Private Sector Coach of the Year
The Private Sector Coach of the Year Award, previously known as the Personal Trainer of the Year Award, recognizes an NSCA-certified professional working in the private sector who demonstrates exceptional impact in client outcomes, application of evidence-based practices, advocacy for the strength and conditioning profession, and significant contributions to the NSCA.
Private Sector Award Eligibility
Each nominee will be asked to provide a written or video submission detailing their achievements in client impact, evidence-based practices, advocacy, and NSCA contributions, as well as a letter of reference that will be reviewed and scored by at least three members of the NSCA Personal Trainer PDG.
In addition, nominees may earn up to 17 objective points based on membership history, volunteer service, publications, conference participation, certification status, and other NSCA contributions.
NSCA Members in good standing may nominate other NSCA Members or themselves.
Nominations are open August-December
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
| Current Member for 3 consecutive years* |
| Holds an active NSCA certification |
| Has at least one full year of service in an NSCA volunteer role or has made significant contributions to NSCA activities |
| Award not previously received |
Additional requirements listed in the General Awards Criteria, include but not limited to, nominee must be nominated by a member in good standing and nominees will be sent a criteria sheet to fill out that must be returned before the required deadline.
*Consecutive membership is counted back from the date the award is to be conferred.
How are Awardees are Selected for the Private Sector Coach of the Year Award
Gathering Nominations
Nominations are gathered August–December each year. Any nomination received before the established deadline will be accepted for review of eligibility. Nominees will be notified of their nomination along with a request to complete the required materials.
Eligibility Verification and Points Tally
NSCA Headquarters will verify eligibility. The overall objective points for each nominee will be tallied and submitted with the nominee's materials for review by the Personal Trainer PDG. Nominees will be reviewed and scored by at least three members of the Personal Trainer PDG.
Awardee Notification
1. The Chair will notify NSCA Headquarters and the Awards and Honors Committee Chair of the selected recipient.
2. The Awards and Honors Committee Chair will notify the NSCA Board of Directors of the recipient.
3. The NSCA Headquarters will notify the recipient of the award, send regret notifications, create a Press Release announcement of the winner, and verify attendance at the National Conference awards banquet.
If there are no qualifying nominees, the award will not be given.
Award Timeline
August – Nominations open.
December – Nominations close and nominees are contacted to submit required materials.
February – Nominees are required to have all materials submitted, and NSCA staff will verify eligibility requirements have been met before submitting nominee materials to the Personal Trainer PDG Chair.
April – The Personal Trainer PDG Chair will submit the recipient's name to NSCA Headquarters.
April – NSCA Headquarters will notify nominees and coordinate press announcements.
July – Award conferred at the National Conference Awards Banquet.
Private Sector Coach of the Year Recipients
Congratulations 2026 Personal Trainer of the Year
Rachel Selman, DPT, CPSS, CSCS
Dr. Rachel Selman is a strength and conditioning coach, physical therapist, and performance specialist in Charlotte, NC. With a chemistry background from Georgia Tech and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Mercer University, she brings an integrated approach to training, physical therapy, and performance. Dr. Selman has advanced training in pelvic health and running biomechanics and authored the first clinical commentary in the United States on pre- and postnatal rehabilitation for athletes. She owns and operates an integrated wellness facility providing one-on-one training, physical therapy, and performance services. She is also the author of Floor It: Using the Pelvic Floor to Power Performance. Dr. Selman is committed to pelvic health integration in strength and conditioning through athlete advocacy, whole-person care, and better outcomes for athletes regardless of gender.
2025 Winner
Josh McMillian, PhD, CSCS, RSCC*D
2024 Winner
Tara De Leon, MS, CSCS, NSCA-CPT
2023 Winner
Rocky Snyder III, CSCS, NSCA-CPT
2022 - Vernon Griffith II, CSCS,*D
2020 - Alexis Batrakoulis, PhD, CSPS,*D, CSCS,*D, NSCA-CPT,*D
2019 - Melody Schoenfeld, MA, CSCS,*D, RCPT*E
2018 - Chad Landers, CSCS, RCPT*E
2017 - Michael Rickett, MS, CSCS,*D, CSPS, NSCA-CPT, RCPT*D
2016 – Nick Tumminello, NSCA-CPT
2015 – Brandi Binkley, MS, NSCA-CPT
2014 - Heath R. Pierce, MEd, RSCC, CSCS,*D, NSCA-CPT,*D, HFS
2013 - Chat Williams, MS, CSCS,*D, CSPS, NSCA-CPT, FNSCA
2012 - Robert C. Linkul, CSCS,*D, NSCA-CPT
2011 - Brad Schoenfeld, CSCS, NSCA-CPT
2009 - Mark Nutting, CSCS,*D, NSCA-CPT,*D
2008 - Benjamin Greenfield, MS, CSCS, NSCA-CPT
2007 - Jeffrey Segal, CSCS, NSCA-CPT
2006 - Michael Yu Seril, MS, NSCA-CPT
2005 - Michael Ranieri, CSCS,*D, NSCA-CPT,*D
2004 - Maria Teresa Mendizabal, NSCA-CPT,*D
2003 - Gina Lombardi, NSCA-CPT,*D
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