BS in Health and Exercise Science Student and SMAP Ambassador

Madeleine Woodward

"With my involvement on campus as an RA, a member of student organizations, and a fitness and wellness advocate, I can bring an authentic, energetic perspective to our program’s online presence."

Hometown

Plattsburgh, NY

Department

Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science

Related Degrees

  • BS, KRS: Health & Exercise Science

Why did you choose to pursue a BS degree in KRS Health & Exercise Science?
I chose to pursue a degree in Health & Exercise Science because I’ve always been passionate about movement, wellness, and understanding how the body works. Growing up active and involved in fitness, I became fascinated by the science behind human performance and how small changes in training, lifestyle, or rehabilitation can make a huge difference in someone’s quality of life. Kinesiology allows me to combine my love for science with my desire to help others, whether that’s through improving performance, preventing injury, or supporting healthier habits. This major gives me a meaningful way to turn my interests into a career centered around helping people move, feel, and live better.

How is the KRS program impacting or benefitting your career path?
The program has given me a strong academic foundation while also providing hands-on experiences that connect directly to my career goals. Through coursework, labs, and field-based learning, I’ve been able to apply scientific concepts to real-world settings, deepen my understanding of human performance, and build the practical skills needed in health, wellness, and rehabilitation fields. The support from faculty and advisors has also helped me explore different career pathways and gain clarity on how I want to use my degree. Overall, the program has strengthened my confidence, expanded my opportunities, and helped me grow into a more capable and intentional future professional.

Is there anyone in particular who inspired you to pursue a career in education?
My biggest inspiration has been my longtime soccer coach, Coach Micheels. After playing soccer for 16 years, I’ve never had a coach who demonstrated leadership the way he did. He combined deep knowledge of the game with clear communication, individualized goal-setting, and a genuine commitment to his players’ growth. Through both team practices and private lessons, he created a positive, supportive environment where every player felt heard and capable. His ability to lead with confidence, composure, and mentorship taught me lifelong skills in communication, resilience, and community-building. Coach Micheels showed me the impact a great educator can have, and he continues to inspire the way I support others, whether as an RA or in my future career helping people learn, grow, and reach their potential.

Do you work or participate in any clubs or organizations in or outside of school?
As a Resident Assistant (RA), I’ve developed strong leadership and community-building skills while supporting my peers in many different capacities. I’m also involved in several student organizations, which has allowed me to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and strengthen my teamwork and communication skills. Outside of academics, I facilitate a weekly yoga class and maintain an active lifestyle, which reflects my passion for health and wellness. I also create fitness content online to inspire and educate others, and I’m currently working on launching my own jewelry brand. These experiences have helped me learn how to balance academics, entrepreneurship, creativity, and wellness, and they push me to continue growing both personally and professionally.

Why did you want to be a Social Media Ambassador for your program?
I wanted to become a Social Media Ambassador because I’m genuinely passionate about sharing the opportunities, experiences, and community that kinesiology has to offer. I love creating engaging content and connecting with others online, and this role allows me to highlight the incredible work happening within our department while supporting and inspiring both current and future students. With my involvement on campus as an RA, a member of student organizations, and a fitness and wellness advocate, I can bring an authentic, energetic perspective to our program’s online presence. I’m excited to use my creativity and experience to help represent and uplift the KRS program.

What are your future plans with your degree?
With my degree in Health & Exercise Science, I plan to pursue a career centered around human performance, rehabilitation, and holistic wellness. I’m especially interested in roles where I can work directly with clients or athletes to help them move better, feel better, and perform at their best. I also hope to combine this with my passion for fitness, yoga, and content creation by building a platform that educates and motivates others to live healthier lifestyles. Long term, I’m considering advanced study in areas such as physical therapy, athletic training, or exercise physiology. Ultimately, I want to create a career that blends science, movement, and service; helping people improve their quality of life through evidence-based, compassionate support.

I'm interested in learning more about a degree or certificate in Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science.

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