Then & Now: Colleen Martin '13 And Courtney Blake (Softball)

(The Then & Now feature aims to highlight one alum and one current student from the same team and major who have shined athletically and academically as a student-athlete at Endicott)

BEVERLY, Mass. – Many student-athletes use their experiences on the field to develop life-long skills, relationships and passions but for some these experiences have translated into a careers. For student-athletes in the Endicott Athletic Training program the work they do on the field and in the classroom tie very closely to one another. The program requires internship and clinical work with teams on campus as well as a challenging course load in areas such as: injury/illness Prevention and wellness protection; clinical evaluation and diagnosis; immediate and emergency care; treatment and rehabilitation; and organization and professional health and well-being while also preparing to take the National Athletic Training Board of Certification EXAM (BOC). It takes a highly motivated and passionate person to excel in the Athletic Training program and on the playing field. 

Although they only played one season together on the softball field, Courtney Blake (East Islip, N.Y.) and Colleen Martin '13 (Cape Elizabeth, Maine) both share a bond much greater than the sport they play. As a recent graduate and an alumnus of the Endicott softball program, Courtney and Colleen have found a passion for athletics and helping athletes through injury and rehabilitation by pursuing careers in the athletic training field.  ECGulls.com caught up with both of them to talk more about their careers, why they chose to attend Endicott, and also ask them how the Endicott experience has helped shape them personally and professionally. 

"I chose Endicott for a variety of reasons including the amazing internship opportunities and the ability to continue playing softball at a competitive level, stated Martin. “The location and beautiful campus also played a huge factor as well."

Blake backed up Martin's claims, especially in regards to the internship program, clinical opportunities and the beautiful Endicott campus.

“For me, it was the perfect location being right outside Boston and right on the water,” said Blake. “The internship and clinical opportunities were a big factor because I felt they would help me gain more experience before starting my career. Endicott’s sense of community is special particularly around athletics. It’s fun to be at all the athletic events with all of my peers!”

Martin, who played in 120 career games for the Gulls and compiled 17 home runs and 63 RBI, has paved the way for someone like Blake as an Athletic Training major within the softball program. Martin currently works as an Athletic Trainer at Soul Physical Therapy. 

“Being an Athletic Training major and a student-athlete required extreme time management and organizational skills and I feel that these skills have transferred into my professional career," said Martin. “There were some crazy days that I would have classes all morning and continue my day bouncing between clinical and softball practice. Time management was necessary in order to complete classwork, especially while in-season. I was also able to develop effective communication skills in order to collaborate with coaches, athletic directors, doctors and parents.”

Martin attributed much of her current success to the experiential learning model at Endicott, along with playing on the highly competitive softball team. While at Endicott, Martin completed internships at Saco Bay Physical Therapy in Maine, Marblehead High School, Partners in Rehab Physical Therapy, and with the women's soccer team at Endicott during her senior year. Prior to starting in her role as an Athletic Trainer at Soul Physical Therapy, Martin spent two years as an Athletic Trainer at a high school in Maine.

“I loved that I was able to use what I learned in the classroom and apply it in a clinical experience and the variety of these internships allowed me to decide what type of environment I wanted to continue my career in," said Martin. "There has also been numerous times in which being an athlete at Endicott has contributed to my career. Working with athletes, you are able to develop great relationships and empathize with them in many ways. Being a fierce competitor has also motivated me to learn something new every day and become a better athletic trainer.”

Much like Martin, Blake has used her experience as a student-athlete to help shaper her careers goals as she plans to further her education by pursuing a master’s degree in occupational therapy.

On the field, Blake appeared in 72 games recording a record of 39-17 as a pitcher for the Gulls. Through the Athletic Training program, Blake completed clinical hours with many of the varsity teams at Endicott and, most recently, spent the fall semester of her senior year working with the men’s soccer team. She has also completed internships at Island Shore Physical Therapy on Long Island and another one at The Pingree School with their fall teams.

Beyond her duties in the classroom and on the softball field, Blake is also a member of the Endicott Athletic Training Club which encourages paraprofessional development through sponsorship of a wide variety of activities on campus and within the athletic training field.

Somehow, Blake balanced her work with internship, in the classroom, practices, games and her social life.

"A typical day for me is very busy!" said Blake. “I’ll have my athletic training classes, along with clinical hours all day. Once that ends, I’ll head to practice or a doubleheader. My homework and studying gets fit in anywhere I find free time."

Throughout their time at Endicott, Martin and Blake have also been able to develop a great understanding and appreciation for what makes Endicott a very special place.

"I miss being at Endicott, surrounded by friends that turned into your second family and being able to put on that Gulls jersey and step onto the field every day," said Martin.

Blake expressed a similar appreciation saying “My favorite thing about being a student-athlete at Endicott is playing for the name on the front of my jersey while also getting to be a part of the athletic training program.”

ATHLETIC TRAINING MAJOR AT ENDICOTT

The Athletic Training Program is designed to prepare students for opportunities in the athletic training profession. Students will explore the five domains of athletic training which include: Injury/Illness Prevention and Wellness Protection; Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis; Immediate and Emergency Care; Treatment and Rehabilitation; and Organization and Professional Health and Well-being. 

For more information on the athletic training major at Endicott click here: Endicott Athletic Training Program

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