Box Lacrosse Tournament in Czechia Provides Invaluable Internship Experience for Shenandoah Student
Exercise Science Major Katerina Deising ’27 Already Using What She Learned
Katerina Deising ’27 applied to Shenandoah University specifically for its top-notch Master of Science in Athletic Training and Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Her decision has already landed her a unique internship in Europe.
A matchup meant to be
As an early assurance MSAT/DPT student with an undergraduate major in exercise science and member of Shenandoah’s women’s lacrosse team, Deising was the perfect fit for a summer 2026 internship at the European Box Lacrosse Championships in Prague, Czechia.
Deising learned about the internship through her lacrosse head coach, Lindsey Lutz. “I shared the opportunity with our team because I thought it would be a great way for our student-athletes to gain hands-on experience in the professional lacrosse world, learn more about the sports industry, and explore potential career paths,” Lutz said. “Opportunities like this allow our players to grow beyond the field and apply their interests in a real-world setting. I’m excited Kat took advantage of the opportunity!”
The internship was for a major event: a 10-day tournament with 18 men’s teams and seven women’s teams (as well as the first-ever women’s championship) held across three venues. Deising said she applied for the internship, provided through Witmer Solutions, because she wanted to see how European professionals handled things compared to those in U.S. sports medicine and perhaps pick up “some cool new ways of doing things.”
Direct experience
She got all that and more as she worked primarily with the Swiss men’s team. “I learned to think quickly on my feet [players experienced heat stroke and broken collarbones during the hottest week of the summer] and gained lots of confidence in myself and the ability to stay calm in stressful high-paced environments,” she said. “I also gained the experience of working directly from a field injury to the arrival of emergency personnel and the transfer of care.”
What she learned through the experience is also already coming in handy in her daily studies, she said. “Specifically, staying calm and taking charge when it’s needed. I am sure I will use what I learned way more when I enter grad school in May. Having hands-on, real experiences on the sidelines is so valuable.”
“DO the internship”
For students considering an internship, Deising’s guidance is overwhelmingly positive. “My best piece of advice is to DO the internship. Don’t pick the easy option and something you’ve done before. You never know if you’ll like a certain field unless you try it, and what better time than with an internship? Start exploring early for different internship opportunities to make sure you get the one you want! Also, work with Career & Professional Development and always have an up-to-date resume – it will make applying a breeze.”
