For Paige Glossop, an exercise science major graduating this spring as part of the 草莓视频鈥檚 Class of 2025, the path to success has been paved with consistency, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth. On February 18, 2020, Paige laced up her running shoes and set a goal: to run one mile every single day. What began as a personal challenge quickly evolved into a powerful daily ritual鈥攐ne she has upheld without fail through a global pandemic, hurricanes, illness, and the many transitions life brings. For Paige, running has become more than a habit; it鈥檚 a source of stability, a reflection of her discipline, and a reminder of the strength that comes from showing up every day.
Paige Glossop
Outside of her academic and athletic pursuits, Paige is known for her love of community
and appreciation for life鈥檚 simple joys. She enjoys spending time with family and
friends, reading, going for walks and runs, and petting dogs whenever possible. Her
approach to life is grounded in purpose and perseverance, and she draws inspiration
from the hardworking, driven individuals around her who make every day meaningful
and fulfilling.
Looking ahead, Paige is continuing her journey at USF by enrolling in the master鈥檚
degree program in exercise science. The decision to stay was a natural one鈥攕he feels
a strong sense of belonging within the program. She is excited to continue contributing
to initiatives like the Exercise is Medicine On Campus (EIM-OC) program.
She hasn鈥檛 missed a mile in over 1,500 days鈥攂ut that鈥檚 just the beginning. Get to
know Paige in this student spotlight Q&A.
Responses have been edited for clarity, length, and style.
What inspired you to pursue a degree in exercise science?
Growing up, I was fortunate enough to have parents who value living a healthy and
active lifestyle. They have taught me from a young age that health is not something
to be taken for granted and that the ability to move our bodies is a gift.
In high school, I took an exercise science class and obtained a personal training
certification, which opened my eyes to this field. Ever since then, I knew that I
wanted to pursue a degree in exercise science.
Why did you choose to attend the USF College of Education?
The exercise science program has a great reputation in the community, and I had only
heard good things prior to starting the program.
The College of Education, specifically the exercise science program, offers a supportive
and collaborative environment committed to helping its students grow. Paige Glossop
Can you tell us about a class you particularly enjoyed and why it was meaningful to
you?
One of my favorite classes is exercise physiology. I believe that this course sets
the foundation for everything we learn in the undergraduate program and continues
to be relevant in graduate school and professional settings. Dr. Ashley was not only
an exceptional instructor, but the course also sparked a deeper passion in me for
this field.
Are you involved in any campus clubs, organizations, or extracurricular activities?
Throughout my time at USF, I have been fortunate enough to be involved in several
opportunities that have helped me grow. For the past four years, I鈥檝e worked as a
personal trainer at USF Recreation and Wellness, and for the past two years, I have
been the Fitness Program Assistant.
I also served as vice president of our Exercise Science Club and as a director of
the Dance Marathon at USF. I鈥檓 proud to say that our exercise science class has collectively
volunteered over 500 hours, an experience that has allowed me to connect my passion
for health and fitness with service to the community.
Can you share a favorite memory from your time here?
One of my favorite memories was competing in the undergraduate quiz bowl at the Southeastern
ACSM conference this past February. My teammates and I were proud to be the first
USF team ever to compete, and with the support of our coach, Dr. Abby Fleming, we
placed 10th out of 32 teams in our region.
Paige Glossop and her quiz bowl team at the Southeastern ACSM conference
What is a personal achievement or milestone you鈥檙e particularly proud of?
This semester, I interned under Dr. Maureen 鈥淢o鈥� Chiodini, where we have been developing
the Exercise is Medicine On Campus (EIM-OC) program associated with the American College
of Sports Medicine (ACSM). A leadership team of representatives from USF Exercise
Science, Recreation and Wellness, Student Health Services, and USF Health drives the
EIM-OC program.
This unique program allows for cross-collaboration between different organizations,
which encourages fitness professionals, clinicians, students, faculty, and staff to
promote physical activity as a vital sign of health and advocate for exercise to be
a part of the healthcare continuum. USF now joins over 200 universities nationwide
and is recognized for having a registered EIM-OC program.
I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to develop and integrate a program
like this on our campus. I have met and collaborated with amazing individuals across
various fields within the wellness umbrella, and by working together, we have been
able to better support our USF community.
What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Balancing multiple jobs, six classes a semester, and leadership roles was certainly
challenging at times. While it was not always easy, I was always doing something that
I loved. It is a gift to be able to chase your dreams, and I am fortunate enough to
have an amazing support system that believes in me every step of the way.
Who has supported or inspired you the most during your time at USF?
My parents, Benny and Jenny Glossop, have been my biggest supporters in all aspects
of my life since day one. Additionally, one of my biggest inspirations and supporters
is Dr. Maureen 鈥淢o鈥� Chiodini, one of my mentors in the Exercise Science program. Her
unwavering guidance and support have shaped not only my academic and professional
path, but also the person that I have become.
How has USF prepared you for your future career?
The faculty in the exercise science program, alongside Celina Rosales from Recreation
and Wellness, have played a pivotal role in preparing me to succeed in the future.
USF has fostered an environment encouraging people to grow, ask questions, and learn
from failures and successes.
I feel fortunate to have mentors who are leaders and experts in their field and care
about each student personally and academically. I will forever be grateful for the
opportunities I have gotten and the people I have gained in my life.
What are your plans after graduation?
I have decided to stay at USF to pursue a master鈥檚 degree in exercise science. The
faculty make the program feel like a family, so in the end, it was an easy decision
for me to stay. I鈥檓 very excited to continue working on the EIM-OC program and keep
growing in such a supportive environment.
What are you most proud of during your time at USF, and what will you miss the most?
I am most proud of stepping outside my comfort zone and saying yes to new opportunities.
Being part of the Exercise is Medicine program, working at RecWell, and participating
in various clubs have all been incredibly meaningful experiences. I am so grateful
for all the opportunities and the people who made them so impactful.
The Exercise Science and Kinesiology Program is designed to equip future exercise professionals with the knowledge and skills to meet the diverse health and wellness needs of our population through the integration of coursework with laboratory-based and field-based experiential learning.