Tennis Star & Future Phys Ed Teacher
Senior Eli Gouin credits his health and physical education professors for guiding his path forward.
As a five-year-old boy, Eli Gouin could often be found sporting a tennis racket in his hand. By age 13, he was teaching younger children about the finer points of tennis.
“The aspect of teaching and working with kids always came natural to me,” says Gouin, a senior and star player on the Rhode Island College tennis team. “That pushed me toward the idea of pursuing a career in health and physical education.”
“I know I’m not going to be able to change everyone’s lifestyle, but as an educator, I think I can build long-term relationships that have an impact,” he says. “Since health is a major crisis in the world, I want to do my part to create a community where people care about exercise, eating proper foods and safety.”
One of his role models is alumnus Richard Lawrence ’68, Gouin’s first tennis instructor and a retired coach who spent 50 years at Woonsocket’s Mount Saint Charles Academy coaching tennis and soccer. Lawrence was inducted into the Rhode Island College Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.
“When I considered going into health and physical education, Coach Lawrence was one of the first people I talked to,” Gouin says. “He’s knowledgeable and wise and has seen it all. If I have questions, I know he’ll give me his best judgment.”
A Glocester native, Gouin says RIC’s health and physical education program has the reputation of being one of the best in the region. This factored into his decision to choose Rhode Island College. Its rigorous program has prepared him well for the future, he says.
“As an educator, my style is going to be structured, strict and focused on safety,” he says. “Being structured sets a tone and an environment where kids figure out what they can and can’t do. And safety must be a priority because the equipment being used can hurt them. The fun comes after that.”
Although he will be certified to teach grades K-12, Gouin says he prefers to teach at the elementary school level.
“Children at that age tend to have more motivation and energy,” he says. “It’s like a fresh slate to work with. You’re giving them the foundation of health and physical activity, from how to throw and catch a ball to how to breathe properly while running.”
A recent practicum experience at Harry Kizirian Elementary School in Providence confirmed Gouin’s future goals. Once a week for 10 weeks, he worked with third graders as a teacher assistant.
“I saw the dedication among the teachers and learned skills that I can transfer to my own physical education class,” he says. “That experience solidified the fact that it’s rewarding to work with kids and that I want to continue on this path.”
Gouin credits health and physical education professors Susan Clark, Kristin Pepin and Robin Kirkwood Auld for guiding his path forward.
“I trust their input and the fact that they don’t give me the answers directly but allow me the room to think and create my own answers,” Gouin says.
That’s akin to the way Gouin has carved out his own style on the tennis court.
“At five-foot-five, I’m shorter and not as strong as the taller players,” he says. “But great cardio, quickness and defensive play is my strength and how I tend to win.”
At Ponaganset High School, Gouin was a two-time all-division tennis honoree. This year he led the RIC tennis team to a second place ranking in the Little East Conference and its second consecutive appearance in the Little East finals.
“Playing tennis at RIC is something else I love about this college,” he says. “Our team is like a family, and I know I will be friends with these guys for the rest of my life.”