GREENVILLE, SC – The Francis Marion University strength and conditioning staff has been selected as the inaugural Conference Carolinas Strength and Conditioning Staff of the Year for the 2024-25 academic year.

The Patriot strength and conditioning staff was comprised of Director of Sports Performance, Deon Edwards, and student assistants Makayla Brown, Austin Vienna, and Nancy Beasley.

"Deon and his staff are well deserving of this award," said FMU Director of Athletics Murray Hartzler. "This past season saw four Francis Marion programs advance to NCAA postseason play, and nearly a fifth, while 38 Patriot student-athletes earned all-conference honors and seven garnered All-America recognition. Deon played a direct role in these successes. His work with our student-athletes during the off season, and during their competition seasons, has greatly enhanced their improvement and their ability to compete at a high level. He has also been of invaluable assistance to our athletic training staff in the recovery process of student-athletes who suffer injuries and their ability to return to play."

"The Francis Marion strength and conditioning staff had an outstanding year and it is great to see them recognized with this award," Conference Carolinas Commissioner Chris Colvin said.

Edwards, a native of Florence, joined the Francis Marion staff in August 2021.  A graduate of South Florence High School, where he was a three-sport athlete, he earned a B.S. degree in exercise and sport science from Coastal Carolina University.  He later received a M.S. degree in applied sports nutrition from Concordia University of Chicago in 2020.  He holds current certifications as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

The Strength and Conditioning Staff of the Year award is voted on by each member strength and conditioning department.


      Deon Edwards