Preparing Lynn Knights For Their Fight

Behind every great athlete is a great athletic trainer and that is just what Andrew Lalli is. That is why it is no surprise that Lynn is home to one of the top athletic programs in the nation.

Lalli, who is originally from New Milford, CT, fell in love with athletic training at a relatively early age. Lalli was around athletics in high school, playing both lacrosse and football, but could never rid himself of the injury bug.

Being hurt gave Lalli the opportunity to build great relationships with the trainers at his school. He talked with them about what they did and saw the impact that they had on the athletes each day. Whether that was rehabilitating them or keeping them healthy, Lalli fell in love with the idea of becoming an athletic trainer.

“It’s a job where I know I’m making a difference,” said Lalli. “That is why I enjoy it.”

Lalli began his quest to become an athletic trainer by attending the University of Connecticut, where he earned a bachelor’s of science degree specializing in athletic training. Then he moved on to the University of Florida where he earned his master’s in applied physiology and kinesiology.

Before finding Lynn, Lalli worked across the state with Florida Gulf Coast University’s volleyball, beach volleyball and cheerleading teams. This is Lalli’s fifth year as a certified athletic trainer. Since making Lynn his home, Lalli could not be happier.

“I love the small school environment,” said Lalli. “I love the relationships I develop with the athletes and staff here.”

After his interview for the open trainer’s position, Lalli never thought twice that this is where he wanted to be. “I remember meeting [the head athletic trainer] Sarah, [head baseball] Coach Garbs and Devin, the athletic director, and thinking ‘I really hope I get the job,’” said Lalli.

Lalli takes care of the women’s cross country and track team, the women’s basketball team and the baseball team. He loves it at Lynn and the players love him back.

“He brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm every day,” said junior pitcher Jonathan Wake. “He is always willing to help you and he always does. He helps us get out there to play every day.”

It is fair to say that Wake is speaking for just about everyone who interacts with Lalli on a daily basis. It is very hard to fake what Lalli brings each day. His desire to help Lynn athletics is deeply rooted within him and is clearly genuine.

As much as Lalli loves the job, he is not too prideful to admit that sometimes it can be a bit taxing. When the teams play on the road, Lalli travels with them.

This means that from time to time, the nights are long and the rest is short. It is not uncommon for a team to arrive home as late as 2 a.m. after a road trip.

He feels the hours are the toughest part, but being the optimist he is, Lalli said, “If that is the worst case scenario of the job, I’ll take that ten times out of ten.”

Even for people who have no interest in athletic training, Andrew Lalli is a role model for working hard.

Ben Fagan

Ben Fagan, a native of South Florida, is a multimedia journalism major beginning his junior year. Beyond his classroom studies, Fagan plays baseball for Lynn. Fagan looks to pursue his baseball career through the Major League ranks.

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