Q&A with Strength Coach Katie Loscar

Katie Loscar is an assistant strength and conditioning coach at the University of Tampa who has been coaching the athletes at Tampa since August of 2015. Loscar earned her bachelor's degree in fitness studies from the Indiana University Purdue University of Indianapolis in 2013. She then went on to get her master's degree in exercise and nutrition science from the University of Tampa in 2016. As a previous collegiate athlete, Loscar was a competitive swimmer in college and works closely with the University of Tampa swim team currently. 

Katie at the Martinez Gym during a weight session. (Photo by: Jessie Tobin) 

What made you decide to pursue becoming a weight coach/trainer?

 I was always an athlete and I loved the atmosphere of being in a sport. I wanted to learn more about the contributing factors it took to make an athlete meet their best potential. Strength and conditioning interested me because no matter the sport you needed a strength component to become the best Athlete to succeed. 

How did you end up at the University of Tampa?

I chose the University of Tampa because I wanted to try something new. Before, I was working at a high school doing strength and conditioning. I have my masters from the university, my first week I was introduced to the head strength coach and that’s what started my career in collegiate strength and conditioning. 

You were a swimmer in college, why choose to become a weight coach over swim?

I loved swimming and being on the pool deck. For almost my whole swim career I taught swim lessons and coached, but I was injured during my collegiate career and that’s what motivated me to learn more about strength training to help strengthen and prevent injuries seen from overuse. 

What is your favorite thing about your job and working with athletes?

I love the drive that athletes have and helping them work towards their goals to become better athletes in the weight room and their sport. I enjoy motivating and pushing athletes to their full potential and every day. I am always learning how to become a better coach, from the athletes and other coaches that surround me. 

Will you stay in Tampa permanently or do you see yourself coaching somewhere else someday?

I do not see myself staying at UT permanently. I plan on moving on at some point and possibly moving into another field that’s not fitness related. For now, I enjoy what I’m doing and learn more every day from being in the weight room. I’m thankful for all the coaches that have taught me and the athletes that have come through to help me be a better coach.

Interview has been edited for brevity, clarity and style.