Jon Lambert

Coach Profile: Justin Lindsey

11/18/2020 10:30:00 AM

By: Norman Yacko

Each Wednesday, TCNJ Athletics will profile a coach from one of its programs. Today, its head track & field and cross country coach Justin Lindsey. Lindsey began his career at the college as an assistant coach for five years before being named head coach ahead of the 2013-14 season. Lindsey was named the USTFCCCA National Women's Assistant Coach of the Year in 2010 and has been named NJAC Coach of the Year 14 times.

You are now entering your 13^th season at TCNJ and eighth as head coach. What initially drew you to the college?

TCNJ provided me with the opportunity to work with student athletes who are committed to the idea of doing this sport for the love of it.

What is it about TCNJ that sets itself apart from other colleges and athletic programs?

TCNJ offers a true student athlete experience, which allows athletes to be a student first and still become very successful as an athlete. TCNJ embodies this ideology better than most colleges.

You have produced athletes that have combined for 68 All-America honors, 62 program records, and an individual national champion. How do you maintain that consistent success year after year?

The success comes from the tremendous staff and student athletes I've worked with over the years. It also comes from our team's philosophy of believing we will be successful, and we are committed to putting in the work to make it happen.

You were named the National Women's Assistant Coach of the Year by the USTFCCCA in 2010 and have been named NJAC Coach of the Year 14 times. How does it feel to have that level of respect from your fellow coaches?

It's an honor to know my peers recognize the work we've done over the years. These awards are never earned without the support of a talented and dedicated staff. Our hard work together is the reason for these awards over the years.

How do you build a team culture among your athletes in what is primarily an individual sport?

The truth is, track and field is a team sport. It has subdivisions with different events which come together to win as a team. Our team culture is built around the idea supporting each other and helping each other grow as a person and student-athlete.

What are some of the top memories and moments from your coaching career?

Some of my top memories include my first NCAA coaching experience at TCNJ. It showed me how talented the team was and what tradition I wanted to carry on. My second top memory is last indoor season being canceled the day before the start of the NCAA championships. It's hard to top the feeling I had and the team's response when I had to tell them they couldn't compete.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your coaching career?

Working through the pandemic has been the most challenging thing I've faced in my coaching career. Not being able to work with the student athletes and not going to track meets has been very challenging.

Who are some of the people that have helped you the most in your career?

My family and close friends have been a huge help, but some key people in my coaching development would be Fred Samara, head track & field coach at Princeton University, Al Jennings, head coach of Trenton Track Club, and Steve Dolan, Director of Track & Field at University of Pennsylvania.

Outside of coaching, what would people find interesting about your day-to-day life?

Probably that I'm big into doing outdoor adventurous experiences. I enjoy off-roading and biking. I also enjoy boating and I'm working on getting my pilots license.

Is there anything you would like to say to all of the student-athletes that you have coached?

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with you and help you grow as people. You have helped me continue to grow as a person and I will always cherish the experiences I have with all of you.

Extra Point – Question from last week's coach profile Chessie Jackson – If you weren't a college coach, what profession would you want to take on?

Private jet pilot or Coach for a national federation.

Pose a question you would like to hear answered by our next coach.

How has coaching at the collegiate level changed your life?

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