Meet Nick Zostautas | Strength and Conditioning Coach and Conservation Police Officer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nick Zostautas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nick, what do you want your legacy to be?
I want to be remembered for the way I made people feel. In every interaction, I strive to make the person in front of me feel like the most important person in the world in that moment. Early in my career, I was eager to connect with respected professionals in the field—“big names.” But I quickly noticed how some would look past me, scanning the room for someone they deemed more important. That experience stayed with me. I promised myself I would never make anyone feel that way.

To me, life is about relationships. The way you greet, speak to, or acknowledge someone can open a door—or close one—often without you even realizing it. If there’s one legacy I’d love to leave, it’s to be known as someone who welcomed everyone and treated every encounter as if I were speaking to family.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
For over 20 years, I’ve worked in the Strength and Conditioning field across collegiate and professional sports. What initially drew me to this profession was a genuine passion for helping others achieve their goals. More recently, I’ve taken a lateral step into law enforcement, once again driven by the desire to serve and support people.

In both of these careers, the ability to connect with others is critical to success. If you can’t engage with people respectfully and with empathy, it’s difficult to be effective—whether on the field or in the community.

It may sound cliché, but approaching any interaction—whether in coaching or law enforcement—without an open mind and the right attitude often leads to unproductive outcomes. True impact begins with genuine connection, understanding, and intent.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First and foremost, I would introduce them to my family as they are my world! We would then go to the more obscure, non-touristy places in Chicago to eat. There are literally thousands of restaurants that people don’t know about that are absolutely amazing! Being Italian and in Chicago, my heart is with food!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without a doubt, my parents and family have been the greatest inspiration in shaping the person I am today. I’m also incredibly grateful to my high school and college coaches—especially Coach Brian Bedard—for their role in molding me into the man, husband, and father I’ve become.

Equally important was the “tribe” I lived with during my time at Colorado State University. Being part of the Track and Field team exposed me to a beautifully diverse group of people—individuals I didn’t grow up around, but who quickly became family. That experience opened my eyes and deeply influenced my perspective on life and connection.

Every encounter I’ve had throughout my coaching career has also played a role in shaping who I am—whether with athletes, fellow coaches, or administrators. As I’ve said before, life is about relationships. Not every relationship will be perfect, but each one leaves a mark and helps define the person you continue to become.

Last, and certainly the most important, are my wife and daughters. I have truly been fortunate to marry my best friend whom I lean on for almost everything! Her, along with my girls, are the most important people in my life and always allow me to keep my moral compass set in the right direction.

Instagram: @nickzos57

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-zostautas-mscc-e-rscc-e-pn1-a0a72224/