Exercise science alumna works with the U.S. Men's Alpine Ski Team
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Exercise Science alumna Caitlin Ciccone is living her dream. It may not be the dream of her childhood, but she couldn’t be happier with where she is today.
Ciccone is the physical therapist of the U.S. Men’s Alpine Ski Team at the Winter Olympic Games in Beijing. She was there to cheer on Team USA’s Ryan Cochran-Siegle when he won the silver medal in the men’s Super-G event.
“I’m here in China at the Olympics, and it’s amazing,” says Ciccone, who also works during the year as a physical therapist for the Alpine Ski World Cup, the international circuit for race competitions. “After Ryan won the silver medal, we were all so excited and close to tears. He is a phenomenal skier and an amazing person.”
Ciccone is a fierce competitor herself. She grew up on skis in Bethlehem, New Hampshire, racing with her older brother, Cam. The rivalry triggered her competitive spirit, driving her to excel at ski racing.
She dreamed of competing in the Olympics. A competitor on the women’s U.S. Ski Team for eight years and the World Cup for two years, Ciccone trained and raced all over the world. At age 27, Ciccone decided there was more to life than competing in sports. Without any regrets, she enrolled in UML’s exercise science program.
“I have always been interested in the human body and wanted to continue to be involved in athletics,” says Ciccone. “The UMass Lowell exercise physiology program prepared me so well for graduate school. I had very supportive professors and, overall, a great experience.”
Assoc. Teaching Prof. Kyle Coffey of the Physical Therapy and Kinesiology Department remembers Ciccone as a dedicated student.
“It’s exciting to see our graduates from the exercise science program achieve their goals and dreams both inside and outside the classroom,” says Coffey. “Caitlin was a driven and successful student during her time at UMass Lowell. We are proud of her accomplishments and wish her the best.”
After she graduated in 2017, Ciccone was drawn to the mountains once again. She decided to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at the University of Montana, where she could both study and ski.
“I’m excited to be back to ski racing as a physical therapist, helping athletes perform at their best. I am so happy with where my life has taken me. I’ve realized my ultimate goal,” she says.