Ken West Alumni has first female head trainer in pro sports
Sue Falsone is the first woman to earn the title Head Athletic Trainer & Physical Therapist in the history of major league sports. The 1992 Ken West graduate is responsible for keeping the L.A. Dodgers, players with multi-million dollar contracts, strong and healthy.
Sue was the first female physical therapist in Major League Baseball when she began working for the L.A. Dodgers in 2007. From the L.A. Dodgers press release:
In addition to working with the Dodgers, Falsone (fal-SONY), 37, has spent the past 10 years at AP and is a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy (SCS), a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Falsone graduated from Daeman College in Buffalo, NY and earned her Master’s degree in Human Movement Science with a concentration in Sports Medicine at The University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. The New York native travels throughout the Unites States and internationally to speak on a variety of topics and holds an adjunct faculty position with the Human Movement Program at A.T. Still University. She has also worked with athletes from the NFL, NHL and NBA.
We’re proud of you, Sue!
Better late than never
Three members of the class of 1955 finally had the opportunity to walk across the stage and receive their high school diplomas. Kenneth Bellinger, Brad Shick and Paul Wischerath were honored with a standing ovation as they donned caps and gowns with the help of current Student Council officers. Having had left for Air Force Basic Training, the three men had missed graduation with their KW classmates.
“We are humbled and honored to share this moment with you. We can never thank you enough for your service to our country,” Superintendent Mondanaro said.
The surprise ceremony was part of a Homecoming assembly that featured another ’55 graduate, Dr. Edward Gibson. Gibson spoke to the student body about his time as a NASA astronaut aboard Skylab. He encouraged the students to set their goals, and then pursue them with determination.
