Students enthusiastically participate in a wellness campaign on campus.
College Park, Maryland, July 31, 2025
Kirstin Nichols, a rising star from the University of Maryland, has turned her athletic struggles into a campaign for health equity. Overcoming numerous challenges, including stress fractures and chronic illnesses, she aims to empower others through her initiative, ‘The Wellness Effect’. As a Rodman Scholarship recipient, Kirstin plans to pursue her Master’s in Public Health, advocating for health literacy and equity for all. Her inspiring journey showcases the importance of resilience and access to health resources in pursuit of athletic dreams.
College Park, Maryland – Kirstin Nichols, a determined student-athlete from Crofton, Maryland, has transformed her personal health struggles into a powerful advocacy for public health. After enduring numerous health challenges throughout her high school running career, Nichols not only achieved her dream of competing for the University of Maryland but also committed to addressing health equity through her future endeavors.
Nichols faced significant hurdles during her athletic journey, including seven stress fractures that delayed her running ambitions. Despite these injuries, she collaborated closely with her parents to gather essential medical information, ensuring her ability to stay in the sport she loved. Following years of medical assessments, Nichols received diagnoses for several chronic illnesses that impacted her athletic performance. These challenges, rather than deterring her, provided clarity and empowered her to take control of her health.
With resilience and determination, Nichols qualified for the University of Maryland’s track and field team, realizing her aspiration to represent the Terps. Beyond competing, she developed a passion for public health advocacy, seeking to motivate others who face similar health challenges. As a recipient of the 2025 Rodman Scholarship, Nichols is set to pursue a Master’s in Public Health at George Washington University this fall, marking a significant step in her advocacy journey.
Nichols initially grew up in a family of runners but followed a different path by exploring musical theatre before eventually embracing running in high school. At Maryland, she achieved multiple top-10 finishes in track competitions, with a memorable highlight being a personal record run during her senior indoor season, despite managing persistent Achilles pain.
During her time in college, Nichols held various leadership roles, including serving as Communications Liaison for the Student-Athlete Advisory Council and as Director of Storytelling for Maryland Made. These experiences refined her professional interests in public health and advocacy.
To further her impact, Nichols participated in the Do Good Institute Accelerator Fellowship, leading to the creation of a wellness initiative titled “The Wellness Effect.” This program collaborates with College Park Academy to empower middle school students to design their health campaigns, emphasizing health literacy and self-advocacy skills.
Nichols aims to expand “The Wellness Effect” into a nonprofit organization with plans to extend its reach to college campuses, including George Washington University. Her vision is to enhance health equity, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to pursue their dreams, regardless of their health challenges.
With immense gratitude, Nichols reflects on how the University of Maryland and her Rodman Scholarship have significantly impacted her life. She emphasizes that while hard work is essential, access to health resources is equally vital for athletes striving for success.
Kirstin Nichols’ journey is a testament to resilience and dedication. As she embarks on her Master’s studies and expands her advocacy efforts, she remains committed to empowering young individuals to take charge of their health and well-being, paving the way for broader health equity in the future.
Kirstin faced multiple health challenges, including seven stress fractures and chronic illnesses that impacted her athletic performance.
Kirstin created “The Wellness Effect,” a wellness initiative that helps middle schoolers develop their health campaigns and promotes health literacy.
Kirstin aims to pursue a Master’s in Public Health and develop “The Wellness Effect” into a nonprofit organization to address health equity.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Kirstin Nichols |
| Location | College Park, Maryland |
| Health Challenges | Seven stress fractures and chronic illnesses |
| University | University of Maryland |
| Scholarship | 2025 Rodman Scholarship |
| Future Plans | Master’s in Public Health at George Washington University |
| Advocacy Initiative | “The Wellness Effect” |
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