Jordan Betz

E-Portfolio
Final Reflection
As a graduate student at Texas A&M University-Commerce within the Health,
Kinesiology, and Sport Studies program with a concentration in Athletic Administration, I
believe that the program has already paid many dividends into my future. As I have
embarked on this journey, a number of opportunities have opened up as a result.
At one point after I graduated with my Bachelors Degree, I was uncertain what avenues
my life would take. I had an idea of what I wanted to do for a career and knew I had a
passion for health and human performance, but was unaware how I could translate it
into my everyday life. My experiences during my undergraduate studies were so
positive that I knew I wanted to pursue a Masters Degree at the institution. As I looked
into various degree programs, I felt that many were one sided and would stunt my future
growth.
Originally, I had applied and completed a semester in the Business Administration
program. Although an emphasis in business seemed applicable to my future, I quickly
discovered that I wanted more. With encouragement from the administration and other
students, I applied to the Health, Kinesiology, and Sport Studies program for its
appealing versatility. With an emphasis in Athletic Administration, I have been able to
gain valuable experience regarding the business responsibilities of an organization
without losing focus on the sport aspect. Today, I am very grateful for this decision and
the knowledge I have built throughout the curriculum.
Individuals with careers corresponding to athletic administration must be multifaceted.
As a former student-athlete, I believe those in athletic administration must have a wide
range of skill sets to achieve success in all areas. This degree program has done a
great job at preparing me to be proficient in my career. Life after schooling is inevitable,
making it important to prepare adequately for a smooth transition. I dont believe this is
always the case with degree programs and feel fortunate for the source of knowledge
my instructors have helped me build. I have become a better rounded individual,
maintaining my strengths and addressing my weaknesses. Each semesters courses
have taught me to challenge myself intellectually.
Coursework in topics such as sport law, sport psychology, and research in the field of
health and human performance have all been of great interest to me personally and
professionally. I have been able to learn about topics and issues that I have and will
face in my career as a coach in the field of strength and conditioning. I have gained a
new understanding surrounding the factors that drive student-athletes, coaches, and
institutions to reach success. I am able to use this knowledge to my benefit. By gaining
insight into the minds of all parties involved with athletics on a collegiate level, I can
adjust my mannerisms to achieve desired results.

As a former student-athlete, I was unaware at the wide range of issues that

administration and coaches had to address regarding the athletes, community,
institution, and national regulations. New to the professional strength and conditioning
community, I feel confident that I am capable to address the issues that arise within this
context due to the knowledge I have received while attending Texas A&M UniversityCommerce.
Perhaps one of the greatest opportunities I have been given has been in part to the rich
history that Texas A&M University-Commerce boasts. Formally known as East Texas
State University, connections among alumni to present day students propelled my
professional aspirations forward last spring.
As a prominent name in the strength and conditioning community, Kevin Yoxall was
always an individual I aspired to emulate. When a one year internship opened up at
Rice University under his guidance, I immediately applied. Not knowing that I was
applying for a position under an East Texas State University graduate, I was called to
interview based off of the reputation and respect that Coach Yoxall had for his Alma
Mater. After interviewing, I received the call that would change my professional career. I
believe this opportunity was largely provided due to my educational ties at Texas A&M
University-Commerce and their impeccable reputation for its athletics and education.
The program has allowed me to create additional goals for my future. During my career
in the strength and conditioning field, I aspire to work my way up to the position of
Director one day. This position is considered one of highest titles in the strength and
conditioning profession and has been a goal of mine since I was a teenager. I can recall
reading an article about a strength and conditioning coach as a young teenager,
amazed that such a career existed. I knew that this was the path for me and this
program is helping me turn these goals into reality.
A goal that has carried over from being a student-athlete to a strength and conditioning
coach is to win a National Championship. To me, this is the top accomplishment that
you can achieve in the world of athletics. The coursework has equipped me with tools
that can be used to create positive relationships mentally and physically with the
student-athletes and coaches to work towards this goal.
The program has also allowed me to explore lifelong achievements outside of coaching.
While I love coaching, I understand there is more to athletics than this aspect. After I
have accomplished my coaching goals, I would like to explore the possibility of an
Athletic Administrator position. By completing this degree, I believe I will be prepared
when this opportunity presents itself.
Overall, I am extremely appreciative of the wonderful faculty and staff at Texas A&M
University-Commerce. I feel as though the objectives of the program have been
successfully demonstrated and met. The program has been of great importance to the
accomplishment of my professional goals and I am confident that it will provide lasting
benefits into my future.