University of North Carolina Athletics
Staff Directory

Alex Penner
- Title:
- Assistant Director of Sports Performance
Cross Country, Track & Field
- Email:
Alex Penner joined the University of North Carolina Olympic Sports Strength & Conditioning staff in July of 2023.
A former UNC intern, Penner now serves as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for Olympic Sports, working primarily with the men’s & women’s cross country and track & field teams.
Before returning to UNC, Penner worked at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where he was responsible for cross country, track & field, and baseball. He also has served as director and performance coach at Athletic Lab in Morrisville, N.C. (2018-2022) and coached track & field at Cardinal Gibbons High School (2019-2022).
A native of North Carolina, Penner graduated from UNC with a bachelor’s degree in exercise & sport science in 2018. He is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and holds USA Track & Field Level 1 and USAW Weightlifting Level 1 certifications.
A former UNC intern, Penner now serves as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for Olympic Sports, working primarily with the men’s & women’s cross country and track & field teams.
Before returning to UNC, Penner worked at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where he was responsible for cross country, track & field, and baseball. He also has served as director and performance coach at Athletic Lab in Morrisville, N.C. (2018-2022) and coached track & field at Cardinal Gibbons High School (2019-2022).
A native of North Carolina, Penner graduated from UNC with a bachelor’s degree in exercise & sport science in 2018. He is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and holds USA Track & Field Level 1 and USAW Weightlifting Level 1 certifications.
UNC Men's Soccer: Carolina Buries Lipscomb, 3-0, to Extend Unbeaten Run
Wednesday, October 08
MSOC: Carolina Buries Lipscomb, 3-0, to Extend Unbeaten Run
Wednesday, October 08
Blue Heaven: 2025 UNC Field Hockey, Episode 3
Wednesday, October 08
Latinx Heritage Month 2025 - Carolina Latinx Center Feature
Wednesday, October 08