CU-Lock Haven student gains first-hand work experience with high-level athletes at Clemson University
LOCK HAVEN, Pa. (08/08/2025) — Clemson University in South Carolina is home to a Division I athletic program and where Commonwealth University-Lock Haven athletic training student, Samuel Betz, chose to spend his time during his last semester completing a full-immersion externship.
Betz, of Danville, aspired to work with high-level athletes at the most prestigious level of collegiate sports. Having clinical experiences at both DII and DIII institutions, Betz felt that a DI institution would provide him with insight into what working at all levels of collegiate sports entailed.
Betz worked with the Clemson track and field team alongside his preceptor, Dayshia Davenport, MS, LAT, ATC, and graduate assistant athletic trainer, Daniel Schultheis, LAT, ATC.
During his more than 500 hours of clinical experience at Clemson, Betz assisted with injury diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation, emergency care, medical documentation, practice and meet coverage. He had opportunities to advocate for patient health and needs during platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and cortisone injections, as well as imaging and dental visits.
Betz also coordinated patient care with other healthcare providers such as physicians, physical therapists, dieticians, chiropractors and dentists. He even had the opportunity to travel with and provide care for the team at the Texas Relays meet at the University of Texas in Austin.
Clemson University opened the Watt Family Performance and Wellness Center during Betz's clinical experience. The state-of-the-art building includes a new strength and conditioning center, wellness and recovery space, a hydrotherapy room with an underwater treadmill and a new sports medicine clinic and athletic training room.
"My time at Clemson was nothing short of educational and amazing," Betz said. "I learned so much about the athletic training profession from Dayshia and the rest of the sports medicine staff. Stepping out of my comfort zone and leaving Pennsylvania allowed me to have an experience I will carry with me as I aspire to become a certified athletic trainer."
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Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania
Julie Stellfox, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications, jms833@commonwealthu.edu, 570-484-2280Share this Story
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