Note: Hope Athletics will profile student-athletes from all 22 of its varsity sports weekly throughout the 2015-16 school year and highlighting their pursuits and achievements in the classroom.
By Dean Holzwarth
Four years ago, Sam Barthel arrived on campus at Hope College with aspirations to become a doctor. The Waukesha, Wisconsin native and Flying Dutchmen soccer player soon forged a different path after taking a few courses and finding a medical career wasn't the right fit for him.
Barthel, now a senior, found his calling in exercise science.
"I found a real passion for it, and then I got some great professors like Coach (Steven) Smith, Stein Slette and (John) Patnott," Barthel said. "Those guys really inspired me with their passion for exercise science and really planted some seeds within me. I really wanted to go into that field, and what I like the most is the professors at Hope are very hands-on."
Barthel begins his final collegiate soccer season on Tuesday, Sept. 1, when the Flying Dutchmen kick off the 2015 campaign against visiting Grace Bible College. Start time at Van Andel Soccer Stadium is 7 p.m.
Barthel is one of six seniors on Hope's roster of 29 players. There are four juniors, four sophomores and 15 freshmen.
Click here for Hope's 2015 roster.
Click here for the Flying Dutchmen's 2015 schedule.
Barthel has become a quick study in exercise science during the past three years. He has worked closely with Dr. Smith, a professor of kinesiology.
Barthel and Smith have conducted research together, primarily focusing on the motor development within pre-adolescents.
"We focus on children and how they develop skills, from basic running to hitting a ball off the tee," Barthel said. "We've really been looking at children that are overweight, analyzing film of these kids doing all these different activities. We will be writing and publishing our findings."
Smith said Barthel has been a major contributor in the research project, excelling in every task.
"He's involved in every step of the process," Smith said. "Not just doing a quick review of the literature. He's doing data collection and data analysis and writing up results. There are five steps in the research process and Sam is being involved in every level of it.
"What he's done in my research program, it's been quite remarkable. He's really taken the lead. He comes to me with initiative, ideas, set -up and data analysis. He's done a terrific job."
Barthel has translated the study of movement and health to the soccer field. It has helped him to become a better athlete with a greater understanding of what it takes to perform at a peak performance.
"For me it really helps me to learn how to train correctly," Barthel said. "Training different energy systems within my body and learning those systems in the classroom really helps me transfer to my position as a goalie with working on explosive work. It's very practical."
In addition to his research, Barthel is involved with campus ministry. He leads bible studies for teammates and fellow students, and his dwelling place hosts a 'Waffle House' every couple months.
"We cook waffles all night and have a big party without any alcohol," Barthel said. "We've had close to 400 people in the house. I sit on a waffle maker from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., and it's a blast."
Barthel also volunteers his time for a 'Charity Ball' that focuses on providing soccer balls to children in third-world countries.
Barthel said his spiritual life, as well as his dedication to helping others, was instilled in him at an early age by his parents.
"My parents emphasized with me being well-rounded, and the College emphasizes that even more," Barthel said. "Just doing things outside of academics and sports, making sure you are a complete person."
Smith said Barthel is the type of person who exemplifies a student-athlete.
"He's faith-centered. He's a great student, a great athlete and a great researcher," he said. "He's exactly what we're after in a NCAA Division III student-athlete. He lives out the life."
Barthel currently is applying for graduate school at Michigan State, Western Michigan and the University of Wisconsin.
"I really want to continue the passion I've developed for exercise science, especially research," he said. "I think that avenue looks the best for me."
