Recently we had the opportunity to chat with SPIRE’s Director of Performance, Bobby Kaleal, to discuss his past, his philosophies and his valuable role at the Academy. With an unwavering commitment to unlocking human potential Bobby has garnered immense recognition for his innovative approach to sports performance and athlete development.

Q: How did you find yourself in the physical wellness and recovery business?

A: I see my talents as gifts to share, whether it’s extending lives, supporting athletes or helping those who serve our nation. I started as an EMT, and later pursued massage and neuromuscular therapy followed by a bachelor’s in Athletic training and fitness management. This led to dual masters in exercise science and sports management. Fitness became my passion, driving me to gain diverse certifications. My journey involves working with cancer patients, researching post-chemotherapy effects on kids, training top athletes and aiding police, fire and military personnel.

Q: How did you connect with SPIRE Academy?

A: SPIRE’s Head of Athletics, Jeff Javorek, needed a Strength Coach and coincidentally the Director of Performance role was open. I proposed to take on both roles temporarily, applying my unique concept: “ReCharge & Energize.” Creating a recovery and assessment lab was my vision, attracting universities, colleges and families for research and marketing. My aim remained centered on offering classes for sports management, exercise science, physical therapy and occupational health. Evidently they saw promise in my idea and I was hired.

Q: What would you like parents and caregivers of your students to understand about what you do at SPIRE Academy?

A: They should know that our mission at SPIRE is to help student athletes reach their peak potential. That means mentally, physically, emotionally, psychologically and nutritionally. With that said our goal is to help you accept your weaknesses for what they are and try to grow on them, continue to make your strengths stronger and help you realize that consistency is the key to success!

Q: What’s your go-to album/song/band for the summer?

A: The Offspring (Motivating, smash head against wall energy driven music) and Skillet (Good, hard, motivating and inspirational Christian rock that our athletes can appreciate).

Q: Do you see an opportunity to educate student athletes about the painkiller epidemic facing athletes in the US and around the world?

A: Of course, it’s all part of the mission. The more we can educate people about their body and how exercise, stress-relieving modalities and proper nutritional habits (when prescribed correctly) can decrease the need for painkillers and the opioid issues that we face.

Q: What does your ideal vacation look like?

A: In the mountains with some sun! White water rafting and hiking!!! Ending the day with a massage to recover with a glass of wine!

Q: Is there a book you recommend everybody read?

A: Of Mice & Men by John Steinbeck and The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton.

Q: What would you do if you won the lottery?

A: Pretty much help everyone and anyone I can…but I would still work!!!

Q: What impact do you hope to have on SPIRE’s student athletes?

A: My goal is to have all of our student athletes leave SPIRE knowing more about their strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, I don’t just want them to know and express their strengths and weaknesses but my desire before they leave is to have a plan to decrease their weaknesses and increase their strengths and leave here more confident inside and out.

You can read more about Bobby Kaleal on the SPIRE Academy website here!