Meet Jordan Sorensen, EdD, NSCA-CSCS, ACSM-EP, a Spring 2025 graduate from the EdD in Kinesiology program at Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP Global). Dr. Sorensen currently serves as the Director of Strength and Conditioning at Bemidji State University in Bemidji, Minnesota.
From High School Athlete to Strength Coach
He began his career as a strength and conditioning coach at the high school level before transitioning into the private sector to coach football. During this time, he received his master’s in kinesiology and started working as the Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at Bemidji State University. Dr. Sorensen’s decision to become a coach stemmed from his own experience as an athlete and a subsequent knee injury during his sophomore year of high school. His school did not have a strength coach, so when his physical therapist suggested strength training post-injury for his recovery, the rest became history.
As a strength coach, his philosophy is to “do no harm, fill buckets that aren’t filled, and train smart, train hard.”
Balancing Career and a Doctoral Program
Dr. Sorensen always wanted the option of becoming a professor or an online adjunct faculty member in addition to his coaching career, which is why he decided to pursue a doctoral program. He chose CSP Global because “it had great feedback, the professors are knowledgeable and want you to be successful”, and because it offered the flexibility for him to continue working while pursuing his degree. This adaptable format allows working professionals to balance demanding coaching careers with rigorous academic research.
Dissertation Research on Reflexive Performance Reset
Through the research-focused curriculum of CSP Global’s EdD in Kinesiology, Dr. Sorensen conducted a dissertation focused on the impact of “Reflexive Performance Reset on Heart Rate Recovery (1-minute post) in College Basketball Athletes.” He had been using RPR with athletes for a long time and was curious to see if there were any measurable benefits of performing RPR.
Through his dissertation, he found that heart rate recovery was significantly improved within the RPR group. This has led him to continue utilizing it with his collegiate athletes, directly applying his academic research to his daily practice. Next in his career is continuing to make a positive impact on Bemidji State University’s student-athletes.
Advice for Future Kinesiology Scholars
Dr. Jordan Sorensen’s advice for those currently in dissertation is to “continually reach out to your advisor/committee. They are extremely knowledgeable and helpful!”
Explore Your Future
Are you ready to advance your career in sports performance and higher education? Discover how the EdD in Kinesiology at CSP Global can help you achieve your professional and academic goals. Apply today to take the next step in your journey.