Mel deLaura is in his fifth year as SMU's Head Strength & Conditioning Coach, having come to the Hilltop in February 2010. deLaura came to SMU from Hawai'i, where he served as the Warriors' strength & conditioning coach since 2000.
On the Hilltop, deLaura oversees the strength & conditioning programs for all 17 varsity SMU sports with an emphasis on football. deLaura is well acquainted with SMU football coach June Jones, as the two have a relationship that dates back almost 25 years. deLaura and Jones met while attending UH before both transferred to Portland State. Upon completion of his eligibility, deLaura received free-agent contracts with the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Redskins. However, a leg injury prior to training camp in Atlanta ended his professional career before it began.
Prior to his appointment at UH, deLaura coached at a high school and worked as a personal trainer for professional athletes in Oregon including NBA players Jerome Kersey and Kevin Duckworth.
A former wide receiver, deLaura implements training techniques he has learned throughout the years. One particular technique he employs is plyometrics, which are exercises that improve jumping and quickness.
deLaura earned his bachelor's degree in sports and recreation administration from Hawai`i Pacific University. He and his wife, Rene, have three children, Isaiah, Noah and Makaela.
