Army ROTC enlists first strength and conditioning coach

Coach-Natalie-Reetz-headPULLMAN, Wash. – Army ROTC at Washington State University welcomes returning senior Natalie Reetz as the unit’s first strength and conditioning coach. A personal trainer majoring in sports science, she will assist cadets to achieve their maximum individual physical potential.

Specifically, she will work with the ROTC staff to plan the unit physical readiness training schedule, identify group and individual fitness strengths and weaknesses and work with injured cadets. She will provide nutrition counseling and advice on workout plans outside of formal unit training.

Coach-Natalie-Reetz
Coach Natalie Reetz

“The cadets will get a more rounded understanding of all the aspects of fitness and health that will carry them through further endeavors within the Army or simply through their lives,” Reetz said.

In addition to her duties with ROTC, she is a personal trainer at the WSU Student Recreation Center and a competitive weightlifter who holds three Washington state records.

ROTC cadets train thoughout the academic year to develop the physical and mental toughness required of a professional military officer. Unit physical training encompasses activities including strength training, cardiovascular fitness, competitive sports, forced marches, field exercises and team building activities.

ROTC has been a proud part of WSU since 1892, said Lt. Col. Chris Heatherly, chair of the Department of Military Science. The program commissions approximately 20 Army officers per year.

For more information on ROTC, visit https://rotc.wsu.edu/ or contact Garry Nestler at 509-335-7394.