Volleyball | 2/10/2017 1:28:00 PM

SAN MARCOS, Texas – Leo Seitz has been a strength and conditioning coach at Texas State since 2007. He works primarily with TXST volleyball, softball and men's basketball.
 
Over the course of the past 10 seasons since Seitz returned to Texas State, the Bobcat volleyball program has enjoyed incredible success that includes numerous conference championships and trips to the NCAA tournament.
 
According to associate head coach Tracy Smith, the success of the team would not be possible without Seitz.
 
"I can't say enough about Coach Seitz, his entire family and what they mean to the university and to us as a volleyball program," Smith said. "The time and effort he puts into developing our team, especially here in the spring, is incredible. He works so many hours behind the scenes. He is very knowledgeable and he's a great motivator. The players feel really comfortable with him, and he just makes us better. People don't realize how big of a part is because of him and his staff and all they do for us."
 
Head Coach Karen Chisum echoed Smith's comments.
 
"He is definitely a behind-the-scenes guy who is critical to the development of our players and our program," she said. "Coach Leo is compassionate about his profession and the Bobcats. He cares individually about each and every one of our student-athletes."
 
Part of his duties as strength and conditioning coach includes helping the student-athletes train both during their competition campaigns and in the offseason.
 
"Everybody is given a certain amount of genetic potential. My job is to make sure that our student-athletes are utilizing every bit of that," Seitz said. "I help put them in the best position for success from a physical standpoint. I build a strength base with them beginning in January. Once the summer starts we try to develop them further. By the time the season gets here in August, ideally they're in peak physical shape.
 
"I really try to instill the concept that there is a big difference between a good team and a championship team. It's all about maintaining those physical gains throughout the competition season."

 

 

Not only has Coach Seitz been a benefit to the Bobcats through his work as the strength and conditioning coordinator, but he has also been a model family man. He and his wife, Kristi, have welcomed four children into the world, with the most-recent addition of Kazmaier being born on Jan. 19. They also have a 5-year-old daughter, Jaydee, and a 3-year-old son, Bronko.
 
Their first child, little Leo, was lost in an accident. But Coach Seitz and Kristi have made the most of a tragic situation, as they have endowed the Heart of a Champion Scholarship in his memory to pay for summer school for one female and one male student-athlete each year.
 
"Our volleyball family has been through all the ups and downs with Leo and his family," Smith said. "He was with us when little Leo passed, and we have seen his family grow to where it is today. It's been an amazing experience for all of us. They are truly the ideal family. They are just the most kind, loving, God-centered people. They bring that sense of peace, serenity and love to our whole team. We welcome them with open arms."
 
Seitz and his family are true Bobcats. He played football for three seasons in the 90's, and Kristi was both a cheerleader and pole vaulter for Texas State. But his proudest accomplishment is getting to be a father each and every day."
 
"That's the greatest thrill of my life. I always knew that I wanted to be a father. My children are so great. They make it fun and easy to be a dad," Seitz said. "Being a parent has exceeded my wildest dreams. I'm a Bobcat through and through, and I love being a father. My life goes beyond what I ever expected."
 
Seitz has been an asset to Texas State volleyball both on and off the court for the past 10 years. He hopes that doesn't change anytime soon.
 
"I love Texas State and I love all the teams I work with," he said. "I can't see myself being anywhere else. They can't get rid of me."
 
-TxStateBobcats.com-