Springfield, Mass. - October 16, 2026 - When Cheryl Lee Scecina '02 arrived on Alden Street as a student-athlete, she could not have known that her time in the classroom and on the volleyball court would shape a career spent caring for student-athletes. Today, we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the athletic training program on Alden Street as Lee Scecina also gets to celebrate her 20th year at Westfield State University, where she serves as the Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Training and Head Athletic Trainer.
Lee Scecina majored in athletic training at Springfield College while playing women's volleyball under head coach Joel Dearing. Together, those experiences gave her a foundation that continues to guide her work today.
"Helping an athlete return to their respective sport after injury is very rewarding," Lee Scecina said. "Also, watching the growth of an athlete from the time they come in as freshmen to the time they graduate is one of the best parts of the job."
For Lee Scecina, the foundation built at Springfield extended from the classroom to the court. She credits the college's athletic training program, and the professors who led it, for her growth as a professional.
"Academically, Springfield College's athletic training program is among the best, with alumni serving as athletic trainers across collegiate athletics," Lee Scecina said. "My professors had a tremendous impact on my growth and development."
Her experience as a student-athlete shaped her just as much. "Athletically, playing under the legendary Coach Joel Dearing taught me the value of teamwork, positivity, and perseverance," she said. "Together, these experiences shaped who I am today and gave me a firsthand understanding of the demands student-athletes face."
Lee Scecina's favorite memories on Alden Street include milestones both on the court and in the classroom. Athletically, she points to beating Wellesley, a regional volleyball powerhouse, during her senior year.
Academically, her most memorable moment came in the Beveridge Center, when she opened the letter saying she had passed the Board of Certification (BOC) exam for Athletic Training. As luck would have it, head men's volleyball coach Charlie Sullivan '91 G'97 happened to be walking by, and Lee Scecina shared the news with him right away.
For current Springfield College students, Lee Scecina encourages them to appreciate the experience of being part of a team while they still can.
"Enjoy your time with your team," Lee Scecina said. "You can't simulate the college sports experience after graduation. Most of all, HAVE FUN!!!"
Today, Lee Scecina's journey from Springfield College student-athlete to athletic training leader reflects the lasting impact of the foundation built on Alden Street. Through her work at Westfield State University, she continues to carry forward the lessons of teamwork, perseverance, and service that helped shape her own path.
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(Written By Ella Travaglino '25 G'27)
