By Ryan Pickle ‘24, staff writer
A student at LVC has big plans for their future academic career.
Blair Shaffer, a senior biochemistry and molecular biology major, balances a busy academic and athletic schedule. This includes hours of studying for classes and lots of time in the gym and on the baseball field.
In his final year as a student-athlete, Shaffer has found the importance of being a student-athlete despite his rigorous schedule.
“The beauty behind Division III athletics and especially baseball, is that you really have to develop your own career,” Shaffer said. “We have a ton of time away from the coaches in the offseason, which really leaves it up to the individual to determine how much they want to improve. I think this mindset has really helped me take my academics approach to the next level during my time at LVC.”
After three years of developmental success, Shaffer was named captain of the LVC baseball team in 2024. In his time as a player, he mentions how much of the success the team has seen was because of the culture that was created by previous leaders and current leaders like himself.
“The tight-knit family aspect of our team is a huge part of why we’ve been successful over the past few seasons,” he said. “We’ve been fortunate to have a multitude of great leaders over the past few years, all leaving their marks on their current team.”
In the midst of Shaffer’s senior year baseball preseason was a time full of stress and studying months ahead of time for the Medical College Admission Test. With much of his free time focused on a life-changing exam, the results were very rewarding.
“I logged 350 hours of studying over three months leading up to my exam date, but I consider it a truly positive experience,” he said. “I not only refined my study habits, but I also learned how to manage time and emphasize the things that are valuable to me.”
With hundreds of hours of preparation for a six-hour exam, Shaffer scored very well and has put himself in a position to reach his goals. The next step for Shaffer is graduate school.
Shaffer will begin his graduate studies in the masters of applied kinesiology program at LVC starting in the fall. Within this program, Shaffer will be immersed in research focused on biomechanics and human movement.
“I’ve been working in the Lewis Human Performance Lab since May of 2023, and this graduate program allows for the continuation of research into an eventual thesis,” he said. “I was drawn towards this program due to its involvement in the musculoskeletal system, but upon spending time in the lab I’ve become more interested in the entire research process.”
Shaffer said that he eventually wants to become an orthopedic surgeon, ideally in sports medicine. Maximizing his academic and athletic experiences, Shaffer has put himself in an excellent position to reach his goals.
“I think my background would allow for a unique connection with athletes,” he said. “Having an understanding of the desire to get back on the field when injured is something I have learned from experience.”
With a long road ahead of him, Shaffer is ready to achieve the high expectations that he has set for himself.