ONYX ANNEAU - FALL 2025

KINESIOLOGY KINESIOLOGY KINESIOLOGY a growing career field

By Betsy Simon Digital and Brand Marketing Manager

Sydni Baliey ’23 landed her dream job when she was hired as head high school volleyball coach at her alma mater, Robinson High School in Illinois. “Volleyball and the community around it played such an important role in my life, and I wanted to give back by sharing my passion for the game,” said Bailey, who earned her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology. “My goal has always been to help young athletes develop both the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.” After graduating from Lincoln Trail College with an associate’s degree, Bailey was offered a scholarship to join SMWC’s volleyball team while she got hands-on experience in teaching her own team someday. “As part of my coursework, I interned with the middle school volleyball program in Robinson, Ill. That experience gave me an early glimpse into what my future career would look like and helped me develop confidence in my decision to pursue coaching,” she said. “Each year in my first week of practices, I incorporate some of the icebreakers I learned in my classes with Dr. Quinn. My team always enjoys them—they find them fun, thought-provoking and a great way to spark conversation.”

Nobody questions when an athlete takes time to recover from a sprained ankle or broken wrist. Those injuries are easy to see and come with a clear understanding – they can’t be ignored.

“I feel like athletes’ mental health gets overlooked sometimes, and I want to give them opportunities to be heard as a sports psychologist,” said Douglas, a senior on the women’s basketball team. “I’ve already had the opportunity in my major to learn how to really help someone in the gym through the programs I make. By understanding different age groups at a fitness center, I help build programs for people and show them what certain exercises are.” Douglas says SMWC’s Kinesiology program keeps learning fun and students engaged. “If you don’t have fun, you won’t understand the material,” she said. “The professors in this program are amazing and want to work with you. They care about your academics and your mental health.” The kinesiology major was first offered on campus in fall 2020. Kinesiology prepares students to pursue careers in various fields, including health, fitness, physical education, coaching and sports instruction, and sports management. Career opportunities include becoming a fitness trainer, health promotion specialist, strength and conditioning coach or sports administrator. As part of a nearly $1 million Lilly

But what about their mental health needs? It’s the question that brought Samara Douglas from her hometown in Avon, Ind., to study Kinesiology at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. — Sydni Bailey ’23 with Robinson Middle School Volleyball Head Coach Eric Dean during her internship.

8