Student spotlights
Mackenzie Hawkins
Major in Athletic Training, Minor in Sport and Exercise Psychology
Hometown: Shinnston, W.Va.
Why did you choose WVU CPASS?
I initially chose CPASS because it housed the major I was interested in, but as
my time at WVU progressed, I decided to stay within the college for a minor in
SEP. The small, tight-knit community in our building turns a large university
into a small campus. I met and connected with professors and staff members who
cared about my growth as a student.
What’s your favorite thing about WVU and Morgantown?
WVU is a great representation of the state of West Virginia. As a resident and
a Mountaineer, I have seen firsthand that the amount of pride we, as students,
have in our university is consistent with the amount of pride that West Virginians
have in our state.
How did CPASS prepare you for your next chapter?
CPASS and the Athletic Training program gave me the opportunity to be fully immersed
into the athletic training profession through clinical experience. I was a part
of WVU sports programs by attending practices and games as well as traveling
across the Big 12 conference. I became a part of something bigger than myself,
while gaining useful knowledge and skills in the process.
What are your post-graduation plans?
Attend graduate school to be a Physician’s Assistant
James McCarty
Major in Sport and Exercise Psychology, Minor in Human Services
Hometown: Clifton, Va.
Why did you choose WVU CPASS?
I chose CPASS for the world-renowned SEP program and having nice classrooms and facilities
that are centrally located on the Evansdale campus.
What’s your favorite thing about WVU and Morgantown?
WVU and Morgantown are the perfect blend between having everything you need nearby
plus being able to get out into nature and escape from reality. And I love Kegler’s
gold wings.
How did CPASS prepare you for your next chapter?
Dr. Scott Barnicle has taught me so much inside and out of the classroom. I am
forever grateful for the guidance and insight he has given me over the years.
Being a peer advisor offered me the opportunity to develop my public speaking
skills and opened many doors such as presenting at an SEP Midwest Sport and
Exercise Psychology Symposium.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I plan to pursue a career in medical sales for an orthopedic device company.
Olivia Martinelli
Major in Physical Education Teacher Education
Hometown: Upper Township, N.J.
Why did you choose WVU CPASS?
I chose WVU CPASS because I knew that the PETE program would help me prepare for
my career after college. I read about how amazing the PETE program was, so I
knew that this university and program would be the place for me.
What’s your favorite thing about WVU and Morgantown?
My favorite thing about WVU and Morgantown is how kind everyone is. If you do not
know directions or need help, you can ask almost anyone. They are always willing
to help.
How did CPASS prepare you for your next chapter?
Drs. Wyant, Tsuda and Taliaferro have been the best professors I could ever have
had. They have helped me critique and expand my teaching skills in ways that
I will take with me when I become a physical education teacher myself.
What are your post-graduation plans?
Working for Duval County Public Schools in Jacksonville, Florida as a Physical
Education teacher.
Caden Roberts
Major in Sport Management, Minor in Scholastic Coaching
Hometown: Martinsburg, W.Va.
Why did you choose WVU CPASS?
CPASS offered a degree program that aligns with my career objectives. Additionally,
it is an affordable in-state program that isn’t too far from my home. It is part
of a university with major athletic programs that offer opportunities to obtain
hands-on experience as a student.
What’s your favorite thing about WVU and Morgantown?
My favorite thing I like about Morgantown and WVU is the wide range of activities
and entertainment available to students. There is always something to do and
new people to meet.
How did CPASS prepare you for your next chapter?
Dr. Justin Wartella has played a significant role in both my academic and professional
development. He offered guidance, advice and assistance, and provided me with
opportunities through the University to develop skills needed to succeed in the
workplace. One of the most rewarding experiences that Dr. Wartella offered me
was the opportunity to speak to one of his classes about my journey as a basketball
coach to inspire incoming sport management students to seek early career
experience opportunities.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I am currently in the latter stages of choosing a Division I basketball program
to continue my career as a basketball coach. I am exploring both graduate assistant
and support staff opportunities with multiple basketball programs across the
country.
Alexis Shura
Major in Sport Management, Minors in Sport Communication and General Business
Hometown: Rochester, N.Y.
Why did you choose WVU CPASS?
I felt as if the program would provide me with the most opportunities and experiences.
Sports have been a passion of mine since I was a kid and I knew that the program
would help me grow.
What’s your favorite thing about WVU and Morgantown?
WVU and Morgantown have such a tight knit campus community. Mountaineer Nation
has diehard fans and it’s one of the most unique places I’ve ever been.
How did CPASS prepare you for your next chapter?
My professors have been incredibly supportive. They were always willing to help
me with anything, whether it was for internship opportunities or schoolwork.
I had great mentors within WVU Campus Recreation. Both groups ultimately led
me to my next steps and I thank them for their guidance in my success.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I will attend graduate school at James Madison University and study sport and recreation
leadership. While obtaining my master’s degree, I will complete a graduate assistantship
in facilities and operations with JMU Campus Recreation.
Alec Taylor
Major in Sport and Exercise Psychology, Minor in Human Services/Counseling
Hometown: Rocky Gap, Va.
Why did you choose WVU CPASS?
I chose CPASS due to my passion for sports and the academic common market opportunities within the program.
What’s your favorite thing about WVU and Morgantown?
I love how Gold and Blue surrounds you at all times in Morgantown. The history
and tradition of our institution bonds Mountaineers together across the globe.
WVU will always be a part of who I am and I’m honored to be a Mountaineer.
How did CPASS prepare you for your next chapter?
The impact Dr. Scott Barnicle had on my college experience cannot be overstated.
Dr. Barnicle was the greatest instructor I had at WVU. He taught me what effective
learning should look like.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I plan to enter the workforce working with individuals with special needs.
Rei Watanabe
Major in Sport Management
Hometown: Tokyo, Japan
Why did you choose WVU CPASS?
WVU has one of the best sport management programs in the country. I always dreamed as a kid growing up in Japan of getting involved in a basketball program at a Power Five conference school. My goal is to make Japanese professional basketball
league one of the best leagues around the world. I thought it would be great
to learn sport management at WVU.
What’s your favorite thing about WVU and Morgantown?
My favorite thing about WVU is the relationships I built. As a transfer student
from a community college, I was little worried about establishing connections with
friends and professors. I made great friendships that will last a lifetime. All
the CPASS professors took care of me inside and outside the classroom.
How did CPASS prepare you for your next chapter?
Because I was a transfer student, I was behind schedule academically. Since I was
a student manager for the Men's Basketball team, it was hard to work out the
class schedule by myself to graduate in May 2021. I was often traveling with
the team and had to miss classes, but my advisor, faculty and staff helped me
out. Experiences I had at the basketball team were unforgettable, however, I
appreciate all the support that I got from CPASS.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I am planning to go back to my country and work there.