Student Spotlight Dominic Viani
B.S., Physical Education and Kinesiology
Class: 2026 Hometown: Fairmont, WV
Viani returns home to teach but calls his own game
Growing up 20 minutes from Morgantown, Dominic Viani always imagined himself as a Mountaineer. Now a senior in the Physical Education and Kinesiology program, he's preparing for a career in education inspired by a former coach and his grandfather, a longtime physical education teacher. At the same time, Viani is building his own reputation by logging up to seven nights a week as a basketball official while completing his student teaching residency at the very elementary school he once attended as a kid.
Why did you choose WVU?
I grew up 20 minutes from Morgantown and experienced different sporting events from a young age at WVU and always envisioned myself being a Mountaineer.
When did you decide you wanted to pursue a degree in physical education and kinesiology?
One of my former teachers/coach left a big impact on me, and I think was the deciding factor pushing me into education. Also, my grandfather was a physical education teacher for over 30 years, and he was a big influence as well..
What do you think separates this program from others?
I don't know about other programs, but I know that this one is very family-oriented. I know that all of the faculty here truly want to see the students here be successful.
What has your student teaching experience been like, and what do you hope to bring to your own classroom one day?
My residency placement is at Jayenne Elementary, the same school I attended as a student. My mentor teacher, Ms. Michael, was actually my physical education teacher back then, and the insights and mentorship she has provided are things I fully expect to carry with me into my own classroom after graduation.
More than anything, I want to connect with my students and give them the tools to strive to be the best version of themselves.
How did you get into officiating, and what does that commitment look like today?
As soon as I graduated from high school, a close family friend encouraged me to get into officiating. This is now my fourth year as an official, and during the season, I am typically on the court six, and sometimes seven, nights a week. I currently referee basketball.
I work WVSSAC games and officiate in various junior college and NCAA Division III conferences through Elite Officiating. For the past two seasons, I have also worked junior varsity games for the Mountain East Conference (NCAA Division II). Officiating has stuck with me because of the competitive aspect. I am always chasing the opportunity to improve, earn stronger assignments, and continue advancing, including attending summer camps to pursue opportunities in additional conferences.
I was also recently named the assistant baseball coach at my alma mater, Fairmont Senior.
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a student, and how did you overcome them?
I would say the biggest obstacle I have run into, especially at the elementary level, is the range of student skill levels and how each student learns at their own pace. Trying to find a happy medium that allows all students in my class to strive to become the best individuals they can be, and most importantly stay physically active, is something I continue to work on.
What's the best thing about being a Mountaineer?
The best thing about being a Mountaineer, in my opinion, is game days! Let's go, Mountaineers!