At a time when high school courses often feel confined to textbooks and lectures, the Exercise Science pathway offers students a chance to connect learning with careers in health, fitness, and sports medicine. The program, now in its second year, is already giving students hands-on experience, industry certifications, and a strong foundation for their future careers.
Students in the pathway start their journey with an introduction to sports medicine and exercise science, sparking interest in careers such as personal training, athletic training, physical therapy, coaching, and even sports medicine doctors. As they progress through courses like Kinesiology and Human Performance, students earn certifications such as the Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) credential through NASM, while gaining work based learning experience alongside athletic trainers. By their senior year, students are applying their skills in real world settings, from weight rooms to physical therapy environments.
“We learn about movement, different parts of the body like bones and muscles, and how to treat different injuries,” said freshman Jasmine Carothers, a current pathway student.
For student-athletes like freshman Charlotte Tran, the pathway provides practical knowledge beyond school.
“I’m an athlete, so I thought it would be good to know things about that, so I can not only take care of myself but it will also help for the future,” said Tran.
Erynn Williams, the teacher behind the program, emphasizes that no two days are the same.
“One day students might be in the classroom learning about muscle groups or injury prevention, and the next they could be in the weight room applying training principles or in the field house running fitness assessments,” Williams said.
Leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking are also key components of each class, keeping students active, engaged, and prepared for the future.
Beyond technical skills, students also gain communication, problem solving, and leadership experience. They learn to design workouts, analyze movement, and support others in achieving their goals.
“It’s powerful to watch students realize they can turn something they love like sports or fitness into a future career,” Williams added.
For students considering the pathway, the benefits extend far beyond the classroom. Opportunities for dual credit, certifications, and hands on experiences provide a head start in post high school careers.
“It’s not just a class, it’s an experience. Students will leave more confident, more knowledgeable, and more prepared for their future,” Williams said.
The Exercise Science pathway is more than a course, it’s a stepping stone for students passionate about fitness, health, and helping others, setting them up for success long after graduation.
