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Rachel Blankenship
Fulbright-University of Stirling Award in Health, Well-being and Sport
Rachel Blankenship, of Memphis, Tennessee, graduated from East Tennessee State University in 2019 with a B.F.A. in Graphic Design after completing her four years as a student-athlete with the women's soccer program. Following graduation, Rachel travelled to Skövde, Sweden where she played one season of professional soccer before returning to the United States to pursue a graduate degree at Florida State University.
At Florida State University, Rachel gained a Master of Science in Art Therapy. Throughout her time in this program, Rachel provided art therapy services to adolescent girls in a residential treatment facility, older adults in an assisted living and memory care facility, and adults admitted to an inpatient behavioral health unit. As Rachel learned more about art therapy and what it has to offer, she realized there was an exciting opportunity to merge two of her biggest passions: art and sport. At the University of Stirling in Scotland, Rachel will be studying sport psychology as she intends to integrate art therapy theory into the mental health treatment of athletes. Rachel is eager to witness the rich history and culture of sport in Scotland and plans to get involved with local sports teams, both as a player and a volunteer coach.