We were lucky to catch up with Melissa Prieto recently and have shared our conversation below.

Melissa , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

After years of working with elite athletes and gaining invaluable experience in different sports disciplines, I started practicing and working with Combat Sports athletes and realized there was a gap in the industry for a truly personalized, data-driven, and interdisciplinary approach to sports performance. That realization inspired me to establish my own practice, focusing on holistic athlete development.

I defined my mission and what I wanted to bring to the industry—an approach that combined strength and conditioning, sports science, and athlete management.
I continued to expand my knowledge and credentials, and last but not least NETWORKING has been a game changer in my career it has helped me establish credibility and attract clients.

My advice for young professionals would be all about focusing on building a solid foundation:

1. Be Clear About Your “Why”: Understand your mission and what sets you apart. This clarity will guide your decisions.
2.Start Small, But Start Now: You don’t need everything to be perfect. Take the first step, and let the process refine itself over time.
3.Invest in Yourself: Whether it’s further education, networking events, or tools, always prioritize personal and professional growth.
4.Build Relationships: Your network is your NET WORTH. Treat people well and stay authentic.
5.Stay Resilient: Challenges will come, but they’re opportunities in disguise. Trust your journey and keep pushing forward.

Melissa , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Melissa Prieto, an internationally recognized Sports Performance Specialist and Strength and Conditioning Coach with over a decade of experience in the sports industry. My career is rooted in a deep passion for understanding human performance and helping athletes reach their peak potential, physically and mentally. I specialize in working with elite athletes, particularly in combat sports such as MMA and professional boxing.

How I Got Started
Sports have always been a central part of my life. Growing up, I played competitive tennis and even considered pursuing a professional career. However, life had other plans, and I shifted my focus to studying sports science and performance. My journey took a pivotal turn in 2017 when I was invited to attend a seminar at the UFC Performance Institute. That experience was transformative, opening my eyes to the unique demands of combat sports and setting me on the path I’m on today.

What I Do
I run detailed assessments and performance tests to design strength and conditioning programs tailored to each athlete’s needs. My work ensures fighters are not only stronger and faster but also more resilient and adaptable in their respective sports. Beyond physical performance, I take an interdisciplinary approach, collaborating with other professionals like nutritionists, sports psychologists, and physiotherapists to provide a 360-degree support system for my athletes.

I’ve also worn many hats, assisting athletes with sports management tasks and navigating the complexities of their careers. This holistic perspective allows me to serve as more than just a coach—I’m a partner in their journey to success.

What Problems I Solve
My clients face challenges ranging from injury prevention to optimizing performance for major competitions. I solve these by:

Using data-driven methodologies to create personalized training programs.
Helping athletes recover and come back stronger after setbacks.
Physically preparing them to handle the pressures of competition.

What Sets Me Apart
I believe what truly sets me apart is my dedication to the details and my ability to blend science with practical application. My interdisciplinary approach ensures no stone is left unturned when it comes to an athlete’s development. Additionally, being a woman in a male-dominated industry has given me a unique perspective and drive. I’ve had to prove myself repeatedly, and this resilience has translated into my work ethic and results.

What I’m Most Proud Of
There are so many milestones I’m grateful for, but two stand out:

Working with world-class athletes competing in organizations like the UFC, Bellator, PFL, and WBA.
Recently receiving the award for Best International MMA Strength and Conditioning Coach of 2024 in Spain—a recognition of the hard work and dedication I’ve poured into this field.
What I Want You to Know
My work isn’t just about training—it’s about transformation. Whether you’re a professional athlete or someone striving to better themselves, my mission is to empower you to unlock your full potential.

If there’s one thing I want people to remember about me, it’s this: I’m committed to excellence and authenticity. My brand isn’t just about results; it’s about building trust, creating impact, and helping athletes leave a legacy both inside and outside the ring or cage.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

1. Consistency and Results
At the core, it’s the results I’ve delivered for my athletes. Whether it’s helping fighters perform at their peak in the cage, aiding in injury prevention, or enhancing overall strength and endurance, my work has consistently spoken for itself.

2. Science-Driven Approach
I’ve always prioritized using evidence-based methods in my practice. My background in sports science has allowed me to blend data and analytics with practical, sport-specific applications. This level of detail has set me apart, especially in combat sports, where performance optimization can be the difference between winning and losing.

3. Adaptability and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
my ability to adapt and cater to various athletic needs. Additionally, an interdisciplinary approach—working alongside nutritionists, physiotherapists, —has been instrumental in delivering holistic solutions for athletes.

4. Resilience in a Male-Dominated Industry
As a woman in a male-dominated field, I’ve had to work twice as hard to prove my expertise. While challenging, this has earned me respect and admiration from colleagues, clients, and peers. It’s shown others that talent, hard work, and results are not defined by gender.

5. Building Strong Relationships
I’ve prioritized building meaningful relationships with my athletes and peers. These relationships have created a network of trust, leading to referrals, collaborations, and opportunities. Athletes know I’m invested not just in their performance but also in their overall well-being and success.

What I’ve Learned
Your reputation isn’t built overnight—it’s the result of consistent effort, staying true to your values, and constantly striving for excellence. Being authentic and passionate about what you do will naturally attract respect and recognition.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

I would absolutely choose the same profession and specialty. Being a Sports Performance Specialist and Strength and Conditioning Coach has been more than a career—it’s been a calling. There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing athletes push their limits, achieve their goals, and grow both physically and mentally through the work we do together.

What I love most about this field is the constant evolution and challenge. No two athletes are the same, and every day presents a new opportunity to learn, adapt, and innovate. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it has shaped me into who I am today—a resilient, passionate professional committed to excellence.

That being said, if I could go back, I might take even greater risks earlier in my career. I’ve learned that growth often happens outside of your comfort zone, and embracing challenges sooner could have accelerated some parts of my journey.

In the end, the path I’ve taken—both the triumphs and the challenges—has been incredibly rewarding. I feel fortunate to have found my purpose and to be able to impact lives in such a meaningful way.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: melissapriieto