Colin Coughenour currently serves as the head of athletic performance for Chico State Athletics, where he leads an integrated approach to student-athlete health and performance. His role bridges multiple disciplines—including strength and conditioning, kinesiology/sport science, sports psychology, nutrition, athletic training, and sports medicine—to elevate the student-athlete experience and drive success both on and off the field.
Coughenour joined Chico State in 2019 as head strength and conditioning coach before transitioning into his current leadership role. His coaching career spans positions at California (2019), Sonoma State (2012–2019), College of Marin (2018–2019), and Santa Rosa Junior College (2014–2015).
Alongside his coaching, Colin has extensive experience as an educator. He has taught in the Department of Kinesiology at Sonoma State, College of Marin, and now Chico State, where he lectures on Advanced Principles of Strength and Conditioning as part of the NSCA’s Education Recognition Program. Passionate about advancing the field, he actively mentors and develops the next generation of strength and conditioning professionals.
Before his collegiate career, Coughenour spent a decade in the private sector fitness industry, working as a personal trainer, performance coach, fitness manager, director of education, and business owner. Through his company, Pro Power Fitness (2011–2018), he hosted speed development camps and combine-prep programs for youth and high school athletes.
Coughenour holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Kinesiology from Sonoma State University. His professional credentials include Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), USA Weightlifting Coach (USAW-L1), Performance Enhancement Specialist (NASM-PES), Corrective Exercise Specialist (NASM-CES), and Fitness Nutrition Specialist (NASM-FNS). He also maintains CPR/AED and First Aid certification through the American Heart Association.
A former multi-sport athlete growing up, Coughenour had a decorated high school football career. He went on to play football at Santa Rosa Junior College and the College of Marin before injuries shifted his focus fully to sports performance.
Originally from Sonoma County, California, Coughenour lives in Chico with his wife, Kinsey, their son, Cassius (“Cash”), and daughters, Kennedy and Kyra.
