Staff Directory

Joe Plaza
- Title:
- Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Email:
CAREER SUMMARY
Joe Plaza joined the Rutgers Athletics staff in September 2025 as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach, primarily contributing to the athletic development and performance training of the Men’s and Women’s Basketball programs. In addition to his role with basketball, he serves as the head strength and conditioning coach for the Spirit Program (Cheer and Dance).
Prior to his full-time position at Rutgers, he served as a Strength and Conditioning Intern with the Scarlet Knights during the summer of 2025. Before his time in Piscataway, he completed a strength and conditioning internship at Princeton University, working primarily with the Football, Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse, Wrestling, and Women’s Water Polo programs. Additionally, he gained coaching experience at his alma mater, serving as a Student Assistant Quarterback Coach for The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) football team during the 2024 season.
A former collegiate student-athlete, he played wide receiver for the TCNJ football team. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
CAREER TIMELINE
Education: The College of New Jersey, 2025 – B.S. in Kinesiology and Health Sciences
Hometown: Delran, New Jersey
Joe Plaza joined the Rutgers Athletics staff in September 2025 as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach, primarily contributing to the athletic development and performance training of the Men’s and Women’s Basketball programs. In addition to his role with basketball, he serves as the head strength and conditioning coach for the Spirit Program (Cheer and Dance).
Prior to his full-time position at Rutgers, he served as a Strength and Conditioning Intern with the Scarlet Knights during the summer of 2025. Before his time in Piscataway, he completed a strength and conditioning internship at Princeton University, working primarily with the Football, Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse, Wrestling, and Women’s Water Polo programs. Additionally, he gained coaching experience at his alma mater, serving as a Student Assistant Quarterback Coach for The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) football team during the 2024 season.
A former collegiate student-athlete, he played wide receiver for the TCNJ football team. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
CAREER TIMELINE
- 2025–Present – Rutgers University • Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Spring 2025 – Princeton University • Strength and Conditioning Intern
- Summer 2025 – Rutgers University • Strength and Conditioning Intern
- 2023–2024 – The College of New Jersey • Student Assistant Quarterback Coach
Education: The College of New Jersey, 2025 – B.S. in Kinesiology and Health Sciences
Hometown: Delran, New Jersey
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