Brad Coyle, kinesiology instructor at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, presented “Activating Connections Between Physical Activity, Self-Esteem, and Fitness,” at the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance convention in Fort Worth, Texas. His presentation in April was sponsored by the National Association for Girls and Women in Sport.

Coyle talked about national studies that suggest young women, ages 11-14, suffer a loss of self-confidence and battle with poor body image. Correspondingly, daily participation in physical activity declines as all young women progress through grade levels, he said. Coyle offered strategies to increase the proportion of female adolescents who participate in daily physical activity. Coyle co-presented with Cathy Singletary of LSU Shreveport.

An instructor for three years at ULM, Coyle earned a B.S. in Health and Physical Education at East Stroudsburg University and a Master’s M.Ed (Health Education) at Pennsylvania State University. He is finishing his doctor of education at Oklahoma State University. Coyle's concentration is in Health and Human Performance.