HIGH POINT, N.C. (January 25, 2024) - Carolina Core FC today announced the hiring of Derek Landry as the club’s Director of Performance.
“We needed an experienced, multitalented individual like Derek to help us develop, build, and implement the club's first ever sports science program. In order to be competitive nowadays, you must leverage data, analytics, nutrition, strength, and conditioning in a way that benefits your roster and gives players the information they need to be successful,” said Chief Sporting Officer Eddie Pope. “Given Derek's experience at the collegiate, professional, and USMNT levels, we know that he can help us hit the ground running on day one.”
Landry joins Carolina Core FC having amassed over 10 years of experience in sports performance, working in a variety of roles including both strength and conditioning as well as sports science. Since September 2022, he has worked as the Strength Coach of the Colorado Rapids 2 in the MLS Next Pro. In this role, he worked as a sports scientist, contributing to the on-field workload and athletic development sessions for players. Landry’s contributions helped the club to the best overall record in the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Regular Season.
“I am excited to join an organization in the Carolina Core FC (CCFC) that is devoted to creating a professional, high-performance environment for soccer players in the Triad. This is a special opportunity to build from the ground up alongside technical and front office staff who are committed to excellence. Having operated within MLS Next Pro in its first two seasons, I have found an immense amount of joy in playing a role in developing the athletes I've been fortunate to work with. CCFC is a unique opportunity to continue in this work, and I am encouraged by the level of support offered by club leadership in our pursuit to create a successful development pathway for our players."
In this role as Director of Performance, his duties include, but are not limited to, managing and directing the overall strategy and budget for the Sports Performance department, planning, delivering, and evaluating physical development sessions for the CCFC 1st team and the MLS NEXT Academy to maximize individual development and performance. He is also responsible for assisting with the practical implementation of appropriate nutrition and hydration strategies for players for training, matches, and travel.
While executing his role as a Strength Coach with Rapids 2, starting in 2023, Landry simultaneously worked as a Sports Scientist for the United States Men’s National Team. In this role, he was able to design and deliver one-on-one technical sessions to achieve on-field physical objectives, as well as deliver evidence-based nutritional strategies to enhance performance and optimize recovery.
Prior to his time with Rapids 2 and U.S. Soccer, Landry was with D.C. United from 2021 to 2022, where he served as the First Team Assistant Fitness Coach. Throughout his time with the club, Landry led all sport science initiatives to monitor readiness and provide feedback to help influence on-field workload management. During his tenure, Landry was given the responsiblity of designing and implementing a comprehensive off-season plan for all first-team players.
Landry’s first professional job was as a Strength and Conditioning Coach at the highly esteemed IMG Academy, based out of Bradenton, FL. During his time there, he designed and executed training programs for world-top-25 tennis players, including the 2019 Junior Wimbledon Champion.
Throughout his distinguished career, he was also able to accumulate mulitple certificates. This includes a National Strength and Conditioning Association Certification (CSCS) and United States of America Weightlifting Certification (Level 1).
Landry graduated from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. Additionally, he holds a Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning from St. Mary’s University, Twickenham, London, achieved in 2023.
Landry is married to Megaan, and they have a son named Eli. The couple also has a dog named Beaux.
ABOUT Carolina Core FC
Founded in 2022, Carolina Core FC is an independent professional men’s soccer club that will begin play in MLS NEXT Pro in 2024. The club’s local owners are dedicated to community development through its on-field and off-field activities. Carolina Core FC has diligently worked behind the scenes to build together its experienced executive staff, including High Point Native, Eddie Pope as the Chief Sporting Officer. Eddie is a former U.S. Men’s National Team, MLS legend and USSF Hall of Famer. #CCFC will play its home matches in High Point, N.C. at Truist Point, the $38 million stadium located in the revitalized downtown social district. Supporters can join the club by securing a season seat and ordering Carolina Core FC merchandise at www.carolinacorefc.com.
