Cole Waggoner's path to physical therapy was shaped by a lifelong involvement in sport and a close connection to the profession. Growing up, he competed in baseball and track before finding his stride in powerlifting during his collegiate years. Along the way, he navigated a number of injuries that tested his resilience — and it was through those experiences that he developed a deep appreciation for the role physical therapists play in keeping athletes performing at their best. With his mother being a physical therapist herself, Cole grew up witnessing the profession's impact firsthand, and her passion for the field, combined with his own journey as an athlete, drove him toward this career.
Cole earned his Bachelor of Science in Applied Medicine & Rehabilitation from Indiana State University in 2021 and went on to complete his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree there as well, graduating in 2026. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), a credential that reflects his commitment to understanding the performance demands placed on athletes.
Throughout his education and beyond, Cole has built extensive experience working with athletes in both rehabilitation and strength and conditioning settings. Since 2022, he has coached powerlifting athletes at all levels — including national and international competitors — giving him a nuanced understanding of the unique physical demands and injury profiles of barbell sport. This background allows him to bridge the gap between clinical rehabilitation and high-performance training in a way few clinicians can.
Cole has a special interest in working with barbell athletes and overhead athletes, and is dedicated to delivering care that supports both recovery and long-term performance. He is a member of the NSCA, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy (AASPT), reflecting his ongoing commitment to staying current with best practices across both rehabilitation and performance science.
