The mission of the Sport Performance department and staff is to provide a quality service, support and leadership to Bradley University student-athletes and Bradley University Athletics. Our goal is to reduce the likelihood of injury to our greatest ability and enhance each individual’s genetic athletic potential. This is done by developing genuine trust through passion, compassion, and love between the staff and student-athletes.
SPORTS PERFORMANCE STAFF
WAYNE NOEL
ASSISTANT SPORTS PERFORMANCE COACH
Wayne Noel joined Bradley Athletics in the spring of 2025 and works with the Braves’ baseball, softball, volleyball and men’s and women’s golf programs. He previously spent a year as an assistant strength and conditioning coach at Nevada, leading training for the Wolf Pack’s men’s and women’s tennis and track and field programs while assisting with baseball and men’s basketball.
Before Nevada, Noel spent two years at K’s Academy, providing strength and skills training to baseball and softball athletes ranging from youth competitors to future collegiate and professional players. He also completed strength and conditioning internships at Creighton and Washington State.
An Indiana State graduate, Noel earned a bachelor’s degree in sport science with a minor in strength and conditioning in 2021. He holds CSCS, SCCC, FRCms, USTFCCCA Speed Specialist and USA Weightlifting Level 1 certifications. His coaching approach emphasizes versatility, strong relationships and collaboration across coaching, performance and sports medicine staffs.
MAX DUETZ
SPORTS PERFORMANCE DIETITIAN
Max Deutz, PhD, RD, CSSD, joined Bradley Athletics as its Sports Performance Dietitian in August 2025. In his role, Deutz works with Bradley student-athletes to develop practical, evidence-based nutrition strategies that support athletic performance, recovery and overall well-being.
Before returning to Bradley, Deutz served as Director of Sports Nutrition Education at Colorado State University, where he held a joint role with the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition and CSU Athletics. His professional background combines individualized performance nutrition, athlete education and academic research.
Deutz earned his doctorate from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2025. His doctoral research examined microbial enzyme supplementation as a strategy to support nutrient availability and healthy aging. A Registered Dietitian and Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, Deutz has contributed to research involving protein metabolism, exercise performance and nutritional supplementation.
A native of Marshall, Minnesota, Deutz earned his undergraduate degree in nutrition from Saint John’s University, where he was a member of the men’s golf program. He later attended Bradley University as a graduate student in nutrition and wellness and completed his dietetic training in Peoria.
SPORTS PERFORMANCE FACILITIES
