With graduation right around the corner, several CPASS seniors reflect on their undergraduate time at both WVU and the college. Students from different parts of the world and with various CPASS majors share their experiences.
They discuss what they will remember most about WVU, what their degree will allow them to do professionally, what advice they would give their freshman self and how they connected their passion with their major.
Abhik Bera
Sport Communication, Athletic Coaching Education and Sport and Exercise Psychology
Rockville, Maryland
I will always remember the relationships and bonds I created that will last for a life time while at WVU. My degree will allow me to better myself as I progress through the sports industry and help me reach my career goals. I connected with my passion at CPASS through the opportunities that the college provided me outside of class, like my internship with the WV Black Bears, and the opportunity to work within WVU Athletics.
Braeden Carroll
Athletic Training
Wheeling, WV
I will always remember Mountaineer Football Game days while at WVU. I would tell my freshman self to keep an open mind and make the most of every day. My degree will allow me to do what I love to do every day and call it work. I connected my passion with my major at CPASS by getting into the clinical setting and learning about everything I was missing out on. From the first time I stepped foot into the athletic training room, I knew this was the right fit for me.
I started at WVU as an accounting major and found myself disinterested in school
beginning of my sophomore year. I knew that I needed to make a change because
I wasn't going to be happy as an accountant. I wanted a career that I could be
hands on, help people, and see myself making a difference in the world. My high
school mentor told me to check out the Athletic Training program through CPASS
and my first meeting with the staff drew me right in. I couldn't be happier with
my choice to pursue a career in Athletic Training.
Jason Fertig
Sport and Exercise Psychology
Pemberville, OH
I will always remember the relationships with students and faculty I have developed while at WVU. I would tell my freshman self that it is never too early to begin networking through the college. My degree will allow me to utilize psychological and social skills as I begin my journey toward becoming a Physical Therapist. I connected my passion with my major at CPASS by becoming involved in clubs and other extra-curricular actives.
Bailey Guffin
Athletic Coaching Education
Atlanta, Georgia
I will always remember my first time going to Tailpipes. Their sweet potato fries with the sauce is life changing, don’t forget the fruity pebbles shake. I would tell my freshman self, “Be patient, hard work eventually has great reward.” My degree will allow me to coach soccer at a high level and continue to work on my licenses. It will also help me connect with my athletes not only on the field but socially as well.
My favorite CPASS faculty member is Lynda Bowers because she has always given great advice on working with different age groups. Lynda also brings a lot of experience by coaching at a high level and even at the recreation level. I can always go to her for coaching advice. We have great discussions about player development and different coaching philosophies. I’ve enjoyed working with her the past couple of years.
I connected my passion with my major at CPASS when I spent my first day at my internship with DC United. It changed my whole perspective on coaching and the direction I wanted to go in. It showed me the amount of detail and preparation I needed to be a great coach. I always walked into a session not knowing what I wanted to accomplish from it. When I changed my mindset and became more prepared my coaching took off.
Amanda Ingram
Sport and Exercise Psychology
Warrenton, VA
I would tell my freshman self - don’t stress about the little things. My degree will allow me to continue my education at WVU. My fav CPASS faculty member is Dr. Zizzi. He’s a great teacher and always makes me laugh.
Kenna Markham
Physical Education Teacher Education
Summerfield, FL
My degree will allow me to inspire and educate young lives on the importance of leading an active lifestyle. I hope students will find enjoyment in physical activity through sports or lifetime activities for the rest of their lives.
My fav CPASS faculty member is Dr. James Wyant because from the moment he stepped on campus he has done nothing but be supportive. He has always gone above and beyond to make sure I had the help I needed in the classroom or with becoming a teacher. I felt as if I could contact him at any point to get answers I needed or ease of mind. He truly made my last years at WVU great.
I connected my passion with my major at CPASS by using my love and knowledge for sports and physical activity with my desire to teach children from a young age.
Julia Mellett
Sport and Exercise Psychology
Morgantown, WV
I will always remember the opportunities I've been given to represent WVU across the country and internationally, as well as the friends I've made while at WVU. I would tell my freshman self to keep doing what you're doing. Success doesn't come from dwelling on the "what ifs" and past opportunities.
My degree will allow me to live the rest of my life surrounded by sports. Everyone in CPASS is here because we can't imagine our lives without sports; now that I'm graduating and moving on, I'll forever hold the sidelines of Milan Puskar Stadium near and dear to my heart.
Marilyn Munzer
Sport and Exercise Psychology
South Windsor, CT
I will always remember the connections I made and fun times I had supporting the Mountaineers at games while at WVU. I would tell my freshman self get involved and do not be afraid to talk to your professors for help.
My favorite CPASS faculty member is all of them because everyone is dedicated to making sure the students get the most out of their education. Drs. Barnicle, Voelker, Watson, Cranney and Wayda and Killeen Schlegel and the SEP doc students have all provided the support and guidance necessary for success. I connected my passion with my major at CPASS by getting involved and taking advantage of every opportunity that came my way.
Haley Oliphant
Athletic Training
Virginia Beach, VA to Arthurdale, WV
I will always remember my classmates that became my family while at WVU. I would tell my freshman self to enjoy the little moments, because graduation will be here before you know it. My degree will allow me to pursue my dreams of attending medical school and becoming an orthopedic surgeon.
My fav CPASS faculty member is Allison Hetrick (Alley), because she has life advice and a story about everything.
Farhan Shaikh
Sport and Exercise Psychology
Pune, India
I will always remember the wonderful people who pushed me every day throughout my time at WVU. I would tell my freshman self to be patient and do good work. My degree will allow me to excel in my further academics and applied work within the field of sport psychology
My favorite CPASS faculty member and staff member are Dr. Scott Barnicle and Killeen Schlegel because of their constant motivation and endless support which helped me succeed in various professional endeavors as an undergraduate student. I connected my passion with my major at CPASS by learning and investing in various professional development opportunities provided by CPASS and the SEP program .
Raya Smaidi
Sport Exercise Psychology
Charleston, WV
I would tell my freshman self it is an uphill battle from here, keep pressing. I connected my passion with my major at CPASS by gaining the knowledge necessary to help people achieve their mental and physical performance goals.