Coach Spotlight: Shaun Fishel
Known around campus for his enthusiasm and energetic nature, Shaun Fishel is the Academy’s beloved strength and conditioning coach. Despite only being at Exeter for three terms, Fishel has made a profound impact on all the students in the sports teams he mentors.
“I feel as though if I can give our students the tools to reach their greatest potential both in the classroom as well as on the athletic field then I am doing my job.”
Being an avid athlete throughout high school, Fishel has always been drawn to a career in the athletic field. He also expressed his interest in “helping others whether it be in life or sports.” Fishel continued by explaining that he first got involved in strength and conditioning in college during a summer internship, which ultimately resulted in him discovering his passion for coaching. Before arriving at Exeter, Fishel was a strength coach at Merrimack College where he also earned his master’s degree in health sciences.
Fishel explained that the head strength and conditioning coach at Merrimack, whom he worked with, is friends with Exeter’s head strength coach, Andrea Sweet. Through this connection, Fishel came into contact with both Sweet and the Exeter athletic department. Around November of 2016, the athletic department approved a second position in the fitness center and Fishel officially joined the Exeter community. Fishel current title at Exeter is assistant strength and conditioning coach. He elaborated by stating that he helps Sweet oversee physical preparations for Exeter’s student-athletes and other members of the community.
At Exeter, Fishel expressed his hope that he could have a positive impact on all of the students he interacts with. “I feel as though if I can give our students the tools to reach their greatest potential both in the classroom as well as on the athletic field then I am doing my job,” he explained. Fishel also recognized the importance of being more than just a coach and prioritizes always being there for his students. “Being a coach, especially a strength and conditioning coach, individuals come to you just to vent or to talk,” he said. “They also look for guidance when they need to make tough decisions.” Fishel elaborated that the open door policy that he and Sweet use allows them to be more accessible and open towards the students.
Senior Wyatt Foster discussed the friendly and empathetic attitude that Fishel exudes. “Coach [Fishel], outside of the weight room, has always been just a good genuine friend of mine. He’s a great guy and is always willing to listen or just bro down,” he said.
Senior Anna Reaman agreed with Foster and also praised Fishel for his light-hearted and friendly personality. “He’s always really fun, enthusiastic and he always offers a lot of jokes which helps create a positive and motivating environment,” she said. “He’s very helpful and he knows what he is doing in the gym.” Reaman continued by explaining that Fishel is constantly cheering and encouraging the students. Upper Janeva Dimen echoed Reaman’s sentiments and added that “he doesn’t judge you when you don’t know how to do something.”
Senior Lauren Arkell also said that people look forward to going to the gym more since Fishel’s been there. “Some people probably wouldn’t want to go work out alone but since he’s there, no one worries about that anymore,” she explained. Reaman agreed with Arkell, saying “Though going to the gym can occasionally be intimidating, Fishel always lightens the mood.”
Foster recalled a particular memory that shined a light on Fishel’s sincerity with students. Foster explained that when he was elected as the captain of the football team last year and wasn’t sure on how to lead the team, Fishel bought Foster a book on leadership. Foster elaborated that Fishel is always “willing to help you improve yourself in all ways, not only physically.”
Upper Ela Ferhangil explained that Fishel has formed strong relationships with the students and recalled that Fishel remembered her name at only their second time working together. “He genuinely cares about his students,” she said. “He always has a positive attitude and motivates us to push ourselves, in a rewarding way.
Dimen agreed with Ferhangil and also discussed Fishel’s ability to connect and support students. “I’m a very energetic person so I always greet him with a high five and he always matches my level of enthusiasm,” Dimen explained. Arkell shared similar sentiments, saying “He always the first one to greet me when I walk in the fitness center and he’s a kid at heart. He’s super understanding and easy to talk to.”
Fishel reflected upon his time at Exeter thus far. When asked how Exeter differs from other institutions he’s been to, Fishel highlighted the amazing facilities, resources and opportunities available here. “I would say the biggest difference is the availability we have to resources,” he elaborated. “Between the athletic and academic facilities, there isn’t much the Exeter doesn’t offer.” Fishel recalled coming to Exeter for sports practices as a high schooler because his public high school didn’t have the facilities.
Fishel also expressed his appreciation of the diversity at Exeter, saying, “I have been so lucky to meet so many faculty, staff and students from so many different places and I have learned a lot from the relationships.”