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Unlike the majority of coaches’ profiles on this site, I am a strength and conditioning coach and a rehab specialist. I do not teach the technical or tactical aspects of the sport; instead, I am the one who keeps the engine strong, fast, and running with no, or as few as possible, physical problems.
What sparked my curiosity in the rehabilitation and physical preparation field were the injuries I suffered as a basketball player. Early on, I realized that medical doctors, whom we hold in such high regard, often lack the right information and treatment approach to help injured athletes.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Kinesiology – Kinesitherapy and Human Rehabilitation – Faculty of Kinesiology, Zagreb, Croatia
- Awarded scholarship for academic year at Faculty of Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy, Beijing Sports University, China
- Completed first year of bachelor’s at Catholic University of Murcia, UCAM studying Sports Science
- NCSF certified Strength and Conditioning Coach, High Performance Specialist
- Dry Needling Master, level 1
Coaching times & fees
- Please contact Neven direct for more information on his availability and salary requirements
- He can be contacted direct on WhatsApp and / or Email
- WhatsApp: +38766838096
- Email: grujoneven@gmail.com
About Me
I work with professionals and those striving for excellence. I do not teach technical or tactical skills in any sport, but I study them in order to understand the demands placed on an athlete. I focus on keeping athletes strong, fast, and resilient. I consider my job as of a perfect assistant, when no one notices the strength and conditioning coach or physical therapist it means everything runs smoothly, athletes are healthy and performing at their best.
Sport is messy. Plans break. Progress is rarely linear. Many variables are beyond control. That is why I operate on principles. A principle is a fundamental truth, rule, or belief that forms the foundation for thought and action. Principles guide my decisions, anchor my work, and provide structure in the face of complexity.
Experience alone is overrated. Without refined principles, it becomes thoughtless repetition. Coaches and other professionals became prisoners of outdated methods, What matters is whether principles evolve when confronted with reality. Principles must be tested, challenged, and refined. Scientific evidence informs my work. Experience only has value when critically examined.
Reflection and critical thinking are essential. They allow me to adapt, prevent problems, and build programs with purpose.A resilient and strong athlete is essential, no matter the technical or tactical aspects of the sport.
I speak English and Chinese (passed HSK 4 exam while I was studying in China, but now since I have not been using it for a while it got rusty).
Experience
Physical Therapist / Strength and Conditioning Coach – KK Borac Banja Luka – 2024 – present
- Responsible for physical therapy, rehabilitation, and return-to-play processes for senior basketball team
- Assist S&C coach in designing and implementing strength, speed, mobility, and resilience programs tailored to positional and individual needs.
- Conduct testing, monitoring, and workload management to support performance and reduce injury risk..
- Collaborate with head coach and S&C coach in load management
Strength and Conditioning Coach CKP (Center for Conditioning, Banjaluka) 2024 – present
- Provide individualized S&C programs for athletes and general population clients with a focus on performance and health
- Integrate principles of kinesitherapy and rehabilitation into strength training, mobility work, and high-performance development.
- Work with post-injury clients to transition safely and efficiently back into full training.
Fitness Coach – Zagreb, Croatia & Beijing, China – 2022 – 2024
- During graduate studies, worked in multiple gyms, clubs, and training centers as a part-time S&C assistant.
- Trained youth and semi-professional athletes in strength development, speed, agility, and early-stage rehab.
- Gained experience implementing evidence-based training, monitoring progress, and individualizing programs.
Student Practice – 2022 – 2023
- Completed practical work in rehabilitation clinic Patella, Zagreb during studies at the Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb.
