My Major Goals

Major - Exercise Science

I am currently majoring in exercise science following a pre-physical therapy track. My background as an athlete, my own experience with physical therapy, and the countless hours I spent with my athletic trainers are what led me to chose to major in exercise science. I first showed an interest in sports medicine when I started seeing my schools sports psychologist. After talking with my athletic trainers and my former cheer coach I decided that physical therapy would be a good field for me. My senior year of high school I had the chance to do internships at ATI Physical Therapy and Athletico Physical Therapy. Those internships helped me realize that it was for sure something that I wanted to pursue in the future. With that being said, my ultimate goal with an exercise science degree is to create a strong academic background to make it into graduate school for physical therapy.

Here's a photo from my internship at ATI Physical Therapy in Bloomington, IN

Minor - Coaching

Thanks to my former track coach Sara Hamidovic I discovered my love of coaching at a vital time in my life. Sara had made me team captain of the throwing team and also treated me as an assistant coach with the younger kids on my team. Starting from my freshman year strength training class I had realized how much I loved coaching and motivating people but it was Sara that gave me that extra boost of confidence that I needed to really pursue coaching. My former cheer coach Megan Stark also pushed me to pursue this minor. She helped me grow into the leader that I am today and through cheerleading she taught me critical thinking and communication skills. The summer before starting college I started coaching for Indiana Track Club in Bloomington, IN. The program teaches the basics of training principles, as well as specific instruction in all track & field events. Older, more experienced athletes are given the opportunity to compete on a state and national level. By getting this minor I will be able to better understand how to properly coach and will also gain the knowledge of the growth and development of athletes physically and mentally. I hope that one day I can make an impact on my athletes as great as my coaches did for me.

My Career Goals

My main career goal is to become a physical therapist with special interest in manual therapy and sports rehabilitation. With a coaching minor already under my belt I hope to become a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist as well as a certified Performance Enhancement Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. I chose this career path because of my own experience with physical therapy and my athletic background. I want to be able to help rehabilitate athletes that have sustained injuries and help them reach their optimal potential when it comes to their sport. Throughout their rehabilitation process I'd be doing a lot of sport specific training along with traditional rehabilitation so that they are prepared to return back to their sport. The second career choice that I'm considering is to become a strength and conditioning coach. Just like my first career choice I'd be pushing individuals to get stronger as an athlete, implementing sports specific training, and building their confidence in themselves.