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As the West Virginia University Mountaineer football team opened their 2019-2020 season on August 31 against FCS powerhouse James Madison, fans could feel the excitement in the air. However, even before kick-off, fans were treated to Gold and Blue-style entertainment, with a focus on family fun.

The College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences partnered with WVU Athletics and USA Football to host Youth Sports and Spirit Day during pre-game activities held at the Caperton Indoor Facility, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The festivities took place during the Chick-fil-A Kids Zone event and were organized by Kristen Dieffenbach, athletic coaching education associate professor, with the help of graduate assistants Christina Villalon and Maggie Roberts. They estimate that 150-200 kids took part in event’s first year.

In his remarks, President E. Gordon Gee urged students to be willing to take risks. “I believe that the greatest risk all of you will face is giving in to your fear of taking risks. Generations of CPASS graduates have dared to risk failure. And, by doing so, they have nurtured ideas that made our world better,” Gee said.

“It all starts with you being the best leader of yourself. You can't expect anyone to follow you if you can't take your own lead. You must be motivated to do so because you can't motivate anyone else if you can't motivate yourself.”

CPASS students can now focus on the dynamic industries of high-performance athletics and recreational sport with one of the only undergraduate programs of its kind in the country. 

The Coaching and Performance Science program, modified from the athletic coaching education major, blends sport and movement science knowledge and professional development to prepare graduates for the growing field of athletics and applied sport sciences. Students can complete valuable hands-on learning with faculty, WVU Athletics, WVU Medicine or a variety of sports organizations.

The second annual National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) State Clinic, a CPASS-hosted event, provided unprecedented access to renowned professionals in the fields of strength and conditioning and sport science this April. The clinic featured speakers typically found on a national platform and allowed students to network with industry professionals while discussing a range of topics.

Industry professionals included John Wagle, Minor League strength and conditioning coordinator, Kansas City Royals; Ed Pistilli, WVU exercise physiologist; Josh Hagen, CPASS adjunct faculty member and RNI HPIC director; and CPASS faculty member Kristen Dieffenbach, athletic coaching education associate professor.

A new CPASS major will open a flexible track toward health science and non-school based community health-related careers, beginning in fall 2020. Students in the fully approved Health and Well-being major can tailor a degree program within a diverse field, targeting a variety of roles.

The curriculum is designed to help students plan their degree program while preparing for the future. The customizable major features community partnerships, hands-on learning, student research and mentorship.

Starting a business may seem like a struggle, maybe nearly impossible, but that is not the case for West Virginia University graduate Stephanie Filbey. Originally from Alloway, New Jersey, Filbey completed her personal trainer internship with the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, where she worked with her first client. The internship eventually lead to her starting her own business in Morgantown, called Summit Wellness.

Filbey, BS 2017, Exercise Physiology, did not develop a passion for health, wellness and fitness until her junior year of college, but for much of her life, she had been involved in sports year-round. However, that quickly changed when she arrived at WVU. When the activity stopped, and the poor food choices started, Filbey was stuck in a rut like other college students experience.

The College recently caught up with CPASS alumni and students, to learn more about their experiences in Major League Baseball. We asked about their typical day, career goals, WVU mentors and advice for anyone wanting to get into the sports industry. See their responses, below, to learn how their Mountaineer experiences have helped them succeed and where they see themselves in five years.  

This fall semester, the Office of Student Success has added two new staff members to their team to focus on recruitment and retention initiatives. Please join us as we welcome Allie Haught and Jordan Schmidt-Gonzalez to the College.

As a West Virginia native and first-generation student, Allie Haught grew up loving WVU and dreaming of attending the university. She was motivated to enroll and have that new experience. Once she began her college career, WVU became home.

When Ian Gentile decided to expand his knowledge of the sports industry, he chose WVU. The program has given him a clear understanding of the business side of the industry, as well as adding an intercollegiate spin to his game. Gentile appreciates the personalized approach and unique six-week course format as he advances through the graduate degree. 

Ryan Wood was searching for a graduate program that focused on the science of coaching. He based his decision in part on the positive testimonials from close friends who have earned their graduate degree at WVU. Wood says that WVU has given him a different perspective on the important role he has as a coach in generating the motivation of students and athletes.