University of Puget Sound

Steve Verlennich is entering his fourth year as the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach in 2026-27, bringing over 15 years of collegiate coaching and academic expertise to the Loggers' athletic department. In this role, he directly oversees the strength and conditioning programs for all 23 varsity teams and nearly 500 Logger scholar-athletes. 

Verlennich arrived at Puget Sound after a successful seven and a half tenure as the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach at Augsburg University in Minnesota. Prior to his time at Augsburg, he sharpened his skills within two powerhouse Minnesota programs, serving as an intern for the University of Minnesota and spending nearly three years at The University of Minesota-Duluth, where he directly led the programs for women's soccer and softball. His extensive background also includes experience at the high school level with both Woodbury and Minnetonka High School. 

A native of the Midwest, Verlennich earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Minnesota Duluth, completing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Exercise and Sport Science before earning a Master of Education. 

Verlennich holds the prestigious Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist credential from the NSCA, maintained since 2010. With his background in higher education and athletic performance, Verlennich is dedicated to designing science-backed training programs that empower scholar-athletes to maximize their physical potential, prevent injury and compete at the highest level. 

Verlennich lives in Tacoma with his wife, two daughters and their golden retriever. He currently holds a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and enjoys adventuring outdoors in the Pacific Northwest.