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Springfield College students gain real-world sports experience

Date: 7/6/2015

SPRINGFIELD – Springfield College is currently collaborating with the Chinese Olympic Committee (COC) to have 16 players and two coaches of the Liaoning National Chinese Softball Team training at the College until June 28.

The Chinese softball team’s visit to Springfield College was part of a training partnership between the College and the COC to allow Chinese athletes an opportunity to learn the different methods of athletic training in the United States. As a result of a strong relationship between the college and the COC, this trip marks the Chinese softball squad’s only visit to the United States to train.

“We are very excited that the Chinese Softball Team chose to spend time practicing at Springfield College,” Springfield College School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Dean Tracey Matthews said. “This is a wonderful collaboration and we are happy to have them on our campus. This experience has provided our athletic training, strength and conditioning, and coaching staff with exposure to a highly skilled team. We look forward to future collaborations with the Chinese Olympic Committee.”

Members of the Chinese Softball Team lived on campus while training with Springfield College head softball coach Julie Perrelli and her assistant coaches during on-field sessions. The team also had the opportunity to utilize the Springfield College award-winning strength and conditioning facility for off-field workouts.

“As part of our visit to China last summer with Springfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper, we were able to meet with the Chinese Olympic Committee and invite Chinese athletes to campus to train with our faculty and coaches,” Springfield College Doggett International Center Director Deb Alm said. “It’s an honor to have the COC choose Springfield College as the place to send its athletes to train while in the United States.”

For more than a century, Springfield College presidents, students, alumni, and athletic teams have traveled the globe building relationships, conducting educational and sports programs, and receiving governmental and humanitarian awards. Today, more than 600 Springfield College alumni reside in 65 countries outside the United States.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Springfield College Doggett International Center assists international students and hosts international scholars, coaches, and guests. The college also conducts student missions to economically disadvantaged countries to provide needed human services.

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Senior athletes recently made their way to the Springfield College campus for the Massachusetts Senior Games. Some athletes had an extra event for the second year in a row thanks to the Springfield College Department of Physical Therapy. Springfield College faculty member and geriatric clinical specialist, Kimberly Nowakowski, brought Springfield College Doctor of Physical Therapy students and recent physical therapy alumni to assist in providing the Senior Athlete Fitness Exam (SAFE) during the event.

The SAFE specifically aims to test seniors who are involved in sports. It tests the athlete’s strength, flexibility, balance, mobility, posture and cardiovascular risk factors. SAFE was created by Becca Jordre, a physical therapist and geriatric clinical specialist from the University of South Dakota, who has been testing senior athletes at state and national Senior Games events for the past six years.

A unique aspect of providing the SAFE is the regular involvement of student physical therapists. “Physical therapy students often initially think that working with older adults might be less challenging, but after testing just a few athletes you really see the students' perspectives change,” said Nowakowski. “It is a perfect service-learning activity that allows students to see the level of physical ability that can be maintained with aging when individuals stay active.”

Springfield College Doctor of Physical Therapy student volunteers who participated in the SAFE included one graduate student in the DPT II cohort (second year) and four graduate students from the DPT III cohort (third and final year). Recent alumni included Kayla Sokol, DPT Class of 2015, and Meghan Bradley, DPT Class of 2013 and physical therapist at Attain Therapy and Fitness in Springfield.

Walgreen's pharmacist (Carew Street location), Kalani Hornbeak, was also available to answer questions athletes had about their medications.  It was a great opportunity for interprofessional collaboration that benefited both athletes and students.  

Larry Libow, managing director of the Massachusetts Senior Games, was very supportive of having the SAFE at the Senior Games again this year and everyone involved was happy to report that it was successful event.

Those interested in the SAFE can e-mail Kim Nowakowski (knowakowski@springfieldcollege.edu) for more information.