A larger university wasn’t working for Brandi Dawson.
“The professors really didn’t know who you were,” Brandi said.
She transferred to Trine University her sophomore year. At first she was undecided on a major, but her interest in sports and athletics led her to Trine’s exercise science program, where faculty mentors have guided her as she looks ahead to a career in athletic training.
“(Instructor) Vinnie Lang is easy to talk to,” Brandi said. “I went to him a couple times when I had questions or if I wanted to get a couple ideas of what to do with my future, and he just sat down and talked about it with me for a while.”
Trine also has given Brandi the opportunity to excel on the basketball court, where she has helped lead the Thunder to two consecutive MIAA Conference titles and NCAA Division III tournaments, including a Sweet 16 appearance this past season. Along the way, she has picked up multiple conference, district and All-American honors.
“I already knew a couple girls who were committed to play basketball here, so that made me a lot more comfortable. It’s close to home as well,” the Garrett resident said.
She was excited to see the new MTI Center get built last year and is looking forward to playing an entire season in the state-of-the-art facility this winter.
“Walking into MTI for the first time was a different atmosphere, but it was a really great feeling,” Brandi said. “I love it. It’s huge.”
