Wisconsin strength & conditioning updates staff
November 22, 2021 | General News
UW welcomes Anderson and Ikemizu; promotes Breider
Kevin Schultz, Wisconsin's director of Olympic strength and conditioning, has promoted Billy Breider to assistant director of Olympic strength and conditioning and added two new assistant strength and conditioning coaches — Tia Anderson and George Ikemizu.
"Billy has been a valued member of our strength and conditioning department since 2013," Schultz said. "As a professional, Billy is a top-notch strength coach who has been recognized numerous times by the student-athletes that he serves for the energy, excitement and care that he brings on a daily basis."
Breider began his Wisconsin career as a graduate intern and been a dedicated member of the S&C staff throughout his tenure. He has most recently taken on administrative responsibilities with the Badgers' internship program and assisting in program budgeting operations. Breider trains the Badgers' nationally-ranked wrestling and men's and women's swimming and diving teams. Read his full bio here.
The addition of Anderson and Ikemizu also enhances Wisconsin's talented roster of strength and conditioning experts.
"Tia is someone who I have known professionally for over ten years and have had the chance to watch her grow professionally over that time," Schultz said. "I have always been impressed by her work ethic, grit and tenacity as a coach and professional within the field."
Anderson was a welcome addition to the staff after previously working in a limited-term role with the Wisconsin women's basketball team. "The value that Tia brought in that limited role was felt across our department and we knew that she would be a great fit for our programs moving forward," Schultz added.
Prior to Wisconsin, Anderson spent five years at North Alabama working with numerous Lions' teams while earning her master's degree in human performance. She additionally served as UNA's interim head strength and conditioning coach with coverage over all 13 UNA sports during her studies before eventually being hired full-time as an assistant coach. Anderson also worked at Villanova and Wisconsin-La Crosse in strength and conditioning with additional responsibilities in nutrition and facility management. She is working with the Badgers' women's soccer and softball programs, while providing administrative oversight of women's golf. Learn more about Anderson here.
Ikemizu will also bring extensive experience to the Badgers.
"During the interview process, George quickly rose to the top as someone who possessed a great understanding of the profession, but also truly understood the student-athletes that he worked with," Schultz said. "George's ability to also speak three languages helps him connect with many of our student-athletes."
Ikemizu joins the Badgers from the University of the Incarnate Word, where he graduated with his master's degree in kinesiology and was promoted to associate strength & conditioning coach through his five-year tenure. Prior to UIW, Ikemizu worked at Florida International University as a strength and conditioning intern for four years while earning his bachelor's of science degree in sports and fitness. He also completed an internship at the University of Florida. Ikemizu is working with the Badgers' men's soccer and men's and women's track and field team programs, while providing administrative oversight of men's golf. Read Ikemizu's full bio here.
