Nick Campanaro was named as the department's Head Sports Performance Coordinator in June 2026.
Campanaro brings more than 17 years of strength and conditioning experience to the Dragons athletics program and is widely regarded as one of the leading sports performance coaches in Maryland. As the owner and director of Campanaro Strength & Conditioning, Howard County's premier sports performance training organization, he has helped develop athletes and teams that have gone on to capture multiple county, regional, and state championships.
A former collegiate football player at Towson University, Campanaro has also achieved national success as a competitive powerlifter. He held USA Powerlifting national records in the bench press for nine years and in the deadlift for six years, showcasing his commitment to athletic excellence and performance development.
As Head Sports Performance Coordinator, Campanaro will oversee the design and implementation of year-round strength and conditioning programs for all 15 Howard Community College athletic teams. He will be responsible for creating evidence-based training programs that feature progressive development plans tailored to the specific demands of each sport. In addition, he will work closely with the athletic training staff to implement return-to-play protocols and ensure student-athletes receive comprehensive support throughout the rehabilitation process.
Campanaro will collaborate with coaches, athletic trainers, and administrative staff to develop a unified approach to athletic performance. He will also establish departmental policies and procedures that align with National Strength and Conditioning Association professional standards and guidelines. A key component of his role will be implementing performance monitoring systems to track athlete readiness and collect sport-specific data that can be used to optimize training and performance outcomes.
Working alongside coaches and sports medicine personnel, Campanaro will conduct needs analyses for each athletic program to ensure training plans are tailored to the unique physical demands of each sport. He will also develop and manage preseason, in-season, and offseason training schedules for all Dragons teams, monitor attendance, provide regular reports on program activity, and maintain a safe, effective, and professional training environment.
