Kinesiology
Dominic Giusti '27
Why did you decide to study kinesiology?
I decided to major in kinesiology because I am very interested in how the body moves. As an athlete, I have learned many useful techniques to improve athletic performance and prevent injury. I knew I wanted to work with athletes, but I wasn't sure which specific career path to pursue. Kinesiology offers a wide range of opportunities that can align with many different passions, which is why I am drawn to the major and love studying it.
What class has been your favorite so far?
One of my favorite classes has been Motor Development, Control & Learning. This course explored how the brain controls the body and how much influence it has over everything we do, from muscle movement to regulating blood flow. One of the most enjoyable parts of the class was a pool day, where our instructor demonstrated how quickly the body can learn and retain movements. We also learned how mastering basic movements provides a strong foundation for developing more advanced skills.
Tell us about a unique experience you've had or project you've worked on for your major.
During Anatomy & Physiology, we did a project that gave us the opportunity to research something we were passionate about and then present on it. I was able to do a whole project on how different hand characteristics affect throwing a baseball, and it was able to combine two things I love.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about majoring in kinesiology?
Embrace the hard classes. I have found that some of the most challenging courses I have taken have also been the most beneficial. They provide foundational knowledge that carries over into many other classes. I've also been able to apply what I've learned to everyday life, such as understanding how to improve physical fitness and build an effective diet. In the end, the difficult classes are worth the struggle.
What's your dream job?
My dream job is to be an athlete-specific physical therapist. I would love to be able to work with athletes since I, myself, am an athlete. I would love to be able to help athletes get back to their sport and hopefully prevent injuries. I had a great experience with a physical therapist when I was in high school, and that feeling of finally getting cleared to play again was so freeing that I want to be able to help athletes feel that freedom, too.
What's something that surprised you or might surprise other students about your major?
The kinesiology major includes many teaching-focused classes, which provide a unique opportunity to experience what teaching feels like without being in a traditional classroom setting. This exposure helped me determine whether teaching might be a career path I want to pursue. Having phenomenal professors, such as Professor [Kirk] Westre, also made the idea of going into teaching more appealing.
Who are three people who have made a difference for you at Whitworth?
Three people who have made a significant difference during my time here are Professor Kirk Westre, Coach CJ Perry and Lecturer Jared Tawney. Professor Westre, my academic advisor and professor for several courses, has been much more than a teacher. He is genuinely passionate about every student he meets and takes the time to understand who they are and what they care about. He has had a profound impact on my academic journey and has shown me what a fulfilled and purpose-driven life looks like.
C.J. Perry, the head baseball coach, leads a Christ-centered baseball program. Through his leadership, he demonstrates what it means to keep Jesus at the focal point of life while also being a great person and highly competitive. His example has influenced not only our team but also the culture around it.
Jared Tawney, a lecturer in the psychology department, is another individual who has had a meaningful impact on me. I have taken two of his classes, and he consistently challenges me to think deeply and act intentionally. He has shown us what perseverance looks like in adulthood, how to be mindful, and how to better understand and appreciate differences in others.
Why did you choose to attend Whitworth?
When I was looking for a college, I knew I wanted to go to a smaller school where I felt that teachers could remember students. Whitworth being a proud Christian college gave me a newfound appreciation for my faith. I also was blessed with the opportunity to play baseball here and get a top-tier education at the same time. It ended up being an easy decision.
How would you describe Whitworth?
A faith-based college experience, this school has given me the opportunity to have a relationship with teachers and classmates with the ability to feel like a real student rather than just a name on an attendance sheet.
Matthew Fiesta '23
Why did you decide to study kinesiology?
I decided to study kinesiology because I have always been passionate about how I can improve myself physically. Sports have been a tremendous part of my life. As an athlete, I am always trying to discover new methods on how I can improve myself (such as isometric training and French contrast training) while preventing the risk of injuries. Not to mention, I am also hungry about finding new ways on how to live a healthier lifestyle!
What are some of your favorite classes so far?
My favorite class so far has been Sports Psychology. In that class, we learn about the mental process that athletes go through when playing their sport. I play football here at Whitworth, and a lot of the concepts that I learned in that class have been very beneficial for me not just on the field, but also in life.
Tell us about a unique experience you've had or project you've worked on for your major.
A unique experience that I've had while being a part of the kinesiology major is being around individuals who have similar career aspirations to mine. Many of them are in the same classes as me, and we work together and help each other out as much as we can. This experience made me realize that I am not alone, and that are other individuals on the same path as me.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about majoring in kinesiology?
By majoring in kinesiology, you will be prepared for a wide range of careers. I highly recommend that you meet with the chair of the kinesiology department here at Whitworth, Dr. Kirk Westre. Dr. Westre is a great person who is a “measure twice, cut once” type of guy. He is very helpful and will help you every step of the way!
What's your dream job?
I dream of becoming a physical therapist in the future, helping not just athletes but also everyday people recover from their injuries and return to their sport/line of work. I've dealt with many injuries throughout my athletic career. Trainers, coaches and therapists helped me get better physically and mentally throughout the process. They have impacted my life in great ways and taught me the true meaning of perseverance. I hope to one day fill their role and become that strong figure to others.
Who has been an important connection for you at Whitworth, and why?
An important connection for me at Whitworth has been my academic advisor, Dr. Kirk Westre. After undergrad, I plan on attending physical therapy school. Dr. Westre is very supportive of my efforts and aspirations. He helped me construct a blueprint on how I can achieve my goal of getting into PT school through the kinesiology program here at Whitworth. The path is set; now it is on me to continue to build that road and how well I want that road to be built!
What's something that surprised you or might surprise other students about your major?
Something that surprised me about my major is the content that we learn. Entering the major, I thought we were just going to learn how the body moves. But, we also learn about information that will help us if we want to become a nutritionist or a PE teacher!
Why did you choose to attend Whitworth?
I chose to attend Whitworth because I wanted to go to a college that would push me academically, athletically and spiritually. When I went on an official visit, the people on campus were very welcoming and it felt like home away from home. Also, one of my teachers from high school is an alumnus and he was very supportive of me attending Whitworth!
How would you describe Whitworth?
Whitworth University is a small Christian institution in Spokane, Washington, filled with a diverse group of driven individuals who want to reach their full potential!
Katriana Armstrong '22
Why did you decide to study kinesiology?
I chose to study kinesiology because I want to teach people the importance of bodily and mental health, and to do so I need to have a deep understanding of the concepts myself.
What are some of your favorite classes so far?
My favorite kinesiology class so far has been Philosophical & Psychological Aspects of Coaching with Dr. Kirk Westre. It not only covers what makes an outstanding coach, but it also helped me develop my own views on what kind of coach/instructor I want to be and how to achieve that.
Tell us about a unique experience you've had or project you've worked on for your major.
Since I am a double major with education as well, I have had the unique experience of shadowing a PE teacher for a semester. This showed me what it was like in the field, and how many different jobs you can get with a kinesiology degree!
What advice would you give to someone thinking about majoring in kinesiology?
I would advise students looking at the kinesiology program to ask themselves why they want to pursue it. There are so many different specializations in this field, and narrowing it down early can help you find the best path to take for your goals.
What's your dream job?
My dream job is to be a high school PE teacher and coach and maybe even do athletic training for a school sports program.
Who has been an important connection for you at Whitworth, and why?
Dr. Kirk Westre has been my biggest role model at Whitworth because he lives what he teaches. He is true to his beliefs and it is obvious to anyone around him. Kirk makes every single person he talks to feel noticed and listened to. Kirk makes his classes easy to follow and makes sure every student understands the concepts he teaches.
Why did you choose to attend Whitworth?
I chose to attend Whitworth because compared to all the schools I applied to, Whitworth was the most helpful, friendly and welcoming university. They manage to make every student feel welcome in their department and the community, as well as offer superb financial aid!