Wilson connects with athletes over shared experiences, mentorship

Dennis Wilson, a dedicated alumnus of the ECU Honors College, brings his passion for strength and conditioning to the ECU baseball team. As the assistant strength and training coach, Wilson is able to channel his love for ECU into bettering his athletes.

Wilson earned his Bachelor of Science degree as a health fitness specialist during his time in the Honors College. Although, like many honors students, Wilson entered college with a very different idea of what he wanted to do. After speaking with Honors College staff in his freshman year, Wilson changed his major from music to health fitness specialist.

As a former ECU student, Wilson believes that he has a unique perspective which allows him to connect with the athletes.

“I know exactly what they’re going through,” he said. “I also have had a few athletes that have come through the honors program, so it is fun to connect with them over that experience.

Wilson emphasized a big misconception about his job is that is it just about lifting. In reality, strength and conditioning involves education, training, and working closely with many members of the athletic department to make sure the athletes are getting the best care. This requires discipline and leadership, two quality reenforced through the honors curriculum.

“The support and requirements to do study abroad and research were great experiences that had a really large impact on me. I truly believe the Honors College research project had a large impact on my development as a professional in this field,” Wilson said.

Building relationships has always been a top priority for Wilson. He credits his success to the many mentors he has had throughout his life. Members of the honors staff including Dean Todd Fraley, his high school strength and training coach Bill Burniston, and other ECU faculty members contributed to his success on and off the field.

“I love the moments off the field where I get to have real-world conversations with athletes, knowing that they see me as a mentor or someone that they can go to for advice on things beyond athletics is the most important aspect of my job,” he said.

According to Wilson, the thrill and energy of people make every day of hard work worthwhile. Although there are many impressive professional accomplishments he can look back on, one of his most valued is maintaining relationships with former athletes and interns.

“I am most proud of being invited to a number of their weddings and watching them grow into adults who positively impact the world,” Wilson said.

He advises current students to take advantage of every moment and opportunity because college goes by so fast.

“Challenge yourself to do things outside of your comfort zone. Use your resources and build relationships with your professors, especially those that are in the Honors College,” Wilson said.