In August 2025, Soldiers To Sidelines (STS) hosted its Adaptive Athlete Coaching Certification Seminar—a dynamic week-long training powered by Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) and supported by Wells Fargo, PenFed Foundation, and CVS Health. Designed specifically for veterans, service members, and military-connected individuals, the seminar equipped participants with the knowledge, mindset, and community to coach adaptive athletes with purpose, compassion, and excellence.
Through nightly sessions filled with personal testimony, professional expertise, and powerful motivation, this seminar bridged the gap between military leadership and athletic coaching. It was not just about sport—it was about service, healing, and unlocking potential for both athletes and coaches alike.
Coaching with a Mission
Founder Harrison Bernstein opened the seminar by framing coaching as a continuation of military service—a new mission, this time on the sidelines. Bernstein introduced his ‘Inverted Pyramid of Coaching Success,’ emphasizing that effective coaching starts with inspiration and motivation before strategy and technique. He also outlined the SERF principle—Safety, Energy, Retention, and Fun—as pillars of successful coaching environments, especially for adaptive athletes.
His message was clear: before coaches can lead others, they must first understand and lead themselves. With the right mindset, coaches can profoundly influence lives on and off the field.
Leaders, Warriors, and Experts: The Guest Speakers
Each night featured speakers whose lived experiences and professional credentials made a lasting impact. Highlights included:
– Mike Owens, Director of Adaptive Sports at WWP, shared his personal recovery journey and the healing power of sport.
– Brandon Mantz, adaptive CrossFit athlete and former collegiate baseball player, detailed how fitness helped him overcome paralysis.
– Emily Throckmorton, STS Adaptive Director and founder of Kaizen Adaptive Training, explained the importance of functional fitness and long-term support for adaptive athletes.
– Tyler Rowe of Sportable covered disability etiquette and why respecting autonomy and boundaries is essential.
– Rick Werry, an endurance athlete and author, delivered a moving testimony about finding purpose after injury and launching a podcast to share others’ stories.
– Dr. Fred Bagares spoke on injury prevention and biomechanics in adaptive athletes, offering critical tools for safe training.
– Dr. Twila Reufer emphasized nervous system regulation and long-term athlete recovery rooted in compassion and breathwork.
– Aaron Ritter, Navy veteran and founder of A3G, inspired attendees with his perseverance and support for fellow amputees.
– Dr. Ashley Clark, founder of Revive Neuro Recovery Center, gave a behind-the-scenes look at building inclusive, sustainable rehab-to-fitness bridges.
– Ashlyn Leonard shared insights from occupational therapy, offering real-world solutions for making outdoor recreation more accessible.
– Madison Flores showcased adaptive sports equipment and how recreation therapy fosters empowerment.
– Dr. Gloria Hahn of Mission Gate Foundation presented a reintegration model connecting recovery to community participation.
– Matt Lowery, a doctoral student and adaptive fitness coach, explored equity in training and building bridges across systems.
– Dr. Becky Riley brought the seminar home with a powerful case study showing the real-world impact of adaptive functional fitness and patient advocacy.
Interactive Learning and Veteran-Led Reflection
This wasn’t a passive lecture series—it was an immersive experience. Participants engaged in group discussions, word clouds, and self-reflection exercises. Tools like Menti.com helped them articulate their own coaching philosophies while comparing perspectives on leadership and management.
Nightly homework prompted coaches to assess their compelling why in coaching as well as connect with their fellow cohort members. Veterans reflected on how their military values—discipline, empathy, service—translated directly into their coaching approach.
Gratitude to Mission-Aligned Sponsors
Events of this depth and scope don’t happen without committed partners. Soldiers To Sidelines extends sincere thanks to:
Wounded Warrior Project for powering the seminar and continuing to elevate veterans through sport and recovery.
Wells Fargo for championing veteran career growth and leadership training.
PenFed Foundation for investing in service members’ transition to impactful civilian roles.
CVS Health for promoting inclusive workforce development and healthy communities.
A Movement, Not Just a Certification
Graduates left the seminar certified, yes—but more importantly, they left empowered. They became part of a national coaching community ready to inspire and lead. Whether working with wheelchair rugby players, recovering stroke survivors, or adaptive CrossFit competitors, these coaches are now equipped to foster inclusive, high-performance environments wherever they serve.
For many veterans, this seminar represented a renewed mission—one rooted in purpose, resilience, and the transformative power of sport. Through coaching, they are continuing to serve. And the sideline has never mattered more.
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