Prior to training NFL stars and celebrities, Ryan Lupo was a kid with a dream and a love for sports. Today, he is bringing that same drive and intensity to the halls and fields of UACHS.
Now known to students simply as Coach Lupo, he joined the UACHS staff with a clear purpose. He aims to inspire young athletes to push past their limits, believe in themselves, and improve every single day, on and off the field.
Lupo studied sport and exercise psychology at West Virginia University. From there, his career took him into the world of professional sports. He worked as an off season strength and conditioning coach in the NFL. He trained athletes such as: Tyreek Hill, Von Miller, Frank Gore, and also trained the rapper Gucci Mane.
He eventually became the head coach of strength and conditioning at D1 Training in Middle Town near his hometown of Union Beach, New Jersey.
Even though he worked for big sports and entertainment names Lupo felt like something was missing.
“With the pros, a lot of them had already made it; they didn’t always have the same drive to keep improving,” said Lupo. “High school students are different, they’re still building who they are and they always have something to prove; I wanted to be a part of that process.”
That motivation brought Lupo to UACHS where there is more opportunity to build close relationships with students. His motto is simple: steady progress matters much more than perfection.
“I just want them to be one step better every day,” said Lupo. “Even one percent better adds up over time.”
Sports, health, and wellness have always been an interest of his. Growing up he knew he wanted to dedicate himself to fitness and performance training and as the years went on fitness and training became a lifestyle for him, not just a job.
“This does not look like a career to me,” said Lupo. “It looks like something I want to do every day.”
While football is his favorite sport to train, Lupo also enjoys watching basketball and playing soccer. Aside from sports, he enjoys that athletics teaches discipline and teamwork.
“You’re not just an athlete, you’re a student athlete,” said Lupo. “It teaches core values, makes sure you’re paying attention and it helps control your anxiety and stress levels, sports is just a way to channel that.”
Though Lupo is new to UACHS, he has already made an impact with his energy, experience, and passion. With every rep, Lupo is not just building stronger athletes, he is helping shape stronger futures.
