NATIONAL STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES 2026 TACTICAL STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING AWARD WINNERS

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Tactical Awards. Nominated by the NSCA community, these honorees have advanced readiness, resilience, and operational performance across tactical settings. They will be formally recognized during Opening Ceremonies & Awards at 2026 NSCA Tactical Annual Training, held August 17–20 in Orlando, FL, and online.

The Tactical Strength and Conditioning Professional of the Year Award honors a coach, researcher, tactical professional, educator, or administrator whose influential contributions measurably advance military, law enforcement, or fire and rescue strength and conditioning. Receiving this honor in 2026 is Joel Martin, PhD, CPSS, CSCS,*D, TSAC-F,*D.

Dr. Joel Martin is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology whose research focuses on improving the health, performance, and readiness of tactical athletes, including firefighters, law enforcement, and military personnel. Current studies in his lab examine how load carriage, fatigue, fitness, and other occupational stressors influence movement, cognition, performance, and injury risk. In addition to his research, Dr. Martin mentors students preparing to serve tactical populations as researchers, strength and conditioning professionals, sport scientists, and practitioners. Through applied research experiences, community partnerships, and field-based testing, he prepares students to translate scientific evidence into practical strategies that improve the safety, readiness, and long-term health of tactical professionals. In August 2026, Dr. Martin brings his tactical expertise to the kinesiology faculty at UNC Greensboro.

The Tactical Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year Award recognizes a coach whose influence within their assigned military, law enforcement, or fire and rescue setting exceeds that of their peers. That influence may result from coaching accomplishments such as measurable performance improvements, injury risk reduction, program creation, advancement through innovation, or other initiatives that enhance wellness, health, and performance at the local level. Receiving this honor in 2026 is CJ French, MEd, CSCS, RSCC*D.

Christina Jean “CJ” French is the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the 308th Rescue Squadron at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, where she draws on more than 23 years of experience to support the readiness and well-being of Combat Search and Rescue operators and support personnel. Previously, as Integration Lead and Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Holistic Health and Fitness Integration Team at the U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training, French contributed to the development and revision of Army doctrine to align it with current human performance research and collaborated with an interdisciplinary team to deliver comprehensive performance services to future brigade and battalion commanders. With the 31st Rescue Squadron in Okinawa, Japan, she established the unit’s first human performance training facility, implemented human performance training programs, and helped onboard its first embedded sports medicine doctor, physical therapist, and athletic trainer. At the Tactical Air Control Party Schoolhouse at Hurlburt Field Air Force Base, French designed and implemented the training pipeline’s first human performance program incorporating corrective exercises and advocated for athletic trainers within tactical performance training.

The NSCA invites you to join us in celebrating their achievements at 2026 NSCA Tactical Annual Training in Orlando, FL, and online, August 17–20. Register now at NSCA.com/Tactical-Training.

For more information about the NSCA’s esteemed awards, visit NSCA.com/Awards.

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About the National Strength & Conditioning Association

Founded in 1978, the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is an educational nonprofit dedicated to advancing strength and conditioning and sport science professions around the world. The NSCA empowers a community of professionals by disseminating evidence-based knowledge and its practical application through industry-leading certifications, peer-reviewed research journals, career development services, and continuing education. The NSCA community is composed of more than 60,000 certified professionals and members worldwide who further industry standards as researchers, educators, strength and conditioning coaches, performance and sport scientists, personal trainers, tactical professionals, and other related roles.