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�廨��̳’s Student Physical Therapy Association (SPTA) Community Service Committee held a breast cancer awareness event on Saturday October 28, 2023.

The event was created to raise awareness and money for the Breast Cancer Network of WNY (BCNWNY), an organization that assists the wellbeing of those who have been affected by breast cancer through support groups, educational programs, and restorative health classes.

The SPTA held various opportunities to raise money the week leading up to October 28. They designed pink t-shirts and sold them to benefit the BCNWNY and were worn throughout the week to raise awareness of breast cancer. There was a dress-up spirit week which included all three professional phase classes. If students wanted to participate in the dress-up days, they were asked to make a donation. Another opportunity to raise money was a volleyball tournament which featured a team of students and faculty as well.

During the event, there was a chili cookoff where physical therapy professors made chili and the students got to vote on their favorite.

Overall this event was a huge success and �廨��̳’s SPTA Community Service Committee raised $700 to be given to the Breast Cancer Network of WNY.

The �廨��̳ PT Class of 2024 left their mark in the classroom and on the court and playing fields. At �廨��̳, our students have the opportunity to compete in NCAA Division II Athletics while obtaining their DPT. Eight of the graduating students competed for two or more years while in the �廨��̳ PT Program. Five of these students earned the designation of team captain.

We asked these students to share some of their favorite memories as a �廨��̳ PT student athlete.

How did playing sports during college help you grow?

“My time as a student athlete improved my time management abilities and overall communication skills as I interacted with coaches, teammates who were both local and foreign, other �廨��̳ faculty who worked in and around athletics, and anity individuals we encountered while traveling.”

“It taught me effective communication, how to work as a team, and to celebrate both wins and losses.”

“Being an active member of an athletics team in college played an immeasurable role in my growth. I learned how to be resilient, manage my time, and be consistent. Being a student athlete means more than just showing up and completing a routine. It means showing up for your teammates and pushing them in addition to working on getting yourself stronger.”

“It taught me the importance of what it means to be a teammate and a friend and how to show up and support the people around you. It also taught me perseverance. When things in games or practices didn't go my way, as the years went on, I learned how to not get defeated and to always try again.”

What was your favorite memory from �廨��̳ Athletics?

“My favorite memory was competing with my team when the game was really close. It made our team very close and created a bond of trust. The amount of support and excitement with each shot was exhilarating and made each tournament fun and exciting.”

“My favorite memory from �廨��̳ Athletics would have to be when our head coach Dan Dolan called me into his office and told me I was named team captain. It was one of the greatest honors of my life. I felt so lucky to be able to lead such an amazing team and represent such an honorable program.”

What would you say to students considering playing sports and being a part of the �廨��̳ PT Program?

“I would say keep academics at the forefront in terms of importance. Having an open line of communication with your coach and professors will yield the best results. It can be done even though it won’t always be easy.”

“I would highly recommend playing a sport and becoming a part of the �廨��̳ PT program. It provides you the perfect opportunity to compete at the NCAA Division II level, while also getting a high quality education.”

“Playing collegiate men's volleyball at �廨��̳ has been the best decision I have ever made. Collegiate athletics has kept me involved institutionally and in the community. I can confidently say that I would not be the person or student I am today without �廨��̳ Men's Volleyball.”