Jaime Medina graduated from the School of Kinesiology with a BS in Sport Management, then received his MEd in Applied Kinesiology in 2011. He has since returned to the University as Senior Manager of Minneapolis Facilities for University Recreation and Wellness, while also teaching a physical education course. Read more to learn what led Medina to these roles at the University.

Medina, born and raised in Wisconsin, decided to cross state lines to pursue an undergraduate degree at the University of Minnesota. At the beginning of his academic journey, a Sport Management degree was not a part of his plan. “I originally came to the University as a computer engineering major, but with some introspection realized that sport, more specifically recreation, was a large part of my identity. Trying to make it a career seemed like a no brainer.” While working as an intramural officer for University Recreation and Wellness, Medina realized that campus recreation could be a potential career avenue.

After undergrad, Medina continued his education at the School of Kinesiology, where he would receive an MEd in Applied Kinesiology in 2011. The following year, he was hired by University Recreation and Wellness as a facilities coordinator, managing specific facility spaces within the Recreation and Wellness Center. Today, Medina is the Senior Manager of Minneapolis Facilities, where he supervises a full-time staff and manages the day-to-day operations of the Minneapolis indoor and outdoor facilities, and all intramural sports programming.

Medina emphasizes the influence his experience in the Sport Management program had on his career today. “The Sport Management program motivated me to get my feet wet in all areas of sport to find my place. It was the initial encouragement from SMGT and KIN staff to get out there that has led me to this point in my career.”

As to why Medina decided to return to the School of Kinesiology after graduating, he responded, “I felt the impact that recreation had on me, both mentally and physically. Coupled with the endless memories and friends that were made through these activities over the years, I knew I was where I wanted to be and I have a desire to continue to create these same opportunities for today’s University community.”

Along with his career at the Recreation and Wellness Center, Medina’s other role at the University is as a PE instructor, teaching PE 1076: Flag Football for the past ten years. “Who wouldn’t want to teach such a fun sport in flag football, on the field of Huntington Bank Stadium, while naturally incorporating physical activity into each class?! The students are a riot and are also a large reason why I continue to instruct.”

Medina discussed why he finds it is so important for students to implement physical activity into their lives. “Getting any amount of physical activity into your daily life is such an important component to improving your physical and mental well-being. Physical activity will give you more energy, improve your health, and reduce the risk of developing several diseases. We are all so fortunate to have outstanding University facilities and programs at our fingertips to jumpstart or continue our wellness journeys.”

Though Medina has lived in Minnesota for many years now, he still has some allegiances to Wisconsin. “I do consider myself a Minnesotan and will forever bleed maroon and gold, but you cannot take the love of the Packers out of me.” On top of the two roles he has at the University, Medina finds plenty of ways to stay busy outside of work. “You can find me spending time with family, friends, and playing soccer nearly year-round!”