Morgan Church and Nick Critz Are Welcomed as the New Head and Assistant Athletic Trainers Here in the Blazer Nation.

CHICOPEE, MA – Our Sports Medicine department is happy to announce that we will be bringing in Morgan Church as the new Head of Athletic Training, and Nick Critz as our Assistant Athletic Trainer this fall. 

Church received her Bachelors of Science degree in Athletic Training from Lasell University, where she was a 4 year varsity athlete for the Women's Basketball Team. During her time as an athlete she was a 2-year captain and earned 2nd-team all conference her Senior year. She continued her professional development, becoming a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association as well as earning her Graston Level 1 certification. Church is also a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association as well as a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

After her graduation from Lasell, Church came to Elms and was the Assistant of Athletic Training from 2019-2021. Church continued her professional journey and was the Assistant AT at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, Massachusetts. There, Church assisted in covering Wentworth's 18 varsity sports but worked predominantly with W. Soccer, W. Basketball, W. Lacrosse. 

"Our entire Blazer Athletic Family is extremely happy with Morgan returning to Elms College!  Because of her expertise in athletic training and in strength and conditioning, Morgan assumes the role of Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine. As our head athletic trainer, Morgan brings an impressive resume of experience in the prevention, care, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. With a STUDENT-athlete weight room in the planning stages, Morgan's skills and knowledge will lead us in shaping a state-of-the art strength and conditioning facility.  Welcome home, Morgan!" - Athletic Director Michael Theulen

The Blazer community will also be welcoming Nick Critz to the Athletic Training staff here at Elms. Critz will just be beginning his first year as an assistant athletic trainer.  Prior to joining the staff here Critz was an AT Intern at our GNAC rival, University of Saint Josephs (Conn.) during the 2021-2022 seasons. There, he was primarily responsible for working with the Men's soccer, Women's Basketball, and Softball teams.

"Nick's enthusiasm and passion were evident during his interview process.  That, coupled with his demonstrated skills and abilities, made him our number one choice for this position.  His dynamic personality and STUDENT-athlete focus are a perfect fit for our Blazer Athletic Family" - Theulen

Prior to USJ, Critz attended Springfield College, earning his Bachelors of Science Degree in Athletic Training in the Spring of 2021. Nick is also a member of the National Athletic Training Association as he continues to expand on his knowledge and love for the profession. During his undergrad, Critz completed his senior research study on how mental toughness can affect the injury rates of DIII STUDENT-Athletes. He is very passionate about both the mental and physical health of STUDENT-Athletes and we couldn't be more excited to welcome him into the Blazer family. 

"Nick is an excellent addition to our staff. Both his experience and his professional interests directly align with the direction I envision for Sports Medicine at Elms. I have no doubt that Nick will connect with our STUDENT-athletes and make an immediate impact." - Morgan Church

With the fall season approaching quickly, and the STUDENT- athletes moving back onto campus within the next coming of weeks. Church and Critz each had a quick thing to say about their next steps here at Elms;

"I am beyond excited to return to Elms in this new role. The passion and dedication of the STUDENT-athletes and the strong commitment I've seen displayed by the coaching staff presents a powerful atmosphere that matches the energy and enthusiasm of the Sports Medicine staff – We have an excellent opportunity ahead of us to take our STUDENT-athlete experience to another level in the way of medical care as well as efforts in enhancing athletic performance." - Church

"I completed a one semester Clinical Rotation at Elms, where Morgan became one of my professional mentors. Once I had heard she was coming back as the Head AT it was a NO-BRAINER that she was someone worth working alongside and continuing to learn from. The rest of the Athletics staff are driven, passionate, and personable which creates an exceptional environment for athletes and coworkers alike – I look forward to getting to know all the STUDENT-athletes as they are what make this job so special." - Nick Critz

Here at Elms, our coaches and STUDENT-athletes are truly fortunate to have such a talented and committed pair of athletic trainers. We look forward to seeing all that they will add to our Blazer family.