Student-Athlete Balances Hockey and Path to Medicine

Julianna Koman’s rigorous academic program plus ice hockey set the stage for the next chapter of her life

Key Highlights

• Student-athlete successfully balances Division I ice hockey with a rigorous pre-med academic path
• Demonstrates how discipline in sports translates to academic and career success
• Nominated for a Greater Bridgeport Medical Association scholarship

For Sacred Heart University senior Julianna Koman ’26, balancing the demands of a rigorous academic program and Division I athletics has been both challenging and rewarding—and it’s a journey that has shaped her path toward a career in medicine.

A neuroscience major with minors in chemistry and psychology and a member of the honors program, Koman, a native of Washington, PA, fully embraced the opportunities SHU offers both in and out of the classroom. As a member of the women’s ice hockey team, she learned to manage her time effectively while maintaining a strong commitment to her academic goals.

“I chose Sacred Heart because of the neuroscience program, but also because of the environment,” Koman said. “The size of the school and the smaller class sizes enabled me to build real relationships with my professors, which has made such a difference in my experience.”

Those connections made a meaningful impact. Impressed with her dedication and academic performance, Koman’s pre-health adviser, executive director of pre-health advising, Ellen Watts, nominated her for a scholarship through the Greater Bridgeport Medical Association.

“Being nominated was really special to me,” Koman said. “It showed me that my professors see my hard work and believe in my future.”

Koman’s commitment to health care extends beyond the classroom. She has worked as a patient care technician in a nursing home, gaining hands-on experience and insight into patient care, which further solidified her desire to pursue a career in medicine.

“Working directly with patients confirmed that this is what I want to do,” Koman said. “It’s one thing to study science, but actually being able to help people is what motivates me every day.”

Last year, she took a significant step toward realizing her goal by taking the MCAT, positioning herself for the next phase of her academic journey. She has been accepted into medical school and is currently deciding between two prestigious programs.

Whether she’s on the ice or in the lab, Koman continues to demonstrate the discipline, determination, and passion that define the SHU student experience—proving that with the right support system, it’s possible to excel in every arena.