WESTON, Mass. - The Regis College athletics department joins the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) in celebrating National Athletic Training Month during March 2023, as the Pride student-athletes, coaches, and athletic administration are proud to recognize Assistant Athletic Director/Head Athletic Trainer Ron LeClair, Assistant Athletic Trainer Emily DeAngelis, and Assistant Athletic Trainer Samantha O'Hearn.

LeClair, DeAngelis, and O'Hearn work tirelessly within the athletic department, focusing on the health and safety of Pride student-athletes. They work with members of the Regis athletic teams to prevent injuries, treat injuries when they happen, focus on the mental health of student-athletes, and establish protocols regarding situations including emergency action plans, return from concussions and, most recently, dealing with COVID-19.

The Regis College athletic training staff has made a significant, positive impact on many Pride student-athletes. Following are four testimonials from current student-athletes who have been able to return to competition because of the guidance and efforts of the Regis athletic trainers.

Michael Carroll (cross country/track & field): "Having to rehab from two surgeries, I quickly realized that while this is a physical injury, it was going to be a mental comeback as well. The training staff not only assisted in helping me get physically stronger, but was always supportive and making sure I was taking care of my mental health as well, which really meant a lot to me because even though there wasn't a clear future for me to compete again, they always had hope which rubbed off onto me."

Kate Montigny (volleyball): "The athletic training staff here is exceptional and the reason I am able to continue competing as an athlete. All the trainers have taken me in with warm and welcoming arms from the minute I started volleyball here my first year. They are extremely resourceful, honest, and upfront with you about what needs to be done to stay on track for whatever it is you are dealing with. Not only are they always there for you on the court, field, track or whatever it may be, but off it as well when it comes to focusing on mental health and being an outlet as somebody to reach out to and ask for help. I am beyond grateful for the help I am able to receive from our training staff and that I have been able to form a relationship with every one of them."

Olivia Pacheco (volleyball/basketball): "The athletic trainers have always been there for me for anything, whether it was physical, mental, needing someone to talk to, or just needing a good laugh. They make me feel valued and that I do have a voice when it comes to how I am feeling and how to go about any injury or situation I am in. When I joined the basketball team in 2021, I was nervous because I haven't had the level of intense basketball yet in my career, but the trainers helped me each step of the way. They were there for me through thick and thin with my transition and helped me be the best I can be on the court. I used to fear going to the trainer's room in high school, but coming to college, the trainers have made it a safe space which I am forever thankful for. They have truly made a huge impact in my collegiate career, and I cannot thank them enough for how much they have helped me as well as other athletes."

Samantha Perkins (soccer/track & field): "During my recovery, it has been extremely emotional and challenging. The athletic trainers here at Regis have all been there for me as I adjusted to my new normal and forming a game plan to return to soccer. Every day is a challenge and some days are harder than others, but Ron continues to push me when I need it. While it's important to focus on my physical health, they continuously check in on how I am doing mentally. I am so thankful to have them by my side during this journey."

Ron LeClair is in his sixth year as the Assistant Athletic Director and Head Athletic Trainer at Regis College. He previously worked at Brandeis University, the University of Miami, and St. Sebastian's School, plus he worked two year-long stints with the New England Patriots. He received his bachelor's degree from Northeastern University and holds several certifications spanning athletic training, strength and conditioning, and mental performance mastery.

Emily DeAngelis is in her second year as Assistant Athletic Trainer at Regis College. She spent five years as a member of the athletic training staff at Bridgewater State University, providing athletic training services and designing strength and conditioning programs. She graduated from Lasell University, where she was a four-year letterwinner in softball.

Samantha O'Hearn joined the Regis College athletic training staff in the fall of 2022 after completing her Master of Science degree in athletic training from Merrimack College. During her final semester at Merrimack, she worked at the Micheli Center for Sport Injury Prevention in Norwood, Mass., plus she spent the fall 2021 semester working with the Boston College football program.

The slogan for National Athletic Training Month 2023 is "There's an AT for That."