i'm just a kid from queens
My Education and Experience
- Master of Science Degree, Exercise Science - Marshall University (2010)
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
- Strength and Conditioning Consultant - (2021 - Colgate University)
- Assistant Strength and Conditioning coach for Football - (2015-2018 - Oklahoma University)
- Strength and Conditioning Intern - (2014 - Jacksonville Jaguars)
- Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for Football and Olympic Sports - (2013 - University of California Berkeley)
- Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for Football and Outdoor Sports - (2012 - Columbia University)
- Strength and Conditioning Intern - (2012 - University of Texas)
- Graduate Assistant - (2010-2011 - Marshall University)
Who am i?
My name is Mahala Wiggins. I was born and raised in Queens New York City. The youngest of James and Florence 8 children, I was fortunate to have 7 older siblings to help guide me and keep me out of trouble. My older brothers set the tone and paved the way for me. I was always known as their little brother and tried to live up to that standard until high school when I went a different direction and chose a different school. That's where I began to sail uncharted waters. There was no map and I had to figure it out.
The start of my journey
I attended Marshall University in Huntington West Virginia. I walked on to the football team and earned a scholarship. My career goals kept changing until 1 day after a summer training session, I sat down with my Strength and Conditioning Coach and asked him how he got started. He told me what he majored in and that was the day I began to pursue becoming a strength and conditioning coach. On December 14th 2010, I earned my Masters degree in Exercise Science. Less than 1 year later, I passed my CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) through the NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association). I was on my way to becoming a strength and conditioning coach, or so I thought.
August 22, 2011: I became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association
road block early in my career
NO ONE WOULD HIRE ME! I must have applied to EVERY job posted online. NOTHING! I could not figure out what the issue was. I had my degree and was certified, what was I missing? EXPERIENCE! I was certified but not qualified for the jobs I was applying for. That's when I discovered what you knew wasn't as important as WHO you knew.
I am forever grateful for the sacrifices my brothers and father have made for me to enjoy my freedoms. Thank you to all who have served.
Family Values
My father and all three of my brothers are Marines. Long before I ever thought about becoming a strength and conditioning coach, I was planning on going to the Corp. My father spoke to me about OCS (Officer Candidates School) after I earned my bachelors in 2008. Having a degree opened up options for me but part of me wanted to go enlisted like my father and brothers before me. After being turned down by damn near every school in the nation, the thought of pursuing OCS (Officer Candidates School) resurfaced, but it was not in the cards for me to become a Marine.
the road to Austin
I remember crying and praying for there to be an opportunity for me to get my foot in the door. I was still somewhat fresh out of school at this time and was looking to move to Texas to play semi-pro football to get some film. I initially contacted a team in San Antonio and they never got back to me. Shortly afterwards, Adrian Zepada from the Austin Vipers reached out to me and asked if I was interested. Without hesitation, I accepted and prepared to head to Austin. I had no friends, family, job or even a place to call home. I was living in my car, playing semi-pro football when the idea hit me to try to pursue an internship at The University of Texas. This was the opportunity I was praying for.
The University of texas
I walked into a building attached to the stadium and was greeted by someone at the front desk. I said I wanted to be a strength and conditioning intern and the front desk employee looked at me with a confused look on his face. They probably get random fans that just want to be a part of the organization somehow and he asked me "who are you?". I was a nobody, walking into The University of Texas off of the street, looking for a job. "My name is Mahala Wiggins. I am the youngest son of James and Florence Wiggins. I drove 30 1/2 hours from Queens New York to Austin Texas for an opportunity to intern at The University of Texas". I do not know that guys name but thank you for not kicking me out of the building and for getting me in contact with Coach Maib. I had the opportunity to sit down with Donnie Maib and the rest was history. Hank Morris was the owner of the team I played for. He found out I was living in my car and both him and his wife opened their doors to me. I am FOREVER grateful for their generosity and kindness.
Some of the stops I have made along the way in my coaching career
What's next?
My coaching career has allowed me the opportunity to travel around the country and be associated with both collegiate and professional organizations. I have been blessed to work with a variety of sports and high level athletes during my coaching career. This is not the end of coaching for me. Currently, I am taking all of the knowledge I have accumulated over the years and I am pouring it into anyone who is willing to work. Will I get back into collegiate coaching? Only time will tell but I am in no rush.