FSU Strength and Conditioning Coach Josh Storms Impressed by Newcomers’ First Tour of Duty
Florida State University’s strength and conditioning program has long been a cornerstone of success for its football program, and Josh Storms, the Seminoles’ Director of Strength and Conditioning, is continuing to uphold that tradition with great vigor. Recently, Storms expressed his satisfaction with the performance of the incoming freshmen and transfers during their first “Tour of Duty,” a rigorous series of offseason workouts designed to build physical and mental toughness.
The “Tour of Duty” has become an iconic part of the FSU football program’s offseason training regimen. It’s a grueling test of strength, endurance, and discipline, involving early-morning sessions, demanding physical challenges, and a relentless focus on developing mental fortitude. For newcomers—whether freshmen or transfers—this marks their first taste of the physical and mental grind that is expected in a program with championship aspirations.
In a recent interview, Storms shared his thoughts on how the newcomers performed. He was notably impressed by their commitment and effort during their first Tour of Duty. He emphasized how these workouts aren’t just about building physical strength but also about understanding the Seminole culture and the high expectations placed on every player.
“The newcomers showed great resilience and work ethic,” Storms said. “We’ve been able to see how they handle adversity, which is just as important as their physical strength. The mental side is huge in this program, and the freshmen and transfers handled the toughness of the Tour of Duty very well.”
Storms, who joined the FSU staff in 2022, has cultivated a culture of accountability, discipline, and intensity since taking over the strength and conditioning program. His philosophy centers on creating athletes who are not only physically prepared but mentally ready for the challenges of a competitive football season.
The new players, many of whom come from diverse backgrounds and previous programs, have quickly adapted to the high expectations. The first Tour of Duty is often a shock to the system for incoming players, as the intensity is unlike any workout they may have encountered before. Yet, the newcomers have shown maturity in their approach, following the example set by the veteran players who have already gone through the program’s demanding processes.
One standout aspect of Storms’ program is its focus on teamwork. Although individual effort is crucial, the strength and conditioning staff at FSU stresses the importance of pushing each other as a group. During the Tour of Duty, players are regularly tested in team-building drills that emphasize communication, leadership, and a collective will to succeed. It’s an environment where no player can afford to coast, and the entire team is expected to pick each other up.
“We want to build a unit here, not just a collection of individual players,” Storms continued. “The way these guys push each other during these early sessions speaks to their potential. It’s not just about what they can do on their own, but how they can help elevate the team.”
The newcomers’ first Tour of Duty also speaks to their potential for the upcoming season. With the Seminoles aiming for a return to prominence in college football, the strength and conditioning staff is committed to ensuring that each player, regardless of whether they’re a starter or a backup, is prepared for the season ahead.
As the team continues to move forward with spring practices, the solid foundation built during these early workouts will no doubt pay dividends on the field. Storms’ satisfaction with the newcomers’ performance during the Tour of Duty is a clear indication that Florida State’s future is in good hands, both in terms of physical prowess and the mental toughness necessary to succeed at the highest levels of college football.
