NW Valley Times

Honors College students from Grand Canyon University recently visited the Kansas City Royals' spring training facilities in Surprise, Arizona. This visit was organized by Lionel Williams, GCU's Employer Relations director, in collaboration with Dr. Marette Hahn, Honors College Director, and her husband Justin Hahn, the Royals' Minor League medical services director.

The trip aimed to provide 35 students with an immersive experience in sports medicine. "The ultimate goal for all of our students is to land in their desired career and follow their purpose," Williams stated. "We wanted to not only give them an opportunity to hear information but to immerse them in the environment so they can picture themselves in it."

During the visit, the students toured various facilities including locker rooms and training areas. They also met with Royals professionals to explore careers in athletic training, pre-physical therapy, strength and conditioning, sports management, and behavioral health.

Jake Rintoul, a senior focused on sports performance, found the experience beneficial. "It was nice to be able to not just visualize the facility but have the exact image of what that professional scene would look like and get a glimpse of my future," he said.

Students engaged with staff members who shared insights into their professional journeys. Psychology junior Alexis Barbee remarked on the value of these interactions: “It was helpful talking with them about it because they live that life, so we got to hear the true pros and cons.”

Williams and Hahn emphasized the importance of such visits for building industry relationships. "The biggest thing is giving them a launching pad to build relationships in the industry," Hahn noted.