CU-Lock Haven athletic training student completes full-immersion externship at St. Lawrence University

Commonwealth University-Lock Haven graduate student, Keira McCormick, traveled north of her hometown of Tioga to take part in a full-immersion externship prior to graduation this spring. There, she joined the Saints of St. Lawrence University (SLU) in Canton, New York.

For most of her experience, McCormick worked closely with the men’s and women’s ice hockey teams during their regular and postseasons. Part of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), both teams played in one of the nation’s most competitive leagues and were matched up against powerful programs such as Harvard, Princeton, Yale and Dartmouth. The Saints secured seats in the ECAC tournament, and the women’s team played in the first round of the Division I NCAA tournament. 

McCormick also worked with other spring sports teams, such as softball, baseball, track and field and lacrosse. Her 545 hours of prior clinical experience equipped her with the professionalism, skills and mindset needed to excel at her internship. Although she was not unfamiliar with practicing at the collegiate level, the fast-paced energy and physically demanding nature of ice hockey offered a valuable perspective into the profession of athletic training. 

Most days were spent in the well-equipped athletic training room doing treatments, assessments and rehabilitation with the athletes, along with attending practices, games and staff meetings. This routine also allowed McCormick to improve on foundational skills such as facility and equipment upkeep. 

Collaboration played a heavy role in her day-to-day experience, working alongside five athletic trainers, a team physician, coaches, athletes and other team staff. The professional workforce of sports medicine staff at SLU enriched McCormick’s personal network and reinforced her ability to communicate effectively within the time-sensitive and intense environment at the DI and DIII collegiate levels.

Some of her most memorable moments were assisting and carrying out an on-ice emergency action plan, which required spine boarding an athlete on the ice, traveling with the women’s ice hockey team during their ECAC championship weekend and experiencing the “Route 11” rivalry between SLU and the neighboring Clarkson University Golden Knights. 

“This has been the most educational and rewarding experience I have had,” McCormick said. “My preceptors have provided me with invaluable knowledge and confidence that I will take with me into my professional career.”

Following graduation, McCormick accepted a position with UPMC Susquehanna as an athletic trainer for the Northern Tioga School District.