Applied Sport and Exercise Science
Alumni Profiles
Demetrius Miller '21
Demetrius Miller '21 embarked on an inspiring journey through collegiate athletics
and student services, shaped by his passion for sports and assisting student-athletes.
It all began at Aquinas College, where Demetrius spent four impactful years as a dual-sport
collegiate athlete from 2017 to 2021, excelling in soccer and track and field while
deftly balancing the demands of academics and athletics. During this period, he pursued
a Bachelor's degree in Applied Sport and Exercise Science, setting the stage for his
future endeavors.
After completing his undergraduate studies, Demetrius made a significant career shift, remaining in college athletics but in a different role. In the fall of 2022, he transitioned to the University of Oklahoma, where he not only pursued his Master's degree in Adult and Higher Education but also took on the position of Assistant Academic Advisor for multiple sports teams, including men's football, women's basketball, women's rowing, and women's golf. This transition marked not just a change in job title but a deliberate shift towards his passion for assisting student-athletes in navigating the academic challenges of collegiate sports.
Driven to expand his expertise and influence, Demetrius dedicated himself to his graduate studies at the University of Oklahoma, sharpening his skills in student services and academic advising. With his advanced qualifications, in May of 2024, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to join Vanderbilt University as a Student Services Coordinator for the football team. At Vanderbilt, Demetrius continues to provide invaluable support and guidance to student-athletes, drawing on the inspiration and guidance he received from his professors and academic support staff at Aquinas College.
Demetrius's journey underscores the profound impact of mentorship and the importance of giving back to the community that shaped him. By paying it forward, he ensures that future generations of student-athletes have the resources and support they need to thrive on and off the field. His mentorship has not only guided these young individuals. Still, it has also instilled in them a sense of responsibility and commitment to their communities, a testament to the power of his influence.
Emily Smith Harrison ‘13, M.S.
ACE Certified Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor and Health Coach
Fitness Director, NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA
Life after Aquinas College: During the summer of 2013 Emily worked a wide variety of fitness jobs in multiple facilities throughout the greater Grand Rapids area. In the fall of 2013 she started working as a assistance track and field coach at a small NCAA division 3 program in Marietta, OH. After a year in Ohio she pursed a graduate assistantship as a track and field coach at Augusta University in Augusta, GA. In the spring of 2016 Emily completed her Masters of Science in Kinesiology Degree from Augusta University and then moved to Atlanta, Ga to work as a program coordinator for Paulding County.
Now: As the Fitness Director of NASA Langley Research Center, Emily overseas the health and fitness programs for over 3,600 employees on the center. She designs, coordinates and implements special events, lunch-and-learns, new member recruitment, wellness education, and collaborate with the Occupational Health Clinic. She has the opportunity to work with a wide variety of very unique individuals.
Ali Svendsen, ‘09
Director of Fitness Services at MVP Sports Clubs, Grand Rapids, MI
Throughout her college years, she worked for MVP Sports Clubs as a Fitness Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor. Upon graduation, she took a position with Team Gazelle. After a few years of customer service and sales experience, she was catapulted into a leadership role as the Group Fitness Team Leader at the RDV Sportsplex and relocated to Orlando, Florida.
While working as the Fitness Team Leader for MVP, she also began working with MOSSA, a national group fitness content provider based out of Atlanta, GA. Her role for MOSSA as a video presenter on educational training videos, as well as a national trainer, included traveling around the country helping instructors learn to teach and coach fitness classes. In 2016, Svendsen was promoted to Director of Fitness Services at MVP Sports Clubs, and is now based out of the corporate office in Grand Rapids, MI.
In 2017, she was recognized as a “Rising Star” for – CSB. Svendsen is passionate about connecting with people, helping others grow as leaders, and above all else, being the ultimate cheerleader and motivating people to move!
Svendsen attributes much of her growth from her time at Aquinas College. “The campus, the professors, the study abroad program in Ireland, and the overall experience at Aquinas helped me grow up and lead me to my passion and understanding how to use that passion for my own success. I will always be grateful for my time at AQ!”
Mitch Spelde '13
Fitness manager
Snap Fitness
Carlee Chapman '10
Fitness Team Leader
MVP Sports Clubs
Devin Tarrant '10
Co-Owner & Managing Partner
Applied Fitness Solutions
Jaclyn Braspenninx '07
Fitness Specialist & Healthy IU Manager
National Academy of Sports Medicine - Certified Personal Trainer
IU Health
Audrey VanderKamp '06
Life Coach
Lifetime Fitness
Andrew Finkbeiner '02
Operations Manager
St. Mary's Health Management
Adam Jauregui '02
Group Training Coordinator
Lifetime Fitness
Shandy Longcore '02
Director of Operations
MVP Athletic Club - Rockford
Jason Epplett '99
Director
Spring Lake Community Fitness and Aquatics Center
Trey Kubizna
Home Care Consultant
Residential Home Health