If you have noticed a new face walking around the McNiff Fitness Center, no need to worry, it’s just Katie Foltz.
Foltz is nearing the completion of her first year as Coordinator of Campus Recreation at the University of Tampa. Foltz found this job position from the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) job website called Bluefish Jobs, and replaced former coordinator Charles Allen.
Her office is located in the McNiff Fitness Center where her door is always open to students.
“She’s not just a boss,” said McNiff employee Kristie Decowski. “She’s willing to help you with r’eacute;sum’eacute;s or anything you may have a question about.”
The University of Tampa hired a talented coordinator. Foltz is certified as a Group Fitness Instructor, a Personal Trainer, a CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor, and is educated in Pilates Training and Aquatics Fitness.
Foltz also teaches fitness classes such as Power Abs, Bikini Body Sculpt, Pilates and Indoor cycling.
Foltz came to Florida from Ohio.
She attended Kent State University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Leisure Studies/Recreation Management and furthered her education at Cleveland State University, graduating with her Master of Education in Exercise Science.
One of her previous jobs was being a Fitness Intern at the US Naval Base in La Maddalena, Italy where she got a chance to use the information she was taught at school.
She was also a Fitness Intern at NASA’s Glenn Research Center, and was a Facility Supervisor at the KSU Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
“Coming from two very large recreation departments, the duties were so specific and specialized,” Foltz said. “Since it is just Charles Yezak and I here at UT, I have the opportunity and responsibility to take on more roles as opposed to one sole focus. I get to oversee an entire building, staff, and the fitness programming all on my own.”
McNiff Fitness Center is a 6,000 sq. ft. facility which opened in 1993. Foltz’s plan for the gym is to continually make it a desirable place to be and work out. She wants to continue to offer fun events, new classes and update equipment.
“Katie has brought a lot of outside sources to campus such as the Victoria Secret sizing meeting and new forms of dance for aerobic classes,” said Decowski.
The employees at the McNiff Fitness Center on campus have warmed up to Foltz, exchanging stories about their weekend events and hearing about her wedding plans. Foltz wants to get the staff to bond and feel comfortable with each other so she suggested a staff outing.
“We are planning a retreat to the beach which should be a lot of fun,” said Skyler Prendergast, a McNiff employee.
Foltz describes her job like a bike ride.
“Sometimes it’s exciting and challenging with lots of wind and hills. Sometimes it’s hectic and nerve-wracking with lots of traffic. Sometimes you worry about what’s ahead or the weather, or if you’ll get deflated from a flat tire. But most of the time – especially in Florida – it’s a nice sunny day with flat roads waiting to be traveled upon.”
Students are the whole reason Foltz chose campus recreation. She enjoys talking to her student staff and working with them throughout the day.
“I like being here for the students and hope that my staff sees that,” said Foltz.
Megan Nistler, a McNiff employee, believes Foltz has transferred her passion for the gym to her student workers.
“She gives a positive, energetic feeling to the gym in general,” said Nistler.
Foltz said she looks forward to going to work each day. She spends most of her day at the gym during peak hours of 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Her favorite part of her job is working with students and planning fitness events. Her least favorite part is enforcing rules, whether it is with the staff or with patrons.
“No one likes to be a party pooper, but it’s necessary to have a smooth operation and safe facility,” said Foltz. The top rule she has to enforce is an I.D. check.
Even when not working, Foltz is active. She likes to be outside, at the beach, rollerblading, running, biking and eating.
“As far as managing my job- I couldn’t have done it without Charles Yezak, Kathy Dunham or the rest of my student staff,” she said.
Foltz is dedicated to her job, trying to get the student body educated about fitness and enjoy working out.
But should UT be expecting a new Coordinator of Campus Recreation anytime soon? Foltz appears to be in it for the long haul.
“I plan to be in an environment where I can grow professionally and personally,” she said. “If UT continues to provide me that opportunity, then sure.”
If you see a woman with the name tag “Katie Foltz” be sure to say “Hi” next time and make her feel welcome as part of the family at UT.