Rider University Athletics

Jordan Downes joined Rider University Athletics as Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Performance in Summer 2024. Downes came to Rider following two years as Director of Sports Performance at Widener University.  

At Widener, Downes designed and implemented a comprehensive science-based sports training program for the football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball and softball, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s track & field, men’s and women’s swimming, men’s and women’s volleyball and women’s soccer teams. He worked in conjunction with Head and Assistant Athletic Trainers for necessary physical rehabilitation and practices that influence injury prevention, while providing nutritional guidance for interested athletes, in- and out-of-season.

Prior to arriving at Widener, Downes was Assistant Sports Performance Coach at La Salle University, working directly with the men’s soccer, men’s and women’s golf and men’s rowing teams. He also assisted in implementing programs for men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s swimming & diving, women’s lacrosse and women’s water polo. He prepared a nutrition station for athletes to receive pre- and post-workout caloric needs and taught lifting techniques and safety for all lifts/movement drills.

From August 2019 to January 2022, Downes served as Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at King’s College. He designed and implemented comprehensive training programs for the football, field hockey, basketball, swimming, baseball, wrestling, track & field, cross country, ice hockey, soccer tennis, golf and volleyball teams. While in his position at King’s, Downes also served as Assistant Director of Intermetro Wellness Center, NCAA Coordinator of Student-Athlete Success and Game Management and Course Instructor. He’s also been a Spark Exercise Personal Trainer.