For Athletic Trainer Colleen Hughes, returning to Westfield State University wasn't just an opportunity to begin her professional career. It was a chance to give back to the place that helped her discover her passion.
Hughes, a 2022 Westfield State graduate and former Owls softball player, originally chose the university because it offered the right combination of academics and athletics.
“I initially felt like it was home,” Hughes said.
Her journey toward becoming an Athletic Trainer began almost immediately. During her freshman year, she was already completing observation hours in the Athletic Training room, gaining firsthand experience with the profession.
“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.”
Throughout college, Hughes balanced coursework, clinical rotations, and softball. She credits those experiences, along with the guidance of her professors and Athletic Training staff, with preparing her for a career in sports medicine.
“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.”
After graduating, Hughes earned her Master's degree in Athletic Training. As she approached graduation, she learned that Westfield State was adding a fourth Athletic Trainer.
The timing couldn't have been better.
“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,’” she said.
Today, Hughes works alongside many of the same Athletic Trainers who once mentored her, helping Westfield State student-athletes stay healthy and recover from injuries.
And for students considering the profession, she offers some simple advice.
“Ask questions and take initiative,” Hughes said. “The more you do in this field, the more you’re going to learn.”
For Hughes, coming back to Westfield State means more than returning to familiar surroundings. It's an opportunity to support the next generation of athletes at the university that helped shape her career.