Book Private Track-and-field Lessons with Coach Shalise Borden

My athletic experience is deeply rooted in both playing and coaching roles. I have been involved in sports since I could remember and have been involved in almost every team sport there is. In high school, I played varsity level basketball and was a State Championship competitor in track and field all 4 years. I continued my athletic career in college where I competed at Central Arizona College for 2 years and was later recruited by several DI and DII schools. I was eventually earned an athletic scholarship and competed as a Division I NCAA student-athlete on the Track and Field team at The University of Texas at San Antonio, where I set a school record and competed at the NCAA DI Regional Championships. My athletic career also included several leadership roles as team captain and multiple accolades for academic and athletic excellence. These experiences honed my understanding of the physical and mental resilience required to excel in sports.

As a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with a strong background in coaching across multiple sports, I focus on a holistic approach to athletic development. I begin by conducting comprehensive fitness assessments to identify an athlete’s strengths, weaknesses, and specific needs. Using this information, I design individualized training programs that address both physical performance and injury prevention.

I also place a significant emphasis on proper technique and form, ensuring that athletes execute exercises safely and effectively to maximize results. Drawing from my experience of developing tailored programs for football, basketball, soccer, track, and more, I can help athletes enhance their strength, speed, agility, and endurance, which translates directly to improved game performance.

In addition to physical conditioning, I emphasize mental preparation and goal setting. I’ve worked with athletes to build confidence and focus, whether coaching state champions in track and field or helping teams achieve historic milestones like playoff wins. My goal is to help every athlete unlock their full potential, both on and off the field.

A typical training session depends on the athlete’s goals and the focus of the session—whether it’s speed/strength, mental performance, or track and field throwing. Each session is tailored to each individual athlete’s needs and might look different each time depending on what their goals are, the number of sessions, the location, and if the session is in-person or virtual.

Speed/Strength Session: These sessions begin with a dynamic warm-up to prepare the body for explosive movements. We focus on drills that improve agility, acceleration, and overall power. This is followed by strength training tailored to the athlete’s sport, emphasizing proper technique and functional strength to enhance performance and reduce injury risk. Each session concludes with a cool-down routine, focusing on recovery and injury prevention, such as stretching and mobility work. Sessions may vary based on the needs of the athlete, experience level, and location. Virtual sessions are available.

Track and Field Throwing Session: For throwing events like shot put, discus, javelin, or hammer the session starts with specific mobility exercises to enhance range of motion. Next, we work on technique through drills that reinforce proper mechanics and footwork. The session often includes different power and technique exercises, such as medicine ball throws and Olympic lifts, to develop explosive strength. Then we will finish each session with complete reps with focus on what was learned in the prior drills. Sessions may vary based on the needs of the athlete, experience level, and location. Virtual or video analysis sessions are available.

Mental Performance Session: Mental preparation is just as important as physical conditioning. These sessions involve goal setting, visualization techniques, and strategies to build focus, confidence, and resilience. We also address performance anxiety and teach routines to maintain composure during high-pressure situations. Sessions may vary based on the needs of the athlete, experience level, and location. Virtual or in-person sessions are available.

I have had several amazing coaches and mentors who have helped me grow as an athlete and a coach.

My high school basketball coach, Sarah Whaley took over our program my senior year and she helped me build mental toughness and confidence in my abilities. She helped teach me and my teammates the importance of hard work and creating change by being uncomfortable and challenging ourselves. She instilled a lot of great values that I have taken into my own coaching style.

My high school track and field coaches, Cameron Dozier, Michael Maes, and Marty Honea, all helped me develop the skills, knowledge, and love for the sport. Their dedication to the sport helped to create the passion I have and has heavily influenced my decision to pursue a career in coaching track and field.

My college track and field coach, Chris Adams helped me to grow as an athlete and person. He built trust with his athletes and cared about us as his family. He helped us keep the fun aspect of the sport and made us enjoy being at practice everyday. He also made it possible for me to pursue an opportunity to design the strength program for his team during my time as a graduate assistant with the UTSA strength and conditioning department.

There are many great coaches that I have had in my life but these coaches have made impactful contributions to my athletic and coaching careers beyond playing sports.

As a speed and strength coach, I design and implement individualized training programs that prioritize physical performance, injury prevention, and mental performance techniques. Additionally, I’ve supported athletes in overcoming challenges, setting attainable goals, and achieving milestones in their athletic careers.

Academically, I hold an Associate’s degree in Athletic Training, a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Athletic Coaching, and a Master’s degree in Sport Pedagogy. While completing my graduate studies, I completed advanced sport psychology courses that enhanced my understanding of the mental and emotional aspects of athletic performance and how important mentality is for an athlete. This education has provided me with a strong foundation in applying psychological principles to help athletes build confidence, improve focus, and develop mental toughness.