Meet the Crew
Get to know the talented individuals who drive the CVAC mission forward. Each of our coaches bring unique skills and experiences. Read about them below to learn more about the people behind the work.
Jed Smith
Jed has been High Performance Director and Exercise Science faculty at the University of Northern Iowa since 2005. At UNI, Coach Smith is responsible for overseeing all physical development of the athletes at the University as well as working to teach and mentor future strength and conditioning professionals in UNI’s graduate school program designed to advance strength and conditioning coaches. Jed is a Master International Strength and Conditioning Practitioner through the International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association. Smith is the North Central Regional Director for the National Strength and Conditioning Association, as well as National Coach and National Instructor for USA Weightlifting. Smith has presented at conferences and symposiums both nationally and internationally, speaking and gaining insight in countries such as China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, & Canada. Prior to University of Northern Iowa, Coach Smith worked as a strength and conditioning coach in the National Football League (NFL), worked with the National Hockey League (NHL), was the director of a regional training center for USA Weightlifting, was a Weightlifting coach for a Community Olympic Development Program (CODP), was a strength and conditioning coach in the United Soccer League First Division (USL-1), was a strength and conditioning coach in the National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA), and was a high school physical education teacher and strength and conditioning coach.
Savanna Hunt
Savanna is originally from Bettendorf, Iowa. She played tennis at UNI from 2014-2018. Since then, she has been a strength and conditioning coach at UNI, IMG Academy, Training Haus, and the University of Concordia St. Paul. Savanna currently volunteers as a strength coach with UNI Football since returning to Iowa.
Youth sport and physical activity is important for learning essential motor skills, healthy habits, and building fulfilling social networks at a young age. Throughout her career, Savanna has coached many sports in the weight room. To her, it is most rewarding to watch her athletes grow and learn skills and values such as integrity, discipline, and teamwork because these are not only valuable for sport, but also life after sport. Savanna hopes to be able to teach these same skills and values to younger kids as well.
Chad Rinehart
Chad Rinehart was born and raised in Boone, Iowa and attended the University of Northern Iowa. At UNI Chad was a two-time All American in football and drafted by the Washington Redskins. Chad spent seven years playing in the NFL for the Washington Redskins, Buffalo Bills, and San Diego Chargers. After retiring from the NFL Chad spent time coaching football and strength and conditioning at UNI before joining Waverly-Shell Rock High School. At Waverly-Shell Rock Chad was the sport performance coordinator and assistant athletic director for five years. Chad lives in Cedar Falls with his wife Justine and three children. Chad is a board member of the Panther Legacy Club which supports UNI football players and a member of the Scheels Tiger Performance Center Committee raising funds for Cedar Falls High School field house. Chad has coached youth basketball and flag football in his recent years.
