Name: Erica Hitch
Current City & State: Charlotte, N.C.
Years at Campbell: 2013-16
Major at Campbell: Kinesiology
Current Employer: Architech Sports and Physical Therapy
Current Job Title: Physical Therapist
What does Campbell lacrosse mean to you?
Campbell lacrosse was the start of something new for me. Being on the first team ever at Campbell, I entered the unknown, but it was the best decision of my life. Campbell lacrosse means so much to me, and it has been an honor to be a representative of this team.
Describe Campbell lacrosse in three words.
Family. Supportive. Influential.
How did your time as a student-athlete at Campbell prepare you for your career and life after college?
Being a collegiate athlete opened doors for me when going to graduate school and when exploring job opportunities. All school and job interviews will ask: "What is your best strength?". Mine is easily my ability to be a good teammate, and I credit this to my four years at CU as a lacrosse athlete.
Describe your career path after college.
After I graduated with a BS in Kinesiology from Campbell, I went on to get my Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Wingate University. I graduated in December of 2019 and passed my board exam in January 2020. Once I passed and got licensed as a physical therapist, I began working full-time at Architech Sports and Physical Therapy in Charlotte, which is an outpatient sports-based clinic.
What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
Graduating with honors with my doctorate degree.
What originally attracted you to attend Campbell as a student-athlete?
I liked the smaller size of the school, where you could actually get to know your professors and advisors, versus just being another student. All of the academic advisement and services provided to student-athletes helped guide me through my four years to be as successful as possible.
What are some of your most memorable moments from your time as a student-athlete at Campbell?
My most memorable moment was when we played the first lacrosse game ever at Campbell. The atmosphere, the turnout, and the energy that night is unforgettable. I was so nervous that first game, but once we scored the first goal and the crowd went wild, the nerves went away.
What was the most important thing you learned while you were at Campbell?
How to deal with pressure and stress. I had pressure and stress to be successful with academics so I could get into physical therapy school. I had pressure and stress on the field to perform and win games for my teammates. This transitioned into my career when dealing with time management and reaching company goals as a new graduate.
What advice would you give to current student-athletes at Campbell?
Don't take any of your time as an athlete for granted, both the highs and lows. I miss playing lacrosse every day. It was the hardest thing mentally and physically I've ever gone through, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.
