Senior Sean Getty did not come to Coker University on a straight path.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Sean grew up wrestling and seeking opportunities to compete and keep moving forward. That drive took him to Presbyterian College, where he began his college career. After his first year, it became clear the school was not the right fit. The environment did not work for him, and he made the decision to step away.

Sean took a gap year and moved to Wilmington, North Carolina, to live with his dad. During that time, he had to decide whether college was still part of his future. He could stay in Wilmington and work, or he could try again, knowing more about what he needed from a school.

He chose to try again.

While researching colleges closer to South Carolina, Sean looked for a wrestling program and a campus that felt welcoming. When he met Coach Rob Parland, the conversation stood out. The questions were thoughtful, and Sean felt comfortable talking about his goals and where he had been.

Sean transferred to Coker in the fall of 2023. He had concerns about his GPA and about starting over, but the admissions process made it clear that he would be supported. When he visited campus, Hartsville felt different from places he had been before. The town felt approachable. On campus, he met teammates, including two from Pennsylvania, who helped make the transition easier.

“As soon as I was accepted, I immediately said, ‘I’m going to Coker,’ Sean said.

At first, Sean followed a practical academic path. Like his dad, he considered a career in accounting. Over time, he realized it was not what he wanted to do and felt comfortable exploring that honesty. He changed his major to physical education, a decision that felt more natural to him.

That change connected him with Dr. Suzanne Parker, professor of Physical Education and Sport Studies. Their relationship developed over time. Dr. Parker helped Sean plan his coursework and stay focused when things became overwhelming. She also held him accountable when he needed it.

“One of the things I told him early on is that I can’t sit here and tell you all the great things you’re doing to help you improve, so when I’m being nit-picky, it’s because that’s all I can do,” Dr. Parker said. “He’s really grown to that and is just overall very open and authentic.”

Sean carried heavy course loads, often taking 18 credit hours at a time. He worked as a lab assistant, where he learned how to apply what he was studying in class. Over time, he became more organized and more comfortable asking for help.

Then Sean tore his ACL in January 2025.

The injury forced him to slow down. Wrestling had been a constant in his life, and losing it, even temporarily, was difficult. Sean chose to stay enrolled and delay surgery until the semester ended. He shifted his focus to his academics and his long-term goals.

“I was so overwhelmed,” Sean said. “I’m scared of surgery. I thought about my physical education classes, which have so much movement in them. I needed to get through school, but I wanted to wrestle. I was depressed a little bit at the time, because I did not know what I was going to do.”

During his recovery, Sean started an Instagram page called @getty_f1tness. He used it to document his progress and to stay connected to fitness while he healed. It also became a way for him to talk openly about mental health and staying consistent during setbacks.

That mindset led him to his internship at the YMCA of the Upper Pee Dee, where he is now three weeks into the experience. With support from Dr. Parker, Sean secured the internship to gain hands-on experience as he prepares for a career as a personal trainer.

Even early on, his supervisors noticed him.

“He’s handled everything I’ve thrown at him, and he keeps asking for more,” Nique said. “He’s still learning, but he’s learned so much so far because he’s willing to try.”

Sean began by observing and learning the facility's daily operations. He asked questions and offered help. Within a short time, he was assisting with classes, supporting after-school programs, and interacting with members. He made an effort to learn names and talk with people during his shifts.

“He’s probably one of the first interns I would recommend to another Y to hire him in a good position, like a program director,” Nique said. “He doesn’t have the full experience for that, but from what I’ve seen, he’s a sponge, and he’s willing to try.”

Throughout Sean’s time at Coker, his family has remained closely involved. His mom, Cheryl Getty, has watched his growth from Pennsylvania and has seen how much the support at Coker has meant to him.

“When Sean tore his ACL, it really depressed him, and he really had to discover who he was outside of wrestling,” Cheryl said. “I am so grateful that he was at Coker to do that, because I think it really made all the difference.”

She credits the mentorship Sean found at Coker, especially through Dr. Parker, with helping him stay on track and believe in himself academically.

“I cannot say enough about Dr. Parker,” Cheryl said. “She really changed Sean’s life just by being such a wonderful mentor, and she sets such high expectations. And because Sean has so much respect for her, he wants to meet those expectations.”

As Sean approaches graduation, he is thinking carefully about what comes next. His goal is to become a certified personal trainer and, one day, own his own gym. He has his eye on returning to Wilmington to pursue similar opportunities.

“Without the help and support of my professors and coach, I might have left Coker after I tore my ACL,” Sean said. “And I’m so glad I didn’t, because this has been the best thing that has happened to me in my life. Just this, the college here, I will always remember it. I will always remember my time here.”