I GREW UP IN: Centreville, Virginia
AS A KID, I PLAYED: Baseball, basketball, and rugby. I started playing football in high school.
IN UNDERGRAD, I PLAYED: Football at Bridgewater College.
AND I STUDIED: Athletic Training.
I ALWAYS DREAMED OF: Working in sports in some capacity. I was first exposed to athletic training in high school and admired how helpful the athletic trainers were. The more I learned about athletic training as a profession that is dedicated to helping athletes return to their sport and achieve their goals, I envisioned myself in this role and aspired to become an athletic trainer.
I REALIZED I COULD WORK IN SPORTS WHEN: I first started in the athletic training program at Bridgewater College. When I was accepted into the program, I was able to help with a variety of sports, and I enjoyed being around athletics even when I was not a participating athlete. It was at this point where I knew I wanted to make athletic training my career.
I CAME TO THE HILL BECAUSE: I had the opportunity to earn my master’s degree in Exercise Science and Physical Education while gaining valuable athletic training experience in the grad assistantship role.
HOW I BROKE INTO THE INDUSTRY: Thanks to the grad assistantship at McDaniel, I was able to apply for jobs having two years of experience. After graduating with my master’s degree from McDaniel, I began working as the head athletic trainer at Westminster High School, through Pivot Physical Therapy. During my time there, I was given the opportunity to assist with the Hershey Bears, the minor league affiliate of the Washington Capitals. This was my first time working in ice hockey, and I really enjoyed the experience. In 2016, I was offered a full-time position with the Hershey Bears, which I eagerly accepted. In 2020, I was promoted to the Washington Capitals.
Thanks to the grad assistantship at McDaniel, I was able to apply for jobs having two years of experience. After graduating with my master’s degree from McDaniel, I began working as the head athletic trainer at Westminster High School, through Pivot Physical Therapy.
Murphy Luatua M.S. ’14, National Hockey League
MY JOB IN A NUTSHELL: Each day brings new scenarios based upon the team’s schedule and player statuses. When the Caps are at home, I work alongside the medical staff to provide coverage for practices and games — which includes treatments before and after practices and games, assessing any injuries, and ongoing collaboration to determine a treatment plan. When the team is on the road, my primary responsibility is supporting long-term rehab needs for any injured athletes. My job requires a lot of collaboration and communication among the medical staff, strength and conditioning staff, coaches, and players.
WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT MY JOB: I truly enjoy working with everyone — the other athletic trainers, equipment managers, strength and conditioning staff, as well as the players and coaches. I also love the dynamic nature of this job; I constantly have to “think on the fly” and adjust to challenges on a daily basis.
THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF MY JOB: When I first started working in professional hockey, it took some time to find a good work-life balance. During the season, the job can be demanding and takes time away from your family. I’ve learned to make the most of time outside of work — spending it with my wife and kids and integrating them into my work family as well.
WHAT’S NEXT? I want to continue to learn from my mentors and advance my skills as an athletic trainer in the NHL. In this job, you can’t be complacent and take teachable moments for granted, so I’m eager to learn from every opportunity.