Meet Your Coach
Derek Randall
Achievements
- 3x Canadian Powerlifting Champion
- 2017 IPA World Powerlifting Champion
- 2019 Ontario’s Strongest Man (Silver)
- 2x OSG World’s Strongest Man Qualified
- 2009 Canadian Law Enforcement Games National Champion
About Derek Randall
Derek Randall is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist with over 20 years of experience developing athletes from youth levels all the way to the professional ranks. He has trained athletes competing in the NHL, CFL, NCAA, U Sports, and multiple Junior hockey and football programs, as well as lifters who have earned Provincial, National, and World Championship titles in Powerlifting and Strongman.
Since relocating to Charlotte County in 2021 and reopening Elite Strength Academy in April 2022, Derek has become a key contributor to local sport and youth development. The community has strongly embraced ESA’s role, and in 2025 the gym was honoured with the St. Stephen Chamber of Commerce “New Business of the Year” Award for its impact on health, fitness, and athletics in the region.
Quick Facts
- Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
- 20+ years of coaching experience
- Athletes coached at NHL, CFL, NCAA, U Sports & Junior levels
- Provincial, National & World Champions trained in Powerlifting and Strongman
- Owner and Head Coach of Elite Strength Academy (ESA)
High-Performance Coaching Experience
Derek’s coaching resume includes work with several elite teams and organizations, including:
- Windsor Spitfires (U18)
- LaSalle Jr. B Vipers
- Lakeshore Jr. C Canadiens
- Leamington Figure Skating Club
- Team Canada Baseball – 2013 International Youth Games
These roles have allowed him to support athletes across hockey, baseball, figure skating, football, and strength sports at high-performance levels.
Current Coaching Roles
Based in Charlotte County, Derek is actively involved in local athlete development as:
- Strength & Conditioning Coach – St. Stephen High School Football
- Strength & Conditioning Coach – St. Stephen High School Hockey
- Strength & Conditioning Coach – St. Stephen High School JV Basketball
- Strength & Conditioning Coach – St. Stephen County Moose Jr. A Hockey Team
Through these roles, he delivers structured in-season and off-season programs designed to build stronger, faster, and more resilient athletes.
Community Impact
Since bringing ESA to Charlotte County, Derek has focused on giving back to the community and creating more opportunities for youth and families to stay active:
- Donates fitness equipment to improve St. Stephen High School training spaces
- Provides workshops and support for groups such as:
- NBCC International Students Day
- Downtown Boys & Girls Club
- Neighbourhood Works Youth Centre
- Supports local events including the Fall County Fair and International Festivals
- Offers free community activity days through St. Stephen Mini Golf Gardens
This ongoing involvement helped lead to ESA being recognized with the 2025 St. Stephen Chamber of Commerce “New Business of the Year” Award.
Coaching Philosophy
Derek’s coaching philosophy is built around:
- Long-term athlete development
- Strong technical foundations and injury prevention
- High-accountability, high-support training environments
- Building confidence, resilience, and mental toughness
Whether preparing a team for a championship run or coaching someone through their very first session, Derek’s focus is always on building stronger athletes and stronger people.
