Jasmine Gill is part of the UBC Fall Class of 2021 and will graduate with a Master’s degree in Kinesiology (MKin). She took courses in both Performance Sciences and Clinical Kinesiology streams, focusing on the prevention and management of sports injuries and performance planning.
Jasmine has worked throughout her studies with youth, ages 6 and up, as a Junior Development coach at the Universal Athletics Club. Her coaching approach utilizes long-term development “to ensure children are equipped with the appropriate physical literacy skills to be active for life.” Prioritizing long-term development in children’s physical education is important to her work in kinesiology and personal growth. “As a former track and field athlete who struggled a lot with injuries, I wanted to make sure that I was adequately prepared to prevent and manage injuries in the athletes that I coach,” states Jasmine. She values proper injury management in her coaching style because injuries can negatively harm a young athlete’s physical and psychological state. Likewise, Jasmine notes that “only 39% of Canadian children and youth meet the recommended physical activity guidelines,” according to ParticipACTION.
Prior to coming to UBC, she studied Biomedical Physiology at Simon Fraser University to learn about the physiology and pathophysiology of the human body. Joining the honours program led her to conduct cardiovascular research at the Molecular Cardiac Physiology lab, “performing echocardiography on zebrafish (a model for human hearts) to examine heart function.” Her research background in physiology and her desire to apply it to a coaching and clinical practice influenced her decision to enroll in UBC’s School of Kinesiology to pursue “advanced practical courses and build on her science background.”
Jasmine advises students who are considering grad school to “take the time to connect with faculty members” and study what they are enthusiastic about. “Faculty members are extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and want students to succeed!” remarks Jasmine, “so take advantage of the events, research, and volunteer opportunities that they offer.” After graduation, she hopes to become a Certified Exercise Physiologist and coach athletes at different competition levels.
Interested in learning more about Jasmine’s work? Follow @jasminegill_13 on Twitter!
