Xavier Exercise Science Student Spotlight: Nick Resca
- Graduation Year: 2026
- Program: Exercise Science
- Current Role / Future Plans: Part Time Coach at Academy of Sports Performance/ Full Time Coach at the Academy of Sports Performance
- Hometown: Weymouth, MA
What brought you to Xavier University and the Exercise Science program?
I came to Xavier visiting my cousin during her junior year. I had no intention of coming here but I was impressed by the true community of the campus. It didn’t feel like I was just a number in a class I felt welcomed and knew this was the right place for me.
What inspired you to study Exercise Science?
I started lifting shortly before high school, but I didn’t start truly training until the summer going into high school. A retired mail man named Coach O’Toole was our volunteer strength coach and the single greatest Gatorade chemist I have ever met. I learned a lot of the greatest lessons of my life in a weight room. My dad also played a large role in me choosing this field. Towards the end of his own career he kept saying he wanted to get to the point where he could do what he wanted to do instead of what he had to do, so I just chose what I wanted to do.
What’s been a favorite class, project, or experience in the program?
Resistance training with Jensen was my favorite class of the program. I really enjoyed earning a lot more of the nuance behind exercise and got to really cultivate a curiosity within this field.
Tell us about a meaningful hands-on experience (research, internship, practicum, or fieldwork).
The most meaningful experience for me was my practicum at the Academy of Sports Performance. I worked 400 hours over the summer and it was the highlight of my vacation. It completely established that I am in the right field and I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to coach in the best training environment I have ever experienced. The environment is a unique blend of knowledge, effort, and community that can’t be found anywhere else.
How have you grown personally or professionally since joining the program?
I have grown more in the past four years than any other time in my life. When asked why I came to Ohio, the easiest answer for me has always been “I need to learn how to not be in high school,” while here I have struggled greatly in many aspects. I won’t lie: college is hard, and I don’t think I would be graduating on time, let alone a bit early if I did not have the support system and opportunities Xavier has offered to me. I’ve learned how to be an effective communicator and to reflect openly about how I can better myself for the next challenge.
What’s next after graduation?
I will be gathering work experience at the Academy of Sports Performance to learn more
about who I am as a coach before graduate school.
What advice would you give to future students in this program?
Meet people where they are at. You’re not better than anybody, in fact you’re probably worse at a lot of things. Treat people as people and you’ll do alright in life.
Favorite study spot or campus memory
Pig Roast
One word to describe your time here
Purposeful