Graduate Student Spotlight: Alexis Cuellar MA '20

With an ultimate goal of teaching and coaching women’s soccer at the junior college level, Alexis Cuellar MA ’20, chose the Saint Mary’s Graduate Kinesiology program to help her get there.

“Junior colleges in California have a lot to offer students and it is a place where I can see myself continuing to make a positive impact on individuals both on the field and in the classroom.”

The mother of two, with one on the way, has a passion for developing youth and working with students. In addition to being a graduate student, Alexis works as an Associate Teacher at the Stuart Hall for Boys and is the Co-Founder and Recreational Program Director for FC Royale Inc., a San Francisco based non-profit youth soccer club.

“What I love about both positions is being able to work with young individuals and helping them learn and master things they did not know before. It is a very rewarding feeling knowing I am making a positive impact for others in my community.”

The information learned from class discussions, professional guest speakers, and peer presentations have all given Alexis new ways of becoming a more effective sports leader. “Many topics we discuss in class have helped me understand the world around me and how to think beyond the surface. As an educator and a coach, it’s imperative that we challenge ourselves to see from another's perspective.”

After graduation, Alexis will apply what she has learned from SMC Graduate Kinesiology to further develop FC Royal Inc.. “I plan to continue fostering the growth of FC Royale Inc., specifically with regards to building our girls program, as there continues to be a need for facilitating opportunities for females interested in sports.”