Today we’d like to introduce you to Chico Morales.
Hi Chico, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
My name is Jacob Morales, everyone knows me by “Chico”. First, I would like to give God the glory for this opportunity. Growing up, I was a member at the Boys & Girls Club in Plano. That is where my love for sports derived (Football & Basketball). That grew all the way into middle school and high school where I started to focus more on basketball. I played at Plano East High School, where our senior year (2013) we went 30-6, undefeated in district, & finished ranked 3rd in Texas. After high school, I had the opportunity to attend, at the time a Division II School, Tarleton State University in Stephenville, TX. A national powerhouse in basketball led by legendary Coach Lonn Reisman. During my time at Tarleton State, we made it to the final four (2015) & Elite Eight (2016) in the Division II NCAA Tournament. During my time at Tarleton, I met my wife, Kassandra, whose support I am forever grateful for.
After graduating from Tarleton State, I had no idea what I wanted to do in regard to a career. I had no job experience, a degree in Kinesiology, and I knew I did not want to pursue a teaching/coaching career. But I knew I wanted to work with athletes. I decided to apply to graduate school. I applied to one school, Texas State University, it was either I got accepted or I would have to find a different path. I was accepted into the Exercise & Sports Science Program. The first semester was a struggle mentally, physically, and emotionally. The second semester of grad school, everything started to turn for the better. I got a job as physical therapist tech, and I was enrolled in a sports nutrition course and a strength & conditioning course. That job and those 2 courses helped form the foundation to what I have grown to today. I developed a PT/rehab foundation while obtaining a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist certification (CSCS). Throughout that time, I stayed in touch with owner/head trainer at Built 4 It Athletics, Tim Cook, who trained me and a few of my friend in high school. That is where our friendship originated. After I completed my master’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science, I moved back to the Dallas area and had the opportunity to join the team at Built 4 It Athletics.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There are always challenges. After graduating and done playing basketball, I had slight identity issues. I lacked job experience and had no plan. Shoutout to my wife for being a constant light in my life during that time and always pushing me to do better. However, I cannot complain. Through the challenges and pain, I am now working in an industry that I am passionate about and at a facility that allows me to grow into one of the best performance trainers.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an NBA Strength & Conditioning/Performance Trainer at Built 4 It Athletics in Prosper, Tx. I specialize in basketball-specific training with the goal to increase performance on the basketball court. I am in my 3rd year of high-performance training and soon going to begin basketball skills training in the North Texas area. I strive to provide the best product I can offer athletes. I work hand in hand with the physical therapists when athletes are ready to begin a return to sport program. A relationship that is needed to provide athletes with the best care. What sets us apart from our competitors, is our approach to training. There are no protocols or templates to follow, and not every athlete is treated the same. Every athlete’s program can be modified to best meet their needs to help reach their genetic potential. I am dedicated to help athletes reach their optimal athleticism and bridge the gap between sports science and training. I am proud of the team we have built at Built 4 It Athletics; I truly believe we have the best team & work environment!
Contact Info:
- Email: chico@built4itathletics.com
- Website: www.built4itathletics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chico_suave14/
Image Credits:
42 Witness
Jesus Gutierrez
