Meet OT Student and Lacrosse Star, Anna Prendergast
As she sets her sights on graduating with her Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Anna Prendergast is reflecting on the fulfilling experience she has had as a women’s lacrosse player and OTD student at Chatham. Below, Anna reflects on what led her to Chatham, her goals as an occupational therapist, and what it feels like to be selected as PAC mid-fielder of the week. Read on to learn more about Anna.
Anna Prendergast
Tell us a little bit about what led you to Chatham University, both as a school and as a lacrosse program.
Anna Prendergast: I have always really enjoyed small school environments and the relationships you can build with staff and professors in this kind of setting. Chatham has very prestigious health science programs that hold students to high standards, which I wanted to be a part of. I joined the lacrosse team when it was a first-year program. It was not originally part of my plan but when the opportunity was available I couldn’t pass it up. Coach Batty put a lot of work into the development of this program and our team values are applicable not only on the field but in life. She put a lot of trust in me right from the start and five years later, she holds me to that same standard.
How long have you been playing lacrosse?
AP: I started playing when I was in middle school for the local rec league. I played on a travel summer team going into high school and throughout high school as well. Lacrosse has always been a part of my life and my family’s. All of my brothers played lacrosse and are now coaches as well as my dad so I have always had their support. I am a very social person and love being on teams and seeing how much I’ve improved throughout the years.
What has your experience been like playing lacrosse as a graduate student vs. an undergraduate student?
AP: As a student-athlete in general, you build on a lot of skills. Time management and communication were big ones for me. As a graduate student, not being on campus as often and having to do many more things outside of school, I really had to keep that open line of communication with coaches, teammates, and mentors. School has always been a priority for me both as an undergraduate and graduate. That was always respected by my coaches which made the transition a lot easier. I feel more pressure as a graduate student to be a role model for my teammates as I am in a unique stage where I can complete my graduate level work at high standards while doing the same thing on the field.
You were recently selected as the PAC Midfielder of the week. Can you talk a little bit about that recognition?
AP: It’s always nice when your hard work is recognized! For me though, recognition is not why I play. I am playing for my teammates and supporting my teammates. When I have good games, it’s not just on me. It is representative of the entire team who ran extra hard when they were tired, took their time to make a pass under pressure, or pushed through an injury to play.
What is one thing you wish more people knew about lacrosse?
AP: Women’s lacrosse is a physical sport despite not having as much equipment as men. We’re a team of tough cookies!
What made you decide to pursue occupational therapy?
AP: My favorite question! I have always known that I would pursue a helping profession. I have always been a people person and I have always been passionate about what I do and what I am learning. I was always the nerd who loved school and learning. The OT profession is unique in that you can work in so many different settings with so many populations. I liked the idea that I can choose where I work based on where I see my strengths fit best. There is also so much room for creativity in the field. You can truly make it your own, there is ALWAYS room to learn, and you are making a difference.
What has been the highlight of OT school for you?
AP: I graduate with my doctorate in a few short weeks which is a testament to all of the work I have done in the past 3 years while also being a student-athlete. The big highlight for me is how much I have grown as a leader throughout this program. I have become more and more passionate about this profession throughout my clinical experiences, and relationships with educators and professors. I have seen firsthand the amazing work OTs do on a daily basis as well as the many challenges they face. Another highlight is seeing all of the amazing things my classmates are doing. I’m excited to see where their passions lead them after graduation.
What are some of the aspirations you have for your occupational therapy career?
AP: Because athletics have been a huge part of my life, I have been drawn toward the orthopedic side of OT. I would love to work in an outpatient ortho setting working with upper extremity injuries. I also have a passion for children in the school system and can see myself in that setting—advocating for the reform of OT in the schools and the services provided to children with special needs.
What advice might you give to other student athletes OR occupational therapy students considering Chatham?
AP: A big mantra of mine is you get out what you put in. This goes for school and athletics. There is so much room for opportunity and growth on top of the curriculum or on top of practice times. Putting in extra work goes a long way.
Special thanks to Anna for sharing her Chatham lacrosse story with us. You can learn more about Chatham’s Occupational Therapy program via our website. Explore our athletic offerings at gochathamcougars.com.