Chicago, IL - October 16, 2024 - The Chicago Union, Chicago's premier professional ultimate frisbee team, is excited to announce the addition of Chris Van Nostrand as the team's new strength and conditioning coach for the upcoming 2025 season. Van Nostrand, owner and head coach at Strength Wise Barbell in Evanston, brings a wealth of experience in performance training and athlete development to the Union’s coaching staff.

"We’re thrilled to have Chris join our team,” said Dave Woods, head coach of the Chicago Union. "His expertise in strength and conditioning, combined with his dedication to helping athletes achieve peak performance, will be invaluable as we prepare for the 2025 season. Injury prevention is a top concern of mine, and his programming addresses that. Chris’s approach to training is a perfect fit for our team’s mission to compete at the highest level and bring home a championship to Chicago."

Van Nostrand’s Strength Wise Barbell has earned a reputation for producing top-tier athletes through personalized strength training and injury prevention programs. His background includes working with athletes across a variety of sports, focusing on long-term athletic development and sustainable, results-driven training.

"I’m excited to join the Chicago Union and work with such a talented and driven group of athletes,” said Van Nostrand. "Ultimate frisbee is a fast-paced, demanding sport, and I look forward to designing training programs that will enhance the team’s power, speed, and endurance, while reducing the risk of injury."

The addition of Van Nostrand reflects the Union’s commitment to providing its athletes with the best resources and training as they continue to compete at the highest level in the Ultimate Frisbee Association (UFA). With a new focus on strength and conditioning, the Union aims to enhance their physical preparation for the challenges of the 2025 season.

The Chicago Union look forward to welcoming Van Nostrand to the team as they gear up for another competitive season in the Central Division. The Union ended the 2024 campaign with a 7-6 record after a heartbreaking double overtime loss in the first round of playoffs.

For more information about the Chicago Union, visit watchufa.com/union and follow the team on social media at @gochicagounion.

If you want to learn more about Strength Wise Barbell or work with Chris Van Nostrand to develop a training program, visit www.strengthwisebarbell.com.