David VanDyke brings over two decades of extensive performance coaching expertise to his role as Assistant Athletics Director-Strength and Conditioning, now in his ninth season with the program. Specializing in basketball, VanDyke oversees the strength and conditioning regimen for 23 of the Scarlet Knights’ 24 athletic programs.
Partnering with athletic trainer Rich Campbell, VanDyke has played a pivotal role in enhancing the health and well-being of men’s basketball student-athletes, resulting in a remarkable reduction in game-time injuries. Under his guidance, the team saw just three total games missed due to injuries in the 2019-20 season, a testament to his dedication to player wellness and conditioning.
Benefitting from state-of-the-art facilities at the RWJBarnabas Health Athletic Performance Center, VanDyke operates within the cutting-edge "Platek Family Strength and Conditioning Area." This 6,950 square-foot space features top-tier amenities such as a 40-yard inlaid turf track, and advanced individualized student-athlete monitoring technology.
Committed to leveraging the latest technologies to propel performance, VanDyke integrates innovative systems like Sparta Science, Kinexon, and EliteForm into the men’s basketball program. These tools provide objective performance assessments, real-time data analysis, and evidence-based training prescriptions, enabling VanDyke to tailor training regimens to each athlete's needs effectively.
Moreover, VanDyke ensures comprehensive player assessment by welcoming BAM (Basic Athletic Measurement) for pre-season testing at the APC. Collaborating with a team of experts utilizing precise measuring tools, BAM provides valuable insights into player performance, aiding in both personal and professional development.
Prior to his tenure at Rutgers, VanDyke distinguished himself as Director of Speed, Strength and Conditioning at Stony Brook University, where he played a pivotal role in the success of 20 intercollegiate programs. Under his leadership, the university secured numerous conference championships across various sports, including notable achievements such as baseball's 2012 College World Series appearance and men’s basketball's NCAA Tournament berth in 2016.
VanDyke’s career in strength and conditioning began at Texas A&M as an intern, and he further honed his skills at La Salle University and Penn State University, where he earned both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Kinesiology.
