GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Senior Macy Mangold and freshman Colby Friedrich have been named the 2023-2024 UP Strength and Conditioning Athletes of the Month for February. Head strength and conditioning coach Lucky Lovan can nominate one athlete per sport to be a National Strength and Conditioning Association All-American each year.

The University of Providence nominates two athletes per month to reward the student-athletes hard work and dedication to the weight room. This puts them in contention to be named a NSCA strength and conditioning All-American.

Mangold is from Lewistown, Mont. and is entering her senior season for the softball program at UP. Lovan stated, "Macy never seems to have a bad lift day and it shows in her attitude and the way she carries herself inside and outside the weight room. She leads by example, encourages her teammates, and gives her best effort no matter the circumstances. Even on the days we don't have a lift, she comes in and gets an extra run in. This is all on top of majoring in biology/nursing. Her dedication and consistency have helped her excel on the field but will take her far in life after softball. I'm blessed to coach such a wonderful athlete and leader."

Friedrich is from North Battleford, Saskatchewan and is currently in his first season with the hockey team at UP. Head strength and conditioning coach Lucky Lovan stated, "Colby brings a consistent work ethic to every lift. He comes to lift early, ready to go, attacks each exercise with great effort and leads his team by example on and off the ice. His hard work shines the most when he's on the ice in his ability to find the open man and light up the lamp. There's not much more you can ask for. I'm excited to help him along his journey to bring a national championship home to UP."