Waking up at the crack of dawn to rush to Kaiser Gym for morning practice is a duty many of the athletes at Central Connecticut can relate to all too well. But rolling out of bed just moments before they do are the students in the athletic training program.

For Pasquale Rosado, the early mornings are not dreadful, but are all part of his journey to success.

“What motivates me is my dream. I want to become an athletic trainer for professional sports and for me to do that I would have to keep pushing to be the best I can,” Rosado said.

“A lot of people don’t finish the [athletic training] program because they aren’t set on what they want to do with their lives or can’t meet the demands of the profession. Many people don’t understand the time commitment and the extent of knowledge we need [for this career],” Rosado continued.

As a student in the Central athletic training program, Rosado is required to meet a number of tasks designed by the Board of Certification and the university, some of which include becoming certified as an emergency medical technician, an understanding of sport and medical sciences, as well as taking part in an internship in the athletic training field.

Along with the substantial information learned in the classrooms, the major also build the students character.

Through the program, Rosado has gained professionalism, communication skills and good time management, all of which he said are helpful when on and off the field.

“Some people forget athletes are people too. They actually like to be talked to and asked about their day, so being able to communicate is very important. Mainly this major has taught me a lot about professionalism – how to dress, speak and maintain yourself at sporting events on the sideline or even at a conference, which are important parts of the job,” Rosado said.

Being well connected to the athletes is a major component of what Rosado does on a daily basis.

Central football players Brandon Scott and Matthew Bickelhaupt have worked with Rosado on several occasions in the training room. At this point, their relationship has created a friendship.

Scott, who is recovering from potential nerve damage, appreciates the assistance and support Rosado – who he calls ‘Squale’ – provides in the training room.

“Squale has helped me throughout a lot of my healing process. His encouragement is really helpful because he’ll motivate me by saying to try and take that extra rep or [an] extra set. Most importantly, he also taught me that I have to take it slow and not rush the process,” Scott said.

During the duration of training, Scott says the two will “talk about everyday life or we will be joking around,” to help the time fly by.

Bickelhaupt has also experienced the positive energy Rosado brings to each training session.

“Pasquale is a great guy. He is outgoing, funny and a great trainer. He works hard and has helped me a lot [to recover] from my knee injury. He always knew what to do and is very attentive,” Bickelhaupt stated.

Central’s athletic training program benefits from students like Rosado, who creates the best possible experience for the athletes.

“I always loved sports and when I was an athlete, I would always help my fellow [teammates] out with their injuries. So I found out what an athletic trainer was because my high school didn’t have one. Once I read what they did, I felt like that was a great fit for me and turns out it was because I love doing what I’m doing,” Rosado said.