DETROIT (6/24/13) – The University of Detroit Mercy has added another strong tie to the State of Michigan with the hiring of Sean Williamson as the Titans head strength and conditioning coach. Williamson, a graduate of Birmingham Brother Rice High School, returns to the Great Lakes State after serving as the head strength and conditioning coach at Morehead State University.

"Having the opportunity to be a part of Titan athletics and help continue the success and tradition that exists is truly an honor," said coach Williamson. "Being able to come home and continue to do what I love is a dream come true. I am excited about the direction of the athletic department and look forward to building future championship teams."

Prior to leading the strength and conditioning programs for all 16 teams at Morehead State, Williamson served on the strength and conditioning staff at the University of Kentucky, primarily working with basketball and football. He also assisted with the design and implement of strength, speed, agility, flexibility, anaerobic, aerobic and plyometric programs for the Wildcats.

"With the addition of Sean, all of our sports and spirit groups just got better," stated UDM Interim Director of Athletics Jason Horn. "Sean brings championship experience and great energy to Calihan Hall."

Williamson began his coaching career in strength and conditioning as an undergraduate assistant at the University of Toledo and served in an internship role as well before securing his first full-time position at Lakeland (Mich.) High School. He was the head strength and conditioning coach as well as an assistant football coach from 2009-11.

In 2010, Williamson was promoted at Lakeland to head of the physical education department. During his time at Lakeland, Williamson also launched his own training facility in Michigan, High Performance Training, L.L.C.

At his facility, he conducted on-site body mass index, body fat and functional movement assessments and personally trained hundreds of athletes.

Following his high school football career at Brother Rice, Williamson attended the United States Air Force Academy in 2002 before transferring to Toledo, where he appeared in 42 games on the defensive line for the Rockets. He helped UT to bowl games in 2004 (Motor City Bowl) and 2005 (GMAC Bowl) and was elected team co-captain in 2007 and 2008. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Toledo.

A native of White Lake, Mich., Williamson is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and also holds certification status for jump stretch. He is married to his wife Nicole, and the couple has one daughter, Reese.