Hi! My name is Cornelia. I am a student-athlete on the beach volleyball varsity team at USF. I grew up in Montreal and currently live in Spain. I am a junior studying Exercise Science.

Hometown

Valencia, Spain

Major(s)

Exercise Science

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Beach Volleyball Varsity Team

Describe your college experience

As a student-athlete on the beach volleyball team, the coaching staff and the sports administration department helped me make a smooth transition to college. I lived on campus during my freshman year and moved off campus for my sophomore year. As a student-athlete at USF, I feel very supported on the court and in the classroom. USF has numerous resources, such as an incredible coaching staff, the sports medicine department, nutritionists, sports psychologists, and more, as well as supportive and passionate professors who help students achieve their goals.

Tip for future students

USF's campus is like a little town. This has many benefits, especially for international or out-of-state students who do not necessarily have a car. The main campus has everything, including a grocery store (Publix), dining halls, restaurants, multiple gyms, outdoor pools, a botanical garden, an Embassy Suites hotel, and a recreational center featuring a full gym, indoor pool, climbing wall, and offering various classes such as yoga, dance, cycling, etc. There are also multiple recreational and varsity courts and fields, and the Yuengling Center, an arena hosting USF's varsity basketball team and various concerts. USF's campus is big. From one end to another, it is at least a 30-minute walk. For someone with a tight schedule, I recommend getting an electric scooter or a bike. The campus also has its own buses moving people around. One last thing, USF, being a little town, has its advantages because necessities are easily accessible. However, if you want to explore the Tampa Bay area a little more, I recommend having a car.

Favorite class

My favourite class was by far my Sports Nutrition class. First, it is a topic that I am super interested in because it relates directly to the high-level sport I am playing. Second, I loved my professor and his teaching philosophy, which was centered around mastering the concepts and being able to apply them to different situations. Given that Sports Nutrition can easily become a "memorizing" class, I enjoyed his teaching method.

Career goals

I want to play professional beach volleyball and aspire to also open my own business.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a free night would be anything in good company. I love watching the sunset at the beach or any other beautiful location, enjoying a delicious ice cream or discovering a new restaurant.

High school or secondary school

Jean de la Mennais High School, La Prairie, QC, Canada Dawson College, Montreal, QC, Canada

Previous college

N​/​A