University of Delaware Athletics
UD Athletics Staff Summer Series: Christine Pena
6/17/2021 1:02:00 PM | Delaware Athletics
Name: Christine Pena
Year Arrived at UD: 2008
Job Title: Fitness Director
Alma Mater: Rowan University and the University of Alabama
Degree Earned: Masters of Art in Health Studies
Why did you choose to accept a position at UD? I had a great experience working in university recreation as an undergraduate and grad student. After having worked in commercial and corporate fitness, I really wanted to get back into a university fitness setting. The job at UD was close enough to home (NJ) and had career growth potential.  Â
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What's a memorable moment at UD that you've had since arriving? My most memorable moment was the opening day of our brand new fitness center at the Carpenter Sports Building (CSB) in 2013. I worked really hard in choosing the new fitness equipment, helping with the facility layout, and in preparing my staff to work in a space that was more than triple the size of the old fitness space. It was great to see the response of the students and experience their excitement for our awesome new space.
What's the best part about your job? Getting to know the students who work here and workout here, and having the opportunity to create lasting relationships with some of them.
What advice/knowledge/words of wisdom would you tell someone that's interested in pursuing your field? The world of health and fitness is vast. Get as much experience you can and figure out what ignites your passion. You have the opportunity to change people's lives and that is true privilege.
What's your favorite quote?
Quick Hits
Coffee or Tea
Hot Dog or Hamburger
Cookie or Cupcake
Phone Call or Text
Ice Cream Cone or Snow Cone
What's worse: Laundry or Dishes
Passenger or Driver
Year Arrived at UD: 2008
Job Title: Fitness Director
Alma Mater: Rowan University and the University of Alabama
Degree Earned: Masters of Art in Health Studies
Why did you choose to accept a position at UD? I had a great experience working in university recreation as an undergraduate and grad student. After having worked in commercial and corporate fitness, I really wanted to get back into a university fitness setting. The job at UD was close enough to home (NJ) and had career growth potential.  Â
                              Â
What's a memorable moment at UD that you've had since arriving? My most memorable moment was the opening day of our brand new fitness center at the Carpenter Sports Building (CSB) in 2013. I worked really hard in choosing the new fitness equipment, helping with the facility layout, and in preparing my staff to work in a space that was more than triple the size of the old fitness space. It was great to see the response of the students and experience their excitement for our awesome new space.
What's the best part about your job? Getting to know the students who work here and workout here, and having the opportunity to create lasting relationships with some of them.
What advice/knowledge/words of wisdom would you tell someone that's interested in pursuing your field? The world of health and fitness is vast. Get as much experience you can and figure out what ignites your passion. You have the opportunity to change people's lives and that is true privilege.
What's your favorite quote?
- "Surround yourself with people who make you hungry for life, touch your heart, and nourish your soul."
- Definitely summer, I love the beach!
- Not a meal, but tortilla chips and guacamole
- Photography
- The human body
Quick Hits
Coffee or Tea
Hot Dog or Hamburger
Cookie or Cupcake
Phone Call or Text
Ice Cream Cone or Snow Cone
What's worse: Laundry or Dishes
Passenger or Driver
#StaffSummerSeries Get to know @UDLilBob's Fitness Director Christine Pena. She has great advice. Check it out! 💙💛💪 #BlueHens
— #BlueHens (@UDBlueHens) June 17, 2021
👉https://t.co/rcYOTDyTPl pic.twitter.com/wboAJKpOG1
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