Spring 2027 - Intern, Performance

Location: Irvine, California, United States Department: Football

Excel Sports Management is an industry-leading sports agency representing top-tier talent, blue-chip brands and marquee properties. Our success is rooted in our people, our high character reputation and our commitment to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace. We focus on team chemistry, collaboration, strong relationships, valuable networks, and ambitious ideas to deliver innovative solutions that keep our clients and agency ahead of the curve.

Excel Sports Management is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

Our Intern program is a paid opportunity that allows participants to contribute to the organization's success while applying knowledge gained in the classroom. This semester will be fully in-person. Interns are responsible for arranging their own transportation and housing.

Intern Expectations

Interns are expected to work 24–29.9 hours per week, reporting to the Irvine office approximately five days per week. While assigned to a specific division, interns will have opportunities to learn about other areas within Excel through lunch-and-learn sessions held throughout the semester.

Important Dates

Our Spring Program runs from Monday, January 4th, 2027, through Thursday, May 6th, 2027.

Office Hours

Scheduling will be coordinated with their advisor within standard office hours of 8:00 AM–5:00 PM CT, Monday–Friday.

Interview Process

Applications close November 20th, 2026.

If selected, the expectation is that offers will be extended by early December.

The program begins on January 4th, 2027.

Performance Intern Qualifications

Applicants must meet at least one of the following educational or certification qualifications:

Have senior standing in college (completed junior year of undergraduate studies).

Hold a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Sport Science, Strength and Conditioning, Exercise Physiology, Data Science, or related field.

Be enrolled in or have completed a master's degree in one of the above fields or a related discipline.

Possess or be working toward the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Performance Intern Responsibilities & Learning Opportunities

1. Athlete Coaching & Program Development

Collaborate in developing and modifying individualized, periodized training programs targeting speed, agility, strength, power, and conditioning.

Adjust programming based on athlete progress, performance assessments, and rehabilitation considerations.

Provide effective exercise instruction and demonstrations, emphasizing proper technique, execution, and safety.

Lead warm-up and activation sessions to prepare athletes for training. Maintain detailed records of training programs, athlete progress, and performance metrics.

2. Performance Testing & Applied Sports Science

Conduct performance assessments and ensure accurate collection, documentation, and interpretation of athlete data.

Analyze performance metrics to identify areas for development and inform individualized training programs.

Gain hands-on exposure to advanced sports science technologies and assessment methodologies, including:

Strength, Power & Neuromuscular Assessment: Force plate testing, strength diagnostics, and advanced resistance training technologies. Speed, Movement & Workload Analysis: Sprint performance testing, GPS-based workload monitoring, and biomechanical assessments.

Body Composition & Physiological Monitoring: Body composition testing, bloodwork analysis, and individualized nutrition strategies.

Recovery & Joint Durability: Sleep and recovery monitoring, individualized recovery, mobility and strength strategies, and tendon function assessments.

Sport-Specific Performance: Advanced hitting, pitching, and shooting analytics, alongside 3D motion capture and biomechanical analysis.

3. Integrated Athlete Development

Collaborate with performance coaches, physical therapists, and other specialists to support comprehensive athlete development.

Integrate insights from physical therapy professionals to align training programs with rehabilitation status and long-term performance goals.

Learn to translate objective assessments into actionable strategies across training, nutrition, recovery, and sport-specific development.

Gain an understanding of how interdisciplinary collaboration supports athlete performance, injury risk management, and return-to-play decisions.

4. Continued Education & Professional Development

Attend bi-weekly educational presentations covering topics related to athletic and professional development.

Stay informed on emerging sports science research, technologies, and assessment methodologies.

Select a relevant player development topic, conduct research, and deliver a presentation incorporating visual and interactive elements to senior performance and player development staff.

5. Facility Operations & Professional Standards

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe training environment.

Regularly inspect equipment to ensure proper working condition.

Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail in daily operations.

Performance Intern Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Ability to protect the confidentiality and privacy of individuals, company documents, and records.

Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

Ability to manage multiple projects with competing timelines and priorities.

Highly organized, detail-oriented, motivated, and analytically minded.

Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, and ability to maintain a professional appearance.

Reliable, flexible team player capable of collaborating across departments.

Physical Demands

Ability to lift 50 pounds or more and properly demonstrate and perform prescribed exercises.

The pay for this position is $17.40 per hour. Please no