DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Bethune-Cookman University Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Wellness and Director of Strength and Conditioning Corliss Fingers has added another historic achievement to her distinguished career, earning induction into the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCa) "Legends in the Field" class of 2026.
The induction ceremony took place May 5 during the CSCCa National Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. Widely regarded as the organization's equivalent of a hall of fame, the honor recognizes strength and conditioning professionals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the profession.
With her induction, Fingers becomes the first Black woman ever selected as a CSCCa Legend in the Field and the only member of the 2026 class representing a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
Fingers has forged one of the most accomplished careers in collegiate athletics. She is recognized as one of only two female head strength and conditioning coaches to ever oversee a Division I football program. Fingers served as Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at both Southern University and Bethune-Cookman, spending a combined 10 seasons leading football strength programs and helping both institutions capture conference championships.
Her impact extends well beyond the football field. Fingers played a key role in helping the University of Maryland women's basketball program capture the 2006 NCAA National Championship and contributed to a national championship at her alma mater, the University of North Carolina, in 1994. Throughout her career, she has helped teams across 25 men's and women's sports win conference championships in the ACC, MEAC and SWAC.
The honors for Fingers did not stop with her induction into the CSCCa Hall of Fame.
At this year's national conference, the Minority Strength and Conditioning Coaches organization announced that its annual female coaching award will now bear her name. The newly established Corliss Fingers Outstanding Female Minority Coach of the Year Award recognizes excellence among minority women in the profession.
Fingers was instrumental in the creation of the organization several years ago after recognizing the barriers faced by women and minorities in the strength and conditioning field. Her leadership helped create opportunities for future generations of coaches while promoting greater diversity and inclusion within the profession.
For Bethune-Cookman, the recognition is another reminder of the extraordinary leader guiding the Wildcats' strength and conditioning efforts.
From national championships and conference titles to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for others, Fingers has established a legacy that reaches far beyond wins and losses. Her induction as a CSCCa Legend in the Field serves as national recognition of a career defined by excellence, perseverance and a commitment to elevating student-athletes and the coaching profession.
For more information on the 2026 CSCCa Legends in the Field class, visit the CSCCa National Conference Guide.
