Nick Garcia

Nick Garcia is one of the leading high school coaches in the country. He has served as the strength coach and throws coach at Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California since 2003.

As of 2018 he has coached 17 boys over 55 feet in the shot put using both the spin and glide techniques. He has also coached two girls over 49 feet (15 meters). In total, he has produced 60 CIF finalists, 5 CIF champions, and 10 state qualifiers.

Garcia was also an active shot putter himself. As a student at California State University Northridge, Garcia was a two-time Big Sky conference champion in the shot put. In ten years of post-collegiate training he increased his personal best to 18.35 meters. This was also done even though, by shot put standards, he is not the typical thrower: he measures just 170-centimeters (5-foot 7-inches) tall and has a snatch of just 105-kilograms. For more about Nick’s approach to throwing, check out this detailed interview with him.

With a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Kinesiology, IAAF Level 5 certification, CSCS certification, and USA Weightlifting credentials, Nick is also an experienced presenter on both strength training and throws training. He is a faculty member for the Gambetta Athletic Improvement Network (GAIN) and has presented at the Canadian National Throws Conference, LA84 Advanced Clinic, and multiple courses and clinics for both the World Athletics Center and HMMR Media. He has also consulted on athletic development topics with professional teams in rugby and was the NHSSCA state and regional coach of the year.