Choosing University of Vermont came easy for Frances O'Donnell. The Kenwood, California, native envisioned attending an east coast college with classical architecture, a picturesque green, bustling college town and amenities within walking distance. She wanted a location convenient for downhill skiing, a pastime she enjoyed at Lake Tahoe. Her plan to become a physical therapist required attending a university with strong academic programs in health care and exercise science. An opportunity to play intercollegiate soccer was also key: The UVM Women's Soccer midfielder began kicking balls at age two, and she hasn't stopped since.
"It was always my goal to play college soccer and it is pretty special to reflect that I am actively living that dream," said O'Donnell, still beaming about the Catamount women's spectacular 2021 season and America East title win. As a high school junior, a UVM coach saw O'Donnell play and invited her to visit the university.
"My decision was made pretty easily. I loved the beautiful brick buildings on campus, the lively downtown Burlington scene, the proximity to lake and mountains and the excellent exercise science program, and with the soccer team, it seemed the perfect fit for me."
To complement her major in exercise science, O'Donnell minors in nutrition and food sciences and she completed UVM's certificate in integrative health and wellness coaching. She will sit for the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching exam this spring. Hands-on, patient-centered health care that uses various therapeutic and lifestyle approaches appeals to her.
"I dream of being in an integrative health clinic working within a team of physicians, psychologists, mental health counselors, occupational and physical therapists, chiropractors and health and wellness coaches," she said. "Integrative health and wellness coaching gives me the skill set to talk to patients and not treat a specific body part or ailment but rather treat their whole person. I really like that as the provider, you are there for every step of recovery for your patients and have the opportunity to connect during each visit."
O'Donnell already applies her passions to earn an income: She works for UVM Integrative Health, where she manages outreach and administrative tasks for an employee health and wellness coaching program. She coached a Burlington teen girls' soccer team last year and currently nannies for a family Burlington. "I love working with kids and it is quite fun and a great de-stressor to hang out with a baby," she said.
A recipient of academic and athletic scholarships, O'Donnell believes in giving back to the community that supports her: She serves on the UVM Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), which provides a liaison between athletes and administration, creates community-oriented service opportunities and advocates for social justice. She also serves as the UVM representative to the America East Conference-level SAAC along with student-athletes from other universities. This winter, she'll represent UVM at the America East SAAC meeting in Boston.
While academics, soccer, community service and work keep her busy, O'Donnell takes every opportunity to go downhill skiing: "I am enjoying getting to experience skiing on the east coast. It is really different!"