Jessica Maria Szymanski, M.Ed., CSCS
Where did you grow up and what activities were you involved in?
I grew up in Seguin, TX. I started dancing (ballet, jazz & tap) when I was 4 and continued until I was 19. When I was 18, I entered a local pageant in hopes of receiving a scholarship and did a dance as my talent. I ended up winning that pageant and was named Miss Seguin.
I started playing volleyball and basketball in junior high school. I made the varsity volleyball team my freshman year and the varsity basketball team my sophomore year. Both my volleyball and basketball teams made it to the playoffs my junior and senior years. My junior year, my basketball team were in the final four for our state tournament in Austin, TX.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a volleyball coach at the college level. I certainly never thought I would be an instructor at a university, but I am so glad that I have this job!
What was your first job?
My first job was at a “new” place that just opened in Seguin called Tropical Sno. I was in charge of making shaved ice sno cones with over 20 flavors! I worked that job for the summer then was hired as a “carry-out” at our local grocery store (HEB) where I would help put groceries in bags then walk with the shopper to the parking lot to help them put the groceries in their cars.
Where did you attend undergrad and what was your major?
I was fortunate to have been offered a volleyball scholarship to continue my athletic career after being recruited by an admissions counselor by the name of David Szymanski, who eventually became my husband! During my junior year at TLC, my volleyball team made it to the NAIA National Championship in San Diego, CA.
Where did you attend graduate school and your activities during that time?
I attended graduate school at Auburn University where I received my Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology. While in graduate school, I was the first female Graduate Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach for 18 Olympic sports. I was personally responsible for designing the strength and conditioning programs for softball, women’s golf and gymnastics.
What brought you to Louisiana Tech?
My husband got an Assistant Professor position at Louisiana Tech in the fall of 2005 and we moved our family of 4 to Ruston, LA in December of 2005.
What classes do you teach at Louisiana Tech?
I have taught at least 15 different classes during my last 11 years of teaching at Louisiana Tech. Currently, I teach the following classes: FYE 100, KINE 206, 290, 292, 409, 416, & 418.
What are your research interests?
I have been a research assistant for the past 20+ years helping my husband who is one of the leading baseball researchers in the field. I do not have a specific focus, but enjoy doing research on sports performance.
What organizations are you affiliated with?
I am the faculty advisor for our department’s student organization, KINES. I am also the faculty advisor for the men’s club volleyball team at Tech.
Tell us about your family.
Originally, I come from a family of 5; Mom, Dad, older brother, Jeff, older brother, Jeremy, and me! Unfortunately, Jeremy was an alcoholic and left us too soon in May of 2011 and my mother had dementia and left us too soon in July of 2016. My brother Jeff and his wife, Jane, live in Austin, TX and my father still lives in Seguin, TX and is now married to a wonderful woman named Eva. I have been married to my husband (Dr. David Szymanski) for 27 years and we have 2 sons, Dawson (18) and Justin (16).
What do you like to do in your spare time to unwind?
One of my absolute favorite things to do in my spare time to unwind is spend time with my husband and boys on the baseball field. They both play baseball at Ruston High School and hope to continue playing college ball in their futures. I am also the head coach of an 18U club volleyball team whose season runs from Dec-May. I have recently joined a local group that meets to play volleyball on occasion. I love playing when I can.
What is your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is actually a very famous prayer. It is a prayer my mother shared with me a long time ago and it has stuck with me…
Anything else you would like for us to know.
I love to cook! I enjoy trying new recipes whenever I have the time. I try preparing dinner every night for my guys. I have been making homemade sushi (shrimp tempura and California rolls) for my family for the past 10 years and we eat it 1-2 times per month. I also make homemade buns for our burger nights and homemade pizza dough for our pizza nights.
The Exponential Factor 