Rob Thompson ('04 BAIS)

Tell us about yourself!
I was born in the Bay Area, California, and grew up in Dallas, Texas. I currently live in Los Angeles, where I work as a celebrity personal trainer. I’m passionate about fitness, wellness, and inspiring others to achieve their best selves. Outside of work, I have a deep love for golf, which has become one of my favorite ways to relax and recharge. I’m also lucky to share my life with my fiancée and our two amazing dogs, who bring so much joy to our lives.

Why did you choose to attend UTA?
I chose UTA because of its excellent sports management program and the opportunities it provided for networking and growth. The campus had a welcoming atmosphere, and it was close to home, which made it a perfect fit for me.

What interested you in studying sports management?
I’ve always had a deep love for sports and fitness. Studying sports management allowed me to combine my passion with practical knowledge, giving me the tools to understand the industry and create impactful opportunities for myself and others.

Describe your UTA experience. How did UTA help prepare you for your career?
My experience at UTA was truly transformative and left a lasting impact on both my personal and professional journey. One of the aspects I appreciated most about UTA was the vibrant and diverse community. Being surrounded by people from different backgrounds and perspectives broadened my outlook and enriched my learning experience. The engaging professors were another highlight—they went beyond traditional teaching methods, creating interactive and practical learning opportunities that prepared me for real-world challenges.

One of the most rewarding parts of my time at UTA was the connections I made. I met like- minded individuals who shared my passion for sports and fitness, and these relationships played a significant role in shaping my path. In fact, three of my best friends today are people I met during the summer semester before my freshman year. Those connections have been invaluable, providing both personal support and professional collaboration over the years.

"The skills and connections you build here are just the start. Stay consistent, embrace the small wins, and trust the process."

A particularly meaningful part of my UTA journey was working as a student manager for the men’s basketball team. This role allowed me to stay close to my passion for basketball after my playing days while giving me a deeper appreciation for the importance of teamwork. It also solidified my drive to help people improve their performance and overall wellness through training. UTA prepared me for my career by offering hands-on learning opportunities and a curriculum that emphasized critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills. UTA didn’t just give me an education—it gave me the foundation to thrive in a competitive industry and the tools to make a meaningful impact in the sports, fitness and entertainment world.

Describe your path to celebrity trainer. What inspired you to pursue your career and what have you learned along the way?
My journey to becoming a celebrity trainer was shaped by a deep commitment to learning, personal growth, and an unwavering passion for fitness and wellness. It started with a solid educational foundation at UTA, where I earned my degree in sports management with a minor in psychology. Understanding the science behind physical performance and the mental aspects of motivation and discipline set the stage for my career.

After graduation, I pursued advanced certifications through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, including Certified Personal Trainer, Golf Fitness Specialist, and Fitness Nutrition Specialist, among others. These certifications allowed me to refine my skills and offer a holistic approach to fitness. I started small, working with local clients and building my reputation through word-of-mouth and results-driven training programs. I knew early on that success in this field required not only expertise but also the ability to build trust and foster strong relationships.

As my client base grew, after prayer and wanting to take my business to another level I took a leap of faith and decided to move to Los Angeles. The move was pivotal, as it opened doors to work with individuals in the entertainment industry. I dedicated myself to understanding the unique needs of high-profile clients—balancing their demanding schedules, preparing them for physically challenging roles, and ensuring they felt strong, confident, and camera-ready.

Can you share any defining moments in your career that inspired you to continue your work?
One of my favorite moments in my career was training Angela Bassett for her role in Black Panther. Her discipline and commitment inspired me, and the results we achieved together showcased my ability to tailor fitness plans to meet the specific demands of my clients’ professional and personal lives. Similarly, working with Regina King, Michael Beach, Emma and Jens Grede, Usher, Tasha Smith, Giveon, Michelle Monaghan, Essence Atkins, and others has helped me refine my approach, emphasizing the importance of treating each client as a unique individual.

What I've learned along the way is that being a celebrity trainer isn't just about creating workouts —it's about becoming a trusted partner in someone’s journey to better health. My approach combines functional training, recovery, mental wellness, and biohacking techniques to optimize results and longevity. It’s incredibly rewarding to see clients transform, not just physically but also mentally, as they achieve their goals.

Your journey may not be perfect, but with focus and determination, you can achieve extraordinary outcomes.

The path to where I am today wasn’t always easy, but it has been fulfilling. It’s taught me the value of persistence, adaptability, and genuine care for the people I work with. Every client, celebrity or otherwise, deserves a program that reflects their individual needs, goals, and lifestyle, and I strive to deliver that in every session.

What's one lesson you learned at UTA that has stayed with you still today?
One of the most valuable lessons I learned at UTA is the importance of perseverance. Whether it was managing a full course load, balancing extracurricular commitments, or working a full-time job to help pay for my tuition expenses, I learned that persistence and adaptability are key to achieving success. This lesson has stayed with me both personally and professionally. 

In my career as a celebrity trainer, perseverance has been essential—whether it’s working through tough training sessions with clients, staying consistent in building my reputation, or overcoming obstacles in the fitness industry. UTA taught me that success often comes from staying focused on your goals, even when the path isn’t easy. That mindset continues to drive me in everything I do.

What message do you have for the next generation of UTA graduates?
Dream big, stay disciplined, and never underestimate the power of small beginnings. During my time at UTA, I worked a full-time job to pay for tuition while balancing classes and extracurriculars. It wasn’t easy, but it taught me resilience, time management, and the value of hard work.

The skills and connections you build here are just the start. Stay consistent, embrace the small wins, and trust the process. Your journey may not be perfect, but with focus and determination, you can achieve extraordinary outcomes. Keep God First... Go Mavericks!

Anything else you would like to share?
I want to emphasize how grateful I am for the experiences and opportunities that have shaped my journey. UTA played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for my career, and I carry those lessons with me every day. To anyone striving to reach their goals—remember, success is built on consistency, hard work, and believing in yourself even when the odds feel stacked against you. Keep your faith in God and keep going!

Also, never stop learning and growing. Whether it’s pursuing certifications, exploring new passions, or connecting with inspiring people, every step you take adds value to your story. I’m proud to be a part of the UTA community and excited to see what the next generation of Mavericks will accomplish.

Learn more at www.getfitbyrob.com!