Nathan Doza, the United States Sports Academy’s latest Student of the Month, secured employment in the sports field after utilizing the Academy’s network of alumni working at all levels of sport around the globe.
Doza holds a Bachelor of Sports Science degree in sports coaching from the Academy and is now enrolling to continue his education with a Master of Sports Science degree in sports exercise science from the institution. He was recently hired as an assistant men’s and women’s soccer coach at East Central (Mo.) College, where Academy alumnus Martin Clayes is the head coach for both teams. Doza has also coached baseball, soccer, and basketball at the recreational level.
“The Academy’s great reputation and alumni network helped with me earning the job as an assistant coach there,” Doza said. “The head coach, Martin Clayes, is an Academy alumnus too. I’ve also been able to use what I’ve learned from the Academy in my work coaching teams at the youth level.”
A resident of Sullivan, Mo., Doza is also the owner of a delivery service business contracted with the United States Postal Service. He is also retired from the United States Air Force.
“In 2016 I was made aware that the Academy was seeking military students,” Doza said. “Knowing that my military career was not going to last forever, I began to pursue different educational opportunities that would launch my coaching career to the professional level. The Academy has been the perfect fit for me.”
In his Academy master’s program, Doza plans to pursue an emphasis in sports psychology, hoping it will help him to be able to holistically support student athletes, especially in coping when they are injured.
“I love the competitive atmosphere that surrounds sports,” he said. “I enjoy developing athletes and helping them compete at their highest level while preparing them for life after sports.”
