motivation and commitment, through a hands-on work ethic, in a safe and professional environment.
Mendoza has spent the last five years at the University of Notre Dame overseeing its strength and conditioning programs for 800 athletes in 26 sports, with the main responsibility of working with the Irish football program under Coach Charlie Weis. While with the Irish, the football team participated in two BCS Bowls and made an appearance in the Hawaii Bowl.
Prior to Notre Dame, Mendoza was the Director of Strength and Conditioning at the University of Mississippi for four years, overseeing the Rebels 16 varsity sports, with the main responsibility of working with football under Coach David Cutcliffe. While at Mississippi, the Rebels made appearances at both the Independence and Cotton Bowls.
Prior to Ole Miss, Ruben served as Assistant Director for four years under Joey Batson at Clemson University, overseeing the Olympic sports and the graduate assistantship program and assisting with the Tigers football program under Coaches Tommy West and Tommy Bowden. During this time, the Tigers participated in two Peach Bowls and a Gator Bowl.
Mendoza spent four years as the Coordinator of Strength and Conditioning at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga before going to Clemson, working with 16 varsity sports. He also spent one season at Presbyterian College coaching the defensive line, as well as serving as the assistant strength coach and freshman dorm director. He began his strength and conditioning career as a Graduate Assistant under Eric Fears at the University of South Carolina.
Ruben, himself, was a Kodak All-American in 1985 as an Offensive Lineman at Wayne State College in Nebraska. He also earned NAIA All-American and CSIC All-Conference first team honors and was a two-time team captain. Mendoza earned his Bachelors of Science Degree from Wayne State College in 1989.
Ruben holds certifications through the Collegiate Strength & Conditioning Coaches Association (SCCC) and USA Weightlifting Federation (Club Coach).
He and his wife Kristen have five children.
