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Many athletes eat, sleep, and breathe their sport. It’s more than a hobby—it’s who they are. But what happens when the final whistle blows? Do you have to leave it all behind if you don’t go pro?

For some, the answer is simple: you stay connected to the game. Just in a non-traditional way.

Athletes don’t succeed alone. Coaches, trainers, and nutritionists all play a role in shaping habits and building strength. But when it comes to long-term well-being, one professional often makes the biggest difference: the physical therapist.

If you’ve ever gone through rehab after an injury or supported a teammate through their recovery, you already know the power of physical therapy. The Connie D. Hauser Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at �����ҹ����1000���ϼ�92 of the Cumberlands is where athletes can turn that experience into a meaningful, rewarding career that keeps them in touch with the sports that built them.

From Competitor to Caregiver

Athletes have walked in their patients’ shoes, making them excellent empathizers. They understand movement and what it means to push limits and fight through setbacks. When facing an injury, athletes and non-athletes alike get frustrated and want to perform at the level they were before. An athlete wants back on the field. A teacher wants back in the classroom. A retiree wants back in the garden. No matter the role, the goal is the same: to move, to heal, to return to what you love.

“When a former athlete becomes a physical therapist, they bring lived experience alongside clinical knowledge,” said Dr. Vicki LaFay, director of the DPT program at �����ҹ����1000���ϼ�92 of the Cumberlands. “They’ve usually been on the table, not just beside it. That kind of empathy can make all the difference in a patient’s journey.”

Why Athletes Make Great PTs

• Firsthand insight into injury, healing, and performance
• Team mindset and leadership skills
• Intrinsic motivation and discipline
• Deep connection to health and wellness

These strengths make athletes especially equipped for a career in physical therapy. It’s a team effort—one that takes courage, empathy, and commitment from both sides. Former athletes, whether they played at the high school or collegiate level, know what it means to work alongside their patients in the recovery process.

Former student-athletes like Benjamin Kendrick ’18 have taken what they learned in competition and turned it into something bigger—serving others through movement and recovery.

“In my business, I work as a physical therapist for both golfers and non-golfers of all ages, skill levels, and walks of life. Everything I do is a blend of all the education and experience I have gained thus far,” said Kendrick, a former Patriot golfer. “I am never operating solely as a trainer, or as a golfer, or as a PT—everything I do has a blend of them all, and that is what makes my services so unique and valuable for golfers of all skill levels.”

A Program Built for Passion

Cumberlands’ DPT program combines rigorous academics with real-world clinical training. But what makes the program stand out is a firm commitment to students—their goals, their background, their future.

DPT students benefit from:

• Faculty with real-world knowledge
• Hands-on clinical experiences in diverse settings
• A supportive, student-first environment grounded in faith and service
• Opportunities to explore specialties like sports medicine, orthopedics, and performance therapy
• Williamsburg’s proximity to both rural and urban healthcare systems
• A close-knit campus community that champions every student

Turn Your Love of Sports into a Lifelong Career

You don’t have to leave your passion behind when your athletic career ends.

A DPT degree opens doors to careers in:

• Sports rehabilitation and athletic performance
• Orthopedic and outpatient care
• Private practice and wellness coaching
• And more!

Whether you’re helping an athlete get back on the field or supporting someone through recovery, your background—and a fantastic education from Cumberlands—will give you an edge for success in your field.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Your sport shaped the person you are today—and it can shape your future, too. If you’ve read this far, that passion is still alive. Now it’s time to turn it into purpose.

Learn more about the Connie D. Hauser Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at �����ҹ����1000���ϼ�92 of the Cumberlands, and discover how your athletic drive can lead to a career of real impact.

FAQs

Q: Why is a DPT a good fit for former athletes?
A: Athletes bring discipline, empathy, and a deep understanding of movement and injury, all of which make them excellent physical therapists.

Q: What careers in physical therapy are good for athletes?
A: Many athletes pursue careers in sports rehabilitation, orthopedics, performance therapy, outpatient clinics, or even open their own practice.

Q: Can athletes become physical therapists?
A: Absolutely. Many athletes pursue DPT degrees after their playing careers, using their firsthand knowledge of sports, injuries, and recovery to guide others through rehab and performance training.

Q: Can I continue competitive sports while enrolled in the DPT program at Cumberlands?
A: No. Due to the rigor and demands of the accelerated DPT program, student participation in collegiate sports is not recommended. As Dr. Vicki LaFay notes, “This is a full-time doctoral-level commitment designed to prepare you for professional licensure and clinical excellence.”