Jorge Vasquez Set to Become Director of Athletic Performance

Assistant Athletic Director of Sports Medicine Andy Smith announced the hiring of Jorge Vasquez (pronounced George) as the new Director of Athletic Performance on Friday.

"We are excited to bring Jorge aboard as the new director of athletic performance here at Canisius," Smith said. "Jorge brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will serve him well in this position. His enthusiasm and desire to prepare our student-athletes to perform at their highest levels will be a valuable asset to our department."

Prior to his arrival at Canisius, Vasquez served as the Assistant Director of Sports Performance at Cleveland State University. As the primary strength coach for wrestling, softball, mens & womens swimming and diving, mens lacrosse and mens soccer, he worked with athletes to keep them in peak performance and help rehabilitate them from injury in accordance with NCAA Standards. He also was in charge of the Woodling Weight Room and Cleveland State's internship program for Sports Performance.

"I am excited to be at Canisius and help the student-athletes journey towards a successful athletic career," Vasquez said.

He began his career at the collegiate level with the University of South Florida as their Intern Strength and Conditioning Coach. With the Bulls, he assisted with the implementation of yearly training protocols for multiple sports including basketball, football, and multiple Olympic sports.

After a stint at Saint Leo University as their Intern Strength and Conditioning Coach, Vasquez moved to the professional world where he worked with the Miami Marlins as their minor league strength and conditioning coach for the 2015 season. He had the opportunity to work with players such as Miguel Rojas and Brian Anderson. Vasquez helped players return to the field and implement in-season training programs that were used at all levels of the Marlins organization.

Vasquez also worked with the Washington Nationals single-A affiliate Hagerstown Suns during the 2017 season. Just like the Marlins, he had the opportunity to work with MLB stars such as Juan Soto and Francisco Rodriguez during his time in Palm Beach. As the head strength coach, he facilitated pre and postgame workouts, meals and reconditioned injured athletes to return to the field.

Vasquez spent nearly two years at the world-renown IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. as the primary strength and conditioning coach primarily for their nationally-ranked boys' basketball team. He tested athletes with multiple NBA Combine style tests. Vasquez also hosted weekly segments on the CoachNow app to allow families and athletes to view their progress throughout the season.

Vasquez earned his undergraduate degree in physical education with a specialization in exercise science from the University of South Florida in 2014 and currently is pursuing his masters in exercise and nutrition science from the University of Tampa.

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