Reid M. Labenz, C.S.C.S., serves as the Assistant Director of Strength and Conditioning at UNLV, where he has been a key member of the Rebels’ performance staff since February 2023. In his current role, Labenz oversees strength and conditioning programs for the UNLV baseball and women’s soccer teams, implementing evidence-based training strategies designed to enhance athletic performance while reducing injury risk. He also serves as the department’s internship coordinator, managing and mentoring a cohort of interns each semester while developing and teaching a comprehensive curriculum to prepare aspiring strength coaches for professional advancement.
In addition to his work at UNLV, Labenz expanded his professional experience as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for SlamBall during the summer of 2023, where he directed training for elite athletes, coordinated pre-game and practice preparation, and managed a multi-team weight room environment.
Prior to UNLV, Labenz was an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at the University of North Florida from 2021 to 2023. There, he designed and led training programs for a wide range of sports, including baseball, softball, women’s soccer, swimming, tennis, golf, and cross country. His responsibilities also included monitoring athlete performance through heart rate and GPS data, contributing to internship program development, and fostering strong relationships across athletic departments.
Labenz began his full-time career as a graduate assistant at Cameron University, where he oversaw strength and conditioning programs for multiple teams while collaborating closely with sports medicine and performance staff. He also played an important role in maintaining safe training environments during the COVID-19 pandemic. His coaching foundation was built through a variety of internships and early-career roles, including positions at the University of Nebraska Omaha, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Progressive Fitness & Performance. He also gained valuable leadership experience working with high school athletes at Creighton Prep and Warren Academy, where he designed and implemented football strength programs and supervised interns.
Labenz earned a Master of Science in Behavioral Sciences (Psychology) from Cameron University and a Bachelor of Science in Education in Kinesiology from the University of Nebraska Omaha. He holds certification as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and is certified in First Aid/CPR/AED through the American Red Cross.
