A running back on Northwestern’s football team, Kyle chose NWC because it’s a Christian college with a strong athletic program and a reputation for high-quality academics, and Kyle wanted the opportunity to major in athletic training. In addition to competing in athletics, he has served as a tutor and participated in a summer study-abroad class in China. He plans to take the Board of Certification exam for athletic training after graduation and pursue additional studies to become a strength and conditioning coach.

Always game
“Athletics have played a key role in my life ever since I was able to participate in them. I have also always been very interested in the human body—how it performs, what extremes it can take until it fails, and then how the body can recover upon failure (injury). I also love to work with my hands, and athletic training is a very ‘hands-on’ career. As Christians we are called to use the gifts God has given us to the best of our ability and to love and serve others above ourselves. With my enjoyment of sports and knowledge of athletic injuries and body mechanics, I cannot think of another major that suits me better.”

Recovery discovery
“When I become a strength and conditioning coach, being an athletic trainer will benefit me in many ways. For example, since I know how an injury can occur, I will be able train my athletes to prevent injury. If they do become injured, I will be able to rehabilitate them back to optimal performance.”

Awesome body
“My faith has been strengthened by learning about how the human body works. There is no way all of those things could have just happened; a divine Creator must have put everything into place. Our teachers constantly challenge us to relate what we are studying to our faith, which also helps me to grow spiritually.”

Sports family
“The faculty and staff know what they are doing and are right behind us every step of the way. They challenge us to build our confidence in all the details of athletic training. The program has a relaxed, family setting—the students and certified trainers get to know everyone quite well and support each other. I also enjoy getting to know many of the phenomenal athletes here at Northwestern.”

Training ground
“We get a lot of hands-on experience, both in the athletic training room and on the field. We have some of the best facilities for the size of our school, and we are always looking at finding new ways to help improve our athletes’ peak performance.”

Value added
“At Northwestern, I have gained more than an education. I have gained a solid foundation for my future career and new life skills such as time management, interpersonal and communication skills that will benefit me for years to come. I also have made friendships with students, professors and coaches that will last a lifetime. My faith has also grown since coming to Northwestern. I have been able to seek and find God in various areas of my studies, athletics and life.”