The Roster
Current Lab Members
Amaya Brown, Graduate Research Assistant
Amaya Brown
Graduate Research Assistant
Brown is pursing her Master’s degree in Kinesiology with a specialization in Sport Administration. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sport Psychology from Arizona Christian University, where she was a collegiate beach volleyball athlete.
At Tarleton Brown continues her athletic career as a member of the women’s beach volleyball team.
Michael Cintron, Graduate Teaching Assistant
Michael Cintron
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Cintron recently earned his Undergraduate degree from the Kinesiology department at Tarleton State University this December of 2024. Cintron is pursing his Master in Kinesiology with a concertation of Sport Administration. He is currently working as a professor for the Sport Science department here at Tarleton State University. While simultaneously working for the Major League Baseball (MLB) organization under the On Deck Sales program. His career goal is to be a Director of Administration for an MLB team.
Myles Ward, Graduate Research Assistant
Myles Ward
Graduate Research Assistant
Ward is currently pursing his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He is a former student athlete at Tarleton State University, having earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Kinesiology.
He plans to attain his LPC, CMPC, and PsyD.
Matthew Havens, Undergraduate Intern
Matthew Havens
Undergraduate Intern
Havens is majoring in Sport Management and plans to graduate in May 2026.
He is the current President of the Coaching Club at Tarleton State University and enjoys coaching a local 14U select softball team.
Melissa Vargas, Undergraduate Intern
Melissa Vargas
Undergraduate Intern
Vargas is majoring in Sport Management and plans to graduate in May 2025.
She is involved with a variety of student organizations on campus including the Sport Management Club. She plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Sport Management.
Hayden Bowcutt, Undergraduate Volunteer
Hayden Bowcutt
Undergraduate Volunteer
Bowcutt is a Sport Management major.
Jarrett Lopez, Undergraduate Volunteer
Jarrett Lopez
Undergraduate Volunteer
List of Lab Alumni
Chad Agor, Graduate Research Assistant
Kyndal Gladson, Graduate Teaching Assistant
Summer Reflogal, Graduate Assistant
Zach Dixon, Graduate Intern
Josh Fussel, Graduate Assistant
Ryan Samford, Undergraduate Volunteer
Kennedy Vaughn, Undergraduate Intern
Raylee Roberts, Undergraduate Volunteer
Affiliated Faculty
Christina Villalon, PhD
Assistant Professor – Director of Sport IMPACT Lab
Research Areas: Coach Development Systems, Coach Education and Development, Psychosocial Aspects of Sport
As a third-generation coach, Villalon has created resources for coach developers, facilitated multiple coach development workshops, and worked on projects for a variety of community sport organizations and national governing bodies. Her current research interests largely focus on improving coach development systems. She has also published research in the areas of sport psychology and sports media.
Dr. Villalon completed her PhD in Coaching and Teaching Studies at West Virginia University, MS in Kinesiology (Psychosocial Aspects of Sport and Exercise) at the University of North Texas, and BS in Communication with a minor in Business at Cornell University.
Baykal Altiner
Instructor, RELLIS Campus
Research Areas:
Sharon Tiffany Bowers, PhD
Associate Professor
Research Areas: Adapted Physical Education and Activity
Rachel Elms, PhD
Assistant Professor
Research Areas: Sport Marketing & Promotion; Female Leadership in Sport
At Tarleton State University, Elms advances knowledge in sport management, focusing on leadership styles and development. As an Assistant Professor, she bridges academia and industry, using her extensive experience in higher education and health/fitness leadership to create a progressive learning environment.
Elms collaborates with colleagues and students to promote applied learning experiences in recreational, health, and fitness management. She has organized initiatives such as university 5Ks, panel discussions, career fairs, research symposiums, goat yoga, and fitness events with charities like Strong Girls United. Her mission, rooted in her scholarly work, is to illuminate pathways for women in sports, guided by her expertise in sport management.
Tom Tallach, EdD
Department Head – Department of Sport Science
Research Areas: Sport Management, Coaching, Physical Education
Dr. Tallach boasts a expansive educational journey, having studied at Southern Arkansas University, the University of California-Irvine, National Park Community College, Centenary College (LA), Texas A&M-Commerce, and the University of Arkansas.
At Tarleton, he cherishes the vibrant traditions, particularly enjoying the energy of Oscar P’s Chant and the community spirit of the Bonfire. Dr. Tallach’s rich background and enthusiasm for these traditions highlight his dedication to creating an engaging and spirited atmosphere in academia.
Jarrod Schenewark, PhD
Associate Professor
Research Areas: Sport Science and Sport Management
Dr. Schenewark is an accomplished academic with a rich educational background, having attended the University of Connecticut-Storrs, the University of California-Berkeley, and the University of Texas at Austin.
A former collegiate athlete, Dr. Schenewark played football as a placekicker at the University of Connecticut, showcasing his passion for sports. His favorite Tarleton tradition is the Bonfire, a cherished event that embodies school spirit.
Contact Us
Director: Dr. Christina Villalon
Kinesiology/Wisdom Gym Room 112
Box T-0370, Stephenville, TX 76402
Phone: (254) 459-5419
Email: sportimpact@tarleton.edu