MEDFORD, MA (August 4, 2025) – Tufts University has announced the appointment of
Kevin Maxen as the new director of sports performance.
"Kevin brings a tremendous wealth and diversity of sports performance experience to Tufts, with proven success coaching at every level, including high school, collegiate, professional and also time spent in the private sector," said
Alexis Mastronardi, Deputy Director of Athletics at Tufts. "Kevin is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, data-driven and passionate about strength and conditioning and I am confident that this industry leader will be an extraordinary asset to the Jumbos."
"I am so excited to welcome Kevin as our new Director of Sports Performance," said
Rick Cox, Assistant Athletic Director For Student-Athlete Health and Performance. "His background and experience really stood out during the interview process, and I can't wait for him to get started. His time spent at the Division I level and in the National Football League (NFL), as well as his experience with sports science and the use of technology will allow us to take the program to a new level! Additionally, his personality and his ability to build relationships will allow him to fit right in with the culture of the department."
"This is a great opportunity, I'm excited to become embedded in the Tufts community and hopefully be able to share my experience and expertise in the field of strength and conditioning," said Maxen. "This is a position I've spent my career chasing to be able to have an impact on the development of the sports performance team staff, the university as a whole through athletics and of course the student-athletes."
Maxen comes to Tufts after spending the last four years with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL as an assistant strength and conditioning coach. While with the Jags he assisted in planning in-season and off-season workouts, used technology to collect data to develop position specific programs, and oversaw the team's internship program.
Prior to working with the Jaguars, he had stops at several Division I institutions including Vanderbilt University, Baylor University, the University of Iowa, and Army-West Point, and two large high schools in both his home state of Connecticut and Texas.
Maxen obtained a Master's Degree in Health Science from Rocky Mountain University, a bachelor's in American studies from Western Connecticut State University, and he holds a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) credential from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). A former Division III athlete himself, he was a three-year member of the WCSU football team, playing linebacker.
"I want to continue a winning tradition more than anything, while allowing the student-athletes to win in sports, school and life," said Maxen. "To do so, I believe we as a whole strength and conditioning department needs to lift up the athletes we are serving. My goal is to give them the tools, skills, and courage to challenge themselves, each other, and us and to ultimately keep moving forward."
Maxen started his position at Tufts on August 4.
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What They're Saying About Maxen
"With the addition of
Kevin Maxen, Tufts University Athletics has brought in a person with a passion for coaching and mentorship. He will be a valued addition to your programs." -
Raimond Braithwaite, Director of Football Strength and Conditioning at Iowa
"Tufts University is getting one of the best strength and conditioning coaches in the country. Just as important, a person with premier leadership qualities that will be transferable to everyone he is associated with at the university." -
Joe Loth, Former Head FB Coach at West Conn
"Kevin is a relentless worker and a one-of-a-kind human who can bring people from all walks of life together pushing toward a common goal. He does this with honesty, humility, and passion." -
Luke Farrell, current member of the San Francisco 49ers
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