Fairmont State University Athletics

Kayla Smith enters her second season as Director of Strength & Conditioning for the Fairmont State women's basketball program.

Kayla, owner and coach of OPEX Morgantown, brings experience to the table with her unique background in a variety of sports as both an athlete and coach.

Kayla graduated from California University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor's degree in sports management and a master's degree in exercise science and health promotion with a concentration in performance enhancement and injury prevention. As an undergrad at Cal U, Kayla was a 4-time letter winner in basketball, garnering All-American honors as a senior. While studying for her master's degree, Kayla was a strength and conditioning graduate assistant, where she developed and implemented strength and conditioning protocols for all of Cal U's athletic teams. Following her time at Cal U, Kayla competed professionally for the Le Havre Al Aplemont basketball club in Le Havre, France. Upon returning to the States, Kayla acted as assistant basketball coach at Kutztown University in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, a position where she was responsible for team strength and conditioning programs, recruiting athletes, and coaching. Following her position as the assistant basketball coach at Kutztown University, Kayla was the general manager and head coach at a CrossFit facility for 4 years. Throughout Kayla’s time competing in CrossFit, Kayla was a four-time team member at the Atlantic Regionals competition and received two individual invitations.

Kayla has found that her passion lies in aiding in the development of each individual person holistically. Focusing on strengthening the person’s current abilities, identify and overcoming underlying deficits, and developing a relationship with each member of OPEX Morgantown is what Kayla truly believes is the key for long term success.

Through the model of Individual Design Programming, Kayla has witnessed the impact it has had on her athletes, of all lifestyles, ages, and varying goals, both within the walls of the gym and in their everyday lives. It is within this model that people are able to express their personal “why” for their journey and unlock untold potential.