Meet the Team
At Elevate Athletic Solutions, our team integrates expertise in program evaluation, athletics, and education to promote the success and well-being of both athletes and coaches. Led by Dr. Kurt Ward, Connor Cox, M.Ed., and Kevin Kirk, M.Ed., we bring a unique blend of experience as former Division I athletes, coaches, and educators, united by a shared commitment to helping athletic programs reach new heights. Our approach is grounded in data-driven evaluation and a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities within collegiate athletics.
Kurt Ward, Ph.D., CSCS
Founder and CEO
Dr. Kurt Ward is an Assistant Professor at Weber State University and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with extensive experience in sport pedagogy, coaching, and program evaluation. With over eight years of collegiate coaching experience and a background as a Division I track and field athlete, Dr. Ward brings both practical expertise and academic rigor to his work. His approach is research-based and athlete-centered, focusing on enhancing athlete performance, improving coach effectiveness, and elevating overall program quality through evidence-driven evaluation and leadership practices.
Kevin Kirk, M.Ed.
Athletic Program Development Specialist
Kevin Kirk earned his Master of Education in Sport Coaching Leadership from Weber State University and brings extensive experience as a Division I athlete and high school coach. An elite distance runner, Kevin competed at both Weber State University and Utah Tech University, giving him unique insight into the diverse cultures and expectations across collegiate athletic programs. His expertise lies in program development, team culture, and leadership evaluation, helping athletic departments strengthen communication, structure, and overall performance.
Connor Cox, M.Ed.
Program Evaluation Specialist
Connor Cox holds a Master of Education in Sport Coaching Leadership from Weber State University. As a former Division I athlete and current high school coach, he combines firsthand experience in athletics with advanced skills in research design and program evaluation. Connor specializes in collecting and analyzing data to help athletic programs identify key areas for growth and implement strategies that support both athlete and coach success.
Who we are
At Elevate Athletic Solutions, we are committed to enhancing the experiences of college athletes and strengthening the overall effectiveness of athletic programs. Founded by Dr. Kurt Ward, Connor Cox, M.Ed., and Kevin Kirk, M.Ed., our team combines extensive experience in Division I athletics and coaching with advanced expertise in program evaluation and sport leadership. Our mission is to help programs recognize their strengths, address areas for improvement, and foster environments where athletes and coaches can thrive both on and off the field.
Our Background and Values
As former athletes and coaches, we know firsthand the impact that a positive or negative athletic experience can have on an individual’s life. Dr. Ward, a certified program evaluator and current instructor in a master’s-level sports coaching program, brings both academic and practical insights into the needs of athletes and coaches. His work with athletes and coaches has shown him the importance of fostering strong team culture, supporting athlete well-being, and providing resources that empower coaches to lead effectively.
Connor Cox, M.Ed., complements this expertise with his background as a former Division I athlete and coach. With experience at both the collegiate and high school levels, Connor understands the critical role of team culture and leadership in an athlete’s development. Together, we are committed to elevating athletic programs by emphasizing holistic athlete support and coaching effectiveness.
Our Vision for Your Program
We believe that with the right insights, every program can build a stronger, more cohesive culture that sets athletes up for success. By working with us, programs can gain a clearer understanding of the resources available to athletes, identify areas where additional support may be needed, and strengthen the foundations that appeal to potential recruits. Our aim is to support programs in creating environments where both athletes and coaches feel equipped to perform at their best, ultimately leading to more successful and resilient athletic programs.
