Darnell K. Clark

Darnell K. Clark serves as a Lecturer and Graduate Strength & Conditioning Practicum Coordinator in the Department of Applied Physiology, Health, & Clinical Sciences at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. His career integrates academic instruction with 18 years of high school strength and conditioning leadership, emphasizing practical application in athletic development programs.

His educational background includes:

• Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies/African American Studies from Northwestern University
• Master of Physical Education in Teaching and Coaching from Arizona State University
• Doctor of Education in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Dr. Clark's research centers on Coach Education and Pedagogy with specialization in Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD) frameworks. His work examines experiential learning models for coaching competency development, periodization strategies for team sports, and performance evaluation systems tailored to K-12 athletic environments. He advocates for evidence-based approaches to strength and conditioning program design across developmental stages.

His professional recognition includes:

• NSCA’s High School Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year (2014)
• NSCA Strength of America Award (10 consecutive years at Charlotte Country Day School)

As Practicum Coordinator, Dr. Clark develops hands-on training experiences for graduate students. His leadership in creating coaching fellowship programs has been featured at international conferences including the ICCE Global Coach Conference and ASCA International Conference, demonstrating innovative approaches to bridging academic theory and practical coaching skills.

At Charlotte Country Day School, he directed comprehensive athletic development for 70 teams across 24 sports, producing 10 NSCA All-Americans and over 250 college-bound athletes while establishing a nationally recognized strength and conditioning program.