In honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day (February 5), we interviewed Lauren Stenmon ’28 ’30DPT, a student in the Accelerated Program in Health and Exercise Science & Physical Therapy (3+3) and a member of the Simmons Softball Team. Stenmon shared how she became interested in physical therapy and how she balances intense studies with her athletics schedule.
“The body is so complicated and unique for each person,” says Lauren Stenmon ’28 ’30DPT. “[In physical therapy], we talk about your alignment — every person’s alignment is so different, especially in the lower body. Figuring out how [their alignment] is affecting their pain is really interesting.”
Why Physical Therapy?
Stenmon’s first experiences with physical therapy (PT) took place outside of the classroom. She underwent physical therapy after experiencing knee issues during her high school field hockey season.
“I experienced a lot of pain while running, but found out it wasn’t my knees. My hips and ankles were weak, and my knees were overcompensating,” she says.
As a member of an athletic family, she wasn’t the only one to incur injuries that required treatment. In addition, her father has a muscular condition, for which Stenmon is one of his Personal Care Assistants.
“Originally I wanted to go into law,” Stenmon recalls, “but my mom said, ‘I could see you as a good physical therapist.’ I already had so much background in it.”
Pursuing Physical Therapy and Softball at Simmons
For Stenmon, Simmons represented a unique trifecta: a school that is not too far from home, has a PT program, and offers Division III softball.
“I went to a [Simmons softball] game my junior year of high school. Coach Brook [Capello] and I have been emailing each other since then,” she says.
As a lifelong Red Sox fan, Stenmon attended her first game at three months old. While her family attended 10 games per season, they didn’t often explore beyond Fenway Park. This proved to be an added bonus to Simmons. “I love Boston,” she says. Now she can explore the city with her teammates.
“The team [at Simmons] is awesome. I started playing softball at Simmons with a built-in friend group,” she says, noting that the Sharks attended fundraising events over the summer before her first year. In the fall, they arranged bonding events, both with and without the coaches. “With coaches, we did an escape room,” she says. “It was interesting to see how people problem solve and work together to get a task done, outside of softball.”
Stenmon sees her teammates six days per week, if not at a game then at practice, a team meeting, or when lifting weights. Meeting up regularly before the season officially begins has deepened their bonds.
“We all go to Bartol Dining Hall together after practice, or after lift,” she says. “It’s great to be a part of something outside of school. I’ve always loved being a part of a team.”
Leadership is also central to her Simmons experience. Stenmon cites the general education required Leadership course (PLAN) as integral to her development of leadership skills. Another impactful course is Civil Discourse: Difficult Conversations in Healthcare (NURS 103). “It’s very leadership-based,” says Stenmon, who appreciates that leadership is integrated into the required curriculum. It’s a part of athletics at Simmons, too. “I've been seeing more [evidence of] female leadership on social media, especially within the realm of sports and in the healthcare industry. It’s incredible to see.”
National Girls and Women in Sports Day
Stenmon will volunteer at the Simmons Athletics National Girls & Women In Sports Day Clinic on February 8, 2025, at the Holmes Sports Center from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The free two-hour event, open to girls ages seven to 13 years old, will be led by members of the Simmons University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
“Sports has always been a big thing for me. It’s important to me and my family, and it’s given us a lot,” says Stenmon.
In addition to softball, she played baseball (when there weren’t enough girls to create a full softball team, they joined the boys), basketball, and was a gymnast for 12 years. Being involved in a wide range of sports from a young age has given her an on-field advantage.
“I know how to move differently than just movements in softball,” she says. “In gymnastics, it was important to learn how to land. Now, if I misstep or fall, I know how to land in a way that won’t be injury prone. I haven’t done gymnastics for five years, but I can still do back handsprings.”
Stenmon is eager to encourage other girls to participate, having worked at a baseball facility in her hometown where she offered clinics to younger kids. “I’ve definitely seen an increase in the number of girls who attend [the clinics],” she says. As a kid, the softball hitting clinic had three girls, but returning to the facility to work a shift during break, she saw a dozen girls in attendance. “It’s great to see women and girls in sports, in general. I’m a big fan of Ilona Maher [U.S. rugby player] and her advocacy for women’s sports.”
Advice for Prospective Simmons Student Athletes
For prospective students interested in athletics, Stenmon encourages them to reach out to a Simmons coach to establish a relationship, attend a game, and have the chance to speak with current team members.
“I went early [to the game] to talk to the coach and see how the team was warming up,” recalls Stenmon. “Always talk to the players! We have no problem talking about what we do at practice, what we do as a team, and who we are. If you live far away, do an online walk through of the school. Do you like the city? Do you like the idea of a women-centered school?”
Stenmon is paying it forward, too, guiding new recruits and helping them decide if Simmons is right for them — especially those interested in Exercise Science.
“Coach will get you in contact with players in your major or interest,” she says. “We want to help you decide if this is the place for you.”