Jacob Topple Named Head Strength and Conditioning Coach For Augusta Athletics

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Jacob Topple has been named the first Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for Augusta University Athletics, a new position created in conjunction with the construction of the Al & Yvette Harris Sports Performance Center.

Topple comes to Augusta from Western Carolina University, where he served as Assistant Sports Performance Coach. During his time with the Catamounts, he led training programs for baseball and men’s and women’s golf, while also stepping in as interim Head Sports Performance Coach for football during the 2023 season. He played a key role in staff development, including the creation of a department-wide internship program.

“This hire comes at the conclusion of a year-long national search in which we received over one hundred applications and conducted multiple rounds of interviews with an extremely competitive pool of candidates,” said Mason Grounds, Associate Athletics Director for Operations. “We are thrilled to officially welcome Jacob Topple as the new Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for Augusta University Athletics. I want to extend a sincere thank you to our dedicated hiring committee for their time, energy, and commitment to finding the best possible leader for this critical role. Jacob brings an exciting vision and passion for athlete development, and we are confident he will have an immediate and lasting impact on our programs. This marks the beginning of a new era for Augusta Athletics—a department-wide commitment to the holistic growth and performance of our student-athletes.”

“I’m grateful and excited for this opportunity to lead the Strength and Conditioning department at Augusta University,” Topple said. “This opportunity means a great deal to me—not just as a coach, but as someone who believes deeply in the development of student-athletes for their sports and for life beyond athletics. I’m looking forward to building strong relationships with our athletes, helping them grow through hard work and accountability, and being part of a community that values excellence and character. I can’t wait to get started with the Jags.”

Topple brings a wide range of experience at the collegiate, high school, and private training levels. He previously led strength programs for all varsity and junior varsity teams at White Knoll High School and held the role of Assistant Director of Athletic Performance at Byrnes High School in South Carolina. His background also includes experience training youth, collegiate, and professional athletes at Next Level Strength and Conditioning in New York.

Topple holds a Master of Science in Exercise Science and Wellness from Liberty University and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from The College at Brockport. He is a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and also holds certifications in first aid/CPR and nutrition.

He will lead all aspects of athletic performance training across Augusta’s 15 NCAA programs, based out of the Al & Yvette Sports Performance Center.

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