Michael Catalanello
Louisiana Tech Kinesiology and Health Promotion -2019
My name is Michael Catalanello, and my career journey took a few unexpected turns before I found my true calling: working with student-athletes. It has been a rewarding path, filled with lessons, growth, and moments of clarity. I want to share my story in hopes that it might inspire others who are seeking purpose in their work.
I’ve always had a passion for health, the human body, and helping others become better athletes. That’s why I pursued a degree in Kinesiology at Louisiana Tech. At the time, I wasn’t sure exactly where it would lead me, but I knew that helping others would be at the core of whatever I did.
After graduating, my first job was at Origin Bank as a Personal Banker. While the work was steady, and I gained valuable professional experience, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wasn’t fulfilling my true purpose. I wanted to make a more direct impact on people’s lives, and banking wasn’t giving me that opportunity. The desire to teach and coach had always been there, but I wasn’t sure how to make the leap.
One day, I received a call from a close friend. There was an opening for a science teaching job at Loyola College Prep (LCP), and they thought I’d be perfect for it. It felt like the universe was aligning, giving me the push I needed to make the change I had been waiting for. I jumped at the opportunity, and from that moment, I knew I was on the right path.
After I accepted the science teaching position, I quickly realized that my passion extended beyond the classroom. Teaching gave me the chance to inspire young minds, but I knew I had more to offer. With my background in Kinesiology and being an athlete all of my life, I began exploring how I could contribute in other ways.
Before long, I found my niche in sports. I became the strength and conditioning coach for all sports at LCP, which allowed me to combine my love for teaching with my knowledge of physical fitness. This role allowed me to have a direct impact not just on students’ academic growth, but on their physical well-being and athletic performance. Helping students push their limits and achieve their goals both on and off the field felt incredibly fulfilling.
Coaching has given me a sense of purpose I hadn’t experienced before. Working with young athletes to help them grow stronger, both mentally and physically, has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. I’m able to see the direct impact of my work, not only in their sports performance but also in their confidence and resilience.
Looking back, I realize how much I’ve grown, not just as a teacher and coach, but as a person. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the guidance and mentorship of the incredible teachers and professors at Louisiana Tech. They not only gave me the foundational knowledge I needed, but they also believed in my potential to make a difference. Their support inspired me to continually strive for more and pushed me to become a better educator and coach.
My time at Louisiana Tech University was more than just about earning a degree. It was where I truly began to develop the skills and experiences that would shape my career. I was fortunate to be involved in a variety of activities that expanded my knowledge and practical skills. I worked at the Lambright Sports and Wellness Center, participated in cheerleading, and even contributed to Rock Steady Boxing; a program designed to help people with Parkinson’s disease improve their quality of life through physical exercise. These experiences showed me the profound impact physical health can have on people’s lives, which only deepened my commitment to helping others. Additionally, my internship at Johnson Physical Therapy allowed me to apply what I’d learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios, helping athletes recover and improve their sports performance.
Even after leaving Louisiana Tech, I’ve remained in close contact with many of my teachers and professors. Their guidance didn’t stop at graduation, in fact, I still lean on them for advice and perspective whenever I need it. These relationships have been invaluable, providing a network of support and insight as I continue to grow in my career. It’s a reminder that mentorship doesn’t have an expiration date, and having people to turn to for advice can make all the difference.
As I look to the future, I’m excited about the continued journey of teaching and coaching. I hope to inspire more students and help them discover their own paths. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that following your passion and staying connected with those who uplift you can lead to a truly fulfilling career.
The Exponential Factor 