From passion to performance: Journey in the Master of Kinesiology program
After completing his bachelor’s degree in 2021, Spencer Marshall Jaschkowski always knew that a master’s degree was in the cards — it was just a matter of when. Taking a three-year break from academics to gain experience in the field, he eventually found the perfect fit in the Master of Kinesiology (MKin) coursework program at the University of Waterloo. The program’s structure, blending coursework with an internship in a condensed 12-month format, aligned seamlessly with his career aspirations in strength and conditioning (S&C).
His decision to pursue graduate studies was reinforced by experiences working alongside Waterloo’s MKin students, where he saw firsthand the program’s value. With an extensive course selection tailored to his professional goals, the transition felt natural. The practical, hands-on approach in KIN 693 with Dr. Tyson Beach proved to be one of the most impactful learning experiences, pushing him both physically and academically. Likewise, the special topics courses on strength and conditioning with Andrew Hopf provided an invaluable depth of knowledge. The support from faculty and the opportunity to apply academic learning directly to real-world scenarios made Waterloo’s MKin Master program an ideal choice.
“The combination of coursework and internship in just one year made the MKin program the perfect fit for my career goals,” Spencer says. “Every course has challenged me to think critically and apply my knowledge in real-world settings.”
With a long-standing passion for coaching, Spencer first became interested in strength and conditioning during high school. Inspired by dedicated coaches, he pursued an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at the University of Waterloo, laying the foundation for his career in athletic performance and sports science. Coaching experience during his undergraduate studies, volunteer work with Waterloo’s Strength and Conditioning team, and his first role under Andrew Hopf solidified his commitment to the field. After graduating, he continued coaching while taking time to travel and gain broader work experience before fully immersing himself in the S&C industry once again.
Balancing graduate studies with professional commitments, Spencer currently holds two jobs in the field while completing his degree. His long-term vision is to work in NCAA sports, explore opportunities in professional leagues, and engage in consulting for strength and conditioning. Despite the demanding schedule, his passion for the work makes it all worthwhile.
As a graduate strength and conditioning coach with Waterloo Athletics, he plays a crucial role in supporting varsity teams: designing training programs, supervising athletes, mentoring junior coaches, and ensuring smooth team and individual training sessions. Performance training is an interdisciplinary field that integrates biomechanics, physiology, nutrition, and psychology. Being part of a team where every coach, junior or senior, contributes to the bigger picture has been an enriching experience.
In addition to his academic and professional pursuits, Spencer is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). While an undergraduate degree is currently the only requirement for certification, by 2030, the field will mandate a degree specifically related to Strength and Conditioning. His graduate studies have provided Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) for recertification while expanding his expertise in physiology, biomechanics, athletic programming, nutrition, and program evaluation. Every course builds on previous knowledge, offering deeper insights into human performance training for diverse populations.
His dedication to the field was recognized through the NSCA Foundation’s Jerry Martin Memorial Scholarship. This award, named after Coach Jerry Martin, honours his 26-year legacy at the University of Connecticut as a devoted and hardworking S&C coach with a passion for teaching. For Spencer, receiving this scholarship was a surreal and humbling experience.
“I aspire to educate athletes and others on performance training — not just for sports, but for life,” he says. “The science behind strength and conditioning is what got me into this field, and it’s something I’ll continue to learn about and share for years to come.”
The science behind strength and conditioning is what first drew Spencer into the profession, and it’s what continues to fuel his passion. With a commitment to lifelong learning and a desire to make a lasting impact, he is ready to take the next step in his career, one that started with a love for coaching and was strengthened by his experiences at the University of Waterloo.
“I aspire to educate athletes and others on performance training — not just for sports, but for life. The science behind strength and conditioning is what got me into this field, and it’s something I’ll continue to learn about and share for years to come.”
The science behind strength and conditioning is what first drew Spencer into the profession, and it’s what continues to fuel his passion. With a commitment to lifelong learning and a desire to make a lasting impact, he is ready to take the next step in his career, one that started with a love for coaching and was strengthened by his experiences at the University of Waterloo.