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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. 

Kevin Lou, CPASS master’s student in the sport, exercise, and performance psychology program, has received a scholarship from the Carl del Signore Foundation in the amount of $1,000. He is one of only five West Virginia University students to receive the award, which recognizes students who are engaged in research activities leading to a research-focused master’s degree.

“Being a recipient of the Carl del Signore Foundation Graduate Scholarship is an honor. I feel the research I am conducting is interesting and valuable to me and my field, and to have other foundations acknowledge that is really rewarding. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be chosen for this award,” states Lou.

The 2019 WVU Day of Giving was an important effort for CPASS, raising nearly $25,000 for the college, while West Virginia University generated more than $11.3 million. The third annual event, held Nov. 13, encouraged students, faculty, staff and friends of WVU to provide critical funding to ensure the continuation of numerous opportunities for growth within the WVU community.

During the 24-hour on line timeframe, CPASS received 100 donations. Interestingly, CPASS received 100 donations last year as well. Overall, this landed CPASS in 15th place among all units. However, in comparison to academic colleges only, CPASS finished in 9th place, ahead of units such as nursing, education, pharmacy and dentistry. 

When it comes to excellence beyond the classroom, West Virginia University is no stranger. A group of students and faculty members from the CPASS physical education and kinesiology program attended the annual West Virginia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Conference, Oct. 18.

Undergraduate student Austin Adams discussed “Linking Theory to Practice: Scaffolding in Physical Education.” Adams demonstrated the zone of proximal development by implementing scaffolding in a game used as an active learning strategy. The presentation was followed by a group discussion to evaluate how this theory could be used in physical education.

While many people pursue a career in athletics to enhance their own skills, some get involved to develop the skills of others. Raymond Kryzak, an Athletic Coaching Education master’s student at West Virginia University, spends his time outside of the classroom as a soccer coach in the Morgantown area. Originally from Charleston, W.Va., he chose to further his education with CPASS after accepting a business manager role with the TopSoccer program within Mountaineer United Soccer Club.

TopSoccer is a community-based training program for athletes with intellectual, emotional and or physical disabilities. Kryzak’s involvement includes coaching and teaching soccer to children with various disabilities in a safe, encouraging environment. “It is a way for them to get physical activity and the opportunity to play, which they deserve,” he said.

West Virginia University fosters inclusion and diversity on campus. The Mountaineer community represents numerous faces, each one unique and special. Behind every face is a story. For three years, students have joined together to honor the University’s diversity and find common ground through the love of soccer.

The College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences hosted the 5th Annual Diversity Cup Tournament, September 28-29. The CPASS Sport Management Club, WVU Athletics and the WVU Recreation Center partnered with CPASS to celebrate diversity, friendship and inclusion.

This year, the Office of Student Success (OSS) has welcomed Elizabeth “Betsy” Robbins to their staff. Robbins is joining OSS as a program assistant, a role in which she is providing integral support to recruitment and retention initiatives for both undergraduate and graduate programs.

The entire OSS team has had a fantastic academic year. Both recruitment and retention rates are at some of the highest points in several years and they have had the privilege of enrolling 262 incoming CPASS students throughout June.

Prior to the spring 2019 commencement, several CPASS seniors reflected on their undergraduate years at WVU and CPASS and offered advice to their freshman selves.

“I will always remember the relationships and bonds I created that will last for a lifetime while at WVU.”

A hallmark of CPASS education is learning outside the classroom. Here are just a few of the things our students immerse themselves in at home and abroad:

CPASS students and faculty participated in the Curt Roberts: Step Up to the Plate event, February 5 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. Roberts was the first African American to play for the Pirates, beginning on April 13, 1954. The Pirates initiated the event to provide a unique opportunity for diverse students to interact with hiring managers and receive a perspective on the business of professional baseball. CPASS sport management students met with panelists and other organizational representatives, including a member of the Pirates’ associate council, a community outreach coordinator and scouting personnel.