Desmond Cooney, MS, CSCS

Desi Cooney is the founder and head coach of Team Outlier. He holds a Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Exercise Science and is an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.

Since beginning his career as a coach 6 years ago, he has worked with hundreds of athletes, from youths to professionals in several sports, as well as dozens of powerlifters including national champions and world-level competitors. Since 2020, he has been a full time coach for the team.

His passion is helping people become stronger than they were yesterday—physically, mentally, and emotionally. He believes in taking a research-based, results-oriented approach to training that stems from having a long term strategy.

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Abbie Leschinsky, Ms, CSCS

Abbie Leschinsky is an assistant strength coach for Team Outlier. Abbie holds a Master of Science degree in Nutrition and Exercise Science from the University of Nebraska, and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

On the platform, Abbie leads the Outlier Women’s Team in total and holds the number one place spot by formula points. She has competed over a dozen times, including internationally, representing the United States at the Pan-American Powerlifting Championships, where she took home a gold medal. Abbie is also a Collegiate All-American in powerlifting, with personal records including a 396-pound squat, 253-pound bench press, and a 451-pound deadlift.

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Kyle Dawson, BS, CPT

Kyle Dawson is an assistant strength coach for Team Outlier. Kyle holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Health Science from the University of Nebraska, and is currently pursuing his Master’s degree from South Dakota State University. Additionally, Kyle holds an ACE Personal training certification.

On the platform, Kyle holds the number one spot on the Outlier Men’s team by formula points. Kyle has competed at six different national meets, is a two-time Collegiate All-American, and one-time Collegiate National Champion in the 83kg weight class. Kyle has broken the junior American squat record on two separate occasions, and posts personal bests of a 628-pound squat, a 341-pound bench press, and a 683-pound deadlift.

Click HERE to contact Coach Kyle