Nathaniel Fulford ’25 M’26 has taken full advantage of the 91ºÚÁÏÍø Experiential Edge, most recently stepping into a dream opportunity with the Philadelphia Flyers. As part of his third clinical rotation to get his M.S. in athletic training at the School of Sport Science, Fulford worked alongside the NHL team’s head athletic trainer and healthcare staff, assisting with everything from off-season lifts and injury rehabilitation to preseason game coverage. The experience marked a significant milestone in Fulford’s path toward a career in professional sports medicine.
The Easton, Mass., native has steadily built a diverse resume, completing clinical rotations at Gloucester High School, 91ºÚÁÏÍø, and most recently, Harvard University, where he worked with the Division I women’s soccer team. But it was with the Flyers that Fulford truly saw his goals come into focus. From his first time walking out of the tunnel during a preseason game to being invited back for training camp weeks later, the immersive experience reinforced his technical skills but also his long-term aspirations. Backed by 91ºÚÁÏÍø’s hands-on curriculum and strong network of clinical partnerships, Fulford is now more motivated than ever to return to the professional sports arena—next time, as a full-time staff member.
How did you discover 91ºÚÁÏÍø?
I discovered 91ºÚÁÏÍø through a couple of my older cousins who attended and highly recommended it for its beautiful location and amazing internship program.
What drew you to athletic training, and how has 91ºÚÁÏÍø prepared you for these kinds of immersive, high-level opportunities?
I was drawn to athletic training in high school when I partially tore my UCL in my elbow from playing baseball. Going through physical therapy for rehab and working with my high school athletic trainer helped pave the path to becoming an athletic trainer. Being able to work with athletes and still be involved in sports is something I enjoy. 91ºÚÁÏÍø has prepared me for these high-level immersives through extensive hands-on classes and labs in the M.S. athletic training program, which have significantly refined my skills and made me a valuable asset in any setting I am placed in.
How did your coursework and earlier clinical experiences lead to the Flyers and Harvard placements?
It has always been a goal of mine to work in professional sports, and paired with the classes and experience you gain in the master’s program, as well as support from my professors, I built up confidence in myself as an aspiring clinician and knew I had the tools I needed to be successful from my earlier clinical experiences and coursework. I had a connection with the Flyers, which helped me land the clinical experience this past summer, and it went great. Then, after being placed at Harvard, a high Division I college, I knew I’d be able to fit right in and be valuable because of my success over the summer.
What was it like stepping into a professional sports environment with the Flyers for your immersive clinical?
It was a mix of emotions. I was nervous but at the same time confident and excited to showcase my skills and eager to learn from some of the best in the business. I knew from the past year in the master’s program through coursework and clinical experiences that I developed skills and confidence in myself that would help lead to my success.
Can you describe a typical day during your eight weeks with the Flyers?
A typical day would involve getting in early in the morning, then doing some rehab and treatment directly with the athletes. Then we would be out there for their off-season lift, modify any lifts for some of the injured guys. We’d also go out to their skate and practice sessions to cover those in case of any injuries. After that, we would return to the AT room to provide treatment for any guys following their training sessions, helping to keep them healthy and on the ice.
Were there any moments when you thought, “Wow, this is really the big leagues”?
When I stepped out of the tunnel for the first preseason game and found myself inside an arena where you are used to being on the other side as a fan, it was a surreal moment that I was proud of, reflecting all the hard work it took to earn an opportunity at this level.
What skills or lessons did you pick up from working directly with NHL athletes and their training staff?
I don’t even know where to begin. Working with an extensive team of healthcare professionals in the NHL, I learned many valuable skills, including evaluation, treatment, and rehab exercises that I had not been exposed to before.
Shifting gears to Harvard, what have you learned in that collegiate environment that’s different from the professional level?
Being there for the athletes and helping them balance classes and coursework is important. Many times, they are so busy with their sport, classes, and coursework that they may not want to spend extra time in the AT room, so being efficient and courteous with their time is important.
How do the approaches to athlete care and training differ between a pro team like the Flyers and an Ivy League university setting?
For me, this does not change, no matter what level I am at. I want to provide any athlete or patient the best care possible, no matter the level of play.
How did it feel when the Flyers reached back out and invited you to return for training camp?
It was an honor and a testament to all the hard work that I put in during the summer. Going in, I wanted to put my best foot forward and showcase my skills, but also demonstrate my eagerness to learn and absorb all the knowledge I could from these healthcare professionals.
How does this opportunity reinforce your career goals in athletic training?
It goes to show that no matter your level, you want to provide the athletes with the best patient care possible. I also fell in love with being at the professional sports level and want to use this experience as a foundation for my goal of returning one day as a full-time employee. My goal is to work within professional sports, and I hope to achieve that goal by continuing to work hard and improving my skills as an aspiring clinician each day.
What advice would you give to other 91ºÚÁÏÍø students who want to land immersive experiences like yours?
Continue to grow your network and stay in touch with your connections. Be ready to work hard, go the extra mile, and showcase that you want to learn. By doing these things, you will build valuable connections in your network that can lead to other opportunities and set you apart, demonstrating that you are a better fit for the job compared to other applicants.