Michael Pimentel is an O2X Strength & Conditioning Specialist. Michael is also a varsity collegiate strength and conditioning coach at Brown University. Michael received both his Bachelors in Exercise Science and his Masters in Strength and Conditioning from Bridgewater State University. He helps oversee 38 varsity sports, and specializes in 10: Men’s Lacrosse, Men’s & Women’s Hockey, Men’s & Women’s Crew, Men’s & Women’s Water Polo, Women’s Soccer, and Men’s & Women’s Swim & Dive. Michael works with each and every one of his athletes on injury prevention, maximizing athletic potential, educating on healthy lifestyle, and giving them tools for life, ensuring that they have a positive student/athlete experience. Michael has helped prepare his athletes for several Final Fours, NCAA Tournaments, and Ivy League Championships. Along his journey he has helped produce All Americans, National Champions and professional athletes. Michael is passionate about continuing education, learning new concepts, and bettering himself and those around him. He has a strong connection with his team, and maekes sure he stays current in his field in order to help his athletes thrive, recover faster, and stay ahead of their competition. Michael is certified through the SCCC, one of the highest ranking certifications in the field for collegiate strength and conditioning coaches. He is also a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength & Conditioning Association and a certified Sports Performance coach through the United States Weightlifting Association (USAW). Michael strives for excellence with his athletes in recovery, which is why he holds a certification through Reflexive Performance Reset. During his Master’s program, Michael conducted a research study on concussion prevention in sports, as well as co-publishing an article on grip strength. Throughout the course of his educational career, Michael completed several internships at top strength & conditioning programs, such as University of Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Brown University.Michael has a strong sense of empathy with his athletes and holds himself as a leader, not a boss. His own experience in collegiate sports allows him to connect on a deeper level with his athletes and assist them beyond what the textbooks teach. His emphasis on mental health and living a fulfilling, balanced lifestyle, makes him not only a well-rounded coach, but a mentor to many. Michael continues to compete in powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, prone paddling, and open water swimming, as well as participates in recreational surfing. Michael holds a healthy sense of competition, which allows him to grow as a professional and as an individual. On a daily basis, Michael is striving for excellence with the hope he can help the world become 1% better.