Building a Career Through Education, Coaching, and Kinesiology
In addition to teaching and coaching at White County High School, Dr. Barrett teaches as an adjunct instructor at Brenau University, where she bridges theory and practice in meaningful ways in Introductory Kinesiology and Nutrition for Performance courses. She is driven by a strong desire to help others discover what they’re capable of achieving. This same dedication ultimately led her to pursue a doctoral degree in Kinesiology at CSP Global.
“Pursuing a doctoral degree was something I had considered for many years. As a first-generation college graduate, the decision wasn’t one I took lightly. I wanted to deepen my knowledge, strengthen my ability to lead and teach, and become undeniable in my chosen field. There were certainly moments of doubt and challenge while balancing work, family, coaching responsibilities, and coursework, but those experiences ultimately reinforced why I started this journey in the first place. Earning my doctorate became more than a professional accomplishment, it became a testament to perseverance, lifelong learning, and the belief that growth never truly ends.”
Why She Chose CSP Global’s Online Doctorate in Kinesiology
When searching for a doctoral kinesiology program, CSP Global stood out because it offered the flexibility Dr. Barrett needed without sacrificing academic quality.
“At the time, I was working full-time in education while raising a family,” she said. “An online program made it possible to pursue my goals while remaining fully invested in the people and responsibilities that mattered most to me.”
What Dr. Barrett did not anticipate was the strong sense of community she would find throughout the program.
“The faculty challenged me to think critically, encouraged me through the research process, and genuinely cared about my success,” she shared.
One faculty member, in particular, left a lasting impact.
“Dr. Buns was extremely supportive, always eager to help, and made me feel extremely prepared for my dissertation defense. He furthered my passion for teaching and mentoring by being a role model in those aspects.”
Professional Growth Through an EdD in Kinesiology
Dr. Barrett attributes her growth as a scholar, leader, and practitioner to her experiences at CSP Global.
“The program strengthened my confidence in my abilities, pushed me outside of my comfort zone, and reinforced the importance of evidence-based practice in everything I do. Because of CSP, I approach my work differently. Whether I’m coaching athletes, teaching students, mentoring others, or designing programs, I now ask deeper questions, seek stronger evidence, and strive to create meaningful impact.”
Looking back, she identifies the relationships she built with faculty and classmates as one of the most valuable parts of the doctoral experience.
“While the coursework and research experiences were invaluable, the relationships I built with faculty and classmates made the experience truly special,” she said. “Despite being an online program, I never felt like I was navigating the journey alone.”
Dr. Barrett also values the curriculum’s relevance to real-world practice. The course assignments challenged her to apply what she was learning directly to her professional roles. “CSP respected that many of us were working professionals and created an environment where our experiences enhanced the learning process rather than competed with it.”
The Benefits of an Online Doctoral Degree
Like many CSP Global doctoral students, Dr. Barrett chose an online doctoral degree because it allowed her to continue investing in her professional and personal commitments.
“As an educator, coach, wife, and mother, relocating or stepping away from my career wasn’t realistic,” she explained. “The greatest benefit of an online program is accessibility. Rather than putting my life on hold to earn a degree, the degree enhanced the life and work I was already doing.”
Dissertation Research Focused on Female Athlete Health
One of the defining experiences of the Doctorate in Kinesiology program was Dr. Barrett’s dissertation research, which reflected both her professional interests and her commitment to supporting female athletes. Dr. Barrett explored Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) risk factors among collegiate female wrestlers, a population that remains underrepresented in the research literature.
“As a coach and educator who has worked extensively with female athletes, I’ve seen firsthand how conversations surrounding nutrition, body image, performance, and health can significantly influence athletes’ well-being,” she shared. “I wanted to contribute to a growing body of research that advocates for the health and performance of women in sport.”
This applied kinesiology research continues to influence her work today. “This topic absolutely remains a passion project,” she said. “The findings continue to shape the way I educate athletes about fueling, recovery, and long-term health. It has reinforced my commitment to evidence-based coaching practices and creating environments where female athletes are supported as whole individuals, not simply performers.”
Dr. Cari Barrett leading speed and agility training for male and female high school athletes.
Applying Doctoral Learning to Kinesiology Careers and Coaching
This year, Dr. Barrett is especially proud of the transformation of her girls’ strength and conditioning program. While athletic performance remains important, she has intentionally expanded the program to focus on character development, leadership, nutrition, and overall wellness.
“Rather than simply telling athletes what to do, I placed a strong emphasis on helping them understand why we do it,” she explained.
Athletes regularly discuss topics such as recovery, sleep, nutrition, accountability, and resilience, while learning how those habits translate beyond sports.
“The most rewarding part has been watching the shift in culture,” she said. “Athletes are asking better questions, taking greater ownership of their development, supporting one another, and beginning to see the weight room as more than a place to train.”
Thanks to Dr. Barrett’s leadership, the weight room has become an environment where her athletes are challenged to grow physically, mentally, and emotionally. As an educator and coach, she believes it is a shared responsibility to not only develop stronger athletes but also help develop stronger people.
“Seeing that vision come to life has been one of the most meaningful accomplishments of my career.”
Advice for Future Doctoral Students
As she reflects on her doctoral journey, Dr. Barrett encourages future CSP Global students to trust themselves throughout the process.
“Give yourself permission to grow. There will be moments when you feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or like you don’t belong in the room. Those feelings are more common than you realize.”
She also reminds students to recognize the value of their own experiences. “Stay curious, remain teachable, and embrace opportunities that challenge you. Some of your greatest growth will happen outside of your comfort zone.”
What’s Next After Earning an EdD in Kinesiology?
Looking ahead, Dr. Barrett plans to continue building on the foundation created through her doctoral studies. Since graduating from Concordia St. Paul, she has earned her Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) credential through the NSCA and completed a Leadership Development Program through her school district.
“The next chapter of my journey involves continuing to bridge the worlds of education, coaching, and leadership development,” she said.
Ultimately, her goal remains unchanged. “I want to use the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained to help others reach their full potential,” she shared. “Whether in the classroom, the weight room, or on the field, I want to leave people better than I found them.”
For Dr. Barrett, earning a doctorate was never the finish line.
“It was a launching point for continued growth, service, and impact.”
Explore CSP Global’s Doctorate in Kinesiology
Inspired by Dr. Barrett’s story? Learn how CSP Global’s Doctorate in Kinesiology program can help working professionals advance their expertise through flexible online learning, applied research, and meaningful professional growth.