SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes have hired Daniel Hicker as the strength and conditioning coach for the club’s Development Academy program. Hicker will also work with Greg Tella to oversee the first team.

“Daniel is a great hire. He will do wonders for our organization,” said Head Athletic Trainer Ron Shinault. “He is someone who is familiar with sports at all levels, professional, collegiate and youth. He has worked with U.S. Soccer, professional athletes and many other athletes at the age levels of our academy. He is going to allow us to develop our athletes physically so they can compete and help our team be more successful on the field.”

Hicker brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to San Jose. Hicker has worked for U.S. Soccer, the San Jose Sharks and Santa Clara University, among many others.

“It’s going to be a wonderful journey, great people from top to bottom here,” said Hicker. “I’m really looking forward to working with all the players from the first team down to the academy and building something special here.”

He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, with Distinction, and a member of the NSCA’s Special Interest Group for Long Term Athletic Development. Hicker is also a certified Performance Enhancement Specialist and Corrective Exercise Specialist through the NASM. He also possesses an Premier Diploma through the NSCAA