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Kelsey Scannevin '22

There is no challenge too big for this exercise science major

Profiles  /  Kelsey Scannevin '22

Kelsey Scannevin '22

Kelsey Scannevin is a powerhouse. The Lasell University senior is nationally ranked through Revolution Powerlifting Syndicate (RPS), a certified personal trainer, strength and conditioning intern at Babson College, co-captain of the Lasell softball team, coach at Velocity Sports Performance, and a student studying exercise science and minoring in psychology.

At age 19, she became financially independent and moved to Boston full-time to avoid interruptions in her work and studies, and now, at 21 years old, she plans on pursuing a fifth year of study at Lasell to earn her master’s degree in nutrition for human performance. No matter what obstacles are
thrown her way — a heavier lift, new professional certifications, or the inevitable twists that life brings — she is always ready to face them head-on.

Kelsey Scannevin '22 doing pull ups at Velocity Sports Performance

"Fitness helped me through a lot in my personal life, and has made me who I am."

What got you interested in health and fitness?

Fitness helped me through a lot in my personal life, and has made me who I am. It feels amazing to be as young as I am and to coach and empower people. Studying exercise science and psychology, and then adding my master’s degree in nutrition, all goes hand in hand. I want to encompass every aspect of health in my career, and the experience and education I am getting will get me where I want to be. In turn, that means I can better help my clients.

Kelsey Scannevin powerlifting at Velocity Sports Performance

"Powerlifting has given me the strength to improve at softball and the confidence I needed. I started at 16 years old with no clue what I was doing; a year and a half later, I broke my first world record with RPS."

You are the champion of the side hustle. What drives you to take on so much?

I always want to learn more. In my sophomore year, Professor Tim Hanway talked about opportunities at Velocity Sports Performance, and now I am a coach there. Professor Ron Laham mentioned that not enough people get certified as personal trainers while they are still in school, and I immediately knew I wanted to get my feet wet. When COVID hit, I had to find a place to live in the Boston area so that I could remain at those jobs; I wanted it so badly that I picked up another job at Trader Joe’s so that I could pay my bills and keep coaching.

All About Kelsey ... in 60 Seconds!

She has a collection of Crocs and plays the electric kazoo. Her favorite food is vegetables and her favorite hobbies include lifting heavy things. How much will you learn about Kelsey in one minute?

Who makes up your support system?

Even though my parents and sisters are all on opposite sides of the country, I am so grateful for their support. And at Lasell, I have met incredible people. I even had Thanksgiving dinner with Professors Hastie and Hanway when we couldn’t travel to see family during the pandemic. If that doesn’t speak to the kind of place Lasell is, I am not sure what could.

Kelsey Scannevin '22 at Velocity Sports Performance

"It is really rewarding to help people get faster, stronger, make the team, feel more comfortable with themselves, or stay active to play with their grandkids."

Not many people know that you are a powerlifter. How did that start?

I had a coach in high school who consistently told me I’d never be good enough to play softball in college because I wasn’t strong enough. That was my dream — and I wanted to prove him wrong. Powerlifting has given me the strength to improve at softball and the confidence I needed. I started at 16 years old with no clue what I was doing; a year and a half later, I broke my first world record with RPS.

Where do you want to go from here?

I really want to see where things take me. I do know that I like working with a varied population: middle school students, Olympic rowers, college athletes, and everything in between. I don’t want to  isolate myself to only one type of client. It is really rewarding to help people get faster, stronger,  make the team, feel more comfortable with themselves, or stay active to play with their grandkids.

Photos by Margaret Brochu '20
Video by Felipe Bida

Help support students like Kelsey

To make a gift in support of Lasell students like Kelsey or for more information, visit lasellalumni.org or contact Terri Houston, philanthropy and engagement officer, at thouston@lasell.edu or 508-360-3002.

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