Phoenix, AZ – ALTIS Higher Education is proud to announce the first three successful applicants for the inaugural cohort of our MSc in Strength, Conditioning, and Coaching Practice, set to begin in January 2025. This milestone follows an overwhelming response, with over 700 individuals registering their interest and more than 80 applications received in just the first few weeks.
The MSc program, the first of its kind offered by a private coaching organization, was designed to address the gaps in traditional sports performance education. By combining academic rigor with practical, hands-on experience, ALTIS aims to equip coaches with the tools they need to thrive in the ever-evolving world of athletic performance. The program offers flexible study options and is led by world-class educators who are actively working in the field with athletes.
LAUREN MAGENSON
Lauren Magneson, one of the successful applicants, brings six years of experience in collegiate coaching, personal training, and assisted stretching. A former All-American high jumper for California State University, Lauren has also served as a Graduate Assistant at Concordia University Irvine. She recently completed a 5-month internship with ALTIS and is eager to continue her education through this groundbreaking program.
“As a long-time student of the ALTIS philosophy, I am excited to take the next steps of my coaching journey as a student of the ALTIS MSc program. I especially look forward to deepening my understanding of the systems of strength at all phases of recovery and performance, further integrating my roles in bodywork and coaching,” Lauren shared.
LES SPELLMAN
Les Spellman, a leading speed performance coach in the U.S., is another standout in this first cohort. Les has trained Olympians, NFL players, NCAA athletes, and USA Rugby competitors, with a particular focus on youth athletes. His work has helped many young athletes secure college scholarships, and he has been at the forefront of integrating technology into speed training.
Les expressed his excitement, stating, “I am INCREDIBLY excited about the ALTIS Higher Education Program. As a father and business professional with limited time, I've put this off for years. Some of that was due to the relevancy of the MSc programs that I was researching. I never felt like they aligned with where I was currently at nor were the programs practical, hands on, and taught by industry professionals. I am committed to aligning myself with the best teachers and coaches in the world, and I believe ALTIS HE offers the perfect opportunity to do so.”
CHASE WETHERELL
Chase Wetherell, the Head of Sports Science & Strength and Conditioning at Calgary Foothills Soccer Club, rounds out this impressive trio. Chase, a former ALTIS intern coach, oversees programs for 45 youth teams, impacting over 700 athletes, and is also involved with Cavalry FC in the Canadian Premier League. With a black belt in Muay Thai Kickboxing and a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Chase is eager to enhance his expertise through the ALTIS MSc program.
“I am really excited to learn from leading experts in the industry, acquire new skills, and connect with like-minded colleagues to exchange ideas and methods,” Chase said.
These three individuals exemplify the type of forward-thinking, driven professionals that the ALTIS MSc program is designed to support. Their selection marks the beginning of a new era in sports performance education, one that prioritizes real-world application and continuous learning.
For more information about the ALTIS Higher Education MSc in Strength, Conditioning, and Coaching Practice, or to learn more about our first cohort of students, please visit the ALTIS Higher Education Website or contact Program Director Richard Clarke via email at r.clarke@altis.world.
