NORTHFIELD, Vt. - Three members of the Norwich University strength & conditioning staff have earned professional distinctions through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), recognizing their coaching experience and continued commitment to the field.

Graduate assistants Rhyan Socash and Jacob Parker have each earned the Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach distinction, while Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach and Health and Human Performance Department Lab Coordinator Jess Johnson received the Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach with Distinction designation.

The Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach credential, commonly abbreviated as RSCC, recognizes coaches who have accumulated verified hands-on experience while continuing to meet the NSCA's professional and educational standards. Johnson's RSCC*D designation recognizes more than 10 years of documented coaching experience.

"Seeing our graduate assistants and Coach Johnson earn the RSCC distinction is a reflection of the dedication and professionalism they bring to our program every single day," said Scott Caulfield, Director of Strength & Conditioning.  "This credential shows that a strength coach has put in the work, upheld the highest standards, and is genuinely committed to developing athletes safely and effectively.  I couldn't be prouder of what they've achieved."

The distinctions are awarded through the NSCA Coaching Registry, which provides a verified record of a coach's professional experience.  Candidates must meet eligibility requirements related to hands-on coaching hours, continuing education, and professional conduct.

Johnson's RSCC*D recognition places her among coaches who have demonstrated sustained experience within the profession.  In addition to her work with Norwich student-athletes, she supports the University's Health and Human Performance program as its laboratory coordinator.

Socash and Parker earned their RSCC distinctions while serving as graduate assistants within the Norwich strength & conditioning program.  Their responsibilities include supporting the planning and implementation of training programs, coaching student-athletes through daily workouts, and assisting with the physical development of Norwich's varsity teams.

Together, the three distinctions add to the professional credentials represented within a Norwich strength & conditioning program that supports more than 600 student-athletes across the University's varsity programs.

The recognition also continues Norwich's extensive connection with the NSCA under Caulfield, who was hired in June 2021 as the University's first full-time Director of Strength & Conditioning.

Caulfield spent 11 years working for the NSCA as its Coaching Education Manager and Head Strength & Conditioning Coach.  His tenure with the organization included work at its Colorado Springs headquarters and a partnership with Colorado College, where he trained the NCAA Division I men's ice hockey and women's soccer programs.

He was named the 2025 NSCA College Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year, a national honor recognizing his leadership, impact, and contributions to the profession.  Earlier this year, Caulfield was also named a Fellow of the NSCA, one of the organization's highest distinctions.

Caulfield has held several leadership positions within the organization and its foundation, including service as President of the NSCA Foundation Board of Directors.  He previously served as the NSCA's Vermont State Director and has remained active in professional education, mentorship, and the development of opportunities for young coaches.

He also holds the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with Distinction and Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach with Distinction credentials through the NSCA, along with USA Weightlifting's Level 2 Advanced Sports Performance Coach certification.

That experience has helped shape the professional development model within Norwich's strength & conditioning program.  Graduate assistants and staff members gain hands-on coaching experience while working toward advanced credentials, continuing education, and long-term careers in collegiate athletics, exercise science, and human performance.

Founded in 1978, the NSCA is an educational nonprofit serving strength and conditioning coaches, researchers, educators, performance specialists, personal trainers, tactical professionals, and others throughout the exercise science field.  The organization promotes research-based practices designed to safely and effectively improve health and athletic performance.