Alumni Spotlight: Jessica Godoy’s Education Featured MLB Draft Combine Experience
Jessica Godoy is a 2021 graduate of the Master in Health and Physical Activity Programming and Promotion program and current full-time athletic trainer for Bentworth High School in Washington County, Pennsylvania. In this Q&A, she talks about her internship with Allegheny Health Network (AHN) and participating in Major League Baseball’s (MLB) Draft League Combine. Her quotes have been edited for length and clarity.
Tell us a little bit about your background before coming to Pitt?
Godoy: I went to Montclair State University in New Jersey for my Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training. After graduation, I worked as a medical assistant until I decided to apply to graduate school. Throughout my search, I came across the Health and Physical Activity programs at the University of Pittsburgh, and knew, this is for me!
What about Pitt’s Health and Physical Activity Programming and Promotion drew you in?
Godoy: The class descriptions within the programming and promotion track definitely caught my attention. It was everything, if not more, of what I had been looking for. There were opportunities for me to work with the Pittsburgh community and apply the skills I have gained over the years, which I had the privilege of doing as a Graduate Student Assistant. I didn’t once doubt that the University of Pittsburgh was where I had to go.
What do you enjoy most about athletic training?
Godoy: Prior to my undergrad career, I was interested in careers that involved working around athletics and general physical activity. When I did more research and came across athletic training, reading about courses on the human body and the potential fast-paced working environment was intriguing to me. Being part of someone’s return to physical activity or activities of daily living is rewarding, which is why I chose this field.
Tell us about your experience interning with Allegheny Health Network?
Godoy: My internship with Allegheny Health Network (AHN) as a student intern working alongside the strength and conditioning team was one of the most memorable experiences. I had the privilege of meeting several individuals with outstanding skills in physical therapy, athletic training, and strength and conditioning. AHN has improved my patience, communication skills, and helped me build more confidence in areas where I didn’t think I was strong enough. Going into my internship each day was something I looked forward to because of the opportunities I had to excel and apply my skills.
As a part of your internship with AHN, you got to be a part of the MLB Draft League Combine events. What was that like and what did that experience mean to you?
Godoy: The two MLB Draft League Combine events that I attended at PNC Park in Pittsburgh and Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia were very memorable for me. I met Tim Maxey, Joint Strength and Conditioning Coordinator for MLB and MLBPA. He and my supervisor at AHN, Frank Velasquez, coordinated the movement, motor control and range of motion portion of the combines’ athlete assessments. Being able to network with others, apply my skills, lead stations, and do what I enjoy was a blessing. The MLB Combine experience was life changing.
Jessica at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
Jessica with other interns at the MLB Draft League Combine events.
How has Pitt’s program prepared you for your career goals?
Godoy: Pitt’s program was an invaluable building block in my athletic training career. It has provided me with the knowledge and skills to become a better health care professional. One of the things I took away the most from this program was how to develop physical activity programs for specific populations in different communities.
What’s a fun fact about yourself that people don’t know?
Godoy: Two fun facts would be that I have a twin brother and my right eye is lighter than my left.
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