McKenna Ecker '26

Why did you choose Lasell?

I chose Lasell because it is close to Boston and I also wanted to continue my athletic career at a higher level. The smaller class sizes were also appealing because I have been able to build long-lasting relationships with my professors.

What clubs, athletics, organizations are you involved in?

During my four years at Lasell, I have been a part of the women's lacrosse team and the field hockey team.

Have you done any internships?

I have done two internships, one at Syracuse University working with the Football team's Sports Medicine team and one at Northeastern University as a Strength and Conditioning intern.

At Syracuse, I was primarily responsible for practice set up and break down, hydrating the athletes, keeping the athletic training area tidy, restocking supplies, and shadowing certified athletic trainers.

At Northeastern, I am primarily responsible for setting up and breaking down technology used for testing (ForcePlates, SpeedGates, ForceFrame), testing athletes with that technology, assisting in supervising and cueing athletes during team lifts, and keeping the weight room presentable and clean.

What did you learn during your internship?

I learned many things at both sites that have gone beyond what I've learned in the classroom. Yes, I learned how anatomy applies to lifting and or injury evaluation, but most importantly I learned so much about being an athletic trainer that I never would've learned in a textbook.

I have learned how to connect with different types of athletes, what it is like for a whole team to communicate with one another about a team of athletes, and all of the administration like insurance and paperwork.  These were are all important things to learn because my future career revolves around communicating with others. Without that, I cannot develop trust or relationships with my colleagues or athletes.

How has your academic program or professors helped prepare you for your future career?

My professors have prepared me immensely by opening doors for opportunities for me to make professional connections. They also have stayed after class to help me better understand a topic or help me with a project. I can tell that my professors care about me more than just as a student and will do just about anything to make sure I am successful. I got so incredibly lucky to have Ron Laham and Dr. Kerry Smith as my professors during my time here.

What are your Lasell traditions or favorite activities to do on or off campus?

I enjoy going into the city with my friends, going to try new coffee shops around Newton, and exploring new places. I love watching games on Grellier field at Lasell and going to Bingo with my friends.