Sam Dardaman

Ph.D., CSCS, RSCC, CPT

Portrait of Sam Dardaman

I'm Dr. Sam Dardaman, or as many of my students and athletes know me as “Coach Sam”. I currently serve as a Clinical Assistant Professor and the Program Director for Strength and Conditioning at the University of North Texas. I earned my Ph.D. in Human Performance & Movement Sciences with a focus on Performance Psychology. My research explores the physical and mental aspects of athletic performance, including injury recovery, performance perceptions, and student-athlete success.

As both a coach and an educator, I believe my role is to help students achieve their goals through preparation and training in an environment that fosters growth. I strive to create a supportive yet challenging atmosphere that recognizes each student's unique needs.

Thank you for visiting my page, and I am happy to connect!

Current Research

Active studies exploring athlete mindset, return-to-play experiences, and performance environments.

Combat Athlete Research

Combat Athlete Research

Investigating the behaviors, mindset, identity, and culture of combative sports.

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Competitive Bodybuilder Research

Competitive Bodybuilder Research

Exploring the psychological aspects of training, prep, and competition experiences.

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Female Athlete Research

Female Athlete Research

Examining the unique challenges and experiences of female athletes following ACL injury.

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Teaching

Course snapshots with learning objectives and student outcomes.

KINE 2010 course icon
KINE 2010

Fundamentals of Strength and Conditioning

Learning Objectives

  • Identify and understand major muscle groups' involvement during various strength and conditioning exercises.
  • Understand the key scientific principles of exercise prescription and periodization for different athletic goals.
  • Understand aspects of physical performance, including methods for developing power, mobility, stability, and recovery.

Student Outcomes

  • Safely demonstrate proper exercise techniques for resistance training, conditioning, and spotting.
  • Critically evaluate health, fitness, and exercise claims to separate scientific fact from common industry misconceptions.
  • Create custom, individualized strength and conditioning programs based on specific populations, sports demands, and injury restrictions.
KINE 4050 course icon
KINE 4050

Quantitative Analysis in Kinesiology

Learning Objectives

  • Apply statistical concepts to human performance measurement and evaluation.
  • Differentiate reliability and validity in exercise and sport measurement.
  • Analyze performance data and interpret results for evidence-based decisions.

Student Outcomes

  • Explain how quantitative methods support kinesiology research and practice.
  • Judge when common statistical methods are appropriate for a given data question.
  • Interpret analytic outputs to form defensible conclusions about performance trends.
KINE 4310 course icon
KINE 4310

Advanced Strength and Conditioning I

Description

Students will acquire knowledge regarding implementing strength and conditioning programs, coaching different types of athletes, strength and conditioning program design, proper resistance exercise techniques, and evaluation of physical performance capabilities.

KINE 4315 course icon
KINE 4315

Advanced Strength and Conditioning II

Description

Students will acquire knowledge regarding implementing strength and conditioning program periodization, proper speed and agility exercise techniques, plyometric training, and long-term athletic development of various types of athletes, ages, and levels.

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