Chance Jackson, M.S., CSCS (MSAPK ’24)
Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach, St. Louis Blues
Chance Jackson, M.S., CSCS, (MSAPK’24), the assistant strength and conditioning coach for the St. Louis Blues, a professional hockey team, has long admired the grit, toughness and determination that players bring to the ice. Though he has never played hockey himself, he approaches his work and his own goals, including earning a master’s degree from the University of Florida, with the same mindset.
As a former basketball player at Florida Gulf Coast University, Jackson set his sights on coaching after college and enrolling in a master’s degree program. In searching for the best fit, Jackson explored online programs that were flexible and maintained a high standard of academic excellence.
“What truly piqued my interest in the University of Florida’s Department of Applied Physiology & Kinesiology online master’s program was its flexibility—I could complete the entire program online,” Jackson said. “This allowed me to simultaneously launch my career in strength and conditioning at Florida Gulf Coast University, where I had played for the men’s basketball team from 2019 to 2023 and transitioned directly into a coaching role following the conclusion of my playing career.”
In reflecting on his time as a UF student, Jackson recalls the bonds he built with his online community.
“Despite the program being fully online, I felt a strong sense of engagement with both my peers and professors,” Jackson said. “I built meaningful friendships with fellow students throughout the program, and the professors were always approachable, responsive and willing to offer guidance or answer questions whenever needed.”
While the program is designed for students from all walks of life, he encourages those who are self-motivated and disciplined to apply.
“In my experience with the virtual option, those qualities are essential to staying on top of the rigorous coursework while balancing other professional responsibilities,” Jackson said. “It’s a challenging program, but completing it is incredibly rewarding—and earning a master’s degree from the University of Florida is truly a blessing that opens doors both personally and professionally.”
After graduating with his master’s degree, Jackson became the assistant strength and conditioning coach for basketball at the University of Mississippi and thereafter joined the St. Louis Blues in Missouri. Having grown up in Tampa with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Jackson has been a fan of the sport since childhood and now prepares players to meet physical demands.
“I collaborate closely with Ryan Podell, the team’s director of performance, to design and implement comprehensive training programs that develop strength, power, speed, agility, mobility and energy system capacity,” Jackson said. “Ultimately, my goal is to help each athlete perform at their peak while minimizing injury risk and maximizing their longevity in the game.”
No matter where life takes him – from court side to the rink side – Jackson’s pride as a Florida Gator remains strong.
“Being a Florida Gator graduate represents a lifelong commitment to excellence, integrity and relentless pursuit of growth,” Jackson said. “My time at UF instilled in me a relentless work ethic- to show up every day with passion, resilience, and the drive to push past limits. It’s more than a degree; it’s a standard of leadership in knowledge that I carry into every locker room, every weight room, and every challenge I face. Once a gator, always a gator, and I’m proud to embody that legacy.”