Catawba College

SALISBURY — Many don’t see the connection between Athletic Training and a liberal arts education, but one 2016 Catawba College graduate shares just how closely the two worked to help her land an amazing opportunity after graduation.

Kersten Nagy of Sherrills Ford is currently a graduate assistant athletic trainer at the University of Oklahoma. She is working with the cross country and track and field team there, while also pursuing her masters degree in adult and higher education with a concentration in intercollegiate athletic administration.

While at Catawba, Kersten, majored in athletic training and was a part of the cheerleading squad. Through her time in the athletic training program, she was able to not only get clinical hours but an internship with an organization that helped solidify her decision to pursue this field as her career.

“I gained clinical experience in various sports such as basketball, soccer, football, softball and volleyball. I also spent a summer in Xenia, Ohio working as an intern at the Athletes in Action world headquarters, serving as a sports medicine intern.”

When asked what ultimately helped her land her position at University of Oklahoma, Kersten mentioned that her time at Catawba was to thank for that.

“Catawba helped me to network and put myself out there for opportunities. I was always advised to go after what I wanted and someone would be right next to me to help and guide me in the process.”

Although Kersten may have come to Catawba to study athletic training, she credits her liberal arts education as a strong reason why she feels prepared for her current position and future ones.

“While at Catawba I was challenged to explore different areas of study and cultures to find what I am truly passionate about. Through the liberal arts education I received, I firmly believe I am able to better communicate and serve in my current position.”

As for future students looking at Catawba for sport and health sciences, Kersten leaves this bit of advice for them:

“At Catawba, you will quickly be emerged into hands-on skills and working with athletes from the moment you arrive. These experiences set me up to think independently and to be confident in my knowledge of sports injuries. The mentors and classmates you meet at Catawba will be lifelong references and friends.”

Kersten finishes her current program in May of 2018, but will remain at University of Oklahoma a little longer for the NCAA National Championships Outdoor Track and Field meet in June. Currently, she has been interviewing with several different universities and plans to remain at a Division 1 University to continue to build upon her skills in track and field.