Sammie Wagner
Sammie Wagner
Class Year
2020
Current home
Racine, Wisconsin
Major(s)
Exercise and Sport Science
Current Position
Director of Fitness Center/Strength and Conditioning Coach at The Prairie School
Sammie Wagner ’20 works as the director of the fitness center and as a strength and condition coach at The Prairie School in Wind Point, Wis. Using her degree in exercise and sport science, she develops sport-specific weightlifting and conditioning programs for the school’s athletic teams. She works with students on and off the field, and she teaches a Lifelong Fitness class, in which she educates freshmen students about strength and cardiovascular training.
What have you enjoyed most about your career?
“I absolutely love working with our athletes and seeing their progression. Being able to witness their excitement as they reach their goals is the reason I do what I do.”
How did Carthage prepare you?
“Being an athlete at Carthage helped me understand what it takes to excel at the next level and helped me relate to the student-athletes at Prairie!”
Why did you choose Carthage?
“I chose Carthage because of the close-knit community. I loved having relationships with all my professors. It helped me excel in school and beyond.”
What Carthage professors played a part in your success and how?
“I have incredible memories and long-lasting relationships with many of my professors from Carthage. Professor Anthony Pustina played a huge role in my education with his Exercise Physiology and Weightlifting class, which has helped me in my career today. Professor Rebekah Johnson always encouraged me to get involved in anything and everything, and helped me understand that it is okay to not know exactly what you want to do when you’re still in undergrad. Professor John Beerbower taught me what really matters in coaching and showed me how I can truly impact so many lives by building relationships with my students. He also taught me how powerful the words ‘I am proud of you’ can go. My professors at Carthage are why I am where I am today.”
Tips for current Carthage students?
“Don’t get discouraged if your first job out of college isn’t exactly ‘what you want to do.’ Sometimes it takes a few years to find out exactly where you are supposed to be. Keep working and surround yourself with people who believe in you. Also, don’t neglect the powerful impact of a first impression…people remember the first time they meet you, make sure it is a good one!”