By Cam Fors
When Kelsey Rynkiewicz received a call from the President of the Athletic Trainers of Massachusetts giving congratulations, she was shellshocked. She had no idea that she had even been nominated for the Athletic Trainers of Massachusetts Rising Leader Award. Rynkiewicz’s impact through the athletic training program has been extremely noteworthy throughout her time at Springfield College, but she was never in it for the notoriety; she has always been focused on helping her community to the best of her abilities.
The Athletic Trainers of Massachusetts Rising Leader Award is presented to an athletic trainer in the early stages of their career who has made outstanding contributions to their patients, community and athletic training profession, criteria that Rynkiewicz certainly fits.
“It’s very humbling,” Rynkiewicz said. “I don’t think anyone involved in athletic training does it for the recognition, I truthfully enjoy being involved, and enjoy giving back to the profession, but it’s very cool to be recognized for it.”
Rynkiewicz began working towards excellence right from the get-go. She completed her undergraduate studies at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, where she discovered the possibility of a split-role in both clinical work and teaching. Her professors at King’s ended up being some of the most influential people in her journey to becoming an athletic trainer.
“My professors there were super involved in the profession,” Rynkiewicz said. “They also were teaching, and then athletic trainers in the afternoon. For me that really shaped me as a person and as an athletic trainer in what I wanted to do. For me, I think a lot about what the people before me did, and what all my previous professors did for me as a student.”
The idea of a dual-role pushed Rynkiewicz to pursue higher education. In order to fulfill her wishes, she needed to achieve her PhD, which she did while pursuing graduate school at the University of Connecticut. At the same time, she was doing graduate assistant work for the Eastern Connecticut State University baseball team. While she was on the staff, the team won the 2022 Division III World Series, and she credits the relationships formed while working there as her reason she kept pushing herself.
“Having those relationships with students is why I love what I do. When I was at Eastern Connecticut, that group was so connected. It was at a time when I was going through my PhD and it was rough, but relationships like that are what keeps you grounded,” Rynkiewicz said.
She puts a huge emphasis on creating meaningful and lasting relationships with her students to help them in their future endeavors. “For me, I think a lot about what the people before me did, and what all my previous professors did for me as a student, and I want to pay that forward to my students to give them those opportunities.”
Rynkiewicz now lives out her dream in a dual-role at Springfield, serving as both an athletic trainer, and an Assistant Professor of Athletic Training. She takes great pride in being a member of the Springfield College community, and being able to interact with so many amazing students and faculty.
“I really value the focus we have on the spirit, mind, and body, and treating the whole person with that holistic approach. I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity.” Rynkiewicz said.
As an athletic trainer, Rynkiewicz is always excited when students want to pursue the major. It’s a major that holds no limits, and offers a plethora of different avenues to traverse. At the same time, the landscape of the major is always changing, as no two days are the same in the athletic training field.
“It’s a profession that will continue to give back to you,” Rykniewicz said. “I love seeing student athletes who come in as first-year students move onto the next chapter in their life throughout the next four. If you enjoy helping people and making lasting connections, I think it’s definitely a fun journey.”
Now that Rynkiewicz has received her award, she’s not going to let her foot off the gas. She’s straight back to doing what she loves most, helping students and everyone around her be the best possible version of themselves.
Photo courtesy of Springfield College Athletics