Notable Alumni

Careers and Alumni

Our graduates make a difference

Graduates of SFA’s Department of Kinesiology and Health Science go on to have rewarding careers. Our alumni help athletes prevent injuries and inspire a love of fitness and activity in children. They teach and promote wellness in businesses and communities.

Featured alumni

Phil Olson, Class of '86
BS in kinesiology

Phil Olson, former head coach of SFA track and field

Olson, a Fort Worth native, received a bachelor's degree in kinesiology from SFA in 1986. He initially took the helm of the SFA men's track and field program in 2000 after assistant coaching stints at Clemson University and the University of Virginia. Olson led SFA's track and field program to 40 team conference championships over the course of his illustrious coaching career.

Fall 2022 Sawdust Magazine feature story

T.J. Maple, Class of '08 and '21
MS in kinesiology, human performance studies

T.J. Maple, SFA Spirit Teams coordinator

Since joining the staff in 2005, Maple has guided SFA Spirit Teams to 13 national championships, 11 for dance and two for cheer. Although SFA's national competitive reputation has exponentially grown, Maple said the Spirit Teams' top priority remains supporting the Lumberjack and Ladyjack athletic teams and engaging with fans at games. Maple has built a program culture that prioritizes success both and on and off the performance mat and sidelines.

Fall 2022 Sawdust Magazine feature story

Major Erin Braswell, Class of '05
BS in health science

Major Erin Braswell

Major Erin Braswell can trace the beginning of her journey to a career in the U.S. Army back to a single, pivotal day. Now serving as an aviation officer at Wheeler Army Airfield in Honolulu, Hawaii, she was then pursuing her Bachelor of Science in health science and playing softball at SFA. When the events of 9/11 unfolded, Braswell knew she wanted to find a way to serve others. She has now garnered more than 13 years of flight experience during her career.

Spring 2019 Sawdust Magazine feature story

More notable alumni

  • Ryan Longoria, Class of ’16
    Assistant athletic trainer, Texas Health Resources; Head athletic trainer, North Texas Soccer Club; Assistant athletic trainer, FC Dallas.
  • Dr. Wesley Kephart, Class of ’11 and ’13
    Assistant professor of health, human performance and recreation, University of Wisconsin – Whitewater
  • Nathan Frischmann, Class of ’10 and ’12
    Exercise physiology supervisor, Cooper Clinic – Dallas