University of North Dakota Athletics

Dr. John Fitzgerald joined the North Dakota hockey staff in 2022-23, serving as a sports scientist for the program.

Fitzgerald received his doctorate in kinesiology from the University of Minnesota in 2013 and joined UND that same year as an Associate Professor. His research and sport science work focuses on the physiological factors influencing health and physical performance of athletes, exercise performance testing, exercise training, altitude training, athlete readiness monitoring, hydration and body composition assessment, biomarkers to detect nutritional deficiency, endocrinology and assessment of recovery modalities. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and has conducted research with NCAA athletes throughout the U.S. as well as elite hockey players across the globe.

A native of Crookston, Minn., Fitzgerald and his wife, Kristy, have two children, Charlie and Audrey.