Ambassadors Bios

Chailie Alsaffar, Service Chair 

Name: Chailie Alsaffar

Hometown: Highland Village, Texas

Major: Kinesiology

Classification: Junior

Why did you want to be a Departmental Ambassador?

I absolutely love Texas Tech. I see the KSM ambassador program as a way to give back to the department and bridge the gap between the faculty and the student body. I also want to further my leadership skills and communication skills.

Why did you choose to be a Kinesiology/Sport Management Major?

I have always been fascinated with the human body and how each part works together to function as a whole. I know that my background in Kinesiology will give me the skills and knowledge I need to be a successful Physician Assistant.

What is your advice to incoming freshman?

Don't be afraid to put yourself out there especially when it comes to meeting your professors. The KSM professors want you to be successful so never hesitate to ask for help and take advantage of their office hours.

Future Career/Goals

I hope to work in healthcare as a Physician Assistant (PA) one day!

Hobbies

I enjoy cooking, kayaking, and shopping with my friends!

Interesting Fact

I am a baton twirler for the Goin' Band from Raiderland!

Favorite Quote

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” -Mahatma Gandhi

 

Alexandra Brojanac, Social Chair 

Name: Alexandra Brojanac

Hometown: Brookfield, Wisconsin

Major: Kinesiology

Classification: Sophmore

Why did you want to be a Departmental Ambassador?

I aspired to be an ambassador for Kinesiology and Sports Management to give representation to fellow First Generation students. As a First Gen student it is always great to know/be able to reach out to someone who has been in your position as a First-Year student!

Why did you choose to be a Kinesiology/Sport Management Major?

I chose Kinesiology because of the versatility of the degree. Any pre-health track can benefit from the curriculum and is a great option for completing all your prerequisites needed! As an undergraduate in the healthcare field as well as doing research, I have found a lot of my classes have helped me be more successful.

What is your advice to incoming freshman?

My advice is to get involved and network! Introduce yourself to professors, people you sit near in lectures or labs, and people at club or organization meetings. You never know what opportunities you may come across or help you can get!

Future Career/Goals

“I plan on pursuing my Master's in Athletic Training then moving forward to complete my Doctorate in Exercise Science to continue doing research before working in the field of Sports Medicine.”

Hobbies

I love to hit the gym, play volleyball, and paint!

Interesting Fact

I am a Pharmacy Technician!

Favorite Quote

“I'm not superstitious, but I am a little stitious.” — Michael Scott

 

Kaisen Eldridge, Event Coordinator 

Name: Kaisen Eldridge

Hometown: Detroit, TX

Major: Kinesiology

Classification: Senior

Why did you want to be a Departmental Ambassador?

I'm always looking for ways to get involved on campus, so hearing about a position to be an ambassador for my department was something I immediately applied for! It allows me to represent something I'm passionate about while also getting to become more familiar with our department courses, staff, and incoming students. I also get the chance to inform others about our department and what we do.

Why did you choose to be a Kinesiology/Sport Management Major?

I knew from a young age that I wanted to go into the medical field. Being an athlete my entire life, I was excited to be provided with the opportunity to learn about how the body moves and how the different systems contribute to movement. I also know it will be a huge help in making steps towards my goal of becoming a physical therapist.

What is your advice to incoming freshman?

Get to know your professors! Go to office hours and introduce yourself, let them know you're excited for their class. Also don't be scared to change things up! Sometimes changing a major or joining something you never thought you would do can be an amazing decision.

Future Career/Goals

I plan to become a physical therapist

Hobbies

Reading, listening to music, learning new things, hanging out with my friends, talking to my family, and cooking!

Interesting Fact

I'm only the 3rd person in my direct line of family to attend college (my parents being 1st and 2nd)

Favorite Quote

“Around here, however, we don't look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things… and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” -Walt Disney

 

Rachel Demarais, Treasurer 

Hometown: Spring, Texas

Major: Kinesiology

Classification: Junior

Why did you want to be a departmental ambassador?

I wanted to become an ambassador for Kinesiology and Sports Management because the Kinesiology Department at Texas Tech University has made such a large impact on my college career. The moment I walk into the Kinesiology Building I feel a sense that I belong and that I am part of a community, whether it be the professors or the students everyone is so supportive and helpful. For this reason, I really wanted to give back to the program that has given so much to me and share my love of the department with future students.

Why did you choose to be a Kinesiology/Sport Management Major?

I chose to be a Kinesiology major because when I was a junior in high school my grandmother was diagnosed with dementia, so she had to move into a memory care facility close to where I lived. I spent a lot of my time at the memory care facility with dementia and Alzheimer's patients, and I was able to see just how much comfort and joy the Occupational Therapists brought them. From that moment I knew I wanted to be an Occupational Therapist and I knew that Kinesiology would be the best major for me and would equip me with the appropriate knowledge for me to reach that goal one day.

What is your advice to incoming freshman?

My advice for incoming freshmen is to get involved in everything you can and not be afraid to meet new people. These years at Texas Tech fly by and can be both fun and challenging, so it is always nice to know that you made the most of it and that you had supportive friends along the way.

Future Career/Goals: My goal is to continue my education and attend Occupational Therapy school. After graduating OT school, I hope to one day work as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist.

Hobbies: I enjoy playing volleyball, spending time with my friends, and baking!

Interesting Fact: I have a dog named Raider!

Favorite Quote: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”   -Mother Teresa 

 

Fiona Sangliwala, Kinesiology Representative 

Name: Fiona Sangliwala

Hometown: Corpus Christi, Texas

Major: Kinesiology

Classification: Junior

Why did you want to be a Departmental Ambassador?

I wanted to be an ambassador to gain more experience and knowledge through leadership. I love meeting new people and being able to help others has always been a quality of mine that I like to embrace.

Why did you choose to be a Kinesiology/Sport Management Major?

I chose this major because I wanted to major in something that I would actually be interested in and want to learn more about. Being on pre-physician assistant track, most people major in sciences like biology, but I wanted to major in something different, where I would be engaged in learning. Bones and the movement of our bodies has always been something that I was passionate to learn about.

What is your advice to incoming freshman?

Advice I would give freshman is to balance everything. College is about finding out how to balance, having fun will always be a part of the college experience but how to balance fun and your schoolwork is something a lot of people have difficulties in. I personally love to treat myself! So, if that's something that works for you then you should try it out to help balance your college life.

Future Career/Goals

I want to be a physician assistant hopefully specializing in pediatric oncology.

Hobbies

I love working out, running and traveling, and also can't forget eating.

Interesting Fact

I live on an island in Corpus Christi

Favorite Quote

Be the change you want to see in the world ~ Gandhi

 

Kaitlyn Le, Kinesiology Representative 

Name: Kaitlyn Le

Hometown: Keller, TX

Major: Kinesiology

Classification: Senior

Why did you want to become a departmental ambassador?

I wanted to be more involved with not only the university, but the Kinesiology Department, as well. I also think it's a great opportunity to network and meet other people that have the same interests as I do! I wanted to help my fellow peers through any obstacles they may face during their educational career while allowing them to get more comfortable with the department.

Why did you choose to be a (Kinesiology/Sport Management) major?

I've always been very passionate about exercise and health. It's no surprise that when I changed my major to Kinesiology, I finally felt like I found the perfect fit for my education. I chose to study kinesiology because it allows me to expand my knowledge on something I enjoy doing.

What is your advice to incoming freshman?

Get involved. Get to know your professors. Go to office hours and ask questions!!! Do not be afraid to reach out for help when needed! Finally, put yourself out there and take every opportunity you can! Enjoy the 4 years that you have at Tech because they go by way faster than you think. While you're at this fine institution for an amazing education, it's important to manage your stress and not overwork yourself.

Future/Career goals?

My goal is to be a Physical Therapist.

What are some of your hobbies?

My hobbies include cooking, weightlifting, playing video games, spending time with my dog, family, and friends.

Interesting fact?

I speak Vietnamese and my dog is named after Star Wars.

Favorite quote?

“Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” – Dylan Thomas

 

Ethan Jasso, Kinesiology Representative 

Hometown: Mesquite, TX

Major: Kinesiology

Classification: Senior

Why did you want to be a departmental ambassador?

I consider myself very extroverted and the opportunity to become an ambassador is a great way to add to the college experience, as well as to network and make friends.

Why did you choose to be a Kinesiology/Sport Management Major?

I chose to be a Kinesiology Representative because it is a great form of community outreach and also allows me to be more successful because I get to make many valuable friendships and relationships with some of the best professors.

What is your advice to incoming freshman?

Academically: GO TO OFFICE HOURS. Study more than necessary, find your own way to success

Personally: Go out as much as possible, meet as many people as possible, do/join as many things as possible, get out of your comfort zone as much as possible, and find your people. 

Future Career/Goals: I aspire to be the head athletic trainer for a powerhouse team or program

Hobbies: competitive country dancing, photography, trying new foods, concerts

Interesting Fact: My legs are 2 different lengths.

Favorite Quote: “No pressure, no diamonds.” -Unknown

 

Tori Robinson, Kinesiology Ambassador 

Hometown: Richardson, Texas 

Major: Kinesiology 

Classification: Junior 

Why did you want to be a departmental ambassador?

I wanted to meet more people in the department and learn how to be a leader. 

Why did you choose to be a Kinesiology/Sport Management Major?

I want to be confident when going into physical therapy school, and I know that the kinesiology department will give me the knowledge and confidence I need to succeed in graduate school. 

What is your advice to incoming freshman?

Take breaks to avoid burnout! 

Future Career/Goals: Become a physical therapist and work for a sports team or in pelvic health. 

Hobbies: Watching movies, reading, and listening to Taylor Swift. 

Interesting Fact: I have a cat named Archie. 

Favorite Quote: “I don't need backups; I'm going to Harvard!” - Elle Woods 

 

Erica Hollis, Kinesiology Ambassador 

Hometown: Boerne, TX

Major: Kinesiology

Classification: Sophomore

Why did you want to be a departmental ambassador?

I wanted to be an ambassador because of my love for Tech and its Kinesiology and Sports Management Department. This department does so much for its students and is such a positive environment, which I wanted to play a part in.

Why did you choose to be a Kinesiology/Sport Management Major?

I chose to be a Kinesiology Major because of my fascination for the human body and how it works. I'm also surrounded by engineers in my family and quickly came to realize that was not the path for me that pushed me to explore kinesiology.

What is your advice to incoming freshman?

My advice to incoming freshmen is to put yourself out there, you never know what will and can happen.

Future Career/Goals: Become a Doctor of Physical Therapy and open my own clinic.

Hobbies: Dance, Sand Volleyball, Watching Sports

Interesting Fact: I once broke my nose in gymnastics with my own knee.

Favorite Quote: “Surrender to what is. Let go of what was. Have faith in what will be.” – Sonia Ricotte

 

Kailey Miller, Kinesiology Representative 

Hometown: Harlingen, TX

Major: Kinesiology

Classification: Sophomore

Why did you want to be a departmental ambassador?

I wanted to be a departmental ambassador to become more involved and make friends/connections within the Kinesiology and Sport Management majors.

Why did you choose to be a Kinesiology/Sport Management Major?

I chose Kinesiology as my major because in high school I was a student trainer and I fell in love with the profession. I also love sports!

What is your advice to incoming freshman?

In college, you'll come to understand that no one truly knows what they are doing, so it's best to responsibly live life to its fullest while you are young by making memories and never compare your journey to someone else's. And above all stay in school kids.

Future Career/Goals: Athletic Trainer

Hobbies: Attending sporting events, reading, drawing, and hanging out with friends!

Interesting Fact: I love Shaquille O'Neal aka DJ Diesel

Favorite Quote: Colossians 3:23 – And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men

 

Keely Lyons, Kinesiology Representative 

Hometown: Cedar Park, TX

Major: Kinesiology

Classification: Junior

Why did you want to be a departmental ambassador? I wanted the opportunity to connect with others and show them how much our department has to offer. There was so much more to the department that I wish I knew earlier on, and I hope to help others learn sooner than I did.

Why did you choose to be a Kinesiology/Sport Management Major? I wanted a major that would help me along the way to PT school, but I also wanted something I would actually be interested in and want to learn more about. 

What is your advice to incoming freshman? Put yourself out there! Go to events, talk to people, and give yourself the opportunity to enjoy Tech to the fullest. There's so much Tech has to offer, you just have to find your niche.

Future Career/Goals: My goal is to become a Physical Therapist

Hobbies: I enjoy spending time outside, reading, playing video games, and baking.

Interesting Fact: My mom's side of the family has a book written about them– The Johnson-Sims Feud: Romeo and Juliet, West Texas Style.

Favorite Quote: “Sometimes I'll start a sentence and I don't even know where it's going. I just hope I find it along the way.” – Michael Scott [The Office]

 

Hope Bowman, Sports Management Representative 

Name: Hope Bowman

Hometown: Houston, TX

Major: Kinesiology

Classification: Junior

Why did you want to become a departmental ambassador?

I wanted to be a departmental ambassador because I wanted to meet more people in my field as well as getting to know more students and professors.

Why did you choose to be a (Kinesiology/Sport Management) major?

I chose to be a Sports Management Major because I love sports and business and I think it is the best major for that combination.

What is your advice to incoming freshman?

My advice for incoming freshman is to go to as many events as possible and try to get involved with organizations! Also going to sporting events is a great opportunity to meet people and have a good time.

Future/Career goals?

My future career goals are to work either in college athletics or for a professional sports team.

What are some of your hobbies?

Playing board games, playing spikeball/basketball and ping pong.

Interesting fact?

I work in the Athletic Directors Office

Favorite quote?

“In this world you either crank that soulja boy or it cranks you” – Soulja Boy

 

Erick Serrano, Sport Management Representative 

Hometown: El Paso, TX

Major: Sports Management

Classification: Senior

Why did you want to be a departmental ambassador?

I want to learn and grow with other staff, faculty, and students within my major. By being part of the KSM Ambassadors I know this will open a door in growing my network, which is crucial in the profession of sports.

Why did you choose to be a Kinesiology/Sport Management Major?

I grew up loving sports and playing sports. When I knew the game wasn't going to last forever after my senior year of high school, I had to find more opportunities in the world of sports. I chose to major in Sport Management because it offers diverse career opportunities as well as an opportunity to learn and grow in the various facets of the sports industry.

What is your advice to incoming freshman?

Have an open mind the moment you enter that door, and remember to work hard, but don't forget to experience life when you have the time.

Future Career/Goals: I want to work for a sports agency firm, (specifically representing football and/or soccer athletes) and work my way up to running my own sports firm.

Hobbies: Playing football and soccer.

Interesting Fact: I can speak two languages (English and Spanish) and there is a chance I will graduate before the age of 21.

Favorite Quote: It's not death most people are afraid of...It's getting to the end of life, only to realize that you never truly lived.

 

 

Philip Hew/ Sport Management Representative  

Hometown: Lubbock, Texas 

Major: Sport Management 

Classification: Junior 

Why did you want to be a departmental ambassador? I wanted to be a departmental ambassador because I wanted to be a leader in this profession and help as many individuals as possible who were trying to find their place in the sports business.

Why did you choose to be a Kinesiology/Sport Management Major? I chose to major in Sports Management because I am really passionate about sports and like being around them. This is also something I feel I would like to work on for my career.

What is your advice to incoming freshman? Always work hard while also having fun. You only get to be a student for so many years, so appreciate the opportunity and learn from it.  

Future Career/Goals: My future career goals are to work for a professional sports team or in collegiate athletics.

Hobbies: Working out (becoming massive), traveling, and watching movies and streams are my main interests.

Interesting Fact: I won $7,500 in a national tennis tournament.

Favorite Quote: “Your best life will not be found in comfort. It will be found in fighting for what you believe in.” Maxime Lagace