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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.  

We asked Kaitlin Ulicny how the CPASS Physical Education Teacher Education graduate program enhances her career goals. Ulicny feels confident that her decision to add to her degree portfolio by enrolling at WVU will give her the competitive edge for success. 

Physical Education Teacher Education (online)

CPASS is co-hosting Youth Sports and Spirit Day at Mountaineer Field Saturday August 31, at the season opener against JMU, August 31. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. and pregame activities will begin at 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. at the Chick-Fil-A Kids Zone in the Caperton Indoor Practice Facility.

Kristen Dieffenbach, Athletic Coaching Education associate professor, along with graduate assistants, Christina Villalon and Maggie Roberts, will host the youth sports station-based program at the Chick-fil-A Kids Zone. The activity will provide hands on teaching and youth sport experience for PETE/PEK and ACE students. 

Jared Horan was recently admitted into the sport management graduate program; however, life threw him a curveball, or, more accurately, a well-aimed puck. 

After being accepted into the program, Horan was offered a position with the Wheeling Nailers, the minor league affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins. He decided he had to accept the sales position opportunity and launch his career within the sports industry. 

Caitlyn Lyons, sport management major with minors in communication studies and business administration, began an internship with the Pittsburgh Penguins last spring.   

“I knew this would be a major influence on my professional development, however, my professor, Dr. Floyd Jones, saw more for me. After some discussion, a little persuasion, and a whole lot of encouragement I agreed to take part in the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) this July. 

The West Virginia University baseball team was center stage this season, advancing to the NCAA regional tournament as announced last May. There were many names swirling around with the success of this team - one of them was Nick Snyder. 

Snyder is a sport management major hailing from Marlton, NJ. Why did he select WVU? The answer is two-fold. 

Katerina Lake, a new sport and exercise psychology graduate, currently serves as an assistant program manager for Camp Female empowerment and Wellness initiative (Camp WeFi) with Youth Enrichment Services (YES). 

YES is a nonprofit organization that aims to design and implement educational opportunities for minority and underserved children living in public housing and economically disadvantaged communities. 

A leader known for his innovation, energy and creativity will bring those essential skills to bear in his new role at West Virginia University. 

Damien Clement is now serving as acting dean of the Honors College effective Aug. 1, 2019. 

Once a mountaineer, always a mountaineer is a well-known rallying cry for the Gold and Blue faithful. Stephanie Mock embraced that mantra during her time as a student at WVU and has continued that dedication to her alma mater as she progresses in her professional career. 

Mock graduated in 2013 with her bachelor’s degree in sport management. During her education, she was a strength and conditioning intern for both the WVU and University of Pittsburgh Olympic sports teams.