Danielle Sheenan
Merrimack M.S. in Athletic Training student awarded EATA scholarship
Danielle Sheenan, a student currently enrolled in the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program at Merrimack College recently achieved recognition by being awarded the Paul Grace Scholarship by the Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association. Commonly referred to as EATA, the Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association inaugurated the scholarship program to honor outstanding students from the EATA membership who have excelled academically and clinically as professional (entry-level) athletic training students.
Discovering the scholarship during an EATA conference for athletic trainers last January, Danielle was inspired to strive for recognition after witnessing a fellow graduate from Merrimack’s MSAT program receive an award. The award is endowed in honor of Paul Grace, who served as Executive Director of the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer for fifteen years and is a member of the Halls of Fame of both Athletic Trainers of Massachusetts (ATOM) and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA). Reflecting on her achievement, Danielle expressed, “I think I have earned this scholarship through the dedication to my clinical sites as well as my classes. I may not ever be the smartest person in a class; however, I try to be the most dedicated.”
Danielle’s journey in athletic training began at Salem State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sport and Movement Science in May 2022. Throughout her undergraduate years, she not only excelled academically but also actively contributed to the athletic community as a student-athlete. Additionally, her involvement in the student-athlete advisory committee and a successful strength and conditioning internship paved the way for future opportunities.
Reflecting on why she continued on to graduate school, Danielle explains, “I decided to get my masters because I was interested in pursuing an allied health care profession, which works with highly motivated individuals such as athletes, and athletic training aligned with those goals.” She chose Merrimack College for its comprehensive two-year, full-time MSAT program, through which she aims to acquire a complete set of applied skills and thorough preparation for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam to earn her Athletic Trainer Certification (ATC).
“I decided to attend Merrimack College because I wanted to broaden my network. I also found that Merrimack offered one of the most expansive clinical affiliation lists, which is huge for student’s ability to gain hands-on experience within the field.”
Danielle plans on taking the Board of Certification exam in March or April of 2024 and aims to eventually work within a high school or collegiate setting as an athletic trainer. Reflecting on her master’s degree experience, Danielle emphasizes its role in setting her up for success in the future. “After graduating, I will hopefully be a certified Athletic Trainer. I’m not 100% set on where I’d like to work, but right now, I am leaning toward D2 or D3 colleges. Getting a master’s degree will help provide a solid foundation to work off of, including all the things I learn from my preceptors.”
For prospective students considering a health sciences graduate program, Danielle offers some advice:
“I would tell them to connect with the people in charge of their program. Making connections with my professors has led to me feeling more successful in the classroom and also more comfortable going to them when I face professional, academic or personal challenges.”
