Successful Alumni
Kinesiology graduates have gone on to a variety of careers and grad programs:
- Graduate school: Integrated Exercise Physiology
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Orthotic and Prosthetic Practitioner
- Independent In-Home Personal Trainer
- Elementary Physical Education Teacher
- Weight Loss Consultant
- College Assistant Athletic Director
- Head College Coach — Numerous Sports
- Assistant College Coaches / Coordinators
- Manager of Large Chain of Fitness Centers / Twin Cities
- Owner of Fitness Gymnasium
- Management Position with Professional Sport Franchise
Some of Coe's more famous graduates include National Basketball Association head coach and former coach of the L.A. Clippers Bill Fitch '54, and former head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills Marv Levy '50.
Scott Weinheimer graduated from Coe in 2010 and received a highly sought-after position in the Polar Scholar program. The Polar Scholar Program is a partnership between the University of Northern Iowa, Polar Electro – USA and the Grundy Center Community School District. Only 48 people have been selected as Polar Scholars in the past seven years, and only eight of those are originally from the state of Iowa. The program offers a one-year master’s degree in physical education, teaching with technology. It focuses on using technology in physical education and physical education pedagogy. Scott graduated from the program in the spring of 2011 and accepted a physical education teaching position with the Des Moines Public Charter School in his hometown of Des Moines.
“I was very excited to be selected as a Polar Scholar. It was a wonderful experience and an amazing learning opportunity. Coe helped prepare me to become a Polar Scholar by providing me with the opportunities to travel to various physical education conventions and learn about new ideas and opportunities in physical education.”
Matt Walter is the head strength and conditioning coach at Coe College. A 2009 graduate, he is also pursuing his MAT in education at Coe while teaching courses within the Kinesiology Department. Matt has interned with the football programs at University of Iowa and Auburn University. He was one of the rare kinesiology graduates that completed both the teacher education track and strength and conditioning track while earning his undergraduate degree at Coe.
"The biggest thing Coe has provided me with is the opportunity to grow as a professional. Without the professional contacts that the Coe faculty has introduced me to, I wouldn't be where I am today. The professors have a tremendous concern for your future beyond Coe College."
Elaina Mertens is a Mount Pleasant, Iowa, native and 2008 graduate, pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of Iowa in health and human physiology, specializing in physical activity for children. She received her M.S. in exercise physiology from Springfield College in Springfield, Mass., where she also was assistant women’s cross country and track and field coach.
"Being at a small school like Coe allowed me to be hands-on academically while still being involved in many clubs on campus. Learning to balance school, sports and other activities has helped me to successfully juggle the many responsibilities of being a graduate student."
Kelvin Lee graduated in 2009 and is pursuing a career in allied health profession. He has been attending the orthotic and prosthetic practitioner program at Century College in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Upon completing his post-baccalaureate certification program, Kelvin is beginning his residency in Davenport, Iowa.
Megan Niedert Carlson graduated in 2009 and is employed by the Montezuma Community School District. She teaches K-8 physical education and 9-12 health, while also serving as the junior high volleyball and high school track coach.
Sarah Flogel, a 2007 graduate, has been working as an in-home personal trainer for the past four years. She works as an independent contractor for Front Door Fitness in Leawood, Kansas, where she trains with six to eight clients per day. Most clients range in age from 50-70 years of age, and she spends anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour per session with them.