Cleveland State University

In this Celebrate. Recognize. Inspire. series get to know former student-athletes that not only achieved success in competition,
but also achieved success in the classroom - graduating as Valedictorians of their respective colleges. Through a collection of questions,
get to know more about their time as a student-athlete, where their path led them and what advice they have for current Vikings.

Name & Sport:
Anna Brandt, Cross Country/Track & Field

Graduation Date:
May 2021

Valedictorian in the College of:
College of Education and Human Services

Degree(s):
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
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Favorite athletic memory during your time at Cleveland State:
My favorite athletic memory during my time at CSU would have to be the 800m final at the 2021 Horizon League Championship.
The battle with my competitors and the celebration after the race with my teammates are moments I will never forget.

What did you learn about yourself during your time as a Viking:
During my time as a Viking, I learned the importance of comradery, the need for perseverance, and the depth of my resilience. 

Three words that describe your experience as a student-athlete:
Comradery. Perseverance. Resilience.

How did you balance your athletic and academic demands:
I stayed organized, worked ahead and used my time wisely.
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Current Job:
Graduate Research Assistant at Ball State University

Career path that led you to your current job:
I would like to become a professor to teach & perform research, so furthering my education was the natural next step.

How did being a student-athlete at Cleveland State help you get to where you are now:
Being a student-athlete helped me discover my interest in exercise physiology starting from my very first visit as a recruit; Coach Jaketic introduced
me to the Human Performance Laboratory and some of my future mentors. During this visit, I was enthralled by the capabilities and research performed
in the lab and knew from that moment that CSU could help me develop a career I would love. Over time, the lab and these mentors helped me
discover my interest in exercise physiology and helped guide me in my decision to further my education at Ball State University.

How did you use your time at Cleveland State to figure out what you wanted your future career path to look like:
During my time at CSU, I took every opportunity to gain hands on experience from my mentors.
These opportunities helped me realize my interest in research and becoming a professor. 

Where do you see yourself going from here in your professional career:
After completing my master’s degree, I plan on continuing my education to pursue my PhD. 
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Advice to current student-athletes:
Take every opportunity you can to increase your experience and network. You never know what can come of something unless you try it.

What would you say to your Cleveland State coach that helped you get where you are today:
I was extremely fortunate to have numerous influential coaches during my time at CSU who all played crucial roles in helping me get to where I am today.

First, I would thank Coach Ralph White for recruiting me to CSU. If it weren’t for him, I would not have considered attending.

I would also thank my freshman year cross country coach, Joe Jaketic, for helping me transition to collegiate running. He always supported me and wanted
me to succeed, not only as an athlete, but especially as a student. The connections he helped me develop with Dr. Ken Sparks, the Human Performance Lab,
and other professors such as Dr. Emily Kullman were key in helping me discover my passion and desire to continue my education in exercise physiology. 

One final coach I would thank is Coach Jason Hudson. When he joined the program, he helped me take my running career to the next level and accomplish
goal after goal. I will always admire his passion for coaching and his commitment to helping his athletes succeed athletically and in their future careers.

What would you say to a Cleveland State advisor or professor that helped you get where you are today:
I would thank Dr. Ken Sparks and Dr. Emily Kullman for the numerous opportunities to learn from them and their research in the Human Performance Lab.
These experiences allowed me to discover my passion for exercise physiology and a career I will love.
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Being a student-athlete at Cleveland State allowed me to...
...continue competing in a sport I love while discovering my passion and desire to continue my education in exercise physiology.