April 3, 2025

Drexel University goalkeeper and exercise science major Ben Hanas is working hard for his academic and athletic success.

Five practices, three lifts and two games per week. All of this is done while maintaining a regular class schedule and having to deal with homework, quizzes and exams. Student-athletes face lots of responsibilities. Drexel soccer goalkeeper Ben Hanas knows all about that. The 18-year-old majors in sxercise science at the College of Nursing and Health Professions (CNHP) and gives up a lot of his free time to be successful on and off the field.

Hanas grew up in Danvers, Massachusetts, always thinking about sports. He started playing soccer at the age of five, and later played for the Major League Soccer (MLS) Next team Boston Bolts. Hanas also competed in varsity basketball and indoor track and field for Danvers High School.

Upon graduating from high school in 2024, Hanas moved from Massachusetts to Philadelphia after making this no-brainer decision. “The combination of being able to major in exercise science, which is a major you don’t see a lot of schools having, and being able to play Division 1 soccer here at Drexel was an opportunity I just had to take,” said Hanas.

After his soccer career, Hanas doesn’t want to leave sports behind. “For me, working as a strength coach, chiropractor, athletic trainer or orthopedic doctor for a professional sports team would be amazing,” he said about his career aspirations. “I always wanted to have a job where I can help people and impact the world in a good way,” he added.

CNHP’s Exercise Science program was the perfect fit for Hanas, who works hard to pursue his career goals. It covers biomechanics, sports nutrition, sport and exercise psychology, athletic training, fitness for special population groups, motor control/learning/development and exercise physiology and rehabilitation — everything Hanas hoped for. In both of his first two quarters, he made Drexel’s Dean’s List averaging a 3.93 GPA.

Hanas is not only working hard in the classroom but also putting a lot of effort into his athletic career. As a Division 1 soccer player, his days are packed. During the fall season, he sometimes ends up having up to five practices, three lifts and two games per week. Some of the games have taken the 6’2” goalkeeper to places like Elon, North Carolina, or Madison, Wisconsin.

“It can definitely get overwhelming at times with soccer and school, but as long as you plan out your day, know when things need to get done and you don’t procrastinate, it’s all easy to get done,” explained Hanas, who often ends up sacrificing the little free time that remains to complete homework assignments or study for exams. Good planning and being disciplined are his keys to success.

Another benefit for this first-year student is that he enjoys his exercise science classes at Drexel. “Learning about the body, how it works and how it moves is really cool because it translates directly to soccer,” said Hanas. He also enjoys the state-of-the-art resources of Drexel’s CNHP program. “The exercise science lab on the sixth floor of the Drexel’s Health Sciences Building is super cool. I saw it on my visit, and I was blown away by the entire facility. It is great to have that resource.”

One of his favorite classes at Drexel so far has been the exercise science introduction class with Michael Bruneau Jr., PhD, associate teaching professor. "I love Dr. B! And I love the fact that I started to take major-related classes right away. At any other school in freshman year, you must take all the classes all freshmen have to take. But at Drexel, it's different, which was awesome because it confirmed that my decision to major in exercise science was right,” said Hanas.

Hanas has been through a lot during his first two quarters at Drexel — leaving his family, adjusting to city life and Drexel’s fast-paced quarter system, injuries, the Eagles Superbowl win and the cruelty of being a freshman goalkeeper at the college level.

Despite all the ups and downs, he remains positive. “I probably learned more in this one year of not playing than I did playing every game in my club. Every day I’m trying to get to the next level, and it is great to see how people with a great work mentality attack every day. I was able to learn a lot, especially from the seniors,” said Hanas. He decided to redshirt in his first season as a Dragon, which allows him to have one extra year of NCAA eligibility.

Hanas works hard on the soccer field and in the classroom to pursue his future dreams. The CNHP program helps him with that. “I’m definitely in the right place here at Drexel,” said Hanas, who feels at home in Philadelphia and University City.

By Raphael Bartell, communication '26