CHICAGO – Roosevelt Athletics officially promoted Marcus Summers to the full-time head strength and conditioning coach this month.

Summers has built a relationship with Roosevelt for the past six years in various different capacities around campus. He joined the university as an advisory board member in the Bachelor of Arts in Exercise, Nutrition, and Health Science (ENHS) program in 2019, then joined the faculty as an adjunct professor the College of Science, Health, and Pharmacy in 2022.

In 2023, Summers was hired as an assistant women's basketball coach and headed the strength and conditioning efforts for the program, adding on the men's team as well for the 2024-25 season. For the spring 2025 semester, Summers was the interim head of the strength and conditioning department, overseeing the workouts and weight room activities of all 21 Roosevelt athletics teams.

"Coach Summers showcased his ability to lead our strength and conditioning program last spring," Roosevelt Vice President of Athletics and Student-Athlete Success Mike Cassidy said. "His energy is infectious and his positivity is only matched by his subject matter expertise. I look forward to continuing to see how his guidance enhances our student-athletes' athletic performance."

Summers played college basketball at now GLIAC-rival Purdue Northwest and he has earned three degrees from the school. While playing for the Pride, Summers earned his associates degree in Nutrition, Fitness, and Health and his bachelors degree in Fitness Management. He went on to earn his MBA from the school in 2020. He is a professional certified member of the NSCA as a CSCS (Certified Strength Conditioning Specialist). He is also certified in BRM (Barbell Rehab Method), TRX, Kettlebell Concepts, and basic life support. 

An Army veteran, Summers served one tour of deployment in Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq in 2003. He served with the United States Army from 2002-2008 and has brought that discipline and enthusiasm to the Lakers weight room since his arrival. 

"Show up with your purpose, be intentional with your power," Summers said about his "Purpose Is Power" philosophy that has permeated his sessions with athletes.

Marcus and his wife Katherine are proud parents to two daughters, Amari and Kinsley.