Presley Gauch joined the Duquesne University strength & conditioning coaching staff in April of 2025.
Gauch joined the Dukes after concluding the 2024-25 season as an assistant with the University of Illinois men's basketball program, where he helped guide the Fighting Illini in all aspects of strength & conditioning, including nutrition, meals, weight management and body composition plans and travel nutrition. He also assisted in athletic recovery methods including red light, sauna, cryotherapy, hyperbaric chambers, athlete specific recovery and correctional exercise routines.
Prior to joining the staff at Illinois, Gauch served as the Director of Strength & Conditioning at Reinhardt University during the 2024 calendar year. As part of his duties with the Eagles, Gauch was responsible for all scheduling of the weight room for training sessions as well as sports & conditioning regimens for each of the program's 26 sports. He also oversaw a complete remodel of the weight room, including flooring and sound system, and managed the program's budget.
Gauch owns a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science as well as a Master of Science in sport and recreational administration, both from Southern Illinois University. He spent almost two years in strength & conditioning with the Salukis and was responsible for the design and implementation of all strength programs for the SIU track & field program while also serving as an assistant strength & conditioning coach for the football team. Gauch is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) and is also trained for CPR/AED with the American Heart Association.Â
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