Alumni Testimonials      

Preparing one-self spiritually, professionally, and mentally for life during and after college requires guidance, support, dedication and an underlying motivation for student growth.  The professors and faculty within the Athletic Training Program at Messiah College have just that!  The Christ-Centered approach allows students to help develop the Spiritual resources needed within the health care profession.  Educationally, the knowledge possessed by the professors is second to none.  They are able to meet the needs of different learning styles and take a very hands-on approach to the entire educational process.  Personally, with the program’s support and their ability to cultivate my knowledge, it allowed me to pursue an advanced Masters Degree in Physical Therapy.  Most recently, I received my Board Certification in Sports Physical Therapy – once again, due to the fundamental and foundational skills that were taught and emphasized at Messiah College.  They encourage continued learning and growth throughout ones career.  Besides my family, I can honestly say that Messiah College’s comprehensive approach to the entire individual, both spiritual and professional, has been the biggest influence on my life.

Chris Martin, M.S., PT, ATC, ‘93

Messiah's athletic training program required me to obtain 1500 hours of clinical experience in the training room, covering sporting events, and in the clinic.  This number far exceeded those actually required by the NATA, but it was these hours of hands-on experience that really helped to prepare me for my graduate program in physical therapy.  I came into my PT program with clinical skills, problem solving skills, and confidence working with real patients that far surpassed that of most of my classmates.  Messiah's program also gave me a firm background in functional anatomy, kinesiology, and evaluation/treatment of sports injuries all of which have benefited me greatly throughout my professional career as a physical therapist. 

Jennifer (Marshall) Hughes, MPT, ‘94

Completing a degree in Athletic Training at Messiah College fully prepared me to pursue a wonderful and dynamic career in the world of athletics.  On a daily basis I am able to work with athletes, serve others, and utilize my academic knowledge and clinical skills to facilitate healing and optimize function.  When I started my studies at Messiah, I had no idea where they might eventually lead me.  The faculty in Messiah’s athletic training department genuinely cared about me as an individual and helped me grow academically, clinically, and spiritually.  The supportive environment they create caters to all types of learning styles and personalities and fosters excellent opportunities for learning and growth. 

After spending time in the field as a head ATC at the high school level, I decided to return to graduate school to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy.  I was very pleased to discover that the foundation of knowledge I had gained from Messiah set me ahead of many of my classmates.  The transition into the field of physical therapy was seamless as I was simply expanding the same body of knowledge Messiah’s program had helped me build.  After graduate school, I obtained a position as the PT / ATC for the USA Men’s National Volleyball team. 

I feel very fortunate to have studied at Messiah College.  Whatever goals you may have for working with athletes, Messiah is a great place to start the journey. 

Rebeca Garvin, DPT, ATC, CSCS ‘01

The Athletic Training program at Messiah College is truly a unique program.  Most accredited programs prepare their students academically and experientially for the profession of Athletic Training.  During my four-year stay at Messiah, however, I was not only prepared academically and experientially for life after college but spiritually as well.  While this may not seem like an important difference at first, once you realize that all you do is worship until God then you find a purpose in life that is truly worth pursuing and you will begin to understand the importance of this difference.  The professors at Messiah College helped me realize this and discover how to integrate my faith into athletic training.  I use the knowledge that I gained at Messiah daily, but when I am tired and stressed out, it is the spiritual preparation that I received that carries me through and reminds me of why I am doing what I am doing.

Dan Thrush, B.A., ATC, ‘01

 Picture this!  Working with caring professors, laughing with special friends and worshiping the Lord, all while being surrounded by an amazingly close community.  This is what defined my college experience.  Messiah played a major role in molding me into the person I am today.  I graduated, thankful for the nurturing care received from my professors.  I was more than prepared for my certification exam and dream career.  I found loving, life-long friends and formed a strength and security within my faith.  I will always remember my college days fondly.  I couldn’t have found a better fit than Messiah!

Melissa Kilgore, B.A., ATC, ‘02

The Athletic Training Education Program at Messiah College is the fundamental reason for my success in athletic training.  The values and skills that I received have set a firm foundation for what I have been able to do as a professional in the field.  Messiah College has a positive reputation for athletic training, and the students that come from the program are prepared for a very challenging career with many opportunities.  The program is very alive and evolving to meet the needs of students entering the field.

Ryan Wantz, BA, ATC ‘02

 The classes and personal attention that I received in the Athletic Training program at Messiah College prepared me for working as an athletic trainer at the large Division I level.  I worked at the University of Kentucky while receiving my Master's degree in

Kinesiology.  I discovered that the education that I received at Messiah prepared me better than many of my classmates who had received their educations at larger schools such as Penn State, Michigan State, UCLA, and University of Wisconsin.  I would recommend Messiah's athletic training program to anyone interested in the profession.

Becky McClelland, M.S., ATC, CSCS, ‘03

The Athletic Training program at Messiah College has set the foundation and molded me into the Athletic Trainer I have become. The professors challenged and supported me in and out of the classroom. Not only did I learn key principles and concepts, I saw how my faith can be integrated into the profession. Being an Athletic Trainer sometime presents some difficult moments, but I am constantly reminded that God's strength carries me through. I have also learned how to shine for Christ with my coaches, athletes, parents, and other Athletic Trainers.  I came away from the program with knowledge that I have continued to build on and have made friendships that I will always treasure.

Beth Wantz, DPT, ATC '04

My experience in the Messiah College Athletic Training program was unequivocal. The small class size made the program ideal for me to get the hands-on training that all students aspiring to be in this profession desire. The professors made every effort to give me as much personal experience necessary while working with student athletes. Many programs have a philosophy of “treating the injury”. At Messiah I very quickly learned that athletic training isn’t only about the injury; it’s about how the athlete handles the injury. You can see a hundred ACL tears in your career, but each may be different due to how the athlete handles the injury. In the three years since graduation every ankle sprain I see, although clinically the same has been handled depending on the way the athlete reacts. Messiah’s program taught me how to develop a professional relationship with the athletes under my care.

What makes Messiah’s program stand out, is the dedication to the student as a whole, not as a part. The experiences of working with different sports, at Messiah, and off-campus gave me an edge as I started my career because of the experience gained. The clinical and high school settings I participated in allowed me to be in the real world and put my education to good use. All in all, Messiah’s program helped me to grow as a Christian and an athletic trainer, while keeping athletic training at a very personal, but professional level.

Becky Rich, BA, ATC ‘05

I really value my experience in the AT program at Messiah. It provided me with many opportunities to learn and apply all the skills that I will need to be a good athletic trainer one day. My time in the program also helped me learn how to better relate to athletes, balance a busy schedule, and learn how a training room truly operates. While this is all very important to helping us prepare to become the best athletic trainers we can be, I believe the most lasting impact of my time in the athletic training program was the influence of my professors on my life and faith, as well as their genuine care to teach me and mold me to become the best I can be. These lessons have been especially helpful as I have chosen to continue my education in graduate school before returning to athletic training. I hope that in the future that my experiences in the AT program will continue to have a lasting impact on my life, as well as those I care for in the athletic training room and work alongside every day.

 E. Mattson, MS, ATC '06

Undergraduate Scholarship/Award Recipients

Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society – Phillip B. Donley Scholarship 2000 Recipient –

Lauren L. McKiel, Messiah College

Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association – Hartmann-Conco Sports Medicine Award 2001 Recipient –

Rebeca L. Garvin, Messiah College

National Athletic Trainers’ Association – District II Scholarship 2002 Recipient –

Molly Hayes, Messiah College

Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association – Joseph Abraham Undergraduate Scholarship 2003 Recipient –

Kathleen Price, Messiah College

Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association – Hartmann-Conco Sports Medicine Award 2004 Recipient –Krista DeLuca, Messiah College