COACHES
Matt is a CT certified PE & Health teacher and EXOS certified Performance Enhancement Specialist, with a sports psychology certificate. Growing up the son of a successful high school and college coach, Matt loved all sports. He especially loved watching the hard work and dedication that it took to truly be successful. During his childhood, he played baseball, basketball, football, and golf. He later went on to play football at the collegiate level. It was at this time that his coaching career also began. During his time off he would work with local AAU baseball as well as high school basketball and football teams.
He graduated from Central Connecticut State University with his bachelors degree in Physical Education and Human Performance and soon after completed his Master's in Physical Education and Human Performance. Matt has been working as a PE teacher locally for the past 14 years. He has also continued his work with student athletes from middle school all the way up through D1, preparing for upcoming seasons, showcases, or recovering from injuries.
MATT VACCARELLI
LEAH SZOT
Leah is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, through the National Strength and Conditioning Association; she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Physiology and holds certifications for both Olympic Weightlifting through USA Weightlifting as well as CrossFit level 1 and 2.
While in college, Leah completed her internship with Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Center, during this time she worked directly with Physical therapy patients, helping them through their treatment programs, and working alongside a number of incredible physical therapists. The injuries she encountered ranged from Concussions, and vestibular irregularities/impairments, to post-operative hip and knee replacements. This experience further inspired Leah’s training philosophies to focus heavily on prehabilitation and rehabilitation as it relates to preparing athletes for sport as well as life.
Leah began working as a personal trainer in 2009, and over the last 15 years of coaching she has worked with clientele from all walks of life. She spent many years working in the group fitness space, both coaching and designing classes, as well as mentoring aspiring coaches and fitness professionals. Her current focus at Axios is incorporating performance training and rehabilitation for each of her clients, while delivering hands on, personalized programing for both student and adult athletes alike.
