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Julia Merwin is set to graduate this May from West Virginia University with a major in Sport and Exercise Psychology. While at WVU, Merwin was a student-athlete and member of the women’s gymnastics team. Additionally, she became certified personal trainer because of her interest in health and fitness. 

Merwin, from Frederick, Maryland, selected the SEP major during the enrollment process at WVU. “After being in the SEP major, I have learned many valuable things that applied to my sport and personal training,” said Merwin.  

Candice Brown, senior sport and exercise psychology major at West Virginia University, received the American Kinesiology Association Undergraduate Student Award for 2019-20 for the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences.

Brown, from Chapmanville, W.Va., was overwhelmed after hearing of her award nomination. “I am extremely honored and grateful to be selected for this award, but I attribute most of my success to my loving family, friends and mentors. Without their constant encouragement and support, I do not believe I would be where I am today.

Coaching and Teaching Studies doctoral student Maggie Roberts is passionate about working with students and helping them progress through their own learning experience. Roberts says the WVU degree program has opened new doors and provided opportunities for future work and experiences. 

Coaching and Teaching Studies, EdD

Alexa Miley's career goals involve becoming an athletic director or working within sport operations or marketing. The WVU Sport Management master's program prepares students to compete in the sport market as an industry leader.

Sport Management (on campus)

Adam Hansell wants to use sport to promote positive outcomes for athletes around the world. He plans to use his graduate degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology to pursue his passion to make the world a better place.

Sport and Exercise Psychology (PhD)

Coaching and Sport Education master's student Kanchana Paromita Venkatesh wanted to dive deeper into strength and conditioning coaching. She chose WVU because it integrated science with the art of coaching.

Coaching and Sport Education

The outlook for the West Virginia University men’s lacrosse team this season is high. Coming off the team’s best season in school history, there are numerous expectations to look forward to in 2020.

No one may be more confident than junior defensemen Jake Purdy, who was recently named team president and co-captain for the upcoming campaign. Purdy, a native of Granville, OH, is an athletic coaching education major with a sport communication minor.  

Sport is a global phenomenon that transcends beyond what we see on the court, field or pitch. It is a driving force that connects individuals around the world. In an ongoing international partnership, Carla Tagliari, a doctoral student from Brazil, recently arrived on the West Virginia University campus to complete a short residency training at the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences.

Tagliari will work under the supervision of Dr. Gonzalo Bravo, CPASS associate professor in sport management, from the spring 2020 semester into the summer. During this time, she will continue working on her dissertation on perceptions of service quality of grassroots participants in southern Brazil.

Caitlyn Lyons, senior sport management student, will showcase her research at this year’s Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol, targeting the West Virginia Higher Education community and those in state government. Lyons, a Sparta, N.J., native, will present her study, Camp FeWI: Addressing the decline in female youth sport participation.

Lyons explains the importance of youth sport. “Being able to take part in this event means a lot. Every child deserves access to playing the sport they choose, yet across the country we are seeing a rapid decline in youth sport participation for various reasons.”

The College congratulates our outstanding group of December 2019 graduates for their many accomplishments throughout their student career, as we eagerly look forward to their future successes within their chosen field. Students credit their peers, faculty, staff and alumni for help and guidance in reaching this milestone, all while being a student-athlete, ambassador or volunteer. Students took advantage of internships, field trips, study abroad and mentorship opportunities. Others seized leadership roles as peer advisors. Some changed majors before they found their passion. Regardless of their paths, they all agree on one common thread. Get involved as you make WVU your home.