We’re excited to introduce Ernie, our new Head Sports Performance Coach at the Spooner Sports Institute, to the community. With years of experience training athletes across multiple sports, Ernie brings a deep passion for helping athletes become the best versions of themselves. We sat down with him to learn more about his journey, his approach to training, and what makes the Sports Institute the ideal place for athletes to thrive.

What was your path to becoming a sports and performance coach?
Ernie Atkins, CSCS: I’ve been in sports performance training for about six years now, all here in Phoenix, Arizona. I started at NAU, where I majored in biological sciences. From there, I interned with EXOS, working with NFL combine athletes, pro football, and pro baseball players. Later, I ran D1 Sports Training here in the Valley, coaching athletes across football, baseball, soccer, volleyball, and more. My goal has always been to help athletes become the best versions of themselves.

Did you play sports as well growing up?
Ernie Atkins, CSCS: I did! I played a variety of sports, but football was my main passion. What I enjoyed most was the training—seeing how much I could improve. That love for training and the process is what pushed me into this field.

When did you know this was the right field for you?
Ernie Atkins, CSCS: At NAU, I had the chance to work with both general fitness clients and sports teams like the football and club baseball teams. The passion athletes bring to training really resonated with me. I saw how much they cared about getting better, and that energy matched my own. That’s when I knew this was what I wanted to do.

What types of athletes do you enjoy working with?
Ernie Atkins, CSCS: Any athlete who wants to improve. I’ve worked a lot with football and baseball players, but my priority is coaching those who are dedicated to perfecting their craft.

Why should an athlete come see you? What can they expect from your training?
Ernie Atkins, CSCS: At Spooner Sports Institute, we use the best science-based methods to enhance performance. We meet athletes where they are and develop a plan to make them stronger, faster, and more resilient. Our training includes speed work, agility drills, weight room conditioning, and movement-based mechanics to help athletes perform at their best.

What sets the Sports Institute—and you—apart from other training options?
Ernie Atkins, CSCS: My commitment to my athletes. When they walk in, they know I’m here to help them succeed in every way—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Spooner also stands out because of our seamless integration of physical therapy and sports performance. Having both under one roof means we can guide athletes through injury recovery and performance training without skipping a beat.

Looking Ahead

What excites you most about joining Spooner?
Ernie: I’m excited to bring a new level of sports performance training to Spooner. One program I’m especially excited about is our NFL Combine training. My goal is to make Spooner the top destination in the country for athletes preparing for their pro day or NFL Combine.

Ready to Train?

Ernie is here to help athletes elevate their game. Whether you’re looking to build strength, improve speed, or prepare for the next level, Spooner Sports Institute is the place to be. Ready to get started?