In the realm of exercise science, where passion meets purpose, Donna Cottrell’s story stands as a beacon of inspiration. Retired from an illustrious 37-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard as a Rear Admiral, Donna embarked on a new adventure, pursuing her passion for fitness and education at Lionel University. Her journey is a testament to the endless possibilities education can bring, regardless of where life’s voyages originally take us.

Discovering a New Passion

Donna first encountered the Coast Guard by chance, on a trip to Windsor, Canada. Captivated by the sight of a little boat with a red stripe, her curiosity led her to a career that she loved deeply. After retiring, she found herself drawn to fitness and education, fostering communities at various organizations—from Olympic weightlifting to hospice volunteering.

As she transitioned into the second half of her career, Donna sought further expertise in exercise science. Lionel University caught her attention with its veteran-friendly approach and the option to utilize her GI Bill. The flexibility and tailored structure of the Master Trainer Certificate program allowed Donna to diversify her skill set in areas she needed the most—like corrective exercise and senior fitness.

From Curiosity to Certification

With three master’s degrees already under her belt, Donna understood the value of immersive learning. Her pursuit at Lionel was not for another degree but to build a robust understanding of fitness training. The program’s flexibility in allowing her to hand-pick specialties catered precisely to her aspirations.

 

Her studies at Lionel were neither abstract nor distant. The faculty's real-world experience combined with academic prowess ensured that each class was enriching and immediately applicable. She found the coursework challenging yet manageable, perfectly designed for accommodating her dynamic schedule.

Charting New Directions in Fitness

One of the program's highlights for Donna was delving into the realm of corrective and senior exercise specialization—fields that she found not only intellectually rewarding but practically impactful. With the knowledge acquired, she crafted programs that improved the quality of life for numerous individuals, from helping an athlete achieve a full squat to assisting seniors maintain independence through carefully designed exercise regimens.

Fueling a Passion for Lifelong Learning

The interconnectedness of courses at Lionel, particularly in learning about energy systems and nutrition, opened new horizons for Donna. Not only did she gain a deeper comprehension of human physiology, but she also learned the value of empirical over anecdotal knowledge—a philosophy she embodies in her teaching approach.

The collaboration between her theoretical understanding and her coach’s practical techniques enriched her Olympic lifting programs, creating a symbiosis of expertise that significantly benefits her trainees.

A Forward-Looking Mission

Donna’s passion now lies primarily in uplifting the elderly, enlightening them on the significance of muscle strength and balance, which directly influence their longevity and quality of life. Her role is more than just as a trainer; it’s about ensuring they lead longer, more fulfilling lives—a commitment that proves the priceless value of exercise science education.

Inspiring the Next Generation

To those contemplating a future in exercise science, Donna’s journey is a compelling narrative of growth and impact. Exercise science is not just about learning—it’s about changing lives, including your own, in profound ways. Her advice is simple: pursue your passion relentlessly. Empower yourself with knowledge, and use it to create change in your community, extending not just your impact but your career possibilities. To explore how you can take the next step, learn more about the Master Trainer Certificate.