Atiba Downes enters his first season with the University of Mount Saint Vincent with over 12 years of high-level sports science and coaching experience across international and elite club soccer. As an assistant coach and and strength and conditioning specialist, Downes brings a dual-threat approach to player development, blending tactical on-pitch instruction with research-driven athletic performance strategies.
At the club level, Downes serves as assistant coach and strength and conditioning coach for Central Park Rangers (CPR) FC. In his first season with the club, he was an integral part of the coaching staff that led CPR to the UPSL New York Division Championship, claiming the regional title. He also helped steer the squad to a NYC Women's Metro League Championship, building a culture rooted in tactical discipline and peak physical conditioning.
Prior to his work in the New York soccer landscape, Downes served on the international stage as the strength and conditioning coach for the Trinidad & Tobago Senior Women’s National Football Team (2021–2022). In this role, he directed full physical preparation, managed GPS load-monitoring systems, and designed match-day activation, injury prevention, and return-to-play protocols for elite international athletes competing in CONCACAF competition.
On the pitch, Downes works directly with student-athletes on positional play, team shape, transition mechanics, and decision-making in high-pressure match situations. Off the pitch, he leverages his exercise science expertise to structure periodized microcycles, balance acute-to-chronic training workloads, and refine speed and movement mechanics. This integrated methodology ensures squads maintain a fast, high-intensity brand of soccer while minimizing injury risk throughout a demanding season.
Downes earned his Bachelor of Science with Honors in Sports Studies (Exercise Science) from the University of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as an Associate Science Degree with Honors in Management from UWI ROYTEC. Complementing his academic foundation, he holds a Professional Diploma in Strength & Conditioning from the Barca Innovation Hub, specialized certifications as a Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) and Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and a 'D' Coaching License from the Trinidad & Tobago Football Federation.
