A current Hope College student and a recent graduate have both received awards from the NCAA to conduct graduate work in athletic training.
Senior Kelsey Guisbert of Farmington and 2005 graduate Emily Schlitz of Potterville have both been awarded NCAA Women's Enhancement Program Postgraduate Scholarships for Careers in Athletics.
Only 16 of the awards were made nationwide, including 13 through the program in general and three designated specifically for graduates of Division III schools, a category that includes Hope. Scholarship recipients must have been accepted into a sports administration or related program that will help the applicant obtain a career in intercollegiate athletics, such as athletics administrator, coach or athletic trainer. The awards will provide $6,000 in support during the 2006-07 school year.
Guisbert and Schlitz, athletic training majors at Hope, each intend to work at the collegiate level when finished with their graduate work.
"These are two fine young professionals who understand people, sport and the subject matter involved in athletic training," said Dr. Kirk Brumels, who is head athletic trainer and an assistant professor of kinesiology at Hope. "They are self-driven, ambitious and balanced in their lives, professionally, socially and personally. These are the type of individuals who you readily entrust the care of your loved ones. They are exceptional young professionals, but even more than that, they are impressive individuals."
Guisbert, who is graduating in May, will pursue a master's degree in athletic training at the University of Virginia.
She was the mainstay of the Hope softball pitching staff in 2005. An all-conference (MIAA) first-team honoree, she pitched a school-record nine shutouts, including four-in-a-row at one point in the season. She enters her senior season with a 19-8 career pitching record. Her activities at Hope have also included the student-organized Dance Marathon fundraiser for DeVos Children's Hospital, the Gospel Choir, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and intramurals.
Guisbert is the daughter of Edgar and Gretchen Guisbert of Farmington. She is a 2002 graduate of Farmington High School.
Schlitz will be pursuing a master's degree in athletic training at the University of Northern Iowa. She has been working this year as an athletic trainer at Physical Therapy and Fitness Plus Inc. in Big Rapids.
She was the conference (MIAA) javelin champion in 2003 and 2004, and was co-captain of the women's track team as a junior and senior. Her activities at Hope also included Dance Marathon, Habitat for Humanity and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Schlitz is the daughter of Joseph and Peggy Schlitz of Potterville. She is a 2001 graduate of Potterville High School.