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:
Dr. Brittany (Elmlinger) Kahle, Cross Country
Graduation Date:
December 2012
Valedictorian in the College of:
College of Sciences and Health Professions
Degree:
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences; Minor in Biology
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Favorite athletic memory during your time at Cleveland State:
My memories of CSU cross country always include being surrounded and supported by my teammates, who are my best friends in life still to this day.
Personally for me though, my favorite athletic performance was when I PR’d at the Horizon League meet in Chicago. I gave that race all I had,
and having my teammates there are the end cheering me on and giving me hugs made it even better.
What did you learn about yourself during your time as a Viking:
I learned that life is a lot more than just getting good grades and pleasing others. I learned what it means to really enjoy all aspects of life.
I also learned that it’s ok to make mistakes, get messy, and have fun all at the same time.
Three words that describe your experience as a student-athlete:
Fun. Demanding. Rewarding.
How did you balance your athletic and academic demands:
Having practice early in the morning before class allowed for more time in the afternoon/evenings to work on school things.
I may have been a little sleep deprived, but I got through it all.
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Current job:
Chiropractor/Advanced Nutrition Practitioner and owner of my private practice, Kahle Nutrition & Chiropractic, in Beachwood, Ohio.
Career path that led you to your current job:
I knew I wanted to be a chiropractor when I graduated high school, so I went to CSU and got my bachelors in Health Sciences, and then went on to New York Chiropractic College to get my doctorate in Chiropractic. I also took additional extensive training in applied kinesiology and nutrition response testing,
which are specialties I use with my patients every day. When I graduated from chiropractic school in 2016, I opened a part time practice while working closely
with a mentor in Rochester, New York. During that time in upstate New York, I also helped teach technique courses at my chiropractic school.
I moved back to the Cleveland area in 2017 and worked for another practice as an associate doctor for two and a half years.
Then in 2019, I branched off and opened my own practice in Beachwood, Ohio.
How did being a student-athlete at Cleveland State help you get to where you are today:
The spirit of teamwork and dedication to my goals as a student-athlete helped build the framework for my
strong, positive mentality as a doctor and business owner. I work hard and balance a lot of tasks and responsibilities between my professional and
personal life, and it’s mostly all fun and very rewarding. I remember feeling the same way about balancing schoolwork and athletics at CSU.Â
How did you use your time at Cleveland State to figure out what you wanted your career path to look like:
I had to carve my own path at CSU in terms of preparing academically for chiropractic college. At that time, it wasn’t common for a student
to want to go to chiropractic college, so I didn’t have strong advising when it came to specifically preparing for chiropractic school.
I changed my major a few times to get it just right for all the classes I needed, and wanted, to take. I grew a lot as a person and did a lot of soul
searching during college, and it was a worthwhile experience to stay committed to my career goals during my time at CSU. I got stronger and
more independent, which has been truly helpful in the different transitions I’ve had in my career up to this point.
Where do you see yourself going from here in your professional career:
I want to continue serving my community as a private chiropractic practice owner.Â
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Advice to current student-athletes:
Work hard and also have fun. Focus on your goals, both athletically and academically, and go all in. Life’s too short not to apply yourself
and your limitless potential to whatever it is in life that inspires you. Also, invest time and effort in your friendships because they could last a lifetime!
What would you say to your Cleveland State coach that helped you get where you are today:
To Coach Jaketic, You made all the difference in my cross country abilities, college experience and my life in general. You encouraged and pushed me athletically, and I did the best I ever have with you as my coach. You also recommended that I go out and have a social life and not to stress too much about academics,
which I really appreciated. Overall, you taught me life balance and learning that had a huge positive impact on me. Thank you!
What would you say to a Cleveland State advisor or professor that helped you get where you are today:
To Winnie and Mark, I particularly enjoyed my athletic advising appointments. You made it fun and low stress. Your support and guidance in our decisions
as student-athletes make all the difference in our college experience and lays the foundation for our future careers. Thank you!
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Being a student-athlete at Cleveland State allowed me to...
...appreciate different perspectives on life, learn what really matters, gain an appreciation for working hard and making sacrifices,
and build lifelong friendships in my teammates. My experience was truly priceless and I would choose it all over again in a heartbeat.Â
