Brandon Siakel graduated from Hope College with a Bachelor of Science in exercise science. After his graduation, Siakel went to Michigan State University for two years to work as a graduate assistant in strength and conditioning coach for Olympic Sports. After he earned his master’s in kinesiology and exercise science, he began his fellowship as an assistant strength and conditioning coach for United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. Siakel worked as an assistant for three years and in 2016 he was promoted to a strength and conditioning coach for winter sports for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee teams. Brandon Siakel is dedicated to his athletes. He works hard to give them the best care he can and we are proud of his commitment.
- What was an impactful experience you had as a student at Hope?
- The Vienna summer school orchestrated by Dr. Hemenway. It was my first time getting out of the United States and being exposed to another culture outside of my norm. It opened my eyes to the world outside of the United States and Michigan.
- To you, what makes Hope special?
- The word that comes to my mind when I think of Hope College is CARING. The faculty, student-body, and surrounding community genuinely care about each others’ well-being and will go out of their way to support one another.
- What is your current job title? In your own words, describe what you do.
- My current job title is strength and conditioning coach for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee. I work with Team USA winter sport athletes to prepare them physically to assist with their competitive goals and the demands of their sport.
- What do you love about your chosen career?
- I am fortunate to be able to work with some of the best athletes and coaches in their respective sports, in addition to being integrated within multi-disciplinary performance teams. The relationships and collaborative teamwork that drive high-performance is what I love the most.
- What was your favorite food at Phelps?
- I liked to treat myself with the following concoction: soft-served ice cream in a glass + chocolate milk filled + oreo pieces + mix it all together. That was delicious!
- Which class would you want to retake if you could? Why?
- Human Anatomy Lab. I would take this again because I utilize anatomy everyday in my profession. Also, seeing and actively doing are forms of learning that resonate with me the most. The lab setting allowed me to do these two things effectively.
- What is your hope for Hope’s future?
- My hope is that the Hope Forward tuition model President Scogin is spearheading comes to full fruition. It has the chance to alter the financial landscape of higher education in the United States, which can positively impact the lives of many.
Hope College is proud to honor Brandon Siakel ’11 with the 2021 10 Under 10 Award. The “10 Under 10 Awards” honors emerging leaders who are making significant contributions by living out their callings; engaged in the local and global community through professional and/or volunteer involvement; and use their education to think about important issues with wisdom and clarity, communicate effectively to bridge boundaries that divide human communities and act as agents of hope living faithfully into their vocations. Designed for alumni who are within 10 years of graduation, they are presented by the Hope College Alumni Association. Make a nomination today!