OUR TEAM

HEADCOACH

DONNIE RUIZ

Coach Ru’ is a deeply respected Strength Coach, Mentor and one who inspires. His legacy is that of a competitor, warrior, champion and consummate professional.  He is dedicated and committed to the development of self and those he guides. He demonstrates tenacity with a focus drawn off discipline to himself, personal clients, student athletes and pro’s.

 Inspiring Purpose and GRIT, Donnie has prepared a variety of athletes from CFL Grey Cup champions, NFL athletes, NLL Pro’s, Martial arts World Champions, Olympic Athletes, and hundreds of University athletes in the NCAA and U sports level. 

He understands that a Champion's mindset is accomplished only by desire, ambition, skill development and confidence. As a mentor and motivator Coach Donnie has demonstrated his ability to nurture these attributes leading to achievement. 

Donnie is a proud CFL alumnus, playing successfully as a DB for 8 seasons with Winnipeg, Ottawa and Saskatchewan.  His diverse athletic background including boxing for The Fight For The Cure to raise awareness for Cancer victims, he has Championships in Martial Arts and Drug Free BodyBuilding. 

He honed his football skills at Wilfrid Laurier University, successfully balancing scholastic demands and being recognized by his Faculty as the Top Studio Art Student in Fine Arts, while holding the responsibilities as Captain of the WLU Golden Hawks Football Team as a 3X 1st Team All Canadian. These accomplishments lead to the honor of being inducted into the Wilfrid Laurier Hall Of Fame and selected to the All - Century Team.

Ruiz is a dynamic and multi talented Coach, utilizing his experience, skills and talents to mentor his Athletes, Personal Training Team and Junior’s to become their own version of STRONG and INSPIRING individuals. 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

  • Still Standing!!

  • 8 years CFL Pro

  • 3x 1st Team All Canadian

  • 3X OUA 1st Team All Star

  • OUA defensive Player Of The Year

  • Named to WLU All Century Team

  • Boxing Athlete Fight for the Cure

  • IDFA Heavyweight BodyBuilding Open Champion Drug Free

  • BodyBuilding Physique Canadian Champion

  • BodyBuilding Physique World Championship Top 10 finish

  • Taekwondo Eastern Canadian Championship

  • Fine Arts Scholarship Award for Top Studio Art Student

COACHES

Our dedicated coaches, led by Head Coach Donnie Ruiz, continually update their knowledge to employ the most effective strategies. Weekly meetings delve into new methods and training topics, ensuring an adaptive approach to elevate athletes.

  • Meet Coach Brad

    Coach Brad Herbs brings a wealth of experience and passion for athletic development to Strength House Inc. With over three years as a coach in the D2D program, Coach Brad has honed his skills alongside renowned coach Donnie Ruiz, making a significant impact on athletes' growth and performance.

    Before his coaching journey, Coach Brad excelled as a football varsity athlete at The University of Saint. Marys , where his dedication and talent earned him a spot on the All-Canadian second team. His firsthand experience as an athlete in the D2D camp, under the guidance of Head Coach Donnie Ruiz, gives him a unique perspective and deep understanding of the training process.

    Coach Brad, his commitment to excellence and continuous learning ensures that athletes receive top-notch coaching tailored to their specific needs, ultimately helping them reach their full potential in athletic development.

  • Meet Coach Sarah

    Meet Coach Sarah, the driving force behind Strength House Inc. With over 8 years of experience in coaching athletes at all levels, Coach Sarah has honed her skills and expertise to help individuals achieve their athletic goals.

    Her journey began as an intern at a sport-specific gym, where she had the opportunity to learn alongside renowned coach Donnie Ruiz. This invaluable experience fueled her passion for athletic development, leading to her transition from intern to coach.

    Coach Sarah's training expertise extends to athletes across various disciplines, including CFL, NLL, Olympics level, and more. Her specialization in functional training, coupled with certifications in Fascial Stretch Therapy and movement specialist, equips her with the tools to optimize athletes' performance and prevent injuries.

    As the owner of Strength House, Coach Sarah is dedicated to providing a supportive and empowering environment for athletes to thrive. Her commitment to continuous learning and passion for functional training make her a trusted mentor and coach for athletes on their journey to peak performance.