THE COACHES

Our goal is to drive performance by fostering a love for the sport of weightlifting.

Ithaca Weightlifting trains athletes of all levels with focused, data-driven coaching that is as intense as it is supportive. We offer in-person and online coaching, individualized programming, and thorough metric tracking so every session moves you toward measurable gains. We welcome beginners and non-weightlifting athletes looking to get stronger, and our coaches meet you where you are while pushing you safely and effectively. Join us to get stronger, faster, and more powerful on your terms.

Coach Kyle

Kyle Harms started Olympic weightlifting in 2016. His favorite lift is the snatch. He lifts for fun and to challenge himself. As an athlete, his goal is to be the best version of himself—whether that means refining his technique or mentally pushing beyond what he has previously accomplished. As a coach, he strives to build a community where anyone can find their place in the sport and become the best version of themselves. When he's not lifting, he enjoys vegetable gardening with his husband, Todd Brennan, and seeking out the best swimming holes that the Finger Lakes has to offer.

Kyle holds his USAW Level 1 certification.

Coach Angela

Angela was introduced to Olympic weightlifting in 2019 while attending crossfit classes. She realized that she enjoyed weightlifting more than crossfit and began training strictly for weightlifting. At first glance, the Olympic lifts appear very simple, with the snatch and clean and jerk being the only two lifts in competition. However, there is so much complexity in the technique required to execute these lifts. Chipping away at improving these techniques is what keeps Angela drawn to the sport. Weightlifting has also provided a sense of community for her wherever she goes.

Angela loves coaching because she really enjoys seeing the moment when something clicks with an athlete and helping them gain confidence! As an athlete herself, Angela is all too familiar with the ups and downs of training. Her goal is to help you keep a positive mindset and enjoy the process.

When Angela’s not at the gym, she is hanging out with her dog and 2 cats at home, working at the hospital (Angela is a full-time ER nurse), and exploring cool hiking spots!

Angela holds her USAW Level 1 certification.

head Coach Nathan

Nathan began training and competing in weightlifting in 2014. In the years since, weightlifting had a profound impact on his life. After over a decade of training and learning from expert coaches, Nathan began coaching in 2021 and founded Ithaca Weightlifting in 2023. He learned from both the strengths and weaknesses of his prior coaches, integrating his past experience and continuing education into an ever-evolving coaching philosophy. Nathan emphasizes data-driven programming, reinforced by his background in mathematics. Personalized for every athlete, each program is tailored to best support the individual’s needs and goals. Ultimately, Nathan coaches to share his love of the sport in the hope that it helps others the same way it helped him.

Nathan holds USAW Level 1 and Level 2 certifications and is on track to earn an MS in Exercise Science in spring 2027.