Guy Hornsby joined the Mountaineer coaching staff as the team’s volunteer assistant throws coach in Fall 2019.
Under Coach Hornsby’s guidance over the 2020 (indoor only), 2021 (indoor and outdoor), and 2022 (indoor and outdoor) seasons Sada Wright ascended the WVU all-time performance list with personal bests of 17.83m weight throw (2nd all time) and 48.54m discus throw (2nd all time).
Hornsby is an assistant professor in WVU’s Coaching and Performance Science program and his primary roles include leading applied sport science research efforts and overseeing the programs strength and conditioning curriculum and local S&C outreach. Since 2015 he has served as the Head Coach for WVU Weightlifting (a club sport under WVU Campus Recreation) and has coached over 20 national competitors and several national medalists. His previous coaching experience includes being a strength and conditioning coach for 160th SOAR(A) at Fort Campbell, KY, A U.S. Special Operations unit, (2014), a grad student strength and conditioning coach for East Tennessee State University (2008-2013) and an assistant weightlifting coach and applied sport scientist for ETSU’s USOC Designated Olympic training Site (2010-2013). In the summer of 2012 Hornsby interned at Athletes’ Performance (now EXOS) in Phoenix, AZ and spent considerable time with the World Throws Center, led by 4x world champion and 2x Olympian, John Godina.
In 2008 Hornsby received his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from East Tennessee State University and remained at ETSU subsequently obtaining his master’s degree in exercise physiology (2010) and PhD in Sport Physiology and Performance (Coaching Emphasis) in 2013. He holds certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (CSCS*D), USA Weightlifting (National Level Coach) and USA Track and Field (L1).
During his time as a collegiate athlete (2005-2008) he competed as a thrower for ETSU track and field, coached by 2x Olympian and NCAA D-1 discus record holder, Meg Stone. He briefly held the school record in the men’s weight throw and won a silver medal in the event at the 2006 Atlantic Sun Indoor Championships. During his grad school years, he competed in the sport of weightlifting, placing in the top 10 nationally in the 94kg weight across several years (2009-2012) and winning a bronze medal at 2009 USAW University National Championships.
As a researcher and educator Hornsby has authored numerous peer reviewed articles, several book chapters and co-authored the forthcoming textbook, “Strength and Conditioning in Sports: From Science to Practice” (Routledge Publishing). Many of his manuscripts are related to the training process for track and field athletes, and often specifically focused on throwers. He recently authored an article addressing the topic of periodization published in USA Track and Field’s, Track Coach. He has presented research and coach education at several National and International scientific meetings (e.g., National Strength and Conditioning Association’s National Conference and United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning
Association’s National Conference) and has held several service-related roles for various professional organizations, e.g., NSCA WV State President (2016-2019), NSCA weightlifting special interest group chair (current), NSCA Sport Science Certification study guide committee member (2021), USA Weightlifting WV State LWC President (2015-2021), USAW LWC Presidents Advisory Board member (2016-2021) and USAW University Weightlifting Committee member.
Hornsby resides in Morgantown, West Virginia with his wife Kristan, daughter Delilah and dog Nola.
