Student Spotlights
Ashli Richards
Major: M.S., Coaching and Sport Education
Hometown: Beckley, W.Va.
Why did you choose WVU CPASS?
I think my journey is an interesting one. Prior to starting grad school, I had
been out of school for six years. I was working full-time, the pandemic hit
and I wanted to know how to become a better coach. Specifically, I wanted to
get into strength and conditioning. WVU offers the coaching and sport education
master's program. It fit exactly what I was searching for.
How has CPASS prepared you for your next chapter?
CPASS and my program in coaching and sport education prepared me to be an educated
coach in the field of strength and conditioning. I'm a passionate person and
I had passionate professors who are also coaches. They inspired and motivated
me every day and confirmed I had picked the right program. I am a better coach
because of the program and the experiences that came with it.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I’ll be working in the WV Army National Guard as an Ordnance Corps (EOD) officer.
After commissioning, I will attend Ordnance BOLC (basic officer leader course)
at the Army Logistics University in Fort Lee, Va. After that, I will continue to EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) school at Fort Lee and Eglin AFB Destin,
Fla. After my completion of BOLC, I will return to the WV Army National Guard
as a platoon leader assigned to the 753rd Ordnance Company (EOD) in Kingwood,
W.Va. My job as a platoon leader entails providing effective command and control
of platoon personnel to enable accomplishment of all missions and tasks for which
the platoon is responsible.
I am looking forward to coaching people or athletes and helping them achieve their
goals. I am also eager to bring my new wealth of knowledge to the WV Guard by
preparing and educating soldiers to remain fit and ready for anything.
Describe how you overcame challenges as a student.
Since I had been out of school for six years, I think the biggest challenges I
faced were acclimating to being a student again, as well as balancing a full-time
job, ROTC, and in my second year, an internship with WVU Olympic Sports. I was
able to find balance and great friends. I had an amazing support system.
Some days felt nearly impossible, but my people got me through.
What’s your favorite thing about WVU and Morgantown?
Having gone to undergrad here in Morgantown and being a resident for some time,
I enjoyed experiencing being a student again. You don't realize how
much you miss being a student until you're not one anymore. Not only that, but I'm
a sucker for WVU. I love the university and what it means to be a Mountaineer.
Dalton Perdue
Major: Health and Well-being
Minor: Psychology
Area of Emphasis: Therapeutic Exercise and Rehabilitation
Hometown: Montgomery, W.Va.
Why did you choose WVU CPASS?
I chose West Virginia University College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences
because I believed I would be able to excel in the Health and Well-Being program.
I felt that the relationships that I developed with my fellow classmates and
professors would help me prepare for my future endeavors.
How has CPASS prepared you for your next chapter?
CPASS has prepared me by allowing me to enroll in courses that are essential to
my professional development and understanding of the field in which I have decided
to focus. Having the opportunity to learn from professors who have worked in
the field and hear their stories has broadened my understanding and helped me
confirm my future goals.
What are your post-graduation plans?
After graduation, I intend to pursue a unique path by earning my master’s in health
sciences at West Virginia University and then continuing my education in Medicine
by attending medical school.
Describe how you overcame challenges as a student.
When it comes to college, especially for first-generation students, there are a
lot of unknowns. When I came to West Virginia University for college, I took
a significant risk because I didn't receive many scholarships or grants and had
to work more than 40 hours a week to continue my studies. I've made connections
at the institution that have allowed me to engage in several programs and groups
that have provided me with not only scholarships and grants, but also resources
to help me thrive academically.
What’s your favorite thing about WVU and Morgantown?
The opportunities WVU and Morgantown provide are my favorite aspects of the university
and the city. We are limited by our resources as residents of West Virginia's
southern region. Morgantown offers a wide range of hiking, kayaking and other
outdoor activities. My decision to attend WVU was also influenced by employment
options and medical facilities.
Lucy Harman
Major: Health and Well-being
Hometown: Wheeling, W.Va.
Why did you choose WVU CPASS?
I chose CPASS for this major, since it gave me a broad science, psychology and
health care course background.
How has CPASS prepared you for your next chapter?
I’m considering an advanced degree or grad school in a healthcare profession, and
Health and Well-Being gives me the core for that. It exposed me to both direct
care options and administrative options.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I plan to move to Pittsburgh, obtain a position with a healthcare system, explore
options in the industry, then consider additional education or field.
Describe how you overcame challenges as a student.
Luckily, I had my freshman year pre-COVID, but my sophomore and junior years were
mostly remote learning and the ability to volunteer in my field, make connections
no relationships were gone. I made sure to stay in touch with my CPASS advisor
and some professors to stay engaged and not discouraged.
What’s your favorite thing about WVU and Morgantown?
I am a fourth generation WVU graduate, which is unique. I’ve been raised with love
and respect for WVU, and it lived up to all I expected. Morgantown is a great
mix of students and residents, who benefit from each other’s presence throughout
the year.
Sydney Spiker
Major: Health and Well-being
Minor: Medical Humanities and Health Studies
Hometown: Kingwood, W.Va.
Why did you choose WVU CPASS?
I chose CPASS because I knew they would be a great fit for me as a person. I felt
they would provide me with the skills and support I needed to succeed in any
career path.
How has CPASS prepared you for your next chapter?
CPASS has prepared me for the next chapter in my life in more ways than I can count.
Especially through the development of the Health and Well-being major, I was
given the opportunity to attain the skills and knowledge I need to succeed in
my chosen future career path.
What are your post-graduation plans?
My plan after graduation is to attend a physician assistant program within the
state.
Describe how you overcame challenges as a student.
I overcame challenges as a student by reaching out to friends, family, and faculty.
They were always there to provide me with insight and support whenever I needed
it.
What’s your favorite thing about WVU and Morgantown?
My favorite thing about WVU and Morgantown is the sense of community. During these
past three years I have spent earning my bachelor’s degree, I have always felt
like part of one big family.
Carley Walton
Major: Physical Education Teacher Education
Hometown: Hanover, Pa.
Why did you choose WVU CPASS?
I chose WVU CPASS because they welcomed me with open arms and made me feel as though
I could live up to my dreams with the help of wonderful staff and facilities
in a place that feels like home.
How has CPASS prepared you for your next chapter?
CPASS has prepared me for the next chapter through an intelligent staff support
system and ample tools necessary to succeed beyond imaginable in my future career.
What are your post-graduation plans?
My post-graduate plans are to find a school environment where I can live to my
fullest potential and make a difference in the many lives I will encounter. No
matter where my journey takes me, I know in my heart, that Country Roads will
always lead me home.
Describe how you overcame challenges as a student.
One challenge I overcame as a student was choosing a major that was right for me.
Once I finally took the initiative to change to the PET program from my previous
major, I noticed a positive change in my willingness to achieve as a student.
I finally found my purpose and a reason for me to be here. Since this change,
I look forward to attending class and growing my knowledge each day.
What’s your favorite thing about WVU and Morgantown?
My favorite thing about WVU is that I get the opportunity to attend a D1 athletic
school that feels like a small-town vibe. With that, I cherish the memories and
friends I have made along the way.
Caitlin Hoover
Major: M.S., Coaching and Sport Education
Hometown: Thompsontown, Pa.
Why did you choose WVU CPASS?
WVU CPASS offered me the flexibility to continue my education in my major while
continuing to grow and continue my professional career. The program had high
recommendations and did not disappoint as I have implemented many factors and
ideas I've learned through my courses into my profession.
How has CPASS prepared you for your next chapter?
CPASS has prepared me for my next chapter by building my confidence and allowing
myself to be submerged in different views to allow myself to grow as a coach.
I have gained experience that will aid in continuing my coaching career and help
me pursue my goal of a head coaching position.
What are your post-graduation plans?
Continue my coaching career at my current Division II field hockey coaching position
and strive to continue to grow in my profession.
Describe how you overcame challenges as a student.
As a student I was working in my coaching position as well. I was able to challenge
myself by implementing areas I learned in the classroom into my everyday career.
It has pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow as a person and coach.
What’s your favorite thing about WVU and Morgantown?
All my professors were super helpful and chose to get to know me on a personal
level!! This allowed me to feel comfortable reaching out if I had any questions,
as they also helped me develop professionally.
Lauren Keener
Major: M.S., Coaching and Sport Education
Hometown: Morgantown, W.Va.
Why did you choose WVU CPASS?
I chose WVU CPASS because it fit with my lifestyle. I enjoy traveling and exploring
different places and I knew this program was that perfect fit. I also knew people
that had gone through this program and raved about how amazing it was. Overall,
just was the best choice for me.
How has CPASS prepared you for your next chapter?
CPASS has taught me the art behind coaching. Coming into this program, I thought
I knew what it meant to be a coach, but, I didn't. CPASS has prepared me to be
a more conscious coach and reflect on my coaching skills. Moving forward, I have
the tools to be the best coach because of the information CPASS has provided
me.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I have a full-time coaching position at a gym in Pittsburgh, PA.
Describe how you overcame challenges as a student.
The biggest challenge I faced as a student was motivation. I started this program
during peak COVID time. It was hard to focus on everything going on in the world.
What kept me going was knowing at the end of this program I was going to have
a master’s degree. I am the first person in my family to go and get a master’s
degree. It was important to me to get this, so thinking about the big picture
kept me going.
What’s your favorite thing about WVU and Morgantown?
I love Morgantown because this is my home. Everything about it is special to me.
If I did have to pick one thing though, I would say Cooper's Rock is my favorite
thing in Morgantown.
Emily Raynard
Major: Athletic Training
Hometown: Rochester, N.Y.
Why did you choose WVU CPASS?
I chose CPASS because of all the opportunities CPASS could provide.
How has CPASS prepared you for your next chapter?
CPASS and athletic training have taught me many things. It has built a base for
my career as a Physical therapist. I have not only learned valuable lessons in
the classroom but in clinical settings as well. Having hands-on training makes
me feel confident going out into the career world.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be attending Plymouth State University for my Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
Describe how you overcame challenges as a student.
The program I was in was not easy, and hard work and grit helped me overcome challenges.
Having supportive classmates who faced the same struggles as me, really helped.
Looking at challenges as a positive rather than a negative, helped me learn from
obstacles and stay motivated.
What’s your favorite thing about WVU and Morgantown?
My favorite thing about WVU would be the school spirit. I will miss going to sporting
events and singing Country Roads with my fellow Mountaineers. My favorite thing
about Morgantown would be the people. The people of Morgantown and of West Virginia,
in general, are the nicest and most welcoming people I have ever met.
Margarite Stefanelli
Major: Sport and Exercise Psychology
Minor: Human Services
Hometown: Rockville, Md.
Why did you choose WVU CPASS?
I chose WVU CPASS because of my interest in psychology through athletic development
and mental skills training.
How has CPASS prepared you for your next chapter?
CPASS has prepared me for my next chapter in my future of human interaction and
learning the importance of mental health.
What are your post-graduation plans?
My post-graduation plans are to receive my master’s in social work and continue
my path to become a clinical therapist.
Describe how you overcame challenges as a student.
Through my many obligations of lacrosse and academics, I overcame my challenges
by multitasking and relying on my closest family and friends for support.
What’s your favorite thing about WVU and Morgantown?
My favorite part of Morgantown is most definitely the sports environment and culture
around supporting students.
Hailey Mostacciuolo
Major: Sport and Exercise Psychology
Minors: Human Services and Personal Training
Hometown: Gainesville, Va.
Why did you choose WVU CPASS?
I had no idea what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I loved sports, but
I did not think I could have a successful career in athletics. When I came across
CPASS, I thought it was unique to have an entire college based on physical activity
and sports. I was comfortable choosing sport psychology since it combined two
of my interests. Landing in CPASS and SEP has helped me discover a passion I
did not know I had.
How has CPASS prepared you for your next chapter?
I owe all the credit for my success to the SEP professors. While I put in the work,
they provided an environment that set me up for success. Dr. Barnicle is one
of the most selfless, hard-working, and passionate professors I have ever had.
He cares about his students. He has set us up for success by creating a positive
learning environment, preparing us for interviews, helping us build resumes and
cover letters, listening to former students and their post-graduate endeavors
and countless other examples. Dr Zizzi became the advisor for the Morgan’s
Message Chapter at WVU, a club that I brought to WVU that aims to end the stigma
surrounding mental health in student-athletes. Dr. Z helped guide me and
my career. SEP prepared me for graduate school, a graduate assistantship and
life.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will continue my education at WVU in the clinical mental health counseling
master's program and work for the Career Services Center as a graduate assistant.
Post graduate school, I plan to apply to Ph.D. programs in sport psychology so
that I can become a certified mental performance consultant.
Describe how you overcame challenges as a student.
After the loss of a WVU student to suicide, I was painfully reminded of the loss
of my former coach, Morgan Rodgers. During a pandemic, I felt a variety of emotions
that were unpleasant and confusing. At the time, I was pursuing a pre-med track
in addition to my SEP degree, but I was eager to spend more time in CPASS. I
left the pre-med track and was overwhelmed by the support and guidance that CPASS
provided me. Dr. Barnicle helped me set career goals and make an action plan
to achieve them. Dr. Zizzi helped me develop a Chapter of Morgan’s Message that
aims to end the stigma surrounding mental health in student-athletes. Dr. Raabe
helped me gain knowledge and research experience that related to the effects
of injury on athletes' mental health. It was incredible to be provided such support
and a way to make a difference while dealing with my grief. I feel that because
of the challenges I faced and the support of my professors, I was able to leave
WVU a better place than I found it.
What’s your favorite thing about WVU and Morgantown?
For me, one of the scariest things about going to college was leaving my family.
Although I could never replace the people back home, there is nothing like singing
Country Roads with a bunch of strangers and feeling like a part of the biggest
family in the world. You just cannot beat the culture here. I could not be prouder
to be a Mountaineer.
Joseph Harim
Major: Sport Management
Minors: Communications and Scholastic Coaching
Hometown: Uniontown, Pa.
Why did you choose WVU CPASS?
I chose CPASS because it was the best program related to sports and I thought it
gave me the best opportunity to pursue a degree and career in sport.
How has CPASS prepared you for your next chapter?
I’ve had great professors during my time here, willing to talk to me and get to
know who I am as a person, but also give me great advice and guidance along the
way.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will be attending Graduate School for Sport Management at West Virginia University
in the fall
Describe how you overcame challenges as a student.
During my Junior year I dealt with very severe health problems that made my future
in school and further look unclear. I was able to battle through my illness with
the support of my family and others around me. I recovered later that summer
and was able to get myself back on track to graduate this May.
What’s your favorite thing about WVU and Morgantown?
My favorite thing about WVU and Morgantown was always the home feeling. It never
felt out of place or out of touch with who I am.