USD Graduate Finds Career with Miami Heat
Hunter Glascock, who earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from USD in 2013, is now an assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Miami Heat, where he helps design training programs, support injury prevention and guide player development throughout the National Basketball Association season and offseason.
Glascock’s path to the NBA began with an internship as part of his coursework in USD’s kinesiology and sport management program. He then spent four seasons as head strength and conditioning coach for the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Miami Heat’s NBA G League affiliate, after building his foundation in South Dakota. He also worked with Sanford POWER and served as a strength and conditioning coach at Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls.
He gained statewide recognition for his early work and was named the National Strength and Conditioning Association High School Coach of the Year for the South Dakota and North Dakota region. That hands-on experience eventually led to an opportunity with the Miami Heat organization and ultimately shaped his professional trajectory.
From training student-athletes in Sioux Falls to supporting professional basketball players in Miami, Glascock’s career trajectory demonstrates the opportunities available to USD graduates pursuing careers in sport performance, kinesiology and exercise sciences. It also showcases how foundational experiences, mentorship and applied learning can lead to opportunities on a national—and global—stage.
"A lot of my path came from putting myself in the right position and being ready when the next door opened,” said Glascock. “You don’t have to have everything figured out right away. Stay committed, surround yourself with good people and be willing to take chances when opportunities come.”
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