In addition to overseeing everything about Moravian University’s fitness center, Kelly Fallara is one of the assistant coaches for the women’s basketball team.
Please tell us when and how you became interested in sports and fitness.
I have always been drawn to the passion, enthusiasm, and energy that surround recreation and athletics. They have helped shape my strong work ethic and strong sense of determination. I truly believe athletics is a small snapshot of life. Many important life lessons, such as recognizing that it takes hard work to achieve great things, to always get up when you get knocked down, and to never let the fear of losing keep you from trying, have been reinforced through my involvement in athletics. Although my career as an athlete ended after college, my love for athletics and recreation continues to grow and flourish to this day.
Assuming basketball is your favorite sport, do you have any personal successes you would like to share?
Basketball does hold a special place as my favorite sport. During my time at Villa Maria Academy High School [in Malvern, Pennsylvania], we proudly clinched the district championship three years in a row. Continuing my passion for the game, I played basketball at DeSales University from 2012 to 2016. We had four very successful seasons, and I had the honor of being named captain during my senior year. Coaching here at Moravian and watching the women grow and develop on and off the court has been an extremely rewarding experience.
As the director of recreation and fitness, what is your background in fitness ?
I can personally attest to the substantial impact campus recreation and fitness can have on a student’s life. It is absolutely vital that members of the college community have a place to go where they can strengthen their physical and mental state and reap the numerous benefits of daily exercise.
Right after I graduated from Desales, I went to Indiana University of Pennsylvania to obtain my master’s in sport management and my MBA. I was offered a full graduate assistant position where I worked as the facility manager for the fitness center on campus (James G. Mill Fitness Center). After graduating in 2018, I worked at Northampton Community College as the coordinator of recreation & fitness and the senior woman administrator (SWA) in athletics. I oversaw and managed numerous student workers as well as two part-time employees, managed the daily operations of the recreation department and organized/marketed all intramural and departmental events. As the SWA, I worked as a student athlete academic success monitor, helped run all athletic events, and helped update our department’s social media accounts. I joined Moravian in July of 2021.
Are there any specific moments from your experience with students that stand out in your mind as special?
Running the intramurals program is an extremely fun and entertaining experience. The students here are very competitive.
Share something about yourself that people may not know.
Back in 2018 I went to Taiwan to present my graduate thesis at the International Sport Business Conference.
What is your favorite Moravian University tradition?
Vespers
What do you like to do with your free time?
I really like to stay active. I go for walks and play tennis. I also enjoy reading crime thriller books.
What is the best advice you have ever received or a quote that stays with you?
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” This quote, from Mahatma Gandhi, reminds me that each of us has the power to make a difference, no matter how small our actions may seem. I try to carry this with me in everything that I do.
Share something that makes you happy.
My family makes me very happy. They are my biggest cheerleaders and supporters and my closest confidants. I am grateful for them every day!