For every athlete, physical and mental preparation are two keys to success. From nutrition to physicality, these qualities are necessary for enhancing performance on the court, field, or in the water. For paraprofessional Maaz Ahmed, being an exercise science major and weight-lifting coach scratches the surface of how much he values weightlifting and consistently bettering athletes.

“I went to Eastern Illinois University and I wanted to be a bio major but once I got into it I really didn’t like it. So then I went into athletic training after that and it wasn’t for me either. The next step after that was exercise and the classes were really similar so I really got hooked on it right away,” Ahmed said.

After four years at Eastern, Ahmed was in search to find a job that fit him. Graduating with a major in exercise science, he immediately knew he wanted to work in a weight room. Finding the right location and being around the right people was the biggest challenge.

“When I first started working, I interned at Niles North for two years. I worked with the strength coach over there and coached a year of track and field. Once the position opened up here, I hopped right over,” Ahmed said.

When moving to Niles West, Ahmed was excited to work with head strength coach Fernando Perez. With Perez’s experience and knowledge, he’s fulfilled a key role in Ahmed adapting to the culture here at West.

“Perez is a great guy. He has so much experience and especially for me, Perez is another mentor I have. He gives me so many different perspectives into this field and he’s always a resource I have whenever I need him. He has already helped me a lot and continues to push me on a daily basis,” Ahmed said.

Perez agrees that Ahmed’s motivation and meticulous work ethic are impeccable.

“It’s great having Mr. Ahmed in the weight room. To have somebody who comes in, has a fresh set of eyes, can offer really good feedback on what we are doing and how we are doing it is nothing but a plus. He’s not a talk about it type of person, he does it. All of the weight lifting techniques are practiced by him and it’s really cool to see,” Perez said. “There is a huge population out there that have an opinion about just about anything but never really go out and try it. Failure is the most direct form of feedback and he takes pride in that.”

Along with coaches and trainers working with him, athletes already feel comfortable and trusting of Ahmed. Interacting with Ahmed on a day-to-day basis has made senior Sidra Khatoon‘s experience in the weight room much better.

¨Having Mr. Ahmed in the weight room has already been great. He’s so nice and kind when he’s working with us, especially when the weight room becomes hectic. He’s always making sure he’s working on anything possible and provides us with corrections whenever we need. Mr. Ahmed is overall super fun and already a great addition to the program,” Khatoon said.

Whether Ahmed is hang cleaning 200 pounds or is directing a sports team through dynamic stretches, he wouldn’t change his job for the world. Meeting new people, working with great mentors, and being in the weight room are two elements he takes pride in and enjoys doing every day.