When a Furman athlete takes the field, there’s an entire team working behind the scenes to keep them healthy, strong and ready to perform. That team is sports medicine.
For more than 15 years, Furman’s Sports Medicine Center has provided high-quality rehabilitation care to student-athletes, playing a crucial role in athlete wellness, both on and off the field.
Working closely with athletic trainers, physicians, coaches and student trainers, the program focuses on injury prevention, evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation. Whether it’s helping athletes stay healthy during the season, assisting with recovery after an injury or educating them about proper training and wellness habits, sports medicine professionals are there every step of the way.
Beyond providing care, the program also offers hands-on learning opportunities for students interested in fields such as health sciences, physical therapy or athletic training, allowing them to gain clinical experience.
For some students, that experience begins with curiosity and grows into purpose. Anya Bergfeld ‘26, a student trainer, always knew she wanted to pursue a career in healthcare, but she wasn’t initially sure which path was right for her. She decided to try working in sports medicine.
“Once I got involved, I realized how many different opportunities sports medicine offers, and it immediately felt like the right environment to learn and grow,” Bergfeld said.
One of the most valuable lessons Bergfeld has learned through this program is that no two days in sports medicine are ever the same. One day might involve managing multiple injuries during football practice. The next could be uneventful.
“Some days are chaotic and some are quiet, but each one teaches you something new. You learn to stay prepared for anything,” Bergfeld said.
This unpredictability has taught her to stay flexible, think critically and respond calmly no matter what happens. Over time, she has learned to view uncertainty not as something to avoid, but as an opportunity for growth, clinically and professionally.
This experience has also influenced Bergfeld’s career interests. Working directly with athletes has shown her that she wants to pursue a healthcare profession that blends clinical knowledge with hands-on, patient-centered care.
“Working in this program helped confirm that I want a career where I can make a direct impact and support people through recovery,” Bergfeld said.
The fast-paced nature of sports medicine has challenged Bergfeld to think on her feet and support athletes through both injury and rehabilitation. A typical day varies depending on the week’s needs — each student trainer prepares for sports currently in season. Some days, they’re asked to assist with additional responsibilities, such as transporting an athlete to a doctor’s appointment or unloading shipments.
“Being around the athletes consistently helps build trust. They start to rely on you, which is really rewarding,” she said.
Through all of these responsibilities, one thing is clear: Furman University’s Sports Medicine program extends far beyond injury care. It is a community of support for student-athletes and a training ground for students pursuing careers in healthcare.
“Sports medicine isn’t just about treating injuries, it’s about caring for athletes physically and emotionally,” said Bergfeld.
The Sports Medicine Center is a space where healing, performance and education intersect. Whether helping someone get back on the field, teaching aspiring health professionals or offering rehabilitation services, this program is central to what Furman athletics and wellness stand for.
