From Student-Athlete to Athletic Trainer: How Westfield State Shaped Colleen Hughes’ Career

When Colleen Hughes ’22 first visited Westfield State University, she found exactly what she was looking for: a welcoming community, a strong academic program, and the opportunity to continue her softball career while preparing for a future in athletic training.

“I initially felt like it was home,” Hughes said. “It had a great balance of academics and athletics because I was hoping to pursue softball while I was in undergrad.”

Today, Hughes has come full circle. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from Westfield State and completing a Master’s degree, she has returned to Westfield as an Athletic Trainer. She credits her undergraduate experience with providing the foundation for her career.

One of the program’s greatest strengths, Hughes says, was the opportunity to gain hands-on experience early. As a freshman, she was already completing observation hours in the athletic training room, giving her valuable exposure to the profession from the start.

“Within my first year, we were already doing observation hours,” she said. “I think that’s great because you get a feel for what the field is really about.”

The Athletic Training program combined classroom learning with practical application through labs, clinical experiences, and close interaction with faculty. Small class sizes created a collaborative environment where students could ask questions, develop skills, and learn directly from experienced professionals.

“A lot of what I learned I was able to apply in the field came from my clinical rotations,” Hughes said. “The textbook material is essential, but actually being in the field, asking questions, and taking initiative is what really helps you thrive.”

Mentorship also played an important role in her success. Hughes credits professors Dr. Paul Higgins and Dr. Paul Cacolice, for helping her grow academically.  But equally important was the mentorship of the University’s athletic training staff, Cherly, Katie, and LJ, who helped her advance in the field.

Outside the classroom, Hughes balanced the demands of clinical rotations and coursework while competing as a member of the Owls softball team. The experience taught her valuable lessons in organization, discipline, and time management.

“Having good time management skills was essential,” she said. “Having my schedule of classes, clinicals, practice, and everything else helped keep me on track.”

Her softball career also created lasting memories. One of her most meaningful experiences was sharing her freshman season with her older sister, who was a senior on the team at the time.

“Being able to share a season with my sister was pretty special,” Hughes said. She also remembers hitting her first collegiate home run during a playoff game against Worcester State, a highlight of her athletic career.

After graduating from Westfield State, Hughes pursued her Master’s in Athletic Training.  AS she was searching for programs, Dr. Higgin’s assist in finding the right program for her was invaluable.  As she neared completion of her Master’s degree, an opportunity opened back at Westfield State. The university was adding a fourth athletic trainer, and the timing aligned perfectly with her graduation.

“It was kind of perfect timing,” Hughes said. “When I was ready to look for my first full-time job, having it be at Westfield, I thought, ‘I’ve got to apply and come back.’”

Today, Hughes works alongside many of the same professionals who once mentored her, supporting Westfield State student-athletes and helping them stay healthy and perform at their best.

For students considering a career in athletic training, Hughes encourages them to embrace every opportunity to learn.

“Ask questions and take initiative,” she said. “The more you do in this field, the more you’re going to learn.”

From her first observation hours as a freshman to her current role supporting Westfield State student-athletes, Hughes’ story demonstrates how academic preparation, clinical experience, and athletic competition can combine to create a strong foundation for professional success. For her, Westfield State was more than a place to earn a degree. It was where she discovered her passion, developed her skills, and began the career she enjoys today.