Timothy Smith Jr., PhD, CSCS
About
Professional Overview
Timothy Smith Jr. is an accomplished strength coach, sports scientist, and scout with a diverse background spanning collegiate athletics, professional sports, and fit-tech startups. With extensive experience in performance optimization and coaching sciences, Tim has worked with elite athletes across multiple sports, combining his expertise in sports performance and player personnel to drive measurable results.
Career Highlights
Tim’s career began after earning his BS in Biomedical Sciences & Business Management in 2016. He launched his professional journey with an internship at Eric Cressey’s renowned gym in Jupiter, FL. From 2016 to 2021, he served as a collegiate strength coach at prestigious institutions, including Keiser, Vanderbilt, Purdue, Middle Tennessee State, and the University of Washington. During this time, he pursued advanced education, earning an MS in Coaching Sciences at Purdue and a PhD in Sport Pedagogy at Middle Tennessee State, where his research focused on quantifying and predicting coaching performance.
In 2021, Tim transitioned to sports science, working with the Tampa Bay Rays and the Detroit Tigers as Coordinator of Performance Science. He further expanded his expertise by moving into player personnel and acquisition, serving as a scout for the Pittsburgh Pirates and as a college football and basketball scout for Sports Info Solutions. Currently, Tim is the Fitness Manager at a rock climbing facility, where he leads growth and revenue development initiatives.
Specialties and Expertise
Strength and conditioning for elite athletes
Sports science and performance optimization
Player personnel and scouting
Revenue development and fitness program management
Credentials and Education
BS in Biomedical Sciences & Business Management, [Keiser University]
MS in Coaching Sciences, Purdue University
PhD in Sport Pedagogy, Middle Tennessee State University
Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
Approach to Coaching
Tim’s approach to coaching is built on the foundation of individualization and specificity. A cornerstone to his method of coaching is critically analyzing programming and exercise selection to give his clients the most efficient journey from their starting point to their strength and fitness goals.
Personal Touch
Originally from Nashville, TN, Tim currently resides in Phoenix, AZ. He enjoys outdoor activities, reading, and emceeing, which reflect his passion for engaging with diverse communities and maintaining a dynamic lifestyle.
Client Testimonial
My name is Nadia Kellam and I’m a trapeze performer. I met Tim during one of his strength training workshops in Tempe, AZ. I am in my early 40’s and had been sidelined from performing trapeze due to a bicep tendon strain in my shoulder. I was also interested in strength training to improve my bone mineral density, utilize shoulder strengthening to avoid surgery and re-injury and to improve my trapeze performance. I have been working with Tim for over 8 weeks and despite my doctor's recommendation for surgery and/or to let my bicep tendon completely rupture. I completely returned to full activity after 7 months off. My previous max pull ups went from 10 pre-injury to 15 in my second phase of training with him. Our workouts are engaging, fresh, specific to my needs and just the right blend of challenging and achievable.