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Ponte Vedran of the Week: Phil Squatrito

People who exude passion and drive for what they do are like unicorns. This week’s Ponte Vedran of the Week is a unicorn recreated as an incredible husband, father of four, fitness coach and an inspiration in the Ponte Vedra community.  Phil Squatrito, also known as “Coach Squats,” has a vigorous passion for fitness and thrives on seeing people of all ages become the best and healthiest version of themselves.

His love for the Ponte Vedra community extends into sports with the Ponte Vedra High School boys and girls lacrosse and coaching i9 Sports Girl Power Flag Football.  He not only supports but leads fundraisers to help locals in need and is an icon on what it means to “pay it forward.”  In the Dojo and out he’s his student’s biggest cheerleader with words of encouragement and celebrations of success.  He has this energy that gets people excited about ALL THINGS … including Halloween!  Once you meet him you will grow to love and respect all his crazy energy, all things TFW, a pimped out golf cart and maybe, just maybe, even the Las Vegas Raiders!  Say hello to Phil Squatrito.

Name: Phil Squatrito (Coach Squats)

Occupation: Owner/Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Training for Warriors Ponte Vedra Beach

Where I grew up: Fairfield, NJ

A Ponte Vedran since: 2012

Other Places I have lived: Just NJ

My favorite thing about Ponte Vedra: It’s a hidden paradise

My least favorite thing about Ponte Vedra: becoming not so hidden

In my spare time I like to: Spend with my family, train, coach girls flag football, relax!!!

Ponte Vedran you most admire: My wife, Erika Squatrito

If I could invite anyone over to dinner – 2 Ponte Vedrans and one famous person – who would you invite and why: Athletic Director of Ponte Vedra High School to help make girls flag football a sport. Raiders Quarterback, Nathan Pederman, because I’m a die hard fan and season ticket holder. My famous person would be Raiders Tight End Darren Waller. His story of hitting rock bottom, turning his life around to become the person he is today is inspiring and incredible.

Favorite Ponte Vedra restaurant: Valley Smoke 

Favorite Ponte Vedra organization: Ponte Vedra High School boys and girls lacrosse and i9 Sports Girl Power Flag Football

What is Training for Warriors: The Training for Warriors system began as a fitness program originally created for some of the best combat athletes in the world more than 18 years ago. Today, the training methods of the TFW system can benefit anyone looking to lose fat, build muscle and feel good. TFW is taught by a global network of affiliated coaches and trainers that run the TFW system at licensed TFW locations. Now with over 275 affiliate locations in 30 countries, thousands of people per day are using the TFW system to bring his or her fitness to another level in order to fight this battle called life. Whatever your current fitness level, TFW can help. Even though TFW once increased the performance and self-esteem of the world’s top athletes, anyone can benefit from the TFW system. At TFW we believe you are a warrior too. TFW defines a warrior as anyone prepared to work hard, develop oneself and take on his or her particular challenges in life. The fun and exciting workouts of the TFW system are designed to help you develop the muscular strength and mental fortitude needed to take on those challenges and reach your fitness goals.

Favorite thing about being a Coach: The individual victories both big and small they achieve in their lives! Believing in people!!

How is TFW involved in the community with schools and charitable organizations: One of our missions at TFW is to pay it forward! Helping others when they need it most and when they least expect it is one of life’s greatest gifts. We have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local schools and charities alike in our community during our 6 years in business.

Tell us about the TFW Guinness Book record: We helped lead our network to set a world record for most pushups performed perfectly for 1 minute straight at the exact same time around the world. More importantly in that single minute we raised nearly $40,000 for the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund!!!

Most embarrassing moment: Washing my hands accidentally with a urinal cake in a port-a-potty (yes, you read that right!)

Is it true your favorite holiday is Halloween? Yes!! I love seeing other people including myself get dressed up and the Halloween Deadlift party we annually throw at TFW, decorating my house and Dojo with my kids in September and the excitement it brings.. I also love golf cart trick or treating in Nocatee!!!

Favorite scary movie: HALLOWEEN ? Rob Zombie remakes

Something most people don’t know about you: When I was young I was overweight, did not eat healthy, and hated to exercise!!! I began training in 9th grade and it changed my life FOREVER.

Written by Jennifer Heller on March 8, 2021.