PEORIA, Ill. -- Bradley Athletics has announced Ja'Shon Henry (Men's Basketball) and Connor O'Brien (Baseball) have been recognized as 2022-23 All-American Strength and Conditioning Athletes of the Year by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

The NSCA All-American Strength and Conditioning Athletes of the Year program recognizes collegiate and high school athletes whose athletic accomplishments, in the opinion of their strength coach, reflect their dedication to strength training and conditioning. The NSCA All-Americans are also recognized for their academic and personal accomplishments and integrity as student-athletes.

Henry completed his fifth year by leading Bradley to a Regular Season Missouri Conference Championship while winning the MVC sixth man of the year. Henry became the 51st Bradley Player to eclipse 1000 points for a career. His tenure on the hilltop has also seen two Conference tournament titles, two NCAA births, and MVC accolades of being a member of all improved and all bench teams. Henry is also been a multiple-time MVC scholar-athlete award winner.

"Ja'Shon has not only grown into a great player but a great leader," said Bradley Sports Performance Head Coach Eddie Papis.  "His leadership in training sessions has been a tremendous contribution to the team. Leading by example creates a culture of hard work and tends to push his teammates to challenge their best on and off the court. He has posted staggering numbers in the weight room such as 300 + Lb. bench press, 25 rep 185 lb. bench test, an over 400 Lb. squat and a 44" vertical. His dedication to his training is a big part of Ja'Shon's growth as a student-athlete over the past couple of years. His work has a direct correlation to his and our program's vast amount of winning"

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As a current three-time first-team All-Missouri Valley Conference honoree with his final season possibly being his 4th, Connor O'Brien is a testament to consistency on and off the field. As an underrecruited outfielder from San Diego California, he has developed himself into an elite MVC player at 1st base due to changing his body and athleticism through countless hours in the weight room and devotion to a healthy lifestyle. O'Brien has an entirely well-rounded game with accomplishments of leading the team in several offensive categories while showing defensive success with all MVC defensive team awards in 2021. His strength is displayed by being at or near the top in almost all power numbers such as slugging percentage and home runs. He will certainly finish his career at or near the top 10 Bradley all-time in several offensive categories. Connor is also a first-team MVC and All-district scholar-athlete award winner.

"Connor's work ethic and commitment to his training is the best in Bradley baseball I've seen here in my over a decade of experience with the program," said Papis.  "He is always finding a way to better himself off the field whether in recovery, the weight room, or in the kitchen. It has definitely shown in his on-field production. The progress in his training has been tremendous with game day deadlifts exceeding 500 lbs. or squats touching up over 400 lbs., all while keeping his body comp and lean muscle mass at remarkable levels. His efforts in the weight room have been a big factor to him being a leader by example and a top performer for his team and in the Valley."

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The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is an international nonprofit professional association founded in 1978 and is dedicated to advancing the strength and conditioning profession around the world. The NSCA advances the profession by supporting strength and conditioning professionals devoted to helping others discover and maximize their strengths. The organization disseminates research-based knowledge and its practical application by offering industry-leading certifications, research journals, career development services, and continuing education opportunities. The NSCA community is composed of more than 45,000 members and certified professionals who further industry standards as researchers, educators, strength coaches, personal trainers, and other roles in related fields.