STRENGTH & CONDITIONING


Mission Statement
At York Lions Strength and Conditioning, we are firmly aligned with the York University Athletes and Recreation Mission Statement. Our mission is to inspire transformation in the individuals we serve. We are committed to pursuing excellence, nurturing leadership, and advocating for physical activity, sports, and overall wellness – one lion at a time. 

Our success is gauged through a threefold approach, with a focus on performance, integration, and education. 


Service Overview
Our specialization lies in the holistic development of our student-athletes, achieved through a blend of meticulously designed sport performance programs and impactful coaching. We place a premium on the long-term growth of our student athletes, empowering them to embrace a healthy, active lifestyle both during their time with us and beyond. Furthermore, we foster collaborative relationships with athletics, recreation, and university services, aiming to enhance the planning and execution of our department's initiatives. Our ultimate aspiration is to establish an industry-leading experiential learning opportunity that enriches the knowledge and expertise of future practitioners.

The Strength and Conditioning department assume responsibility for year-round training of York Lion varsity student-athletes. These programs are crafted in collaboration with sport coaches, support staff, and administration to ensure that effective outcomes are consistently achieved. 
There are paid and volunteer positions for students within the Strength and Conditioning field!  Students are welcomed as formal and informal placements within the HPC.   

Facility Overview
The Varsity High Performance Center (HPC) on campus is exclusively dedicated to the use of York Lions student-athletes. Training in this facility provides our student-athletes with a high-performance environment, where every piece of equipment and program is carefully selected to cater to the unique needs of high-performance athletes. Situated on the lower floor of the Tait McKenzie Centre, this facility encompasses over 2,000 square feet of space, equipped with industry-leading tools and equipment. This includes power racks, adjustable benches, barbells, dumbbells, bumper plates, medicine balls, Keiser cable pulley systems, and more.
 


STRENGTH & CONDITIONING SPECIALISTS

 
Staffiere, Justin

Justin Staffiere – Strength & Conditioning Coach

Justin Staffiere has served on the Strength and Conditioning Staff since 2021. Prior to his time at York, Coach Justin worked at the University of Windsor as a Strength and Conditioning coach overseeing Football, Volleyball, Soccer and many other sports. Staffiere graduated in 2015 with a degree in human kinetics and completed his master’s degree in human kinetics in 2018 with a focus on applied human performance, both at the University of Windsor. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and a certified weightlifting coach through USA Weightlifting. 





Blake Hembruff – Strength & Conditioning Coach

Blake Hembruff is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), accredited by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) since 2021. He brings a strong background in athletic performance and physical development, with experience coaching a wide range of varsity athletes.
Before joining York, Blake served as the Strength and Conditioning Coach at Centennial College, where he was responsible for programming and overseeing performance training across all varsity sports. His coaching approach emphasizes evidence-based training methods, athlete development, and injury prevention.
Blake earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education and health from Brock University in 2019. Alongside his professional career, he brings firsthand athletic experience as a former European hockey player and continues to compete at the semi-professional level. 


Luke Borsella – Strength & Conditioning Coach 

Luke Borsella is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach (CSCS), bringing a combination of professional expertise and a deep-rooted connection to the York Lions community. A proud alum of the York Lions football program, he returns to campus with firsthand knowledge of the demands and culture of varsity sport at York.
Luke holds a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with honours from York University and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). With experience training athletes across various sports and performance levels, he is committed to developing evidence-based programs that enhance performance, build resilience, and facilitate growth.
Driven by a passion for athlete development and team success, Luke is excited to help Lions athletes perform at their highest level — on the field, in the weight room, and beyond. 
 
   
A large gym with equipment

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