Carly Trawick '12
Therapeutic Recreation Major

"I am a transfer student who is majoring in Therapeutic Recreation. After graduation, I want to work with children wih disabilities. I originally chose Catawba because both my parents went here. I am so happy with my decision, and couldn't be happier here. I am so happy to have my dreams come true with the help of Cat-U."

Nate Over '13
Exercise Science Major; On the Men's Soccer Team

"I chose Catawba because it was a long way from home, and i wanted to enjoy the warm weather. It helped me learn how to survive on my own without my parents always holding my hand. I also came here to play Soccer. During my freshman year, I declared Exercise Science as my major because I like being involved in an athletic environment and helping people recover from injuries. After graduation, I plan to get my Master's degree in Physical Therapy. Overall, I am really excited to enter the Health and Medical field to help better today's society."

Marissa DiMarco '12
Exercise Science and Physical Education Double Major; On the Women's Soccer Team

"After visiting Catawba a few times, I knew it was where I was going to be spending the next four years of my college career. Soccer was a major influence of my decision, but it was the beautiful campus, the warm weather, the small class sizes, and the Physical Education Department that solidified my decision. Since I was young, I knew I wanted to teach. I love being around sports and being active, so Physical Education was the perfect fit. I chose to double major in Physical Education and Exercise Science because I want to educate and motivate children to live a healthy life through eating properly and exercise. In the future, I plan on teaching and coaching, along with being a personal trainer. Eventually, I would also love to get my Master’s degree in Nutrition, but who knows what the future will bring!"

Lauren Teodorovici '13
Athletic Training Major

"I wanted to go somewhere with a community feel, and earn a degree in something meaningful and rewarding. The Athletic Training program at Catawba is the opportunity I was looking for. The instructors and staff challenge us in the classroom and in the clinical setting, which grants us with the skills to pursue a number of careers in the allied health profession. I hope to utilize these skills in a future career of Physical Therapy. The students in the program have become a very tight knit group, and we support one another through each and every challenge. This experience has taught me the importance of dedication and hard work, as well as the value of leadership and teamwork."

VIDEO: Student Athletic Trainers in Action

Joseph Beam '13
Physical Education Major

"I chose Catawba because of the tradition here. You not only have a diverse selection of majors and minors, you have a very great selection of professors. The Physical Education program here at Catawba is outstanding with outstanding professors. Unlike other schools, professors at Catawba are here for you, not just for pay checks. The professors are willing to help in any way possible and since there is a better professor to student ratio, they have time to help you. Catawba's athletics program has had a very proud tradition, and we are keeping the tradition alive. I chose to be a Physical Education major because I had great a Physical Education teacher through grade school and I want to give back to the community."

Leanne Retundie '14
Exercise Science Major; On the Women's Soccer Team

"I chose Catawba because I knew I wanted a small school, where I would have the chance to work with my professors one-on-one. I was also looking to play soccer. I choose to major in Exercise Science because it is something that I have always been interested in. My mom was also a big influence because she is big into Exercise Science, and I have been surrounded by that atmosphere for most of my life. Also, I love learning about the body and how to keep it healthy, and things to help prevent injuries, since I am an athlete. After graduation, I plan to go into physical therapy."

Brendan Lawson'14
Athletic Training Major

"I chose Catawba because I was impressed by the Athletic Training program. In my search, I found other schools' programs were lacking in passing rate for boards and hands-on opportunities. I also loved the way Catawba looked, and I felt at home on campus. Playing lacrosse here was also a major deciding factor. I first became interested in Athletic Training my junior year of high school thanks to a sports-med class I took. My mom is a family physician and my dad ran rescue for several years, so I have always been interested in Medicine. At the same time, I’ve been playing lacrosse for years and so Athletic Training was simply a combination of the two. After graduation, I hope to go on to med school. "

VIDEO: Student Athletic Trainers in Action

Kate Seim '13
Exercise Science Major

"I chose to attend Catawba because of the family atmosphere, the beautiful campus and the small class sizes. I knew once I visited campus that it would be a perfect fit for me. I selected Exercise Science as my major because I enjoy many of the classes that are offered for this major. I plan on going to physical therapy school after completing my degree at Catawba. Exercise Science will help guide me into my future and help me prepare myself for graduate school. I know that helping injured people return to normal daily activities will be very rewarding. I know that the Exercise Science program at Catawba will provide me with the skills and education I need to become a successful individual."