Exercise Science Students Named Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes
Saint Xavier University (SXU) exercise science majors and women's basketball players Hayley Macdonald and Delaney Panozzo have been named Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes.
Thirty-four student-athletes from SXU who participated in winter sports across the men's basketball team, women's basketball team, men's bowling team, and women's bowling team were named to the prestigious list. To be eligible, a student must maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 or higher and be enrolled at the school for a calendar year.
"I am very encouraged and excited to be named to the Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes because all the time I have spent learning and studying has paid off," Panozzo said.
As student-athletes in SXU's Exercise Science program, senior Macdonald and sophomore Panozzo know that performance in the classroom needs to be just as great as it is on the court.
In a field with an increasing focus on health and wellness within society, there is a demand for qualified professionals to help those who seek to improve their quality of life. The Exercise Science program emphasizes the science behind how the body works and how to apply that science to help make a difference in someone's life.
With Macdonald holding a 4.0 GPA and Panozzo right behind her with a 3.9, they are on track to becoming pivotal parts of the exercise science industry.
"It's important because being a student-athlete means doing well in both areas. Basketball has also taught me many skills that can be applied to my studies. I know that my basketball career isn't going to last forever, so earning my degree and getting set up for the future is just as important as competing on the court," Macdonald said.
With two more years of undergrad, Panozzo has her eyes set on becoming a chiropractor or an athletic trainer. High-impact practices at SXU like working with the latest technology and courses that involve practical labs put students ahead before they enter their careers.
While recovering from her ankle injury, studying health and fitness in the classroom and observing how the athletic trainers at SXU helped her get back to the court has inspired her career path.
"I am not set on my future career but intend to serve as a chiropractor or athletic trainer. I will be able to serve athletes and help them prevent injuries while also helping them get back on the court or field after surgery. I am passionate about athletic training because the SXU athletic trainers have made the world's difference in my recovery from my ankle injury that required surgery," Panozzo said.
As the season begins to wrap up, Macdonald, a resident of Canberra, Australia, is reflective on how special her time at SXU has been and hopes to utilize her exercise science degree back home.
"As a student, I've learned to manage my time effectively and apply my learning to real-world situations. SXU has helped me develop a well-rounded mindset that will benefit me long after I graduate. After graduating, I plan to go home and pursue jobs," Macdonald said.