Coach Profile
James Wagenschutz
Elite Soccer Performance Coach & Educator
James Wagenschutz is a globally respected soccer performance coach, educator, and sports scientist with more than 25 years of experience developing athletes, coaches, and organizations across the U.S. and CONCACAF markets. Known for his collaborative approach and evidence-informed methods, James specializes in physical performance, injury reduction, coach education, and long-term athlete development at the highest levels of the game.
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Coaching Philosophy
James believes sustainable performance starts with education, collaboration, and intelligent planning. His work bridges sports science and real-world application—helping coaches and athletes make informed decisions that improve performance, reduce injury risk, and support long-term development. Whether working with youth players or elite professionals, his approach prioritizes clarity, adaptability, and human-centered coaching.
Experience & Leadership
James is the Owner and Head Coach of W Fitness, LLC, where he serves as a global consultant in player health, physical performance, and coach education. Since 2015, he has delivered high-performance consulting and education to Olympic, professional, collegiate, and youth organizations worldwide.
His experience includes senior performance roles with:
- Colorado Rapids (MLS)
- Philadelphia Union (MLS)
- U.S. Soccer Youth National Teams
- FC Boulder (Director of Coaching & Athletic Performance)
- USL clubs including FC Tucson and Chattanooga Red Wolves
James has coached and supported more than 300 Olympic, Paralympic, professional, collegiate, and youth athletes, and has educated over 2,000 coaches through national and international programs.
Education & Credentials
James brings deep academic and professional credibility to his work, including:
- M.S. in Sports Medicine – Strength & Conditioning, University of Colorado
- B.S. in Exercise & Sport Science, Colorado State University
- U.S. Soccer ‘A’ Coaching License
- U.S. Soccer 'B' License Technical Lead
- U.S. Soccer Coach Educator Developer (B, C, D, Grassroots)
- United Soccer Coaches Educator
- NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
- Certified in Functional Movement Screen (FMS), Applied Functional Science (CAFS), and advanced performance systems
He is also a FIFA-approved Educator Developer.
Coach Education & Industry Impact
James is a recognized leader in coach education and professional development. He has designed and delivered blended and online education for national organizations, including the United Soccer Coaches Sports Performance Diploma, which has reached more than 400 coaches since launch.
He currently serves as:
- Chair of the NSCA Soccer Special Interest Group
- Regular presenter at the United Soccer Coaches Convention
- Contributor to Performance Conditioning
His work spans topics such as soccer periodization, athlete monitoring, recovery, return-to-play strategies, and performance technology integration.
Thought Leadership & Speaking
James is a frequent national and international speaker, presenting at:
- United Soccer Coaches Conventions
- NSCA State & National Clinics
- USL Technical Staff Summits
- International coaching conferences in the U.S. and abroad
He has authored and co-authored numerous articles and educational resources on soccer fitness, periodization, injury reduction, and performance sustainability.
Who He Works With
James partners with:
- Professional and youth soccer clubs
- National federations and governing bodies
- Collegiate and high school programs
- Coaches seeking advanced performance education
- Athletes returning from injury or preparing for elite competition
James’ core focus areas:
- Soccer-specific strength & conditioning
- Performance analytics and athlete monitoring
- Injury reduction and return-to-play programming
- Coach education and leadership development
- Long-term athlete development models
Want to Work With James?
James brings clarity, structure, and science-backed insight to every environment he enters,
helping athletes and coaches perform better, longer, and smarter.
More Podcast Appearances
James is passionate about sharing insights, strategies, and stories that inspire growth, both personally and professionally. Over the years, he’s been featured on a variety of podcasts, where he dives deep into topics like leadership, mindset, productivity, and achieving success.
Whether you’re looking for actionable advice or thought-provoking conversation, these appearances are a window into James’ approach and philosophy.
Sports Performance
(FOOTYPOD)
Tips from coach who coaches the coaches
(Soccer Coach Weekly)
Sports Performance Diploma
(United Soccer Coaches Podcast)
People Keep Taking Those Low Paying Jobs (Coach Talk: Conversations with Coaches and Sports Professionals)
Athlete-Centered Warm-Ups, Increasing Athlete Joy And Long Term Development (The Training Ground Podcast)
Athlete Development
(Train2Perform)
