Class of 2025: Katherine Taveras

A very nervous young woman but filled with excitement about the next steps in my education.

A young woman who is confident, outgoing, and filled with the knowledge and confidence that she can accomplish anything she puts her mind to. I am very proud to say I am a Hispanic woman who graduated a private liberal arts college with honors and on time.

I had so many opportunities while being a Green Terror. As a junior, I attended a Jan Term trip with Professor Mark Rust called Dominican Republic Experience of the Deaf. It was such an eye-opening experience to explore the Deaf culture of the country of my ancestry. Another opportunity I had was to study abroad in Italy in January 2025. I was able to attend Italia Culinaria: Food Tour with Dr. Mohamed Esa. While on this trip, I was able to meet many colleagues that I normally don’t interact with but also connect with alumni. One alum that I was able to get to know was Corynne Courpas ’76. She shared many moments that she experienced while on campus and the reason why she still likes to join Jan Term trips. I have also been able to have an amazing internship with Gerstell Academy. I always knew I wanted to be an athletic trainer, so getting experience in the field was important, especially before going into graduate school. I was also able to end with a research experience within my Kinesiology capstone.

An aha moment I had was learning the absolute need for superior time management skills. As someone who is busy, I had to learn how to maintain a good GPA while staying focused in volleyball and my sorority, Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha Inc. This allowed me to be involved around campus while still learning how to balance school, work, and life.

I will be leaving my mark in the Athletics department, as I was able to accomplish 1,000 digs on the volleyball team. I am also proud to be a libero for the volleyball team all four years. I am also a part of the first and only Latin/x-based sorority on campus. I crossed in the second line ever at the Beta Pi chapter as a Tre, and I am also proud to be a part of the process of charting the Beta Pi chapter at McDaniel College.

A faculty member who has been the most influential in who I have become is Jenn Feldmann, the women’s volleyball coach. Although we didn’t always see eye to eye, I have learned life skills that help me each and every day. I came in as a clueless athlete, but with guidance I have learned how to be a strong woman who is able to navigate through challenges even if they are uncomfortable. Jenn always teaches her players about conflict resolution, which is something I think everyone should learn and understand.

The best class ever was Practicum in Athletic Training. The style of the class and the way that Head Athletic Trainer Catharine Behrenshausen taught the class allowed me to really understand the ins and outs of athletic training. I learned how to tape, wrap, and assist in evaluations and rehabilitations of athletes. I really enjoyed how we were required to log observation hours, because I was able to see how days can be long but enjoyable if you enjoy your career.

I was able to be a part of the women’s volleyball team for all four years. I was involved in Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha Inc. for two years. I also worked off campus as a server for three years at Westminster Olive Garden. I was also a student worker for the athletic training department. I am a member of the Pi Chapter of Chi Alpha Sigma, the national college athlete honor society, and Sigma Alpha Pi, the national honor society of leadership and success.

Something that took me totally by surprise is how much time I spent with my teammates, and I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything. I loved how much time I spent with my teammates because I met some of my best friends through it. As athletes, we really understand the student-athlete balance and it is always hard to explain to others, but it’s amazing to know that you have your teammates and staff supporting you through your tough days.

My favorite spot on campus is Gill Gymnasium. I created so many memories there while taking classes, studying, in practice, in early morning workouts, and in the athletic training room and locker room. These are long-lasting memories that I will share with my future family and gatherings.

How the Hill is so small, but you can somehow still be out of breath everywhere you walk. You are literally always walking up hill. If you think you are going downhill, you will very shortly be walking up a hill.

“Exploring the Impact of Carbon Fiber Insoles on Running Economy and Vertical Jump Height.”

We had participants run for 12 minutes at their 85% speed and compared their running economy with and without carbon fiber insoles to test lower body endurance movement. When coming into the Exercise Physiology Lab, participants also performed verticals with and without the insoles, which tested lower body power movement in the study.

After I graduate, I will attend the University of Miami for my master’s in Athletic Training in June 2025.

I plan to come back and support the Athletics department, return for Homecoming, but also have the opportunity to talk to current or interested students about my experience on campus. I also plan to return and support the Beta Pi chapter of Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha Inc.

I was able to get the Military Legacy Scholarship while attending McDaniel. This means a lot for me and my family because I was able to relieve some of the financial burden, while still being able to accomplish my goals.