Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324
 
Sept. 12, 2023 – Dr. Ben Colletti and Tracy Stephen, two North Central College athletic trainers, served beyond the walls of North Central this summer as Colletti worked with USA Volleyball for the second straight summer while Stephen worked at the 2023 World Lacrosse Men's Championship in San Diego.

Stephen learned about this opportunity through a networking group of lacrosse athletic trainers. While in San Diego, Stephen provided medical coverage for two games per day in the 107-game tournament. She was able to connect with medical staff from around the world. Stephen worked with teams from Japan, Austria, Uganda, and Wales.

"The best part of working the tournament was being able to provide athletic training services to athletes from around the world that may not otherwise receive that care," said Stephen. "Lacrosse is an emerging sport around the world, so the level of lacrosse play varied greatly, which made each game different and exciting. I also was able to watch some great lacrosse on the sideline and engage with world-class athletes from the U.S., Canada, Haudenosaunee, and Australia during championship weekend."

Stephen works with the Cardinal men's lacrosse team along with the men's basketball team in the winter.

"What North Central has done for my confidence to reach out and engage with these opportunities has been the greatest advantage of working here. The support from Dr. Brittany James to pursue goals within our field and strive to become better athletic trainers on a daily basis is something I am truly grateful for," Stephen said.

Colletti worked with USA Volleyball for the second straight summer as the men's national team athletic trainer. They competed in the 2023 Pan American Cup held in Guadalajara, Mexico.

"I am very grateful to have been invited back to work with USA Volleyball and equally grateful for the support North Central has given me to pursue the opportunity. Every year I learn more and more. When working with elite athletes, you realize that this is their profession. Their everyday life is connected to success on the court. It is inspiring to see their work ethic and the care they have for their health," Colletti said.

Colletti serves as the athletic trainer for Cardinal men's/women's volleyball as well as the women's basketball team at North Central.

"North Central has given me such a strong base and learning environment. I have met amazing people here that have taught me life skills, professionalism, and how to adventure and have fun! I am so grateful for the encouragement everyone here gives me to pursue these kinds of opportunities," said Colletti.

The Cardinal athletic training staff also worked with the Naperville Fire Department this summer. During that time, they practiced emergency care skills, went over updates in technology, discussed transfer of care procedures and management, and discussed future meetings to review skills, lead discussions with our staff and the MAT program, and future partnership with simulations. 

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