HARRISONBURG, Va. – EMU Director of Athletics Carrie S. Bert announces the resignation of Michael Reiskind, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach and Director of the Fitness Center.

"First of all, I want to thank Carrie for giving me the opportunity to start the Strength and Conditioning program," Reiskind said. "It has been an honor to work with every student athlete and coach during my time here. The relationships I have built will last a lifetime and I know I have left EMU better than I found it. I want to thank everyone here for the impact they have made on me and how appreciative I am of them."

Reiskind became the first Strength and Conditioning coach in EMU history, when he was hired in February 2023. He came in and hit the ground running, and spent the last year developing programs to help better the Royals athletic teams.

"While there are certainly numerous quantitative ways to measure the positive impact Michael had on EMU athletes, they pale in comparison to the impact he had on EMU Athletics as a whole," said Justin Carey, men's soccer head coach. "His relentless desire to hold people accountable, compete, and win at a high level elevated all facets of our department. Not only was he a great colleague, but a tremendous friend."

Prior to coming to EMU, Reiskind was the assistant strength and conditioning coach at Appalachian State University. During his time with the Mountaineers, he earned his Master's Degree in exercise science. He graduated from the University of Lynchburg with a Bachelor's Degree, also in exercise science. He was also a member of the Lynchburg baseball team.

"Michael came to EMU with confidence in his ability to build our new S&C program from the ground up and delivered on that assignment," Bert said. "He transformed the free weight room into a space that accommodated team workouts and moved us to a digital platform for managing training programs. He is known for his no nonsense demeanor and high expectations. EMU Athletics is well equipped for a smooth transition thanks to Michael's administrative and organization skills. The Royals wish him well in his new position."

Reiskind will be leaving EMU to become the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Carolina Mudcats, the Single-A affiliate for the Milwaukee Brewers.

"Although I will miss him and his infectious personality, I am so excited for him to take the next step of his career with the Milwaukee Brewers Organization," Carey said.

Reiskind's last day will be Friday, Feb. 16. The search for a new strength and conditioning coach has already begun. Interested applicants can apply at https://emu.edu/careers-at-emu/.