DePaul University Athletics
DePaul Sports Performance pursues and promotes excellence of each student-athlete by utilizing education, experience and innovative equipment in the design and implementation of scientifically based, sport-specific training programs that promote and enhance sports performance. The Sports Performance department ensures the highest level of safety of all student-athletes in the physical preparation process by providing safe training environments and proper progressions designed for the individual. Training protocols are designed specifically to the demands of each sport and individual.
The Sports Performance Department collaborates with DePaul Sports Medicine to construct integrated training, emphasizing injury reduction and, in return, maximizing the student-athletes athletic career and long-term health. Additionally, through work worth the sports performance department, student-athletes will build character and life skills by being consistently coached, challenged and guided through the DePaul Vincentian vlaues and traditions.
Our department staff prioritizes each coaches' individual development through continuing education, networking and research to assists and reinforce the design and implementation of training that is scientifically supported.
The Iron Demon Sports Performance Award is presented annually to one female and one male student-athlete who consistently represents and exemplifies the standards of excellence of the sports performance department and values of DePaul University. These individuals lead by example and demonstrate responsibility, dedication and effort while promoting a winning attitude and atmosphere. Their pursuit of excellence drives their teammates to become better everyday, and as a whole postively impacts their team dynamic.
Our Staff
Facilities
Our sports performance facilities are designed to maximize the use of our space and are fully equipped with all the tools needed to maximize athletic performance. Each facility is highlighted with industry leading strength and power development equipment and machines. We have multiple conditioning development tools such as treadmills, stationary bikes, versa climbers and rowing machines. The Sports Performance department strives to keep up with the constant evolution in the use of technologies in the field. Some of the technologies utilized by DePaul Sports Performance include:
- Force Plates for Strength and Power Testing and Tracking - this information provides cutting edge information and aids in return-to-play process in collaboration with the DePaul Sports Medicine staff.
- Velocity-Based Tracking System for Strength and Power Exercises - this allows DePaul Sports Performance coaches' to create a velocity profile for student-athletes and prescribe speeds for each individual percentage.
- Speed and Jump Testing System - this allows sport-specific speed, power and agility drills to be tested.
- Online Programming Application - each athlete has access to their individual workouts via their smart phone throughout the calendar year. This application automatically tracks progress and allows Sports Performance coaches to easily individualize workout prescriptions.
- Load Monitoring System - Sports performance utilizes heart rate, GPS and movement sensor technologies during practices and competitions for various sports in order to objectively measure workloads each athlete is experiencing. These technologies allow coaches to collaborate with the sports medicine staff in return-to-play scenarios, and with individual sport coaches in the proper planning of practice during competition and the off seasons.
McGrath-Phillips Arena Weight Room
The McGrath-Phillips Arena Weight Room was built in the Summer 2024, as a new state-of-the-art facility available for all 15 DePaul sports programs. The facility features industry-leading technology partnerships, available to all Blue Demon athletes to train at an elite level.
Wintrust Arena Weight Room
Wintrust Arena, home of DePaul men's and women's basketball, is located in the South Loop of Chicago and serves as the home arena for all DePaul basketball games. The Arena features a state-of-the-art weight room available for use for both men's and women's programs both in-season and out-of-season.
COMING SOON Basketball Practice Facility Weight Room
As a part of the planned Basketball Practice Facility new building construction, a second state-of-the-art weight room will be featured on the first floor of the building. The first floor of the building, including the weight room will be available for all DePaul student-athletes, while the buildings primary use will be home for the DePaul men's and women's basketball programs.