We recently connected with Jeffrey Lee and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jeffrey thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Is there a heartwarming story from your career that you look back on?

As a high school strength coach, I’ve had the honor of working with student-athletes in a setting where weight training wasn’t a core part of their routine. One of my most rewarding experiences was coaching the boys’ basketball team in their weight training program, ultimately helping them win a state championship in their league.

Equally fulfilling was my work with the girls’ basketball team. Many of these young athletes had never stepped into a weight room, let alone felt confident lifting weights. Together, we built not just their physical strength, but also their self-esteem, in a space that was traditionally unfamiliar to them. Watching them gain the knowledge and confidence to excel in the weight room—and knowing this empowerment would extend beyond sports—remains one of the most heartwarming moments of my career.

What really helps these kids trust my coaching and medical advice is my own background in competition. Having been a high school shot putter and later a strongman competitor for about 10 years, I draw from more than 20 years of experience to guide these athletes. My competition career started in high school 2002 and after graduating high school I would only train on my own in the gym. It wasn’t until after graduate school that I began competing seriously in 2014. Over the years, I continued to improve, and in 2023, I won the America’s Strongest Man title in the under-105kg category and earned a bronze medal at the World’s Strongest Man competition in the same weight class. I use these experiences to inspire and give back to the student-athletes I work with.

Jeffrey , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a high school strength coach and athletic trainer with a passion for helping student-athletes unlock their full potential, both on and off the field. My journey into this field began with my love for sports and fitness during my own high school years as a shot putter. Back then, my coach, though not an expert in the sport, dedicated countless hours to helping me improve. He provided a foundation in lifting and competition, but I often wondered how much further I could have gone with proper training. That experience sparked a desire in me to become the coach I wished I’d had—one who provides comprehensive guidance and expertise to athletes. I also compete as a strongman competitor in the 105kg weight class. The 10+ years of training and competing has helped build my coaching and treatment background for the student athletes.

Now, I continuously seek knowledge about lifting, conditioning, and sports performance to ensure I can offer the best possible training for my athletes. In my role, I work with student-athletes across various sports, designing strength and conditioning programs tailored to their specific needs. Since weight training isn’t a required part of their routines at my school, I focus on introducing them to the fundamentals of lifting, injury prevention, and performance optimization. My goal is to make the weight room a positive and empowering space where students feel both capable and supported.

What sets me apart is my emphasis on education and mindset. I’m not just teaching athletes to lift heavier or run faster—I’m equipping them with skills they can carry into adulthood. Whether it’s understanding their bodies better, developing mental resilience, or building confidence in new environments, I want these lessons to extend beyond the gym.

One of my proudest accomplishments has been working with our girls’ basketball team. Many of these athletes had never stepped into a weight room before. Helping them build strength and confidence in a space that once felt intimidating to them has been deeply rewarding. Likewise, my work with the boys’ basketball team contributed to a state championship victory—a moment that reaffirmed the value of what I do.

Ultimately, my goal is to empower young people, not just as athletes but as individuals. I want them to leave my program feeling stronger, more capable, and prepared to tackle challenges both on and off the court.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In addition to being an athletic trainer and strength coach, I’m also a strongman competitor. My experiences in training and competition not only help me grow as an individual but also serve as valuable lessons I bring to the student-athletes I work with. One of the most defining moments in my journey came during my preparation for the World Championships in my weight class in December 2023—a competition that tested my resilience like never before.

Leading up to the event, I faced two major setbacks. First, I suffered a head injury when a PVC pipe fell on me, causing migraines that persisted for weeks. Just as I recovered from that, I tore my rotator cuff and labrum in my shoulder, leaving me with only three solid weeks of training instead of my usual 8–10 weeks. Despite these challenges, I trusted in my skills and experience and decided to compete.

On the first day of the three-day competition, I tore another muscle in my shoulder while carrying a 750-pound frame. The pain was intense, but I refused to give up. I pushed through the remaining two days of competition, relying on sheer determination and mental toughness. In the end, I earned a spot on the podium—a testament to resilience, preparation, and the ability to adapt under pressure.

This experience not only reinforced my belief in the power of perseverance but also deepened my ability to coach my student-athletes through their own challenges. Whether they’re facing setbacks or doubts, I can genuinely share the value of grit and determination, having lived it myself.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Aside from the medical training and strength and conditioning knowledge I’ve gained over the years, I believe one of the most important factors in succeeding in my field is being upfront and honest with everyone I work with—students, their parents, and my coworkers.

I strive to provide them with the best options and as much information as possible. If there’s something I don’t know, I’m not afraid to admit it and take the time to find the right answer. This transparency builds trust and fosters strong relationships, which I’ve found to be critical for success in my role. Trust is the foundation that allows me to effectively support my athletes and collaborate with others, ensuring the best outcomes for everyone involved.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @chunkeecheese

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