Leo joined FDU-Florham for the 2025 season after three successful seasons at Madison Avenue rival Drew University, where he served as Assistant Track & Field Coach for Sprints and Jumps, as well as Strength and Conditioning Coach. Known for his proven ability to build championship-level programs and develop athletes at every level, Leo brings more than two decades of experience in performance coaching, program leadership, and athlete development.
During his tenure with the Rangers, he coached multiple Landmark Conference champions, including three NCAA national qualifiers and All-Americans. His balanced approach to biomechanics, strength, and speed development has produced measurable success both on the track and in the weight room.
“We didn’t need to look far for an amazing hire for FDU Devils Athletics as we found him in Steve Leo!” said Giotta. “Steve’s knowledge and expertise will be an enormous asset to our athletes, as well as his partnerships and connections in the surrounding area and region. There is no doubt he will do a phenomenal job at FDU!”
Before joining FDU, Leo served as the Director of Strength and Conditioning and Head Track & Field Coach at Gill St. Bernard’s School in Gladstone, N.J. During his tenure, he guided various teams to seven state championships across soccer and lacrosse, coached two Meet of Champions winners, and helped more than 20 athletes compete at the collegiate level. He also oversaw the enhancement of the school’s track and field facility and established a model for long-term athletic development.
Leo’s professional reach extends beyond scholastic and collegiate athletics. He is the Owner and Operator of Leo Training Systems, where he continues to train and mentor athletes of all levels. Under his leadership, the Parisi Speed School was named the National Facility of the Year in 2014, and Leo himself was honored with the Parisi Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 for his decades of impact on the industry.
A distinguished educator and performance coach, Leo has spent over 20 years developing innovative speed and strength methodologies. He has trained, mentored, and certified hundreds of coaches nationwide as a Lead Master Trainer for the Parisi Speed School, while also serving as a VertiMax Master Trainer and Advisory Board Member. His expertise has earned him recognition as VertiMax Trainer of the Year in both 2019 and 2023.
Leo holds a B.S. in Sports Administration from Centenary College and is certified through multiple governing bodies, including:
• USA Track & Field (USATF) Level 1 & Level 2 Sprints/Jumps Specialist
• USA Weightlifting (USAW) Coach
• National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
• National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
He also holds advanced credentials in:
• Functional Movement Screen (FMS) Level 2
• Reflexive Performance Reset (RPR)
• TRX Suspension Training
• Altis Speed Specialist
• BlazePod Master Trainer
Through his relentless commitment to athlete development and his integration of traditional training principles with cutting-edge performance technology, Steve Leo continues to set new standards in the field of sports performance and coaching education. His philosophy emphasizes technical mastery, individualized progression, and the mental discipline required for consistent improvement.
Leo resides in Rockaway, New Jersey, with his wife Michelle and their daughters Samantha, a collegiate track and field athlete at Ursinus College, and Maggie, a high school and club swimmer.
