Hannah Short
Hannah Short is a dedicated performance coach and strength and conditioning specialist committed to developing athletes across all levels of competition. A graduate of Iowa State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Hannah began building her coaching foundation during her undergraduate years. She gained early experience as a Group Fitness Instructor and Student Wellness Educator, where she cultivated a passion for teaching, leadership, and holistic wellness. Her hands-on internships, including work with EXOS at its headquarters in Phoenix, helped refine her skills in programming, injury prevention, and athlete development.
Since graduating in 2021, Hannah has accumulated approximately five years of active coaching experience, progressing through roles that strengthened her leadership and performance expertise. She advanced from Sport Performance Intern to Site Lead with EXOS, and later served as an S&C Coach with D1 Training. Currently, she works in human performance and strength and conditioning with ESOS Sport Performance in Charleston, South Carolina. In addition, she assists with strength and conditioning at The Citadel and serves as a high school track and field sprint coach at Porter-Gaud School, further expanding her impact across youth and collegiate athletics.
Hannah’s professional philosophy centers on improving sport performance and longevity for athletes from youth to professional levels. She emphasizes injury prevention, foundational athletic development, confidence in the weight room, and educating young athletes on sustainable health and exercise habits. Influenced by strong mentorship and immersive coaching experiences, she is passionate about building resilient, well-rounded athletes who excel not only in sport, but in lifelong performance and wellness.
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
• Iowa State University - BS
• Citadel Military College of South Carolina
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the enriching environments I’ve been part of throughout my journey. Being surrounded by individuals and experiences that challenge conventional thinking has encouraged me to approach situations with curiosity, creativity, and a growth mindset. These environments have continuously pushed me to think differently, adapt strategically, and pursue excellence in everything I do.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is simple yet powerful: just stay curious. That mindset has encouraged me to continually question assumptions, seek deeper understanding, and remain open to new ideas and perspectives. By staying curious, I challenge myself to keep learning, evolving, and finding innovative solutions rather than settling for the status quo.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to take up space and be vocal. In a traditionally male-dominated field, it’s important to confidently share your ideas, advocate for yourself, and ensure your contributions are seen and heard. Your perspective is valuable, and you deserve a seat at the table.
One of the ongoing challenges in this industry is the underrepresentation of women, which can sometimes result in being overlooked for certain opportunities or positions. Because of this, it’s essential to build confidence, seek out mentors and allies, and consistently demonstrate your expertise. Don’t wait for permission to lead—step forward, speak up, and own your space.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the lack of women in strength and conditioning. The underrepresentation can sometimes lead to women being overlooked for leadership roles, key assignments, or advancement opportunities. It also means fewer visible role models for young women who may be considering entering the profession.
At the same time, this presents a significant opportunity for growth. Increasing the number of female coaches can strengthen communication, foster more inclusive environments, and provide better support for female athletes. There is tremendous potential to elevate the profession by creating pathways for more women to enter, thrive, and lead within strength and conditioning.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are staying curious and continually challenging myself to grow. I believe in always learning, evolving, and pushing beyond my comfort zone.
I also value being a people-person and building trust. Strong relationships and reliability are at the core of both my professional and personal life.