Keelin Fitzgerald, a junior majoring in exercise science and kinesiology in the University of South Florida's College of Education, is gaining hands-on experience through an internship with USF Football's recruiting team.
In her role, Fitzgerald welcomes prospective student-athletes and their families during campus visits and game days. She takes time to learn about each recruit assigned to her, helping build personal connections and create a welcoming experience.
Before joining the recruiting team, Fitzgerald worked as a sports correspondent for The Oracle, USF's student newspaper. However, she soon realized she wanted to work directly in athletics.
"After my first semester, I realized I wanted to be in athletics and not just alongside it," Fitzgerald said.
Fitzgerald credits the College of Education's faculty and advisers for supporting her throughout her time at USF. She described them as people she can turn to for guidance, even outside the classroom.
"This program has encouraged me to do so much more with my life," Fitzgerald said. "I have a built-in family from being part of this program, and I'm forever blessed because of it."
Through her exercise science and kinesiology coursework, Fitzgerald has developed a deeper understanding of what motivates athletes, including how some are driven by external rewards while others participate for enjoyment. When she saw an opportunity to join USF's football recruiting team, she took it.
Her internship has allowed her to observe those differences firsthand while working with prospective student-athletes.
"It's been amazing to see how what I'm learning in the classroom is playing out right in front of me," Fitzgerald said.
USF's football program benefits from Fitzgerald's contributions to its recruiting operations. LaRiyah Petty, an on-campus recruiting coordinator for the USF football program, praised Fitzgerald's reliability and ability to connect with prospective student-athletes and their families.
"One thing about working in recruiting is that we all have to be willing to wear different hats, and Keelin has consistently stepped in to help wherever needed," Petty said.
According to Petty, Fitzgerald will leave her internship with transferable skills for her future career. Fitzgerald hopes to become a strength and conditioning coach, preferably working with football or wrestling.
"Take the initiative to ask what you can do, because eventually you'll be trusted with so much more," Fitzgerald said.