In the future, Kelli Fogt hopes to work as a director of football operations at a college. When she isn’t studying or working, Kelli can be found hanging out with friends and family, boating, watching movies, and petting dogs.

Get to know Kelli 

  • Major: Kinesiology and health
  • Class: Senior
  • Hometown: Waukee, Iowa (Dallas County)
  • Career goal: Director of football operations
  • Clubs/activities: Honors Program, Dance Marathon, Sigma Kappa Sorority
  • Awards/honors: Dean’s list
  • Favorite place on campus: Forker Building
  • Most influential ISU mentor: Jason Gillette
  • Favorite class: KIN 355, Biomechanics
  • Why Iowa State: Grew up coming to athletic events, felt like home

Kelli Fogt’s position with Iowa State Athletics results in newfound career path

Kelli Fogt, a senior studying kinesiology and health, is fascinated by the sciences and has a deep desire to connect with others. Coming into her freshman year as a business major, Kelli realized that path didn’t best suit her. Upon this realization, she made the switch to kinesiology, thinking she might want to pursue a career in the medical field.

“I was kind of wanting to go into physical therapy or medicine, and so I thought kinesiology would be the best route to get there,” she said.

Kelli has thoroughly enjoyed all her classes and getting to know the tight-knit kinesiology community, but her new field came with new obstacles. Though Kelli had always easily excelled at school, she struggled in a class for the first time during a physics course. Kelli has since made it a habit to be proactive and prepared when it comes to difficult courses.

“It was really hard for me to actually ask for help,” Kelli said. “Tutoring helped me so much, and I could ask someone questions who had already gone through the class. After physics, I got a tutor for every class I thought was going to be difficult.”

Still planning to attend medical school, Kelli secured a job as a student recruiting assistant for the Iowa State University football team. This position allowed her to incorporate problem solving skills she acquired through kinesiology classes and opened her eyes to realms of new possibilities—completely redirecting her career path toward athletics. 

“Through [my job], I decided I want to keep working in football after I graduate,” Kelli said. “Literally no day is the same; it’s very fast paced and everything changes so quickly. I really like that type of environment, and I think I work really well in it.”

Working closely with the recruiting department, Kelli has gotten the opportunity to make connections with potential football players and their families. 

“A big part of my job is making connections with potential players and their families. I really enjoy that because I love getting to know new people and learning about them,” Kelli said. “I think that is probably one of my favorite parts.”

After graduation, Kelli hopes to become a director of football operations at a college. 

“I grew up around sports,” Kelli said. “I’ve always had a passion for sports and the atmosphere, but my job gave me the passion to continue working in sports.”