Our team.
Connor David—Owner
Founder of VITAL Strength and Performance, Connor was born and raised in CT. His passion for fitness evolved from years of training for baseball. He graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2015 where he was a four year member of the baseball team. He continued his playing career for the Bridgeport Bluefish and Southern Maryland Blue Crabs in the Atlantic League. He turned his love for fitness and athletics into VITAL Strength and Performance. He has his CSCS (Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist), Pn1 (Precision Nutrition), CP-S (Champion Performance Specialist), and FMS (Functional Movement Screen) certifications.
Abby Befford—Trainer
Originally from East Brookfield, MA, Abby attended Bridgeport University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science with a concentration in Exercise Science and a Minor in Psychology. Abby played on the women’s soccer team for four years and won a Division II National Championship in 2018.
After graduating in 2021, she earned her NASM CPT certification and has been working with athletes from elementary school to college, as well as providing group and private training for adults.
Dylan Hogan—Trainer
Originally from Wallingford, CT, Dylan attended Southern CT State University, as both student and athlete, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. He is was a four-year member of the Men’s Soccer Team and All-NE-10 Academic Team. After graduating in 2018, he acquired his CSCS from the NSCA. Dylan returned to SCSU where he earned his Master’s degree in Sport Management while being the graduate assistant strength coach for SCSU.
Dylan has worked with adults & athletes since 2017 providing group & private training, along with coaching soccer from the youth- college level.
He currently holds his NSCA-CSCS and Pn1 from Precision Nutrition.
Brandon Torres—Trainer
Current Assistant Director of Sports Performance at the University of New Haven. Prior to full-time role, he was the Graduate Assistant for Strength and Conditioning at New Haven from 2019-2021.
Before New Haven, Brandon interned with Mississippi State University football, Monmouth University field hockey, Men's Basketball and Football, and Freak Strength with athletes ranging from high school - professional. He received bachelors degree in Exercise Science at William Paterson University in my home state of New Jersey. Brandon has his MS in Exercise Science, as well as his CSCS.