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Stephanie Martin, a West Virginia University alumna and seasoned development professional, has been named the Director of Development for the WVU College of Applied Human Sciences. In addition to her knowledge and experience in fundraising, alumni relations, and donor stewardship, Martin brings familiarity and passion to the mission of CAHS.

Martin began her career at WVU in 2013 as a Mountaineer Temp in the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences. She took on increasing responsibilities over the next five years and became the Dean’s Office Administrator in 2018, where she played a key role in annual giving, fundraising, and coordinating major events like the Hall of Fame and Visiting Committee meetings. Additionally, she earned her Regents Bachelor of Arts degree in May 2020, with minors in Women’s and Gender Studies and Infant and Toddler Studies.

The Center for Applied Coaching and Sport Sciences at WVU is collaborating with Mountaineer Athletics to serve as host of the fourth annual Youth Sports Day at the Capterton Indoor Practice Facility, on Saturday, Sept. 7, when the West Virginia Mountaineers take on the Albany Great Danes. Youth Sports Day is proudly sponsored by UScellular.

In an effort to continue to foster a positive and enriching sports culture in its schools, the Monongalia County Board of Education has announced a partnership with the Positive Coaching Alliance.

The partnership provides comprehensive workshops, resources, and training sessions tailored for coaches, student-athletes, and parents in the Monongalia County Schools system. All fees as part of the agreement are being paid for by the West Virginia University College of Applied Human Sciences Positive Coaching/Sport Parenting fund. The funding underscores WVU’s commitment to the holistic development of young athletes in educational settings.

Emily Faddis initially came to West Virginia University with the thought of going to medical school but soon discovered her passion for physical education. She then hopped on the fast track to a bachelor's and master's degree in physical education and earned both in 2020. She credits the supportive faculty as key to her success in school at WVU. Emily got her first teaching job right out of school in Marion County and moved to Brookhaven Elementary in Morgantown in 2022.

She integrates technology into her classroom to engage her students and believes in the critical role of physical education in developing well-rounded, physically literate individuals. She advises recent graduates to be proactive and confident in their teaching opportunities and emphasizes the importance of self-care to avoid burnout. Professional development and collaboration with fellow physical education teachers have been key to her continued growth.

Matthew Gonzalez’s journey into the field of sport psychology began serendipitously with an encouraging push from a mentor at San Jose State University. This initial nudge sparked a passion for applied mental performance work and led him to one of the premiere programs in the country at West Virginia University. While WVU's reputation attracted him to Morgantown, he soon found that it was the supportive community, faculty and staff that made the difference. 

After career stops as an instructor at San Jose State and an Assistant Athletic Director of Sport Psychology and Counseling, Gonzalez now leverages his enthusiasm for the field and his training from WVU in his role as a performance psychology instructor at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he provides comprehensive performance psychology support to cadets.

The physical aspects of competing in an Olympic sport have always been clear, but according to a West Virginia University researcher, balancing mental health as well is now at the forefront for athletes as they prepare for the global competition.

Dana Voelker, associate professor of sport, exercise and performance psychology in the WVU College of Applied Human Sciences, says the Summer Olympics and Winter Olympics can be stressful times for athletes and, because of that, many have prioritized their mental well-being.

Nolan Harvath had already bet on himself – and won, no less – before getting a call in April 2024 that led him to an opportunity that he had never even dreamed of.

Harvath grew up in Fairmont loving sports and excelling in soccer. His playing career led him to the University of Southern Indiana where he was a two-time team captain and played in over 50 games during his career. The plan at USI was to pursue pre-med and eventually become a physician, but he was not in love with the idea of eight years of med school. However, he couldn’t resist his love of sports and performance. Further, while dealing with his own injuries and recovery, he got a deeper appreciation for coaching while on the sidelines and also found the process and training necessary to get back to action fascinating.

Gary Lhotsky, a teaching associate professor of sport management with professional experience in athletic facility and event management, says organizers should take several lessons from the gate rushing by fans — many without tickets — that delayed the start of Sunday’s (July 14) Copa América final at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, a host site of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On his way to two sport management degrees at WVU, John Terry immersed himself in activities while he was in Morgantown. He quickly got involved with the the WVU athletics department with facility management, and later parlayed that into a graduate assistantship in the same department. To further broaden his scope and talents, he worked at the Daily Athenaeum for all six years.

After graduating, Terry headed west and worked at the University of Washington first as the Assistant Director of Events for athletics and then later as the Director of Stadium Operations. He now works as the Senior Director for Events for U.S. Soccer managing events and competitions across the country.

Jeannette Garcia, a West Virginia University kinesiologist and health psychologist, is a community-based researcher who studies how children with neurodivergences, like autism, can benefit from judo and jujitsu classes, along with their caregivers.