January 16, 2026
Robyn Drinkwater is a senior at Shawnee State University working hard in and out of the classroom. From Blackburn England, Robyn came “across the pond” to pursue an education in Exercise Science as well as help lead SSU’s women’s soccer team to victory.
In addition to her sport, Drinkwater found SSU’s educational opportunities a perfect fit for her career goals.
“I wanted to become a Physical Education teacher,” Drinkwater said. “I love learning about anatomy, and I also want to become a coach so I’m in the Exercise Science program and I’m also doing a minor in coaching. That’s what appeals me to Shawnee.”
For someone active and passionate about sports and health Robyn gravitated to Shawnee State for its educational opportunities and has found the Exercise Science program, as well as coaching opportunities, to be a great fit for her.
Shawnee’s Exercise Science program offers hands-on experiences as a major part of learning, Drinkwater explained.
“We do group work where we will have a partner and practice activities like tape and brace,” Drinkwater said, noting that the Exercise Science labs at Shawnee are also a helpful environment for being hands-on. She added that the faculty are approachable and helpful in the instruction process.
“The professors are so easy to talk to,” she said.
Drinkwater praised how the program has smaller class sizes, helping provide a better atmosphere for learning. “I don’t like big class sizes, plus I’m quite shy in class,” she said, adding that these smaller class sizes make the experience more personal and enjoyable to interact in classroom lectures.
For someone who is passionate about her field of studies Drinkwater has found comfort and joy from her professors in the Exercise Science program.
“The professors are the coolest people here,” Drinkwater said, pointing out how Professors Tony Ward and Keenan Perry are “the best at Shawnee.”
Drinkwater suffered a bad knee injury from soccer last year and stated how “helpful and lenient” the faculty were for her when she needed extra time on assignments. It was clear to her that the instructors in the program have the students’ education and needs in mind.
In the future, Drinkwater plans to pursue a master's degree in Sport Management. She would like to stay in the United States for a couple of years and work through her visa. Eventually, she plans to return home to England.
For students interested in the Exercise Science program at Shawnee State, visit shawnee.edu/exercise-science