Our Team
DESMOND COONEY, MS, CSCS
Desi Cooney is the founder and head coach of Team Outlier. He holds a Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Exercise Science and is an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.
Since beginning his career as a coach in 2016, he has worked with hundreds of athletes, from youths to professionals in several sports, as well as dozens of powerlifters including national champions and world-level competitors. Since 2020, he has been a full time coach for the team.
His passion is helping people become stronger than they were yesterday—physically, mentally, and emotionally. He believes in taking a research-based, results-oriented approach to training that stems from having a long term strategy.
Click HERE to contact Coach Desi
KYLE DAWSON, BS, CPT
Kyle Dawson is an assistant strength coach for Team Outlier. Kyle holds a Master’s Degree from the South Dakota State University, as well as a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Nebraska. Additionally, Kyle holds an ACE Personal training certification.
On the platform, Kyle holds the number one spot on the Outlier Men’s team by formula points. Kyle has competed at ten different national meets, is a two-time Collegiate All-American, one-time Collegiate National Champion in the 83kg weight class, Junior World Championship invitee, and USA Powerlifting pro card holder. Kyle has broken the junior American squat record on two separate occasions, and posts personal bests of a 656-pound squat, a 363-pound bench press, and a 717-pound deadlift.
Click HERE to contact Coach Kyle
ABBIE LESCHINSKY, MS, CSCS
Abbie Leschinsky is an assistant strength coach for Team Outlier. Abbie holds a Master of Science degree in Nutrition and Exercise Science from the University of Nebraska, and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
On the platform, Abbie leads the Outlier Women’s Team in total and holds the number one spot by formula points. She has competed over a dozen times, including internationally, representing the United States at the Pan-American Powerlifting Championships, where she took home a gold medal. Abbie is also a Collegiate All-American in powerlifting, with personal records including a 408-pound squat, 264-pound bench press, and a 457-pound deadlift.
Click HERE to contact Coach Abbie
Steven Boyd, BS
Steven Boyd is an assistant powerlifting coach for Team Outlier. Steven holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and analytics from Midland University, where he played collegiate baseball, and is finishing up his NASM personal training certification.
On the platform, Steven has put up a 1,515 total, competes in both the 110kg and 125kg classes, and holds the team squat record in the men’s 125kg weight class with a 622lbs personal best.
Steven is a long time member of Team Outlier and is committed to helping his athletes reach their full potential in the sport of powerlifting, regardless of where they are in their journey.
Click HERE to contact Coach Steven
Jacob odum
Jacob Odum is an assistant powerlifting coach for Team Outlier. Jacob is finishing up a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Nebraska and a NASM Personal Training Certification.
On the platform, Jacob boasts a massive 1,747 total and 514 DOTS as a 90kg lifter, has won silver at Raw Nationals 2025, and holds a USA Powerlifting pro card.
Jacob’s coaching philosophy focuses on developing strength in a way that supports someone’s mental, physical, and overall well-being within their own life. Whether competing for the first time or wanting to accomplish their competitive goals, Jacob is committed to meeting them where they are, helping them grow, and building strength that carries onto the platform and into everyday life.
Click HERE to contact Coach Jacob