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. 

Black and white photo of coach Donnie with arms crossed, serious expression, text overlay reading 'COACH DONNIE'.

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.

  • Black and white photo of a man crouching, wearing a baseball cap, sunglasses, a T-shirt, shorts, and running shoes, with the words 'COACH BRAD' overlayed in large text.

    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.

  • Black and white photo of a woman with curly hair stretching her arms in a gym, with the text 'COACH SARAH' overlayed.

    Meet Coach Sarah

    Meet Coach Sarah. With 11 years of coaching experience and a career forged in the high-stakes world of the Collegiate Varsity, NLL,CFL and NFL, she brings a relentless, professional-grade intensity to every athlete she trains. After a decade of preparing elite professionals to perform at the highest level, Sarah has transitioned that world-class expertise to our community as the owner of Strength House.

    She is a coach who doesn’t just chase short-term gains; she builds the "long-term blueprint" for success. Sarah is currently setting a new standard in women’s athletic development, and designing comprehensive maintenance programs that ensure her athletes don't just reach their peak, but stay there for the duration of their careers. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or stepping into the weight room for the first time, she provides the elite-level principles and unwavering dedication needed to transform your performance.

    “Golden Standard, sustainable growth and a commitment to the process. At Strength House We Build Athletes.”


  • Meet Coach Makayeo

    As a former collegiate athlete turned Coach, Coach Makayeo Hall brings over 20 years of high-level football experience to the Strength House program. His journey through the elite ranks of the OVFL, Team Ontario, Football North Ottawa, Carleton University, and St. Francis Xavier University forged a foundation of discipline, tactical leadership, and an uncompromising commitment to athletic excellence.

    Often referred to as Coach Mak,  has taken a dedicated approach to developing his coaching career to the technical and physical development of athletes across all levels of the game. His coaching portfolio includes:

    Offensive Coordinator: University of Ottawa Women’s Flag Football.

    Prospect Development: Lead Coach for Carleton’s Jr. Ravens and Ravens Prospects programs.

    Community Leadership: Specialized coaching roles with the Nepean Broncos and Gloucester South Raiders

    Transitioning from the gridiron to personal training, Coach Mak now focuses on unlocking the untapped potential in every client and athlete he serves. By integrating appropriate strength protocols with the understanding of the process of progress, his coaching transcends the weight room.

    "Football shaped my discipline; coaching fuels my purpose. We don't just train—We Build Athletes."


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