Villanova University

May 26, 2010

By Andrea DeSabato

Cindy Koza graduated from Villanova in 2006 with a bachelor's degree in chemistry. From there she went to graduate school at Nova Southeastern University for her Doctorate in Optometry which she plans to achieve this spring 2010. Koza has been in graduate school since she received her undergraduate degree from Villanova and she currently is completing her required medical rotations and also works for a private practice in Towson, Maryland. This past February she was in Bethel, Alaska for three months completing her final rotation at and Indian Health Reservation with a focus in ocular disease. Upon graduating in May she plans to be able to sign her own prescriptions, prescribe contacts, treat glaucoma, and other the list goes on. Before all of this, when Koza was applying to many different Optometry schools, she claims that not one interviewer failed to mention her athletic career.

Even though deciding to earn her doctorate seems like a great choice her for Koza, she still considers playing collegiate lacrosse one of the best decisions she ever could have made.

"You really don't realize how valuable being a student-athlete is until after you leave and you're in the real world," she states.

Her first three years as a women's lacrosse played Koza played offensive midfield and was moved to a defensive midfielder her senior year. She was also named captain her senior year and is also among Villanova's all-time assist leaders, although she is not sure exactly how many she had.

As a captain Koza was taught the value of being able to understand people and understanding different people's personalities, "you learn to accept someone's opposing way of doing something once you realize their view of thinking," said Koza.

Koza uses exercise as an outlet when school and studying become too much. Upon graduating she has kept in very good shape by running two marathons and completing a variety of triathlons.

Aside from all of the free sweats and T-shirts, Koza feels that the best thing about attending Villanova was its reputation and knows it is a great name to have on a resume.

"People have heard of Villanova, not only on ESPN in March, but because of its renowned academic programs," says Koza. "You're kind of stereotyped as a well-rounded and well-educated individual because that is what Villanova teaches you to become."

Koza's advice to student-athletes is to find a way to push through the stresses and struggles that come with college athletics.

"A lot of people do not make it and that is because they give up when it is hard," Koza states. "I didn't realize until after all of the games were over that you take a lot more from being a student-athlete than wins and losses. You gain a lot more about life and learn a lot about yourself and how you can handle certain situations."

Koza has experienced the value of collegiate sports in her profession career and thinks it is key to remember that it pays off when it's all over and the time has been put in. Koza advises, "put in the time!"