Micah Kurtz graduated from Clarence High School in Clearance, NY. He went on to attend The State University of New York at Cortland to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree. Micah then graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Master of Science Degree.
Micah has acquired a ton of different certifications over the years. He is National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT), a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association with Distinction (CSCS*D), Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach with Distinction (RSCC*D), USA Weightlifting (USAW), a Sports Performance Certified Coach, Functional Movement Screen Level II Certified Coach (FMS), specialist in Speed and Explosion through the National Association of Speed and Explosion (NASE-CSS), Certified Functional Strength Coach (CFSC), and Vertimax Certified Coach.
In 2018, Kurtz took over the boys’ weightlifting program here at WPS. His athletes did exceptionally well during the 2019 season. Matthew Peres, Najii Allen, Matthew Kane and JB Blount each placed 1st in district, while Andrew Mclean placed 2nd in district.
In 2019-2020 he started and created Windermere Prep’s first ever Girl’s Weightlifting Team. The Inaugural Team was undefeated and 6-0 in the 2019-2020 regular season. The JV Team finished in 3rd place at the prestigious 2019 Leesburg Invitational Meet and 7 girls advanced to the 2020 Regional Championships.
May of his athletes received individual awards during the 2020 season. Erin Bernheim placed 2nd in district and also tied the school record in the bench press at 140 lbs. Natalie Work, Emerson Hilgenfeldt and Carissa Ruiz each placed 4th in the district. Kelsey Tanner and Rachael Williams placed 5th in the district. Mirabella Miranda placed 6th in the district.
For both teams Kurtz helped these athletes reach their full potential. In 2019, the WPS Sports Performance Program received NSCA’s Strength of America Award. WPS is one of only two schools in Florida to have received this award. In addition, Lyndsey Huizenga & Khadry Jackson were named National Strength and Conditioning Association All-American athletes for each of their on field success and dedication.
Micah has raked himself up many awards throughout his coaching career. In 2020 he was named National High School Strength & Conditioning Association’s (NHSSCA) State Coach of the Year. In 2019 he was inducted into Marquis Who’s Who In America. In 2018 Kurtz was named Top 40 Under 40 Sports Professional by Coach & Athletic Director Magazine. In 2017 he was named one of the Top 20 under 40 Professionals in Columbia, South Carolina. In 2016 he was named the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s (NSCA) National Strength Coach of the Year. Through the years 2014 and 2015 AC Flora Named the #1 Athletic Program in the State of South Carolina. During the 2013-2014 season he was named South Carolina State Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year.
Prior to joining the WPS coaching staff, he had many years of coaching experience. Kurtz was Oak Hill Academy Basketball’s strength and conditioning consultant. He was the Athlete Maker Sports Performance & Fitness Training Director. He was the Driven Volleyball Club’s Director of Athletic Development. He was the Director of Strength, Speed & Conditioning for the Swingman Baseball Club. Over the years he worked at A.C. Flora High School he was the Director of Strength and Conditioning, Varsity Football Associate Head Coach, Basketball Assistant Coach & JV Basketball Head Coach, and Head Boy’s & Girl’s Track Coach. During his time at the University of South Carolina Kurtz was a Graduate Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach
Micah and his wife, Whitney have two children and reside in Windermere.Â
