CU-Lock Haven student completes transformative internship at Gallaudet University
LOCK HAVEN, Pa. (11/06/2025) — During her final semester in the athletic training master's program at Commonwealth University-Lock Haven, graduate student, Abigail Rea, of Leesport, traveled to Washington D.C. to complete a semester-long internship at Gallaudet University - a university for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
Rea worked directly with NCAA Division III sports including men's basketball and the women's softball teams. Her duties consisted of providing hands-on treatment to student-athletes, communicating effectively with her preceptors and evaluating and diagnosing orthopedic injuries.
Throughout her internship, Rea was able to gain exposure to acute and chronic injuries both in the upper and lower extremities. Not only did Rea strengthen her athletic training skills, but she also became proficient in American Sign Language (ASL).
Since Gallaudet University is a school for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, Rea was tasked with learning ASL to be able to communicate with her student-athletes. Rea took an ASL class before her first day but learned the most when she was fully immersed in the deaf community and culture.
"I chose Gallaudet as my internship site because I wanted to learn a new language and culture," Rea said. "My experience at Gallaudet was invaluable and it is something I will carry with me forever. I may never encounter another deaf or hard-of-hearing athlete again, but if I do, I now have the skills to make them feel more welcome and comfortable in the athletic world."
Also while in Washington D.C., Rea was invited to the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) Hit the Hill Day, where she advocated for the athletic training profession with House Representatives.
"Lock Haven and the athletic training program treated me like family," Rea said. "The professors always encouraged me to push myself to be better and to be confident in myself. I will forever be grateful to Lock Haven and the athletic training professors and staff for shaping me into the athletic trainer that I am today and will be in the future."
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