Resilient and Ready: Georgia Southern graduate Ava Geyer’s mission for moms

May 21, 2025

Ava Geyer has held many roles while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in exercise science at Georgia Southern University, but the most important one is mom. Learning that she would become a mother while finishing her degree caused her to adjust her workload, but the vibrant student from Warner Robins, Georgia has always handled responsibility with finesse. She says the caring environment on campus helped her excel as she journeyed through motherhood and academics.

“The staff here is nothing but supportive,” said Geyer. “That’s one thing I will remember about Georgia Southern, and it will stick with me for the rest of my life.”

Geyer found her passion for health while navigating her own challenges. She was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) in high school. The disorder affected her heart rate and energy level, cutting her budding dancing career short. Geyer spent time scrolling social media when she could not dance, eventually stumbling across exercise and nutrition programs. She says taking up a new meal and exercise routine gave her back her spark.
“Walking on the treadmill turned into ‘well, let me just try leg extensions,’” said Geyer. “Then that turned into looking up cool exercises on how to build your quads, then how to properly do an exercise turned into weightlifting. Now I’m training for a competition.”
Geyer started looking for a place to turn her passion for fitness into a career and began touring college campuses. As soon as she stepped foot on Georgia Southern’s Statesboro Campus, she knew she had found her new home. Geyer poured herself into her studies and took on the role of vice president of affairs for the campus Pre-Med Association in addition to working multiple jobs. She says the busy schedule helped drive her forward.
“There were times I would really feel the burnout, but I just thought ‘keep your eye on the prize,’” said Geyer. “I was just so grateful to be doing this and I took it one day at a time.”
Becoming a mother provided even deeper insight into the needs of others as she navigated her own healthcare journey. She connected with various support centers in Statesboro and began volunteering with Georgia Southern Miracle, a student organization that supports the Children’s Miracle Network. She plans to continue her education with a doctorate degree to make sure other women are able to get the compassionate care she received.
“I love women’s health so much,” said Geyer. “I would love to open up my own practice and specialize in high-risk pregnancies. I really think I would be fulfilled at that point.”