About Chris Braden
Chris joined the team having spent four years as the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for Men’s Basketball at Texas Tech University. As part of the Texas Tech Basketball staff Chris coached for the legendary and 2nd all time winningest coach in Division I College Basketball history, Bob Knight as well as his son Pat Knight.
Prior to beginning his stint at Texas Tech University Chris began his coaching career at the University of Texas at Austin where he spent four years learning from the best in business.
Starting as a graduate coach in 2003 with the University of Texas Football team Chris worked to earn the respect of Head Strength & Conditioning Coach, Jeff Madden. During his time under Madden, Chris was part of strength staff that helped to eventually produce 29 NFL draft picks. While working with an incredible staff and players the Texas Football team appeared in and won two consecutive Rose Bowls (2005,2006); the second victory resulting in a BCS National Championship for the Longhorns. In addition to his coaching responsibilities with the football team Chris coached the University of Texas Women’s Golf team who won the 2003-04’ Big 12 Championship.
In May of 2005 Chris finished his graduate work at The University of Texas earning a Masters degree in Sports Science and Nutrition. Upon graduation Chris was offered a full time position as an Assistant Basketball Strength & Conditioning Coach serving underneath Head Basketball Strength & Conditioning Coach, Todd Wright as well as Head Coaches Rick Barnes and Jody Conradt.
In the two years serving with Wright, Chris worked to prepare both men’s and women’s basketball squads for success which resulted in an appearance by the men’s team in the “Elite Eight” of the 2006 NCAA Basketball Championships. During his tenure with Texas Basketball, Chris coached and was in part responsible for preparing 7 NBA draftees (LaMarcus Aldridge, Daniel Gibson, PJ Tucker, Dexter Pittman, DJ Augustin, Damion James, Kevin Durant), one WNBA draft selection (Tiffany Jackson), and one National Player of the Year (Kevin Durant – 2007).
It was during this time that he became exposed to Wright’s unique way to approach training. Through a close relationship with Gary Gray & Dr. Dave Tiberio (the world’s foremost experts in Applied Functional Science) Wright had developed a training system that incorporated conventional methodology but just as importantly addressed the true nature of human movement through function. It was through the friendship that Wright and Chris developed, that Chris also began a relationship with Gray and Tiberio, eventually leading Chris to to take part in the nationally recognized GIFT program.
Chris became a Fellow of Applied Functional Science (FAFS) after he completed the GIFT (Gray Institute for Functional Transformation) program in 2010. Through this program Chris deepened his expertise relating to the human body and strengthened his abilities to help position his athletes for success. In conjunction with a Bachelors of Science in Human Nutrition (Texas A&M University – 2002), clients at Train 4 The Game will be able to take full advantage of Chris’s multi-disciplined knowledge base. Additionally, those who choose to be a partner with Train 4 The Game will benefit from his wealth of experience as he facilitates the entire Train 4 The Game team in helping others to perform at their highest level and live with optimal vitality.