Being a double major at the University of Iowa is both exciting and challenging. As a student majoring in Exercise Science and Sport and Recreation Management, I get to explore two different areas that connect to something I am passionate about: sports. While balancing two majors can sometimes feel overwhelming, I know that the knowledge and experience I gain from both will help prepare me for my future career.
I chose Exercise Science because I have always been interested in how the human body works, especially when it comes to physical activity, athletic performance, and recovery from injuries. My goal is to become a strength and development coach, helping athletes improve their performance, build strength, and return to the sports they love after an injury.
Sport and Recreation Management allows me to explore another side of the sports industry. While Exercise Science focuses on the physical and scientific aspects of sports, Sport and Recreation Management helps me understand how athletic programs and organizations operate. I believe that having knowledge in both areas will give me a broader understanding of the sports industry and help me become a more well-rounded professional.
One of the biggest challenges of being a double major is learning how to manage my time. Between attending classes, completing assignments, studying, and balancing my other responsibilities, there are days when my schedule feels packed.
However, being a double major has also taught me the importance of staying organized and prioritizing my responsibilities. I am learning how to balance my academic workload while still making time for myself and the things I enjoy.
Even though the two majors focus on different subjects, I enjoy seeing how they connect. What I learn in Exercise Science can help me better understand athletes and their physical needs, while Sport and Recreation Management provides insight into the organizations and programs that support those athletes.
One of the most exciting parts of my experience at Iowa has been getting involved with the softball program as a Data and Analytics Manager.
This opportunity allows me to gain hands-on experience in collegiate athletics while learning more about the role data plays in evaluating athletic performance. Being involved with a college sports program gives me a different perspective on the amount of work that goes into supporting student-athletes.
It also allows me to apply what I am learning in the classroom to a real athletic environment. Experiences like this remind me why I chose to pursue a career in sports in the first place.
Being a double major is not always easy, but I believe the hard work will be worth it. My ultimate goal is to work with athletes and help them become stronger, healthier, and more confident in their abilities.
I want to be someone who can support athletes through both their successes and their setbacks, especially when they are working toward returning from an injury.
By combining Exercise Science with Sport and Recreation Management, I am building a foundation that will help me understand both the physical demands of athletics and the professional side of the sports industry.
My journey as a double major at the University of Iowa is just beginning, and I know there will be challenges along the way. There will be difficult classes, long study sessions, and moments when balancing everything feels overwhelming.
However, I also know that every class, assignment, and experience is helping me work toward something I genuinely care about.
Being a double major means putting in extra work, but it also means having the opportunity to pursue two areas of study that I am passionate about.
At the end of the day, I am not just working toward earning two degrees. I am working toward building a future where I can make a positive impact on athletes and the sports community.
