Daniel Hitman

Gabriella Arancio- Field Hockey at TCNJ (Testimonial)

I met Dan about 4 years ago at Reach Your Potential Training in Tinton Falls, NJ. He was my strength and conditioning coach for a number of seasons. During this time I had the privilege to have him as a coach and mentor. In the years since knowing Dan, he has taught me many life lessons, those of which I will hold with me for the rest of my life. Above all, Dan has instilled a confidence in me that no mentor has previously has the ability to. This confidence as an athlete is difficult to achieve when competition is high, and can only achieved when you have a supportive coach. In other words, a coach like Dan had the ability to modify exercises that would allow me to recover from previous workouts, and simultaneously excel. Dan allowed me to express feelings of frustration on a bad day, but reminded me to not let it affect my performance. By adopting my goals as his own, and motivating me to never waiver from them, Dan was one of the only coaches I have had in my life who kept me focused on the future I had envisioned for myself, at the start of my athletic career. Over the years I have known Dan, it is clear how deeply he cares about the well-being and success of each of his athletes. It was such a privilege to get the chance to be his athlete. Were it not for Dan being my coach and mentor, I would have not developed into the athlete and student that I am today Dan is the best coach and mentor I have ever had. I am forever grateful for the impact he has had on my life.

Elijah McAllister- OLB at Vanderbuilt University (Testimonial)

My name is Elijah McAllister and I am currently a freshman Outside Linebacker at Vanderbilt University. I first met Coach Dan after tearing my first ACL in the summer of 2016. Instantly Dan and I began to form a strong bond. Soon enough he wasn't just another coach or trainer I'd go see 5 times a week but he was a friend, mentor, and brother. After tearing my second ACL in February of my Junior year he was the second person I called to confirm the injury, second to only my dad. When I broke the news he told me "you will overcome this. It's time to go back to work". That is a testament to how highly I think of Coach Dan. Here we are today after two major knee surgeries, countless life lessons, and many Chipotle dinners. I still text Dan when I need sport or life advice even though we're many miles apart. He helped me work back from two major knee surgeries both physically and mentally. I put on 25 pounds and went from probably redshirting to possibly playing meaningful snaps for a SEC team as a true freshman and most of that is due to our relationship. He kept my head on straight and helped me focus and that is why I'm where I am today.

Kenny Campbell- Starting Pitcher at Lafayette College (Testimonial)

When I was 16 years old I was an un-recruited pitcher with shoulder problems, staring my baseball career down the barrel. That is when I met Dan, and we started on a mission, together. Dan personally guided me through all aspects of my rehabilitation including physical therapy, functional strength training, conditioning, mental endurance, and nutrition. Dan even took the time to meet me at a local football field to make sure I got my throwing in after grueling days of work. This man goes above and beyond the call of duty, and he does it because he cares about his athletes more than anything in the world. “A productive coaching relationship begins with two people with fires in their bellies: one who wants to desperately move forward and another who yearns to help that person make the journey,” - James Belasco. Dan completely embodies the meaning behind this quote. In my mind, the only way I would ever reach my dreams is if I have somebody in my corner who believes in me, challenges me, and pushes me as far as I need to go to be successful. Today I am 20 years old and entering my third year of Division 1 baseball. Not only am I a better baseball player, but a better person because of the time I spent with Dan. He helped prepare me to not only excel at the next level, but do it the right way. I absolutely would not be where I am today without Dan Hitman.