Steve Novencido was named UC Merced’s Strength and Conditioning Coach in September 2025.
Novencido brings over 20 years of experience to the Bobcats and he has designed and implemented strength and conditioning programs for a variety of sports and levels. Most recently, he was the Director of Strength and Conditioning for Undefeated Athletics LLC in Madera.
Prior to returning to the Central Valley to work for Undefeated Athletics LLC, he spent eight years in Southern California both in San Diego and Los Angeles.
He spent time in intercollegiate athletics as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at University of Southern California from 2016-2019. He developed strength and power programs for many USC Olympic sports before moving to the football staff where he designed and implemented the speed development program and NFL Combine testing program. Women’s lacrosse and men’s tennis won Pac-12 Championships with Novencido on staff. He also worked with the Trojans M/W track, women’s basketball, M/W volleyball, and M/W diving teams. Following USC, Novencido served as the Director of Sports Performance and Education for Parisi Speed School San Diego and as the Strength and Conditioning Specialist for Navy Strike GRU1 in Coronado.
From 2013-2016, Novencido was a Strength and Conditioning Coach at IMG Academy where he developed athletes across many sports.
He was the Director of Sport Performance for Elite Speed Performance in Hanford from 2007-2013.
Novencido also interned for the San Diego Chargers and Fresno State football, working under the respective teams Head Strength and Conditioning Coach in the early 2000’s.
Novencido earned his bachelors degree in kinesiology and his master’s degree in exercise science from Fresno State.
He holds a variety of certifications, including from National Strength and Conditioning Association - CSCS*D (Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach with Distinction) and RSCC*D (Registered Strength & Conditioning Coach over 10yrs).
