NATIONAL STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2026 LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP HONOREE

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — The NSCA Foundation proudly recognizes Jay Dawes, PhD, CSCS,*D, NSCA-CPT,*D, TSAC-F,*D, FNSCA, as our 2026 Legacy Scholarship Honoree for his lasting contributions to applied strength and conditioning, with an emphasis on tactical athletes.

Created in 2022, the Legacy Scholarship awards $2,000 annually to one NSCA Member pursuing a doctoral degree related to strength and conditioning. The scholarship was developed to acknowledge the significant impact and dedication of NSCA Members and is given in honor of a different member each year.

“I am deeply honored to be selected as the 2026 NSCA Foundation Legacy Scholarship Honoree,” says Dr. Dawes. “This recognition is both humbling and incredibly meaningful to me. The NSCA has shaped my growth personally and professionally as a coach and educator, offering invaluable opportunities for mentorship, development, and lifelong connections. It is a true privilege to be connected with this scholarship that supports the next generation of professionals as they advance our field and uphold the mission of the NSCA.”

Dr. Dawes is a Professor of Applied Exercise Science at Oklahoma State University with approximately 25 years of experience as an athletic performance coordinator, strength coach, personal trainer, and educator. His research focuses on improving health, fitness, and performance in tactical athletes, first responders, and sport athletes. He frequently provides sports science support to elite teams, as well as law enforcement, fire, and military groups.

Additionally, Dr. Dawes has contributed extensively to the NSCA and NSCA Foundation through service and leadership. His impact spans NSCA governance, publications, and educational resources that support professionals across the field. In 2021, he was recognized as the NSCA Tactical Strength and Conditioning Professional of the Year for his contributions to the tactical community.

“It is an honor to recognize Jay as the 2026 NSCA Foundation Legacy Scholarship Honoree,” affirms Scott Caulfield, NSCA Foundation Board Member. “His dedication to the NSCA and the NSCA Foundation, along with his commitment to mentorship and the professional relationships he has built, have made a significant impact on both our field and our community.”

“Dr. Dawes is incredibly well deserving of this honor,” adds Carissa Gordon Gump, NSCA Foundation Executive Director. “He has contributed so much to the NSCA, the NSCA Foundation, and the entire strength and conditioning industry. His passion for advancing the profession through education and mentorship exemplifies the spirit of the Legacy Scholarship.”

If you would like to honor Dr. Dawes, we invite you to make a gift in his name.

To learn more about NSCA Foundation scholarships and eligibility, visit NSCA.com/Scholarships.

Media Note: To schedule an interview, please contact Foundation@NSCA.com.

About the National Strength & Conditioning Association Foundation

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 to support the NSCA’s mission by enhancing the practical applications of strength and conditioning. Since its establishment, the NSCA Foundation has awarded more than 200 research grants and nearly 800 scholarships, totaling over $4 million to advance strength and conditioning research and educational endeavors. The NSCA Foundation is one of the few sources that funds research across education and experience levels — from Master’s degree students up to senior investigators and practitioners — as well as work in the strength and conditioning field. To expand its impact, the NSCA Foundation strives to maximize assets to increase scholarships, grants, and assistantships for NSCA Members.